Howland Waiting for Fey to Get on Board
If Michael Fey thought the poke in the eye he received against Loyola Marymount hurt, he’d better brace himself for the kick in the pants coming from UCLA Coach Ben Howland this week.
Actually, the poke in the eye might be the reason Fey needs a kick in the pants.
Production by the sophomore center has dropped steadily since the Dec. 13 incident that resulted in a scratched cornea. He did not miss a game and came back with 26 strong minutes four days later against UC Santa Barbara.
But since then he appears to have lost his aggressiveness, especially on the boards. The 7-foot, 257-pound Fey has started every game yet is averaging only 3.4 rebounds.
In Pacific 10 Conference play, he has five rebounds in six games, with three coming during garbage time of the 97-72 loss to Arizona on Saturday. He had one rebound against Oregon State, another against Oregon, then went three games without a single board.
“I’m hoping Michael Fey gets a fire lit under him in practice because we need him to perform more aggressively for us to be a better team,” Howland said.
It will be interesting to see how long Howland continues to start Fey, whom he lauded during the preseason for his progress. Fey has shot accurately in limited attempts, making 40 of 70 (57.1%), but Howland’s emphasis on defense and rebounding has seemed lost on him.
His backup, Ryan Hollins, has been more aggressive defensively and lately has been getting more playing time.
Hollins, also a sophomore 7-footer, played 55 minutes against the Arizona schools to Fey’s 23.
However, Hollins also has trouble rebounding consistently. He is averaging 4.5 a game, and his most productive efforts came early in the season.
Still, UCLA had consistently outrebounded its opponents before the Arizona game because everyone surrounding the two 7-footers was getting the job done. Forwards Trevor Ariza (6.8 per game) and T.J. Cummings (6.6) lead the way and tall guards Dijon Thompson (5.4) and Cedric Bozeman (4.7) get their share.
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Guard Brian Morrison has missed seven games because of a hamstring injury, and his return probably will be delayed until after the trip to Stanford and California this week.
Morrison is the Bruins’ most dangerous three-point shooter. His absence was never noticed more than in the loss to Arizona when UCLA was eight for 24 from three-point range.
The Wildcats employed a zone defense and dared the Bruins to shoot from long range.
“We could have used Brian’s shooting,” Howland said. “He stretches a zone with his ability to shoot.”
