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Ben Howland's overwhelming optimism seems to have withstood the realization that it may take more than one year to rebuild the once-proud UCLA basketball program.
Although three starters from last year's 10-win squad are already gone, and the status of senior T.J. Cummings remains in limbo, the first-year coach believes there is reason to be hopeful on the eve of the first day of practice.
"I've been at two other schools that were down and out, and I've built them both back up," Howland said. "I have a good background to rebuild the program. We have only one direction to go -- that's up." Ticketmaster
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Howland is not a dreamer. He watched a tape of last year's season-opening loss
to San Diego earlier this week, and he is fully aware of the deficiencies that
plagued the Bruins a year ago. He knows this year's squad is short on senior
leadership and interior depth -- two problems which could be made worse by the
loss of Cummings, who is academically ineligible for at least the season's first
three games.
But despite the many question marks, Howland believes the cupboard is far from bare.
"I think we can be competitive," he said. "It was not a fun season to be a part of for these kids last year. They're all used to winning, so they're going to be willing to prepare and work hard." Ticketmaster
That diligence is already paying off for the Bruins in the weight room, where Howland has implemented a rigorous offseason training program. Many of the players have visibly stronger physiques this season, most noticeably point guard Cedric Bozeman.
Howland's emphasis on defense and rebounding -- two areas in which the Bruins struggled during the final years of the Steve Lavin era -- has already left an impression on some of the current players. Most of the team appears to be happy to be playing in a more discipline-oriented regime this season. Ticketmaster
"I like the new intensity level," Bozeman said. "Last year the energy was down, but coming in with a new coach and a new attitude, all you can be is positive. Every second, he's staying on us. He can always find a way to get better."
Howland indicated that he has not established a set starting lineup yet, and he will base his decisions largely on what takes place in practice. He has watched very little footage from last season in order to be as unbiased as possible in judging his players. Ticketmaster
One player who has stood out in workouts so far is Bozeman, who Howland said has a chance to be one of the team's most improved players.
"I've been very pleased with Cedric," Howland said. "He's really worked hard. He has the chance to be a good defensive player. He sees the court well. He's a good passer. He's coachable. I'm really excited about him."
Sophomore big men Ryan Hollins and Michael Fey have also made strides over the summer, Howland said. Ticketmaster
After bringing a physically imposing Pittsburgh squad one game short of a berth in the Final Four, Howland will have a much different challenge ahead of him this season.
He will have to mold a team that was among the worst in UCLA history last season into the foundation for a Bruin resurgence.
"The past is over and done with," Howland said. "These players who won only 10 games last year are excited about this season.
"This point forward is all that matters."