Next up: Cal State Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton visits Pauley Pavilion and Nell & John Wooden Court on Monday, November 16. Some articles to whet the appetite.

UCLA basketball: A few media day thoughts
David Wharton
The Los Angeles Times
November 12, 2009 | 2:37 pm

Speaking to reporters today, UCLA Coach Ben Howland placed the emphasis on defense -- big surprise -- as his team prepares for its opener against Cal State Fullerton on Monday night.

"We're still having problems defending the dribble," Howland said after watching film of the recent victory over Humboldt State. "There were a number of times we were getting beat off dribble penetration, which is something we want to cut down on."

With so much youth on the roster, and so many preseason injuries, the Bruins had not been double-teaming in the post or on screens, traditionally a staple for Howland teams. They planned to start installing those rotations at practice today.

Freshman forward Mike Moser suspects there is a lot to learn in the next week and beyond.

"It's time to put the thinking cap on," he said.
____________________

From today's hoops conference
By Jon Gold
Inside UCLA Los Angeles Daily News
November 12, 2009 2:21 PM

from Coach Ben Howland:

On Humboldt State:
"We're still having a problem defending the dribble. There were a number of times where we were getting beat off dribble penetration. That's an important thing, especially when you go into a Fullerton game where they have a bunch of athletes who can break you down of the dribble."

On offensive rebounding:
"There were nine minutes where we didn't have a player with an offensive rebound in the first half. We've got to get the guys who are supposed to be on the glass to get on them better. Second half, Malcolm did a good job on the glass. But it's not going to be often where we use him in that capacity."

On Nikola Dragovic
"He's 6-for-23 so obviously he hasn't shot it well. I think his defense had something to be desired in the second game. He's got to definitely play better for us to have some success. We're asking him to do something we didn't ask him to do at all last year, and that's play the three, but it's a necessity for us. It's just unfortunate that Honeycutt started the game before and now he's off for three weeks or a month."

On Reeves Nelson:
"I thought Reeves Nelson had a good half in the first half. He has the ability to be a consistent rebounder as he has in practice every day. I just want those freshmen to come in and play good defense and let the offense come to them naturally."

On Brendan Lane:
"He only had five practices, and the last practice I thought he'd be out on Monday. I think he's practiced six out of the 19. He's catching up in terms of conditioning. His ankle is getting better. The one thing about Brendan I like his he has a good feel from the game. As he gets bigger and stronger, he's going to be more and more effective."
_______________________

Ben Howland puts focus on defense

The Bruins have yet to adopt the coach's trademark pressure defense but plan to incorporate double teams as it prepares for its season opener against an athletic Cal State Fullerton.

By David Wharton
The Los Angeles Times
November 13, 2009

Defense has always ranked among Ben Howland's favorite topics, so it makes sense to hear the UCLA coach talk about double teams and help-side rotation leading up to the season opener.

"We're still having a problem defending the dribble," he said Thursday after watching film of a recent victory over Humboldt State. "There were a number of times we were getting beat off dribble penetration."

This is a young team that has yet to adopt Howland's trademark pressure defense. He expressed concern about an athletic Cal State Fullerton visiting Pauley Pavilion on Monday night.

"A bunch of really good athletes who can really break you down on the dribble," he said. "So that's something we'll be working on."

The Bruins planned to install double teams -- something new for the freshmen -- at Thursday's practice.

"It'll take a little bit of time to develop," senior James Keefe said. "I think it's going to be a team defense that's going to make us go."

Learning curve
The Bruins are looking for more good things from freshman Reeves Nelson, who had four points and two rebounds in 11 minutes against Humboldt State.

"We need to keep bringing Reeves along because Reeves is a good rebounder," Howland said.

Another freshman, Mike Moser, played well his first time on the floor, then came back with a pair of quick misses. The message from coaches: patience.

"College games are a lot faster than high school games were," Moser said. "I need to just really take my time and really get warm before I try to take any tough shots."

Senior service
The Bruins have not seen the performance they expect from senior Nikola Dragovic, their only returning starter, who is shooting six of 23 in two games.

"Obviously he hasn't shot it well," Howland said. "And I thought his defense left something to be desired in the second game against Humboldt."

With freshman Tyler Honeycutt injured, Dragovic has been asked to play more minutes at small forward, a change that pits him against smaller, quicker opponents.
_____________________

UCLA basketball: A tale of two friends
David Wharton
The Los Angeles Times
November 12, 2009 | 7:50 pm

UCLA Coach Ben Howland and Cal State Fullerton Coach Bob Burton, who face each other in the season opener at Pauley Pavilion on Monday night, happen to be good friends.

Burton is known for his wisecracks, always the highlight of the preseason luncheon at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, but is also a sharp basketball mind who has revitalized the Titans.

"He's a funny guy," Howland said. "It's not fun playing against them."

This respect does not extend to a hobby the pals share -- their summertime fishing trips.

"He's a terrible fisherman," Howland said.