UH, UCLA have nothing to hide
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
On the Internet, off satellite feeds of K-5 telecasts, on home-produced videos ...
"UCLA knows all about us," UH middle blocker Dejan Miladinovic said of the Warriors' second-ranked opponent tomorrow and Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center, "but we know all about UCLA. At this time of the year, in this league, there are no secrets."
In preparation for this Mountain Pacific Sports Federation series — UCLA is in second place, UH is third — the teams have used different methods.
On Monday, the Warriors went to Sandy's to relax. "It was beneficial, I'd say," Miladinovic said. "It helped us refocus."
Tuesday and yesterday, Josh Stanhiser, a 6-foot-9 post player on UH's basketball team, was recruited to help during blocking drills.
"He was walking around, and we asked him, because he kind of looked like a UCLA player," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "We needed to work on hitting against a block, and he's tall."
There are no NCAA limits on how many players may practice, and Stanhiser, who once considered playing for the Warriors, said, "I'm glad to help out." As for a possible volleyball future, Stanhiser said, "We'll see."
In Los Angeles, UCLA coach Al Scates has spent several hours this week reviewing digital videos of the Bruins and the Warriors. Scates admits to spending as much time in the film room as in the gym.
"I try to look at a lot of videotape," Scates said. "It helps in trying to correct technical problems."
In the old days, UCLA assistants would record practices and matches on 16-millimeter film. The film would be cut according to category — serves, sideouts and so forth — and "spliced together with tape," Scates said. "My assistants sure don't miss those days."
Now, the Bruins use a state-of-the-art digital video system borrowed from the football program. The program is designed, for instance, to break down all of outside hitter Cameron Mount's swings or opponents' attacks during specific rotations.
Eric Daly, one of the most overqualified employees in the country, is the team's statistician. Daly earned a computer science degree from MIT, and a master's in mathematics and MBA from UCLA.
During matches, Daly, who designed UCLA's volleyball statistical program, punches plays into a laptop computer that is linked to a digital camera. Daly can transmit statistics and an opposing team's tendencies to an assistant coach on the bench. During breaks, Scates receives printouts.
"I get tons of data every timeout," said Scates, noting the information usually confirms his perceptions.
Scates said the digital videos help players correct flaws, as well as assist in personnel decisions. Scates is seeking replacements for injured outside hitter Jonathan Acosta (torn abdominal muscle) and quick hitter Scott Morrow (torn quadriceps).
Daly is able to take footage of UH matches from satellite feeds, input it into the computer program and produce a personalized scouting tape for each UCLA player. While the Warriors also have a sophisticated video system, they have limited access to UCLA telecasts. All of UH's home matches are shown on K-5 and available off the satellite.
"We don't get to see them on TV all of the time, like they get to see us," Wilton said. "We'll pick up whatever match is on TV and then I'll get tapes of assorted matches from friends of mine around the league."
Wilton learned of Acosta's condition from UH outside hitter Jose Delgado, Acosta's best friend.
"We know what they're capable of and they know what we're capable of," Miladinovic said. "It's going to come down to whoever's inspired on that given night. I hope it's us."
