Freshman Is Young, but Improving

After averaging only about five minutes in the first four games, freshman swingman Ray Young has made such impressive strides that he has earned a spot in the rotation and may even push for a starting job.

“He just made this kind of quantum leap by rolling up his sleeves, working hard and playing defense,” Coach Steve Lavin said.

Young, a 6-foot-3, 195-pounder from Alameda, Calif., has played double-digit minutes in two of the last three games.

“A month ago, it didn’t appear that Ray was going to be in the rotation from the way he was performing in practice,” Lavin said. “But in the last two or three weeks, he’s been pushing for a spot in the starting lineup, or at least a significant spot in the rotation.

“He’s brought unbelievable work ethic and intensity and defense.”