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Like him or hate him, Texas Tech coach Bob Knight is one of the most recognizable faces in colleg

Bob Knight is many things to many people. To some, the Texas Tech coach is a college basketball icon, whose resume commands respect. To others, he’s a man with a tremendous temper that he’s unable to control. To UCLA coach Ben Howland, Knight is simply the face of Texas Tech basketball. “I have unbelievable respect and admiration for him,” said Howland, who will coach against Knight for the first time in his career Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. “He’s one of the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball. Just look at the family tree of coaches that have come from him – (Duke’s Mike) Krzyzewski was a Bobby Knight guy.” Though it is doubtful that anyone will ever come close to the legacy of John Wooden at UCLA, Howland aspires to have the same sort of impact in his tenure in Westwood that Knight has had in his 38 years of coaching at Texas Tech, Indiana and Army. Like Knight, whose teams are known for their motion offense and disciplined play, Howland has brought a mentality to UCLA predicated on solid defense and patience on offense. Just as Knight has created a calling card with his style of play, Howland wants to establish his own trademark. So while the Red Raiders are a reflection of Bobby Knight, these Bruins are appearing to become a reflection of Ben Howland. “Yes, I hope so,” Howland said. The Bruins are aware of the mammoth presence Knight has forged on the college basketball landscape. In fact, the only thing most of the players knew about Texas Tech was that Knight was the coach. But they affirm that nobody will get too distracted by the near-mythical status of Knight. “They’ve got a legend over there, in Bobby Knight,” senior Dijon Thompson said. “But if we go out there and play Bruin basketball, we should be all right.” “I don’t really pay attention to who is coaching out there,” freshman Jordan Farmar said. “I mean, I’ve gone up against Lute Olson, Tom Izzo. Once I’m out there on the floor all that stuff gets blocked out.”

MORRISON INJURED: Senior Brian Morrison sustained a right thigh contusion in practice over the weekend and has been held out of practice since. Though uncertain as to how Morrison incurred the injury, Howland said he was doubtful to practice on Tuesday but feels confident that the sharp-shooting guard will be ready to play by Thursday’s game. “He’s a tough kid and I know he’ll be ready to go if he’s called upon,” Farmar said. During the regular season, Morrison was UCLA’s most effective player off the bench. In 28 games this season, Morrison averaged 22 minutes and 7.5 points off the bench, while shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the 3-point line.