Kyle Anderson named UCLA’s most valuable player at team banquet

This was a no-brainer.

After leading UCLA to its first Sweet Sixteen since 2008, point guard Kyle Anderson was named the team’s MVP during Monday night’s year-end banquet at the Beverly Hilton. After averaging 14.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists — leading the Bruins in the latter two — the third-team AP All-American is headed to the NBA along with former teammates Jordan Adams and Zach LaVine.

Adams, who led UCLA with 17.4 points per game, won the J.D. Morgan Memorial Award for outstanding “team” player. Continue reading “Kyle Anderson named UCLA’s most valuable player at team banquet” »

UCLA breezes past Prairie View A&M in 24-point blowout


— UCLA handled Prairie View A&M with ease in Saturday’s 95-71 win, running out a 20-point lead late in the first half and stretching it to as much as 34 in the second. The main story of the night, though, was Travis Wear’s return to the starting lineup.

Following his appendectomy in late October, the senior forward has looked rusty early on, going without a field goal in his past two games. Originally penciled in as a starter alongside twin brother David before the season, he told Alford he was fine with a reserve role. Continue reading “UCLA breezes past Prairie View A&M in 24-point blowout” »

Forwards Travis Wear, Wanaah Bail return to practice

Senior Travis Wear and freshman Wanaah Bail both returned to practice with contact Wednesday afternoon, giving UCLA an infusion of depth in its frontcourt.

Wear started 31 of 32 games last season, averaging 10.9 points and 5.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward had an appendectomy on Oct. 28, and has yet to play this season. He said he felt ready to return sooner, but doctors gave him a strict three-week recovery timetable. Continue reading “Forwards Travis Wear, Wanaah Bail return to practice” »

Travis Wear to return Friday; Allen possibly out six weeks

Monday was the last time Travis Wear won’t be wearing a uniform under his warm-ups.

UCLA’s starting power forward missed the first three games of the season after undergoing an appendectomy Oct. 28, but will return for Friday’s game against Morehead State. Indications were the senior could return Monday, but he is yet to practice with the team or endure contact drills.

“He’s been no contact,” UCLA coach Steve Alford said. “They way I understand it, it’s not something you gradually have to get back in. Because of the surgery, it’s basically a matter of days, or in his case, weeks, and then once that passes you’re free to go. He’s felt very, very good, but there’s a timetable we had to stick to.”

Continue reading “Travis Wear to return Friday; Allen possibly out six weeks” »