Monthly Archives: January 2012

Howland presser Pt. 2

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UCLA head coach Ben Howland on Joshua Smith:
“For him at that body fat, what he did going into his summer going into his freshman year, was got up freshman year and went (to the gym) twice a day. It was rigourous. For him, it’s a six-month process. It’s not a two-month or three-month deal.”

On Smith coming back as a sophomore:
“Part of it was such a long season the first time, going through it, so much more attention to detail, going all the way to march. All that played a difference for him. It was hard. But now he’s seeing, ‘If I don’t do that, I’m not playing to my potential.’ We all know what his potential is, but it’s still what-if?
“I still think he can be dominant for us. No question.”

On Smith’s struggles:
“Not just at the offensive end. That’s where we all think about him. But for him to continue to do a good job of rebounding and to use his size. That’s where I thought he made a number of mistakes was on the defensive side of both the Oregon and Oregon State game.”

Injury update:
David Wear practiced last two days, little soreness. But overall he’s good.
Travis Wear had sinus infection on Sunday, missed practice Monday, practiced Tuesday.
Jerime Anderson bad head cold, will practice today.
Tyler Lamb knee tendonitis should practice today.

Ben Howland Press Conference

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UCLA head coach Ben Howland on what disappointed him the most from the weekend in Oregon:
“Just the beginning of the half, that we let them on that 9-0 run so quickly. Our mistakes. A bad foul leads to two free throws. They come back hit a three, get very fortunate on the four-point play. We fought back, eight-point lead with 10 minutes to go. But allowing the lead to slip away was the most disappointing.”

On why the Bruins lost:
“Our defense was really a primary factor as to how we lost. We played well enough offensively. even on Saturday – we scored seven more baskets than the other team. But our foul team really hurt us. If we’re 5-of-8 we’re up 17 at the half, instead of 14, and psychologically that’s huge.”

On Anthony Stover:
“He played with a lot of energy, played really hard. Nice tip in, blocked some shots. We still need Stover to rebound when he’s out there, to be an effective rebounder.”

On Joshua Smith:
“It was reminiscent of the Cal/Stanford weekend and he had two of the best practices of his year. (The games against Oregon) were the only games that his mom and dad attended, and he didn’t play particularly well. He played as poor a game as he has all year on Saturday. I think he’s very motivated right now. he wants to do better.”

On what’s holding Smith back:
“Conditioning.”