UCLA UPDATE: UCLA'S WALCOTT DECIDES TO TRANSFER.

Byline: - Brian Dohn

With his playing time likely relegated to garbage minutes, UCLA senior point guard Ryan Walcott said he is transferring to Division II Grand Canyon University in his hometown of Phoenix.

With the arrival of freshman Jordan Farmar and the return of senior Cedric Bozeman, minutes at point guard figured to be nonexistent for Walcott, who said in the spring he was considering a transfer.

After averaging a career-high 21.5 minutes per game as a sophomore, Walcott's playing time diminished greatly in coach Ben Howland's first season. Walcott averaged 8.3 minutes per game last season.

``I had a great time at UCLA,'' Walcott said. ``This is nothing against the Bruin program. It's just better for me to be at home. It will be nice to be playing in front of my family.''

The 6-foot-1 Walcott is eligible to play this season at GCU, but he said he would be a part-time student this season and compete in the 2005-06 season with the Antelopes.

In other news, UCLA junior center Ryan Hollins, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in July, is expected to be cleared today to begin individual workouts.