BRUINS' FARMAR A STUDY IN MATURITY DEALING WITH ADVERSITY HAS HELPED SOPHOMORE BECOME A LEADER FOR UCLA.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

To most, Jordan Farmar had a remarkable freshman season.

UCLA's point guard led the Pacific-10 Conference in assists, was tops among the league's freshmen in scoring, minutes and free throw percentage, and second in steals. Yet, as the season wore down, he failed to see the achievements in the same light.

``I came in and was getting 13 points ... not taking over when I should be and, lo and behold, I'm Freshman of the Year,'' said Farmar, who averaged 30 points in his senior season at Taft High of Woodland Hills. ``I'm feeling like I didn't do anything yet.''

Farmar said his secret to this season lies with his newly discovered maturity. It has enabled the 19-year-old to survive a distressing first two months playing on a badly sprained right ankle, and has helped him embrace his role as the Bruins' vocal leader.

``I don't know if he would have handled all the adversity as well a year ago, out of the gate, as he's held it together this year,'' said coach Ben Howland, whose No. 17 Bruins (15-4, 5-2 Pac-10) visit Oregon tonight. ``To have four different times where you sprain your ankle ... he came into this season in unbelievable shape and condition. He's starting to get that back now.''

Farmar is almost fully recovered and his mind much more clear.

``I think I'm just more mature,'' Farmar said. ``I notice it every day in life, just with the little things, and not getting frustrated, and learning how to deal with adversity and not being so hard on myself.''

Farmar averaged 13.2 points and 5.3 assists in 34.3 minutes and made 80.1 percent of his free throws as a freshman. But he admitted the combination of athletics and academics created a whirlwind in which he rarely caught his breath.

Now, Farmar understands the need to roll out of bed for an early class or to study when a throbbing ankle begs him to rest. He also is accustomed to taking an exam in a hotel room the night before a big game.

The first time that situation arose was last March, on the eve of UCLA's NCAA Tournament opener against Texas Tech. Farmar, who said he did well on the final, made only 1 of 9 shots and scored three points in the 78-66 loss.

Last month, Farmar aced a Life Science exam the night before he scored 21 points in an impressive 68-61 win at Michigan.

``It's not like you can write something and just leave,'' Farmar said. ``The one (before Texas Tech) was a lot tougher because I wasn't ready for it like this time. ... Those are the experiences you gain.''

A year ago, the intensely competitive Farmar admitted to frustration about coach Ben Howland's insistence on using a jump-stop in the lane to create passing or shooting space, which resulted in Farmar taking some ill-advised shots when the offense became stagnant.

Now, Farmar utilizes the jump-stop to near-perfection, earning raves from Howland and a conference-best 5.9 assists per game. He understands the importance of getting his teammates involved in the offense, even if it means passing up open shots.

``I really didn't understand it last year. I would do what (the coaches) told me to do, but I didn't understand it,'' Farmar said.

Now, Farmar sees the big picture. He no longer beats himself up for days over poor plays, such as Mike Gansey's late steal in West Virginia's 60-56 win Saturday.

``I still push myself to be the best,'' Farmar said. ``But certain things I can't control, I used to be hard on myself, and get down on myself. I'm maturing as a person so I can deal with adversity a lot better.''

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1) no caption (Jordan Farmar)

Getty Images

(2) Jordan Farmar, left, says dealing with academic and athletic responsibilities has helped him mature.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) NO. 17 UCLA at OREGON

- Brian Dohn

(2) FARMAR FILE