The 2011-12 UCLA men's basketball team held its annual Media Day Wednesday afternoon at the Student Activities Center or 'The Old Men's Gym,' where Coach John Wooden's teams used to play and practice.The Bruins officially begin practice Oct. 13.
Senior guard and team captain Lazeric Jones is ready for the start of practice. "I'm just excited, anxious to get started," he said. We've been working hard the whole summer for this. I feel really good about the team and how we look. We play in the summer vs. all the pros right here on this floor. Coach John Wooden held his practices here so hopefully some of his winning ways can rub off on us too."
Another player ready for the start of practice is sophomore forward Travis Wear. Travis, along with his twin brother David, played at North Carolina during the 2009-10 season. They transferred to UCLA last year and participated in practices but could not play in the actual games because of the transfer rule.
"Sitting out last year wasn't very fun," Travis said. "I got to work on my game and everything, but you want to get out there and actually play in games and see how much you have improved. I finally get to do that, to get out here and play with these guys, so I'm just really excited."
Travis and David prepped at Mater Dei HS and are from Huntington Beach. They understand the UCLA historical significance of practicing in 'the Old Men's Gym.'
"Coach Wooden coaching here, all the Bruin greats that have played in here, just the legacy this place has is amazing," Travis said. "All the top NBA players that have come in here to play during the summertime - Magic Johnson, countless others. Just to be able to get on this court that so many others have played on, it's going to be fun."
