Howland Digging JK's Offseason Workout Results

by Nestor on Sep 6, 2008 10:25 AM PDT

Basketball coach Ben Howland said he expects forward James Keefe to lead the Bruins in rebounding this season. Howland was excited about the fact Keefe had gotten his weight up to 237 pounds. When Keefe arrived in Westwood from Santa Margarita three years ago, he weighed 210.

I watched him playing in a pickup game at the old men’s gym and Keefe seemed to be holding his own against 6-foot-10 freshman center J’Mison Morgan, who is listed at 248. The Bruins should have plenty of bulk in the paint next year, but will they get scoring? Freshman Drew Gordon weighs 235 and looks like a tight end. He went up for an impressive two-handed dunk along the baseline in one of the games.

In terms of out front-court, I am not too worried about scoring at this point. It will be unrealistic to expect Morgan to provide the same kind of punch as the once in a generation talent like Kevin Love. Gordon will be a raw product. I think the main thing we need to look for next year is for this crew as a unit play rock solid Howland defense and contribute as much as they can within Howland's offensive structure. Oh and if AA2 needs to stay out of foul trouble.

Going back to JK, I am very excited about his junior season. I am not expecting him to break out as an explosive offensive option. However, I think we can very hopeful to see the James Keefe who gave us some serious consistent effort during the Pac-10 and NCAA tourneys when LRMAM went down with injuries. I am optimistic that he will bring solid defensive effort, maintain his presence around the boards, and play within his role in Howland's offensive scheme.

He and rest of our young Ben Ball warriors should be fun to watch.

GO BRUINS.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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I'm concerned about how our frontcourt rebounds

if they can rebound well then I’ll be happy. Any scoring is just a bonus.

by ryebreadraz on Sep 6, 2008 11:57 AM PDT 0 recs

Yeap

That is why I mentioned about AA2’s ability to stay in the game. He is a decent rebounder and a ‘defensive presence’ around the rim. But he needs to learn to play with a little more control.

by Nestor on Sep 6, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up 0 recs

yeah

too many fouls for aboya. i think if he just got a little quicker on his feet, he could position himself in a way that requires less use of his hands on defense.

by UCLAbruin920 on Sep 10, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up 0 recs

is it basketball season yet?!!?!? how bout now!?

can we get a countdown goin? ;-)

by jjreicher on Sep 6, 2008 11:58 AM PDT 0 recs

Breakout year

Every year i feel like a player steps up and becomes a true player on our team and this year my money is on JK. I thought he would make a huge leap last year, but his shoulder injury slowed him down a ton and by the time the rotation was set he was still on the road to recovery, leaving him sitting on the bench. Later in the year as he gained confidence in his shoulder his game improved drastically and I think we saw that in the tourny, especially in the Western Kentucky game, (I think that was the one he went like 18 and 12). With a full offseason healthy this is his year to be the man down low. (On that note I also think shipp will be greatly improved with his FIRST healthy summer to train/work out) Anyways I dont think we’ll see KL type numbers, but I wont be surpised if he avgs around 10ppg and 7rpg. And if his outside shot imprves we’ll be able to spread the court a ton with the new backed up 3pt line.

by exbruin on Sep 6, 2008 12:44 PM PDT 0 recs

He's working so hard

that he doesnt have any time to shave. Have you seen the beard on him lately? It’s glorious.

by lil eg not cs on Sep 6, 2008 2:44 PM PDT 0 recs

Heard about it!

by Nestor on Sep 6, 2008 2:50 PM PDT up 0 recs

Is there a requirement to shave for games?

It’s be awesome to see it on TV! HA!

by impaulv on Sep 7, 2008 9:15 PM PDT up 0 recs

Didn't JK arrive TWO years ago?

At that rate, he could be up to 250 next year

by bornagainbruin on Sep 6, 2008 2:57 PM PDT 0 recs

I have also heard

Dragovic has put in a lot of work this off-season and is in the best physical shape he has ever been since he signed with UCLA. I am going to believe it when I see him in person but if true would be a welcome sign for the program. Last year he had surgery in the off season and came into camp out of shape.

by bluestreet on Sep 8, 2008 12:32 PM PDT 0 recs

I hope that's true.

I saw him lounging around Sunset almost everytime I went last Spring (which was a lot), and I definitely noticed that he had a huge gut. I don’t really know why but I really like him and I’ve REALLY been wanting him to do well, so I hope he is in good shape, and that he busts out with some sweet sharpshooting this year.

by jatteratious on Sep 8, 2008 3:37 PM PDT up 0 recs