Comments on Bruin Basketball Report | UCLA Bruins Basketball: Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (9/27)

hope he will recover from injury soon

2010-12-24T07:04:20.000-08:00

hope he will recover from injury soon

Good post, DB. I agree with 90% of what you said.....

2010-10-01T11:25:22.000-07:00

Good post, DB. I agree with 90% of what you said...and even my point of contention comes with an asterisk attached. Regarding the uptempo game, I recall years gone by -- pre-Howland -- when UCLA had some teams that were more than happy to trade baskets if the players could get a chance for a steal or block. There was no discipline; lanes to the hoop would be left open as guards tried for the reach around steal and the bigs goaded opponents into layup attempts while simply hoping to block the shot. When Howland arrived, that "ole" defense departed. I understand how recruits love that run-and-gun style, and I do to some extent think the players like Afflalo--a solid two-way player--dictate how much running can be done. But that was a team that ran more out of transition, resulting from passing-lane and low-block steals. When you have a bunch of young guys who might be overmatched, as a coach you definitely want to slow the game down. I think we have seen a lot more of that of late.

Hope what Espn says about Bruins opening up their ...

2010-09-30T15:23:21.000-07:00

Hope what Espn says about Bruins opening up their offense is true. For too long we waste talent on not speeding up the game. Probably the recruiting staff had heard enough of recruits wanting to go a more uptempo system.
One and done players while can be a pain, it is still a good problem to have. You rather have that problem than not have it at all. Afterall, while basketball is also about teamwork, superior talent more often than not wins out. this is why every year the team that wins is pretty much the same old 5-7 teams on rotation basically.
Who wouldnt opt for Millions of dollars a year if you can get it? You cant blame the kids for it. Westbrook can be considered a one and done as well, why? He didnt even really play in his first year and left once he had a breakout year.
Dont hate the players, hate the system and also the colleges for encouraging it anyways. It is a business afterall and anyone who thinks it is about education period is lying. Colleges get rich faster with great sports teams than students.
you just hope along the way the players learn something and can apply it better in life. Afterall, arent we all going to college to get a better education and hope to get a better job? These kids are no different except they are doing it through sports.

If we could get the LA kid Norvell that would be h...

2010-09-30T11:09:27.000-07:00

If we could get the LA kid Norvell that would be huge to go with Josh Smith, Wear twins and Reeves. Don't think it will happen but that would be a monster front court

With a potential Nba lockout in 2011-2012, plsyers...

2010-09-29T12:37:43.000-07:00

With a potential Nba lockout in 2011-2012, plsyers may have to stay another year after next year. And wouldn't that season be fun to watch.
Of course they have the option to play overseas.

Very well said and absolutely correct! This is not...

2010-09-29T05:51:32.000-07:00

Very well said and absolutely correct! This is not a problem unique to the UCLA program. It is just part of the atmosphere of college hoops today. The successful juggling of talent in and out is now the high priority on an athletic director in what he pays his coach for.
If we grab the five stars, only expect them for a year. BTW, my sources tell me TH goes pro after this season. The only reason to stay would be to play with the Wear Twins, etc if a super successful season would look to be in the cards. Otherwise, he takes his shot at the next level

I would have to agree in part. We don't want ...

2010-09-28T14:12:40.000-07:00

I would have to agree in part. We don't want to be a platform for simi professionals who merely want some TV exposure for the draft. However, they all aspire to and are told, from an early age, they'll be in the NBA . So we have accept some with thoughts of early departure. Love and Holiday for example.

I'm happy for Norm Powell. He's looking at...

2010-09-28T08:04:59.000-07:00

I'm happy for Norm Powell. He's looking at the opportunity of a four year UCLA education while living close to home. Maybe that's what CBH values right about now. A mid-range talent with a four year commitment. Quinn Cook sounds good, but what good is a player who looks to be another one-and-done. Overall these NBA prospects only serve to throw off team chemistry.

Sounds like CBH thinks he loses Lee at the end of ...

2010-09-27T10:28:53.000-07:00

Sounds like CBH thinks he loses Lee at the end of this season and maybe TH. But, we need Q. Cook regardless

Crucial indeed. Q Cook and A Thomas are visiting ...

2010-09-27T09:54:14.000-07:00

Crucial indeed. Q Cook and A Thomas are visiting this week. I wonder if it's a coincidence their visiting on the same day? Nah.

Was at Bruin - Texas game last weekend. INCREDIBLE...

2010-09-27T09:45:11.000-07:00

Was at Bruin - Texas game last weekend. INCREDIBLE!!! I know this is strictly bruin hoops, but it was one of the best games I have been to in my longer career as a Bruin. Great stuff.

Now we need Cook, he's crucial

2010-09-27T03:24:16.000-07:00

Now we need Cook, he's crucial