Familiarity Aids Watson, Rush

The friendship began almost a decade ago, when Earl Watson and JaRon Rush played in summer leagues and tournaments around Kansas City. They dreamed of teaming up in college.

“We thought it would be Kansas or Oklahoma,� Rush said.

The buddies landed at UCLA instead, and their familiarity was evident in Thursday’s exhibition against the Taiwan national team. Twice in the first half, Watson brought the ball up court and spotted Rush breaking to the basket.

The result: two lob passes and two dunks.

“We haven’t played together for a while,� said Rush, a freshman who followed the sophomore Watson to Westwood. “But you could see the alley-oop dunks are still there.�

Watson hopes the scene will be replayed in the months to come.

“I love playing with JaRon,� he said. “It’s really been a blessing. Like a dream come true.�

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Kareem Rush, JaRon’s younger brother, committed to play for the Bruins next season, but with the early signing period a few days old, rumors have circulated that he is considering Missouri.

“No Missouri,� JaRon Rush said. “He’s coming to UCLA.�