UCLA Basketball

ROSTER AT A GLANCE

MATT BARNES (Forward)

No. 23, 6-7, 235, Senior

The front man on the full-court press and a powerful complement to Dan Gadzuric on the boards, Barnes is aggressive and versatile. For first time in his career he had high-scoring games, including 32 against Stanford and 26 against Oregon.

CEDRIC BOZEMAN (Guard)

No. 21, 6-6, 193, Freshman

As rangy and smooth as Earl Watson was quick and aggressive, the McDonald’s All-American is expected to make an immediate impact. Three seniors and one junior join Bozeman in starting lineup, which should ease transition from Santa Ana Mater Dei High.

T.J. CUMMINGS (Forward)

No. 43, 6-10, 223, Sophomore

After fading during the second half of freshman season, Cummings added 15 pounds and should be able to withstand rigors of a full campaign. His best game was his first, a 24-point effort against Kansas.

DAN GADZURIC (Center)

No. 50, 6-11, 240, Senior

Teammates say Gadzuric, the leading shot-blocker and rebounder, is most improved Bruin. He is stronger and is playing with confidence in practice. Few dominant big men stay in school for four years, so he has chance to become one of top centers in nation.

RICO HINES (Guard)

No. 22, 6-5, 194, Senior

Coming off a redshirt season prompted by knee surgery, Hines is team leader whose steadying influence on the freshmen is as valuable as his performance on the floor. An unselfish player, Hines will provide quality, mistake-free minutes off the bench.

JOHN HOFFART (Center)

No. 52, 6-10, 279, Sophomore

A transfer from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo who sat out last season, Hoffart is a wide body who can push Gadzuric and Cummings in practice. How much he can contribute to the Bruins’ pressing defense and 1-4 motion offense is uncertain.

JOSIAH JOHNSON (Forward)

No. 54, 6-8, 240, Freshman

Sitting out last season because of a stress fracture in his foot enabled Johnson to mature physically and lose about 25 pounds of baby fat. Possesses good mid-range shooting touch but will have difficulty getting minutes on a roster stocked with forwards.

JASON KAPONO (Forward)

No. 24, 6-8, 213, Junior

Wooden Award finalist and two-time All-Pac-10 selection, Kapono is one of top offensive players in nation (17.2 points last season; 16.0 as a freshman). In addition, he passes well and can fill in at point. Exceptional three-point and free-throw shooter.

BILLY KNIGHT (Guard)

No. 3, 6-6, 201, Senior

Fourth returning starter is mature, savvy player with variety of skills. Made 40 three-point shots last season (42.1%). Defensively has trouble staying with small, quick guards, but his size will help press. Like Hines, positive influence on freshmen.

ANDRE PATTERSON (Forward)

No. 5, 6-7, 197, Freshman

Great leaper with well-developed inside game, Patterson averaged 27 points, 13 rebounds for Washington High last season and was City Section player of year. Less hyped than Bozeman and Dijon Thompson, Patterson has impressed teammates with athleticism.

DIJON THOMPSON (Forward)

No. 1, 6-7, 192, Freshman

An extremely versatile player, Thompson should make an immediate impact. Averaged 23 points and seven rebounds at Redondo Union High last year and has added nearly 20 pounds. Could play both guard positions and small forward.

RYAN WALCOTT (Guard)

No. 10, 6-1, 177, Freshman

The primary backup to Bozeman at point guard, Walcott is an adept passer and playmaker whose biggest question mark is chronically sore knees. He redshirted last season after leading Shadow Mountain High to the 2000 Arizona large-school championship.