UCLA UPDATE: HOWLAND SUGGESTS RECRUIT NOT COME.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

UCLA forward Sean Phaler, who signed a letter of intent with the school last November under former coach Steve Lavin, has been encouraged by new coach Ben Howland to enroll elsewhere because he no longer fits in the Bruins' plans.

Phaler, a 6-foot-9 forward from Villa Park High in Orange County, was informed he'd have little chance of playing at UCLA when Howland visited his home Tuesday night.

``Coach Howland told (Phaler) he wasn't sure if Sean fits in his system,'' UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins said. ``If he has other options, Coach Howland would work with him, but if he chose to stay his scholarship would be honored.

It's not clear what options are available now for Phaler, who did not return phone calls to his home. He chose UCLA last fall over Washington and Indiana, but few schools have scholarships available at this time of the year.

While Dellins said Thursday that Phaler has not requested his release, his father has contacted coaches at Oregon and San Diego State, according to sources. Washington and New Mexico are two other schools that could be destinations.

Howland, who arrived from Pittsburgh, is not believed to have seen Phaler play in person but thought at 185 pounds he was too slight. Phaler, despite his size, is more of a perimeter player and regarded as an excellent 3-point shooter. When he signed, he acknowledged he needed to gain weight and was amenable to redshirting as a freshman.

Ironically, Phaler is one of the few UCLA recruits in recent years who excelled in the classroom, an area Howland has said is important to him. Phaler had a 3.8 grade-point average when he signed in November and scored 1050 on the SAT.

If Phaler leaves, it is possible UCLA will add no new players to its roster. The other incoming recruit, Westchester High of Los Angeles forward Trevor Ariza, has yet to achieve a qualifying SAT score, though he is awaiting the result from his most recent

attempt.