Kapono Has Rebounded Nicely

Part of the reason Jason Kapono stuck around for another season instead of bolting for the NBA was that he wanted to develop his all-around game. Clearly, improving as a rebounder has been a priority. He’s averaging six rebounds a game--two more than last season--and collected a career-high 13 at Oregon last Thursday.

“I know that I’m not going to jump over guys, and I know that I’m not going to out-quick them,” he said. “You’ve just got to have that sense, that feel. You’ve just got to read the ball coming off the rim. Anything to get that edge. There are so many guys that have hops, I’ve got to do it in my little sneaky ways.

“I think most guys just wait until the ball hits the rim and then go up and jump for it. But it all starts when the ball’s first shot. You’ve got to find a man and find a spot, and then box out then.”

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The Bruins scored a season-low 25 points in the first half against Oregon State. That was no fluke, considering their previous season low (27) came in the first game against the Beavers.