Howland loves defense and rebounding, and no one on UCLA rebounds with more efficiency than freshman Drew Gordon. He is averaging 4.5 rebounds per game despite playing less than 12 minutes per contest.

However, Gordon is playing almost exclusively at center behind suddenly foul-conscious Alfred Aboya, so don't expect Gordon to see more action regularly.

"Who's minutes is he going to take?" Howland said. "He's not taking Alfred's minutes. He's playing solid for us. He's getting better and better. I just hope it doesn't come to a point where Alfred does get in foul trouble."

Aboya's transformation from foul-prone to nearly foul proof is startling. He averaged a foul every 6.4 minutes during his first three seasons, but is averaging one foul every 17.4 minutes this season.

"To see where Alfred is now to where he's been the last three years, in terms of fouling," Howland said, "is incredible."