Barnes’ Work Paying Off

What most people see as missed shots, Matt Barnes sees as opportunities. The UCLA junior has led his team in rebounding four times this season and averages a team-high 7.4 a game.

That’s quite an improvement from last season, when he averaged 2.6 and frequently found himself out of position when caroms came off the rim. He spent a lot of time working on the skill during the off-season.

“I’m taking my time more,” he said. “I’m not rushing in there when someone shoots and then getting pushed under the boards.”

Coach Steve Lavin said Barnes plays bigger than his 6-foot-7 body, in part because he’s long-armed and lanky.

“He’s able to use his dexterity and agility against bigger players,” Lavin said. “And he’s elusive enough to find those gaps between players.”

*

Guard Rico Hines, who was supposed to participate in light drills this week, wasn’t at practice Wednesday. He went home to North Carolina during the team’s three-day Christmas break, then had problems with his return flight, Lavin said. Hines was either going to be rerouted through New York and meet the team in Indiana or try to get back to Los Angeles in time to join the team at the airport this morning.

“I’d be very surprised” if Hines doesn’t make the Purdue trip, Lavin said.

*

The Bruins will practice at 6 a.m. today, then head for West Lafayette, Ind., on a midmorning flight. They need to be early risers Saturday; tip-off is scheduled for 9 a.m. PST.

“It’s no big deal,” guard Ray Young said. “We practiced at 5 a.m. during finals week, so we can do anything.”