Howland’s know-how apparent in Pauley

Ben Howland, this is your team. Not an entirely inauspicious
debut, wouldn’t you say?

In his first game as head coach, Howland has already managed to
do something Steve Lavin couldn’t: beat EA Sports.

Last year’s exhibition loss signaled the ugly things to
come. The question is, does this win mean anything?

Ray Young, a member of last year’s 19-loss debacle, was
impressed with a UCLA team that looks a helluva lot like the one
from which he is only one year removed.

“They looked pretty good, definitely a lot more
disciplined,” he said. “They had a game plan on every
single possession.

“Lavin gave us a lot more freedom, and that was a double
edged sword sometimes.”

Mark that as the understatement of the century.

Ben Howland has instilled discipline in his team. He is a
teacher, an instructor, a commander. He speaks, you listen.

Take freshman Trevor Ariza, for example. You’ve got to
like this kid. After a nice steal and dunk, he starts strutting
down the court with Shaq-like gusto ““ I love this game! How
refreshing to see a player actually enjoying what he’s doing
out there.

Only a freshman, Ariza looked comfortable and poised. But that
didn’t stop Howland from showing him a thing or two. Midway
through the second half Trevor broke down a play and took an
ill-advised shot.

Yoink! That’s the sound of Howland pulling him to the
bench. He patted Ariza on the back, whispered into his ear, and
then sat him down.

Coaching. Teaching. This is the mark of a disciplined man.
Nevermind that Ariza was your best player on that night: He needed
to learn something, and Howland told him exactly what he needed to
hear.

Who among you believes Lavin would have done the same thing? Any
takers?

When a player gambled on defense Howland got in his ear. If a
guy took a bad shot he heard about it. Even during free-throw
shooting (5-for-23? Was the basket on wheels or something?!),
Howland barked out instructions and tips.

A few other things about this team became clear. First, that
Dijon Thompson has the green light to shoot early and often. And
why not? He’s clearly the best offensive player the Bruins
have.

Second, that the battle for the starting position at center is
far from over. Ryan Hollins was far more effective than Michael Fey
in approximately equal minutes ““ although Hollins is still a
little erratic with his body; he’s all akimbo out there. He
might want to check out yoga and find his center (That is not a
pun.).

Finally, that Ben Howland knows what he’s doing. Shocking!
Erase from your mind the image of Lavin squatting near half-court,
hands folded, looking utterly lost and hoping his team would bail
him out once again.

Enter a man standing tall, ordering his team to obey his
instructions.

There was a stirring introduction for each of the former Bruins
in the starting lineup for EA Sports. Ed O’Bannon, naturally,
got the loudest ovation. Memories of the glory days were flying
around Pauley Pavilion. Though it will doubtless take time, Ben
Howland has already shown he has the characteristics necessary to
lead UCLA back to prominence.

Not bad for your first day on the job.

E-mail Colin at [email protected].