New players introduced at Family Fan Jam
By Daily Bruin Staff
Nov. 4, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5, 1996
BASKETBALL:
Newcomers showcase talent at Pauley Pavilion coming-out partyBy
Hye Kwon
Daily Bruin Staff
The UCLA basketball teams didn’t hold Midnight Madness this
year, but last Sunday the teams had their Pauley Pavilion
coming-out party in the Family Fan Jam.
Five new players for the men were introduced to the fans for the
first time, while eight newcomers for the women made their
debuts.
Sophomore Kevin Daley shined brighter than all others on the
men’s squad. Daley, a former teammate of Charles O’Bannon at
Artesia High School, managed to squeeze in several emphatic dunks
during the 10 minute intra-squad scrimmage. And as a "featured
dunker" in the dunk contest, 6-foot-6-inch Daley threw down a
one-handed tomahawk jam over the team manager sitting on a
chair.
Unfortunately for Bruin fans, Daley will not be able to see game
action for another year. After transferring from Nevada last
summer, Daley must sit the entire 1996-97 season.
Takiyah Jackson, a redshirt freshman for the women’s team,
showed no signs of the devastating knee injury that kept her from
competing last season. Jackson slashed through the defense time and
time again, scoring several field goals inside the lane.
Conspicuously missing from action for Kathy Olivier’s team was
point guard Erica Gomez. After suffering a torn ACL last month, the
1995 Pacific 10 Freshman of the Year was seen sporting a heavy
brace on Sunday.
* * *
Forward Kris Johnson, who started 21 games for Harrick, sat out
the scrimmage on Sunday. Johnson has been slowed by a sprain in his
right ankle that he suffered in a pickup game last month.
* * *
Projected as a backup to Gomez, freshman Melanie Pearson may be
counted on to carry the Bruins this year as the floor leader.
Pearson dazzled Sunday’s crowd with several no-look passes, but
Olivier says Pearson is being too unselfish.
"We’ve got to get her to shoot the ball more," Olivier said.
* * *
Olivier’s team has seven freshmen, two sophomores, four juniors
and no seniors. The freshman class of Maylana Martin, Carly
Funicello, Janae Hubbard, Pearson, Marie Philman, Linda Shudlick
and Jackson are reported by some to be one of the best recruiting
classes in the nation.
* * *
The two teams participated in a co-ed shooting competition that
involved a layup, a free throw and a three-pointer. The team of
Cameron Dollar, Jackson and David Harbour came out on top.
Daily Bruin File Photo
Charles O’ Bannon slam dunks in front of a crowd at Pauley.
