M. hoops notebook

Senior forward T.J. Cummings is confident he will regain his
academic eligibility by the end of fall quarter. “I am very
confident and I’m putting in a lot of effort,” said
Cummings, who will not play in the Bruins’ first three
regular season games. “I’m not looking at a certain
grade. I’m trying to pass with flying colors.” Cummings
had been reluctant to discuss the situation previously. His
academic standing will be re-evaluated at the end of fall quarter
before he is cleared to play. The earliest possible game in which
Cummings could participate is Dec. 13 against Loyola Marymount.
Although Howland said Cummings was doing everything he could in the
classroom, he was not nearly as optimistic as the senior forward.
“It will be very difficult for (Cummings) considering the
rigors he is going to have to deal with,” Howland said.
Cummings is enrolled in four classes this term and must pass all
four in order to join the team in mid-December. If he does not
regain eligibility, Cummings will not play for the Bruins at all
this season. This is not the first time academic issues have forced
players off the court. Sophomore forward Andre Patterson
transferred to Tennessee after being dismissed from school twice
for academic reasons. Freshman Trevor Ariza will probably fill
Cummings’ shoes until the senior returns.

BOZEMAN BACK: After splitting time at both
guard positions last season, junior Cedric Bozeman will play
exclusively at point guard, Howland indicated. Bozeman, who is
returning after sitting out spring practice due to a shoulder
injury, will be happy wherever Howland decides to play him.
“I don’t really look at a position, just call me a
guard,” Bozeman said. “I’ll play any position
coach has me out there playing.” According to Howland,
Bozeman and junior Ryan Walcott will battle for the point guard
position.

ARIZA BEGINS WITH HIGH HOPES: He hasn’t
traveled far from home to come to UCLA, but for Trevor Ariza, being
on Pauley Pavilion’s floor is a little different from walking
onto the court at Westchester High School where he won a state
title. “This place is legendary,” he said.
“It’s pretty overwhelming.” However, the freshman
hardly seems overwhelmed by the idea of playing, and possibly
starting, immediately. “He’s very competitive, and
he’s used to winning,” Howland said. “Guys that
are used to winning are guys that are good to have.” Ariza is
a candidate to start in place of Cummings at power forward, but at
6-foot-8, 196 pounds, he will have to prepare physically to play in
the paint. “The only thing I worry about with Trevor is how
he can guard a big, strong 230-pound bull inside,” Howland
said. “We’ll have to make adjustments for
that.”

MORRISON TO PLAY: Howland expects Brian
Morrison, who transferred to UCLA last year from North Carolina, to
make an immediate impact for the Bruins. “He’s very
explosive, and he can shoot the ball,” Howland said.
“He’s just got to learn to play at different speeds.
Right now he’s at one speed and that’s 110 miles per
hour.”

INJURY REPORT: Freshman Matt McKinney has been
sidelined since the spring with a foot injury. Howland indicated
McKinney will most likely be ready to participate in the
team’s first practice Saturday. Morrison has not practiced
all week due to a sprained ankle, but will most likely be back
Saturday as well.

PRACTICES CLOSED: As they were in the Steve
Lavin era, practices will be closed to the public and media.