NCAA Tournament 2000 - UCLA playbook: Rush to the rim

UCLA playbook: Rush to the rim
From Coach's Edge

Who said UCLA didn't deserve a tournament bid? The young Bruins are rushing off to Auburn Hills, Mich., for a date with Iowa State in the Sweet 16.

With the return of JaRon Rush, the underachieving Bruins have a renewed confidence and energy in their game. Coach Steve Lavin's squad is on fire and seems to be peaking at the right time.

Junior point guard Earl Watson has emerged as the team's leader and young gun Jason Kapono's shooting makes one forget that he is only a freshman. But make no mistake Rush's multi-dimensional game is the piece of UCLA's team puzzle that has been missing. With this piece intact, these Bruins might be on course for a run to the title.

ANIMATE THIS PLAY DIAGRAM WITH SHOCKWAVE
(A) With Jaron Rush (4) back in the lineup, defenses have to respect his inside and outside ability.
(B) Team leader, Earl Watson (25) starts the play by hitting Rush with a pass. Meanwhile, super frosh, Jason Kapono (24) draws his man from the right wing to the left.

(C) Rush (5) returns the ball to assist leader, Watson (25). Dan Gadzuric (50) sets a big back screen for Rush.
(D) After making a hard, V cut, JaRon uses Gadzuric's screen to make a "Rush to the Rim." Seeing the opening, Watson makes a perfect, lob pass to Rush for the big slam.


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