Top scorer Reeves Nelson rejoins Bruins after one-game suspension

The saga of Reeves Nelson took a turn for the better on Wednesday when coach Ben Howland reinstated the junior forward to the UCLA men’s basketball team.

Nelson was indefinitely suspended Monday for “conduct unbecoming of a member of the UCLA basketball team” and missed UCLA’s 86-66 blowout loss to Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday night, as well as two practices.

After meeting with Nelson, his mother and father on Monday, Howland and Nelson met one-on-one Wednesday, after which Howland decided to end his suspension. Nelson will make the trip to Hawaii as the winless Bruins play in the Maui Invitational, which starts Monday.

“After much deliberation, I have decided to reinstate Reeves Nelson,” Howland said in a statement. “Reeves understands that his reinstatement is contingent on his ability to continually meet the high standards we have established for all UCLA men’s basketball players. He expressed to me in our meeting earlier today that he desires to be a better person and better teammate going forward, and, given that, I feel as though I should give him that opportunity.”

Nelson has been known to be a mercurial player on the court, which has proven to be beneficial and harmful to the Bruins. Howland wasn’t hesitant to dismiss Drew Gordon and J’Mison Morgan because of attitude issues during Nelson’s freshman year.

Multiple reports suggested Nelson was considering leaving the team. Nelson, the team’s returning leading scorer and rebounder, released a repentant statement.

“I acknowledge there are corrections that need to be made, and I’m grateful to coach Howland to have this opportunity to improve and work on being a positive force for our team,” Nelson said. “I appreciate the support of my teammates and will be there for them as we move forward.”

Compiled by Ryan Menezes, Bruin Sports senior staff.