Hines Scores With Lavin as a Selfless, Vocal Leader

Rico Hines went nearly the length of the floor after making a steal against Oregon, rising up forcefully for a layup, the ball banking off the backboard and falling through the net.

Anyone who didn’t know better would believe Hines was good for several fastbreak baskets every game. In reality, it was only the 10th field goal of the season for the fifth-year senior guard who averages nearly 18 minutes a game.

Hines has not scored more than one field goal in a game, is 0 for 11 on three-point attempts and two for seven on free throws. He has been scoreless in 15 of the 26 games in which he has played and only once has he scored more than two points, making a field goal and two free throws in a victory at Stanford on Feb. 23.

Still, Coach Steve Lavin considers Hines invaluable because he plays sound defense, takes charges and rarely commits a turnover.

“Rico is a selfless player and a vocal leader,” he said.

“He’s been an asset all season and his work ethic rubs off on his teammates.”

Statistically, though, Hines will never stand out. Although he did reach a milestone against Oregon on Saturday: he got his first blocked shot of the season.

Billy Knight might be the most improved Bruin, and at 14.1 points a game he is the second-leading scorer behind Jason Kapono.

But the fifth-year senior has logged far more minutes than at any time in his career and he seems to be wearing down. His defense has been suspect and it is increasingly difficult for him to get his signature three-point shot from the corner.

Knight has been held to fewer than 10 points in three of the last five games, including a four-point effort against Oregon on Saturday. Before the recent lull he had scored in double figures in 21 of 23 games.

“I know I need to pick it up for the [Pac-10] tournament,” he said. “I feel fine. This is the time we’ve all been waiting for.”