Reserve Rubin Making a Name for Himself

Janou Rubin now knows the Pacific 10 Conference chooses a player of the week.

Because he is it.

The UCLA reserve guard was honored after scoring 13 points in one half against Oregon State and 13 more against Oregon -- both Bruin victories.

“I never noticed who won it before,” he said. “I didn’t know about it.”

No wonder. Rubin, a walk-on for three seasons, one of which he red-shirted, until Coach Ben Howland gave him a scholarship this season, rarely left the bench. He took advantage of playing time triggered by guard Brian Morrison’s hamstring injury. Morrison also will be sidelined for this week’s games at Washington State and Washington.

Tuesday, Rubin was besieged by television cameras and microphones. How now, Janou?

“I’m pretty humble, and I’m going to enjoy this, then just get back to helping the team win,” he said.

Oddly, he will be a walk-on again next season. The scholarship is only for one year because Howland is bringing in so many new players next fall.

“I’ll just work hard and see what happens with that,” Rubin said. “I’ll take it in stride.”

-- Steve Henson