CSUN NOTEBOOK: MATADORS PRACTICE WITHOUT PARRIS.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

Media day was expected to be about the Cal State Northridge men's basketball team's billing as everyone's preseason Big Sky Conference favorite. Instead, the focus was on the absence of senior forward Jeff Parris.

Parris, who started 26 games and was honorable-mention all-conference last year, wasn't at media day or the practice that followed on Tuesday because he failed to comply with the team's grooming standards by the Monday deadline.

``We have a dress code, we have a grooming code and to be quite honest with you, Jeff has not lived up to that,'' coach Bobby Braswell said. ``There were several players that I asked to get cleaned up before (Tuesday) and he is the only one that did not take care of what he needed to take care of.''

Parris attended Monday's practice but hasn't talked to Braswell since.

``All I can say is you'll find out where his level of commitment to our program is,'' Braswell said. ``If he doesn't come back, then it's best he's gone. And if he does, then so be it.''

Braswell declined to describe in detail how Parris has failed to meet standards but said it involves shaving and grooming. Parris has a beard but Braswell allows facial hair.

``Our policy is that it's OK as long as it doesn't bring unnecessary attention to yourself,'' Braswell said. ``There's a major obstacle to any team being a successful basketball team and we talked about this from the first day we were here, and that's selfishness.

``If guys aren't willing to sacrifice for the team, and their own individual issues are more important than the team issues, that's going to get them away from being successful.''

While the issue might seem trivial to some, the rule has been in place since Braswell took over the program. He said it's not just about basketball; it's about following rules off the court and in life.

Braswell hasn't issued a deadline for Parris' return but the door won't be open forever.

``There will be a point where I'll say, `Enough is enough,' '' Braswell said. ``I believe these guys are young and sometimes they make decisions out of emotion. Jeff's been a great kid. He's always been commited to us in the years he's been here.

``I think he's missing out more than anybody else. We miss him every day he's not here in practice working with the team, but the team's going to go on.''

Parris, who's 6-foot-5, 223 pounds, is expected to play a significant role for the Matadors. Last year, he helped CSUN finish 20-10 by averaging 11.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He's averaged 9.6 points per game in three seasons.

--Practice makes perfect: CSUN has one week of practice left before its first exhibition game against the California All-Stars on Nov. 1 at the Northridge Gym. Braswell is happy with his team's work ethic at practice.

``I love it,'' Braswell said. ``We had our first intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday and for only a week's worth of work, they look pretty darn good.''

--Injury report: Freshman Keith Jackson is expected to start rehabilitation on his separated left shoulder by the end of the week. Jackson, a walk-on freshman, has been riding a stationary bike during practice. . . . Assistant coach Mike Johnson broke his left hand while working with center Dan Read in practice. Johnson might have to have surgery.

--NCAA berth? Basketball News is predicting that CSUN will make its first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. The publication ranked the top 64 teams in the country and CSUN is 62nd.

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Photo: JEFF PARRIS

The returning All-Big Sky player not practicing because of violation of team grooming standard.