Wednesday, February 11, 1998
Men’s Basketball Notes
McCoy missing less from the line
Throughout his UCLA career, Jelani McCoy has followed in the
footsteps of the great centers of basketball. He blocks, he dunks,
he rebounds … and he misses from the free-throw line.
However, as of late McCoy has been making his mark as a player
that connects on his free throws.
In the last five games, the junior center has made 14 of 18
charity shots, or 77.8 percent.
McCoy has increased his season free throw percentage to 53.3
percent. Last year, McCoy shot only 44.6 percent from the line.
"It’s just repetition, repetition," McCoy said. "I’ve just been
working after practice and concentrating really hard during
practice on my free throws so I can make it down the stretch."
But it isn’t just his improved free-throw shooting that has
impressed coaches.
"Jelani has been tremendous in terms of his maturity – wise
beyond his years in the way he’s handled all of it," Lavin said,
referring to McCoy’s status as the sixth-man. "I’m very proud of
him in that area. I think that he is a much more mature person this
year."
Lavin celebrates one-year mark
Exactly one year ago today, after spending three months with the
interim title attached to his name, Steve Lavin was finally named
head coach of the UCLA men’s basketball team, or as he liked to
call it, "the Yankees of college basketball."
Since Lavin has been at the helm, the Bruins have compiled a
29-5 record. Lavin was named the 1997 Basketball Times National
Rookie Coach of the Year.
Illness, injuries may shrink roster
The No. 9 UCLA men’s basketball team will be facing two tough
opponents this weekend as the Bay Area schools pay a visit to
Pauley Pavilion. And this weekend may get even tougher if Baron
Davis, J.R. Henderson and Jelani McCoy don’t play, as all are
either sick or hurt.
Davis is suffering from an upper respiratory condition, and his
left toe is still sore after reinjuring it during the Oregon State
game. Henderson, meanwhile, is having problems with his foot, and
McCoy is having back problems. So there is a chance that the three
won’t play against Stanford. And if that happens?
"I might suit up," Lavin said.