SENIOR CITIZENSHIP BOZEMAN, HOLLINS ARE VETERAN LEADERS FOR YOUNG UCLA TEAM.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

Memphis missed another second-half shot, the basketball was loose and bodies were flying everywhere. Somehow UCLA senior wing Cedric Bozeman, while laying across another player, wound up with the basketball. With a tough, determination-driven rebound.

This from the same player who two seasons earlier shied away from contact near the basket, and had a growing reputation of playing soft.

In fact, in UCLA coach Ben Howland's first year, the coach often talked about the toughness within the program, and Bozeman and his fellow senior, center Ryan Hollins, were not-so-veiled targets.

However, the soft label no longer seems to apply in either case. At times this season, Hollins and Bozeman received Howland's ultimate compliment, being called ``tough'' by the hard-nosed, defensive-minded coach.

``For him to give a compliment of that measure, it's definitely big coming from him,'' Hollins said. ``I definitely appreciate every moment of it.''

The transformation of the two players is a big reason why UCLA earned a berth in the Final Four - it will play LSU on Saturday at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis - after a pair of desolate seasons spent on UCLA's campus.

Bozeman and Hollins were part of the Steve Lavin's final season, when the Bruins finished 10-19, the worst season in the program since 1945- 46.And that was followed by Howland's first season, in which the Bruins were 11-17.

``It was kind of hard to even come to school at times and show your face around campus,'' Bozeman said. ``Ya' know, I think it made us stronger as players, especially me and Ryan Hollins and (walk-on) Janou Rubin and (backup) Michael Fey. We were all a part of that, and to be a part of this now is that much more pleasing.''

Hollins' metamorphosis has not only been scary, but also the key ingredient in UCLA's run to the national semifinals.

As late as Feb. 23 against Oregon State, he was yanked from the starting lineup after failing to score in a loss at USC. But during UCLA's 11-game winning streak, which began with the defeat of Oregon State, Hollins is averaging 10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

``His play has definitely elevated our team,'' Bozeman said. ``I hope he can continue that.''

Hollins' play in the NCAA Tournament has been even better. In the Bruins' four games, he is second on the team in scoring (12 ppg) and rebounding (6.3 rpg), played well defensively and brought energy by blocking six shots and keeping balls alive with his tenacity on the boards.

``I was getting pretty excited watching the tape of our Memphis game,'' Howland said. ``God, he made some incredible, athletic plays. It's really exciting to watch how he's developed. He's really coming on here now.

``He's very, very athletic. Very, very bright. Extremely intelligent. No one remembers and knows the scouting reports (more) ... he takes great pride in being so bright out there and knowing everything he's supposed to do, as he should.''

It's a long way from Hollins' Oregon experience last season, when he played two total minutes at Oregon State and Oregon.

``I've just been playing hard and waiting for my opportunity,'' Hollins said. ``They've come together well and I'm definitely appreciative of it.''

Bozeman, if not for a twist of fate, and his right knee, wouldn't be in the position to win over Howland. He suffered a torn knee ligament on the eve of UCLA's exhibition opener for the 2004-05 season and redshirted, giving him a fifth year of eligibility.

But upon Bozeman's return, he didn't occupy his familiar point guard spot. That belonged to Jordan Farmar, so Bozeman was moved to small forward. And despite leading the Pacific-10 Conference in assists as a junior, Bozeman didn't whine about the switch.

``We're both guys that are willing to sacrifice,'' Bozeman said. ``That's what it comes down to. It's being a team guy. Ryan and I are definitely team guys. We care so much about the team, and that's what it's about. We just want to be a part of something special.''

Bozeman's statistics are not gaudy - he's averaging 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds - but they don't need to be for what is asked of him. Howland regularly calls Bozeman ``the glue'' of UCLA, and other players speak highly of Bozeman's leadership and marvel at his pain threshold.

After games, Bozeman ices his surgically reconstructed knee (tendinitis), his left ankle (sprain) and his left shoulder (torn labrum), and he said the pain is severe.

``I can deal with it because we keep winning,'' Bozeman said.

After the season Bozeman has a decision to make. Rest should help his ankle and knee. But his shoulder, which kept him out of eight games inthe middle of the season, may require surgery, and could impact his training for the NBA Draft.

``I'm not too sure yet,'' Bozeman said about shoulder surgery. ``Right now, I'm going to wait it out and then rehab and build some strength around it.''

Yes, Bozeman said he was going to tough it out, setting an example for the rest of the team.

``I'm so happy for those guys,'' Farmar said. ``They've been through so much throughout their careers.''

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

UCLA seniors Ryan Hollins, above, and Cedric Bozeman have provided leadership and toughness for the Bruins.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press