Lavin Becomes Believer in the Power of the Press

The Bruins have been relying on the press more and more lately. They used it effectively in the second half against North Carolina, and throughout the Purdue and Washington games.

Some teams are very good at breaking presses, however, so UCLA won’t be able to lean on it every game.

“Sometimes you can break it with one player, like a Tyus Edney,” said UCLA Coach Steve Lavin, referring to the former Bruin point guard. “He was a one-man press break.”

Asked if it’s gimmicky to rely too much on the press, Lavin said: “It’s only gimmicky if it isn’t fundamentally sound. You still have to move your feet, scramble, talk, communicate.”

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Freshman Josiah Johnson, hobbled by a stress fracture in his left foot, participated in light drills this week and said he will be ready to go full speed next week.

“It’s the worst feeling in the world just sitting around,” said Johnson, a 6-foot-7 forward and the son of former UCLA star Marques Johnson. “I’m anxious to get back in there.”

Johnson said he’s considering redshirting.

Senior guard Rico Hines, who underwent knee surgery Nov. 1 and was expected to be back at practice by now, is at least two weeks behind Johnson on the rehabilitation curve, according to an athletic department official.

TODAY

vs. Washington State, 3 p.m.

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Pauley Pavilion.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--UCLA 6-4, 1-0; Washington State 6-4, 0-1.

* Update--The Bruins swept Washington State last season, running their winning streak to 15 games against the Cougars. Not only have the Cougars never won at Pauley, but they have never beaten UCLA in Los Angeles since the series started in the 1936-37 season.

* Tickets--(310) UCLA-WIN.