Oakland, Calif. – Before Saturday, the Ryan Hollins story wasn’t much more than a punch line.
It could be summed up like this: He was a former Steve Lavin recruit with a ton of athletic ability who never panned out to be anything special. But he was special against Memphis – except for his free-throw shooting.
Hollins was named the Oakland Regional MVP for his efforts in two games, punctuated by a 14-point, nine-rebound performance in UCLA’s win over Memphis.
“I’m really proud of Ryan Hollins,” UCLA coach Ben Howland said. “Here is a kid who worked so hard to get it to where he’s at right now. He’s a factor.”
Against the Tigers, he was an early factor.
The high-flying forward got the Bruins off to a fast start, scoring nine of UCLA’s first 14 points. He was effective in every way, until he stepped to the line.
The senior made just 2-of-11 shots from the line. He’s not the greatest free-throw shooter to begin with – 60 percent this season – but he was clanking them all over against Memphis.
“I just remember being on the bench (saying) ‘I’ll never forgive myself for the rest of my life if we lose this game and I missed nine free throws,”‘ he said.
But UCLA won, and Hollins was a big reason why.
“Being out there, just playing hard, it’s paying off finally,” he said. “I’m the guy that never gave up on myself.”
No homecoming
For Memphis’ Rodney Carney, who hails from Indianapolis, a trip to the Final Four would have been a trip home.
“It’s real hurtful not going back home,” Carney said. “I’m going to go back home anyway, but not in the Final Four. Not the way I wanted to go.”
Footnotes
Howland said UCLA guard Arron Afflalo will have X-rays on an injured thumb…. Howland is the fourth coach (Jim Harrick, John Wooden, Larry Brown) to take the Bruins to the Final Four. This will be the 15th time UCLA has gone to the Final Four.
