Thompson Still Out, Others Could Follow

The Bruins added one last resolution to their long list heading into Pacific 10 Conference play.

Get healthy.

Injuries are the latest problem facing UCLA (2-5), which has lost three in a row. Leading scorer Dijon Thompson is doubtful for the game at Washington on Thursday because of persistent soreness in his left knee. Reserve forward Josiah Johnson did not practice Tuesday because of a sore knee and guard Ray Young practiced lightly after suffering a concussion Monday. Point guard Cedric Bozeman has played with chronic lower back pain for three weeks.

“A lot of guys are banged up,” Coach Steve Lavin said. Thompson, a sophomore, sat out the loss to Michigan on Saturday after experiencing pain last Thursday. Although an MRI showed no ligament or tendon damage, the knee remains swollen and he has not practiced.

“It will be a game-time decision,” Thompson said. “I’ve been icing it to keep the swelling down, but it hurts when I run.”

Thompson, who started the first two games and has been the sixth man since, is averaging 17.0 points on 56.2% shooting. He provided a spark off the bench in the victories over Long Beach State and Portland.

“It’s a major concern to have your leading scorer out,” Lavin said. “But it does provide an opportunity for someone else to step up.”

*

When Thompson does return, he has no doubt that he can help UCLA start winning.

“We can win the Pac-10 championship,” he said. “My optimism is sky high. We are still capable of turning the season around. Right now we are 0-0 in the conference. More than anything we just need to talk more on offense and flat-out play defense.”

*

Johnson, a redshirt sophomore and the son of former UCLA great Marques Johnson, is getting far more minutes than last season and making the most of them.

The 6-foot-7 forward has made nine of 15 shots, including three of four from three-point range, and six of six free throws in 11.3 minutes a game. He also has 16 rebounds. He played only 13 minutes last season, scoring six points.

“Josiah has earned the minutes he’s getting,” Lavin said. “He’s improved quite a bit and is a solid guy off the bench.”