The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

BY GERY WOELFEL

ST. FRANCIS — When the Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly traded Yi Jianlian to the New Jersey Nets in June, it was assumed Charlie Villanueva would inherit the starting power forward position.

And that seemingly is the case. Villanueva has started all six of the Bucks’ preseason games and has acquitted himself well, especially on offense. Villanueva is averaging a team-high 14.6 points.

But Villanueva hasn’t been nearly as proficient defensively and that’s why it’s not a lock he’ll be in the Bucks’ starting lineup for their regular-season opener against the Bulls Tuesday night in Chicago.

Bucks coach Scott Skiles, whose team is 1-5 in the preseason, acknowledged he wants more of a defensive presence out of Villanueva, or someone else.

"At the four spot ... we’re not getting any defense in that spot and that’s hurting us in the games,’’ Skiles said. "Everybody knows Charlie is a quality scorer. There’s no question about that.

"But we also need defense there. We need defense at every spot on the floor. Our defensive numbers are horrible.

"I’m not singling him out, but he needs to pick it up on that end and the rebounding aspect of it, too.’’

Villanueva is averaging 4.0 rebounds in 20.8 minutes a game during the preseason. His backup and chief competitor for the starting spot, Malik Allen, is averaging 3.0 rebounds in 14.8 minutes.

While Allen doesn‘t possess Villanueva’s skill level, he has two things working in his favor: 1) He’s a proven veteran, having started 119 games during his seven-year pro career, including six in the playoffs, and 2) He’s got a firm grasp of Skiles’ system, having played for the latter from 2005-2007.

In that span with the Bulls, Allen played 114 games and started 25 of them.

Allen claims his admiration for Skiles is the principal reason he’s with the Bucks. The 30-year-old Allen was a free agent over the summer and opted to sign with the Bucks instead of New Orleans and Orlando, two teams that could go deep into the playoffs.

What’s more, Allen said he took less money — $1.3 million this season and a player option of $1.3 million for next season — to sign with the Bucks and play for Skiles.

"I know Scott and I think he’s a great coach,’’ said Allen, who aspires to be a coach himself after his playing days are over. "I was familiar with his system and his philosophy.

"He’s what drew me here.’’

And he admits so was the prospect of starting. Unlike Miami or New Orleans, where his chances of starting were virtually non-existent, he has a decent chance to start with the Bucks.

"I would love to start,’’ Allen said. "The guys at my position are very talented. Not to take anything away from them, but it’s about what makes our team the best team.

"Right now, we’re still growing as a team. We’re still learning about each other and learning who plays best with each other.’’

And who plays the best defense.