Matt Barnes stoked about run his UCLA Bruins are making in tournament

Matt Barnes was all smiles Monday. Other than a “bad thumb,” he proclaimed himself otherwise very healthy. But it was more than that.

Barnes’ Alma mater, UCLA, has made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament and on Thursday will play Florida, the No. 1 seed in the South Region.

“I’m excited for them,” Barnes said at the shoot-around ahead of a 7:30 p.m. start against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks. “They’ve got a big-time offense. Defense is a little suspect.”

Barnes is aware that Florida is not only the top seed in the South, but the overall No. 1 seed.

“But the one thing about the tournament, you have to be hot at the right time,” he said.