Goodman On Shipp And Bruin's PG Situation

By Jeff Goodman
Fox Sports

UCLA began classes today and Ben Howland is excited at the progress that Josh Shipp has made on the one-year anniversary of his surgery.

The Bruins began individual workouts a couple weeks ago and Howland said that it's the first time that Shipp, who missed nearly all of last season, has appeared 100 percent in a while.

"He's done a real good job with his rehab," Howland said. "He's 220 pounds, but is still bouncy athletic."

"We really missed him last year," added Howland. "I'm just glad he seems to be back at full strength."

While Shipp's return will be pivotal to the Bruins making another Final Four run this season, he won't be the most important player on the team.

That distinction belongs to sophomore point guard Darren Collison.

With Jordan Farmar's departure to the NBA, Collison is not only the starter - but the lone true floor leader on the team.

"It's amazing how quick he is," Howland said of Collison. "He might be the best on-ball defender I've coached in my 25 years."

The options at the backup point guard spot are freshman Russell Westbrook, Arron Afflalo and walk-on Mustafa Abdul-Hamid.

"I think at the end of the day, Westbrook will be the guy for the long haul," Howland added.

(For further reading on the Bruin's PG situation go to BBR's 6/20/06 article: "Collison Will Need Help At Point )

(BruinBasketballReport.com)