ONLINE EXTRA: Ray Young will redshirt this season

By Greg Schain
Daily Bruin Reporter

When the UCLA men’s basketball team was warming up before
Thursday night’s game, junior guard Ray Young was standing on
the baseline in street clothes, chatting with fans.

That will likely be the pattern for the rest of the season,
because Young has decided to redshirt this year in order to be
eligible for the 2002-03 campaign.

The decision was made Thursday, after months of deliberations
and conversations with head coach Steve Lavin.

“He was very deliberate in making the decision,”
Lavin said. “But after talking to a lot of people, including
(junior guard) Billy Knight, (senior forward) Rico Hines and his
parents, he ultimately decided that the chance to finish his degree
and be the lone senior next year was pretty appealing.”

Knight redshirted the 1998-99 season after suffering a severe
groin strain. Hines redshirted last season after sustaining a knee
injury.

By sitting out the season, Young will be able to concentrate on
academics this year without the pressure of playing in two games a
week.

And next year, his fifth at UCLA, he’ll be able to take a
lighter academic schedule and concentrate on basketball.

“I’m happy with the decision,” Young said.
“It’s a great opportunity for me basketball-wise. I
can’t lose. I can only win.”

If Young were to have played this season, his playing time would
be limited due to a crowded bench. Freshmen Cedric Bozeman, Dijon
Thompson and Andre Patterson are all expected to see significant
playing time this season.

Next year, senior Billy Knight will have completed his
eligibility, freeing up significant minutes for Young. It will give
him an opportunity to be a major player in the Bruin offense.

“It’s almost like training for the Olympics,”
Lavin said. “(Ray) has a full year to train.”

The move also strongly suggests that Kapono will forego his
senior year at UCLA and jump to the NBA.

“We’re working under the assumption that Jason is
not coming back,” Lavin said.

Young’s teammates understand the decision is both
beneficial for him and his team.

“It’s good for him,” senior center Dan
Gadzuric said. “He’s a good player, and he’ll be
a great contributor next year. This season, he’ll just have
to contribute off the court.”

There is a slight chance that Young will make an appearance this
season if one of the starters, such as Kapono or Knight, were to go
down with an injury.

“If someone were to go down with an injury, I would lean
towards coming back,” Young said. “I know my team would
need me. I came in with these guys, and in my heart, I want to
leave with them.”

However, Lavin is doubtful that Young would give up his redshirt
year.

“I think Ray wants the opportunity to be a fifth-year
senior and get his degree,” Lavin said. “So it’s
very unlikely that if someone were to go down with an injury, he
would come back.”

Young will travel with the team this season, but will not dress
for games. He will sit with the assistant coaches and give guidance
to the younger players.

However, he will practice as if he is an active member of the
team.