LOS ANGELES_For months, Steve Alford has gushed about UCLA possessing the deepest frontcourt since he's coached the Bruins and five high-level guards who could comprise one of the nation's top backcourts.
A recent spate of injuries has made him increasingly thankful for every available body, regardless of pedigree.
Freshman forward-center Ike Anigbogu suffered torn cartilage in his right knee that is expected to sideline him from four to six weeks, and senior guard Bryce Alford suffered a strained hamstring that has kept him out of recent practices but is not expected to be serious. A couple of walk-ons also went down with sprained ankles, leaving the Bruins with about 10 players for practices.
Steve Alford said Anigbogu was expected to miss at least three games, including UCLA's season opener Nov. 11 against Pacific. A best-case scenario would entail a return Nov. 20 against Long Beach State or Nov. 24 against Portland in the opener of the Wooden Legacy at Cal State Fullerton.
"Fortunately, it's a small tear, it's not a major tear," Steve Alford said of Anigbogu's injury, for which he underwent surgery Tuesday, "so I don't think it's going to be a huge setback."
Anigbogu is regarded as UCLA's top rim protector and his absence could provide increased opportunities for G.G. Goloman, Alex Olesinski and Ikenna Okwarabizie behind presumptive starting center Thomas Welsh. His absence will not, however, lead to a stylistic shift.
"We're not going to change how we play because Ike's out," Steve Alford said. "We've just got to keep developing the other guys and then obviously work Ike back into it once he gets back."
