Boys' basketball: UCLA-bound Lane fits Howland's mold

There’s been one quality UCLA Coach Ben Howland has consistently sought in each of his basketball recruits besides being able to play the game -- top character.

And 6-foot-9 Brendan Lane from Rocklin High near Sacramento fits the bill. Playing for EBO in this week’s Adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas, Lane shows good potential with his long arms, ability to rebound and his perimeter shooting skills.

He also has a 4.2 grade-point average. He scored 18 and 17 points, respectively, in games on Wednesday. He committed to UCLA last month.

“I’m just trying to play hard and trying to get better against good competition,” he said.

His mother is a special education teacher and his father works in the insurance business. He loves math, having scored a 5 -- the highest score -- on the Advanced Placement calculus test. He’s playing power forward and says he’s working on gaining strength and building up his 200-pound frame.

The quality of players he’s facing is a test for Lane, who doesn’t see many players his size during the high school season.

“There are a few guys, but nothing like here,” he said.

-- Eric Sondheimer