Suspended Serbian star returns to US college squad

Based on the information we have right now and what we know about the situation... we just felt like he's been suspended for the two games.

Nikola Dragovic, a Serbian forward who was suspended for two games after being arrested in an assault case, was allowed back onto the UCLA collegiate squad on Wednesday.

University of California at Los Angeles coach Ben Howland said the 21-year-old senior will be in the lineup when the Bruins face Portland on Thursday.

- Based on the information we have right now and what we know about the situation... we just felt like he's been suspended for the two games, and based on what we know right now, it would be the right decision to let him play - Howland said.

Dragovic, who had been the only returning starter for the Bruins, missed games against Cal State-Bakersfield and Pepperdine after his banishment last Friday and will not return to the starting lineup.

Dragovic pleaded innocent last week on federal charges of knocking a man into a glass case during a concert in Hollywood. The Serbian star's attorney said Dragovic was threatened with a knife by the man after trying to walk away.

An arraignment is scheduled for December 21.

US college programs such as UCLA are a major source of talent for NBA clubs and a strong season for Dragovic would pave the way for a professional career with the elite US league or in Europe.