Quick chat with Tyler Honeycutt

In any way, did going through such a down season last year benefit you or the team?
"I wouldn't say it was good, but it made us better toward the end of the season, just knowing how to deal with diversity. As it got further along, we played better. We were more together. But the different pieces were coming in and out."
"We never really got a feel of the whole team.

So much of the workload is going to be put on you and Malcolm Lee, how have you guys adjusted in the offseason?
"Malcolm and I want to have breakout seasons. Everyone knows we'll have to carry more of a load than we did last year. Even though I'm only a sophomore, I'll be a leader."

Does that include statistically?
"I'm definitely looking to increase my scoring. I want to continue to do the things I do well, but I've put in a lot of work on my shot. Finally being able to lift and get stronger, every aspect of the game comes easier."

The Bruins were plagued by poor guard play at times last season; how have you seen improvement in the guards, particularly Jerime Anderson?
"Jerime has improved his shot a lot. He has shot extremely well during the offseason workouts. He's way better - actually a 3-point shooting point guard now. I've only played one game with Lazeric Jones, and I'm really impressed by him."

Last question: You come into UCLA saddled with expectations for yourself and the team, and then things go horribly wrong - can you rebound from that?
"Some people considered the year after the final four run an off-year. Then we have an even worse year. That was a rebuilding year, a learning experience. We'll have an even younger team, but we definitely have every piece. We have every position covered I think."