UCLA Bruins

Raider Assassin · January 22nd, 2005, 04:40 PM

At one point not to long ago I thought that the Bruins were going to be a force in the Pac 10 with three freshman in the starting lineup,but as of late I've had to change my thinking,because after a strong showing down at Arizona,they've come home to lose to an average Standford team and today were soundly beaten by the last place California Bears.They certainly have some outstanding freshman guards and forwards,but their weak point is in the middle and at the power foward positions.They're to soft at those postions in order to compete with the likes of Arizonia,Kentucky,KU Duke,UNC,Illinois and others.Thus,now that Howland has recruited the guards and small forwards,his next task is to go out and find some skilled and tough post players in order to get UCLA back to the upper levels of the collegiate BB world.

Mike · January 22nd, 2005, 06:43 PM

I am sure KP will hit you up on this one, he is a diehard fan!!!!

KP · January 22nd, 2005, 08:02 PM

Actually, Raider. You are correct. UCLA basketball has been a disappointment for the last few years. And they are soft in the middle.

Howland has done an excellent job teaching unselfish team play and defense, which made him successful at Pitt.

He has commitments from the #11 ranked C in the country (although he is only 6'7") and the #13 ranked PF for the 05 class. Last year he signed Lorenzo Mata, the #24 ranked PF who is a current Frosh.

He already has a verbal commitment from the #8 ranked PF for the 06 class.

Help is certainly on the way.

This team is very, very young. Losing the #2 player overall in the country to academics two years ago and losing Trevor Ariza to the NBA after only one year hurt.

So, Howland is re-building this team and doing a great job. This is certainly a team to watch and should make some noise next year in the NC2A's.

KP · January 31st, 2005, 03:20 PM

How 'bout that comeback from 18 down at halftime? True, sc is not a very good team, but UCLA is growing. Being down by 18 to your crosstown rival on their floor, particularly after getting beat in your last three, to come back and win is huge. Shows definite mental toughness.

This team is making strides....

focal22 · January 31st, 2005, 09:16 PM

yeah thats what they all say when a team isn't performing up to normal standards. they are rebuilding...when will DUKE be rebuilding?

KP · January 31st, 2005, 10:01 PM

Well, the truth is, UCLA IS rebuilding. They start three true freshman and only one senior. Steve Lavin was a terrible recruiter and proved to be a subpar coach. Howland is transfiguring this team from a soft team that lacks focus and mental and physical toughness to one that has intensity and toughness.

Duke is a great program. They've had great coaching for years just like the other top programs that are there every year.

I'll say it: UCLA has sucked for the last three or four years. No question. They will make noise next year.

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January 22nd, 2005, 04:40 PM	#1
Raider Assassin Join Date: 09-21-2002 Location: Long Beach,Ca. Posts: 932	UCLA Bruins At one point not to long ago I thought that the Bruins were going to be a force in the Pac 10 with three freshman in the starting lineup,but as of late I've had to change my thinking,because after a strong showing down at Arizona,they've come home to lose to an average Standford team and today were soundly beaten by the last place California Bears.They certainly have some outstanding freshman guards and forwards,but their weak point is in the middle and at the power foward positions.They're to soft at those postions in order to compete with the likes of Arizonia,Kentucky,KU Duke,UNC,Illinois and others.Thus,now that Howland has recruited the guards and small forwards,his next task is to go out and find some skilled and tough post players in order to get UCLA back to the upper levels of the collegiate BB world.

January 22nd, 2005, 06:43 PM	#2
Mike Join Date: 07-08-2002 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 10,791	I am sure KP will hit you up on this one, he is a diehard fan!!!!

January 22nd, 2005, 08:02 PM	#3
KP Join Date: 07-08-2002 Posts: 1,988	Actually, Raider. You are correct. UCLA basketball has been a disappointment for the last few years. And they are soft in the middle. Howland has done an excellent job teaching unselfish team play and defense, which made him successful at Pitt. He has commitments from the #11 ranked C in the country (although he is only 6'7") and the #13 ranked PF for the 05 class. Last year he signed Lorenzo Mata, the #24 ranked PF who is a current Frosh. He already has a verbal commitment from the #8 ranked PF for the 06 class. Help is certainly on the way. This team is very, very young. Losing the #2 player overall in the country to academics two years ago and losing Trevor Ariza to the NBA after only one year hurt. So, Howland is re-building this team and doing a great job. This is certainly a team to watch and should make some noise next year in the NC2A's.

January 31st, 2005, 03:20 PM	#4
KP Join Date: 07-08-2002 Posts: 1,988	How 'bout that comeback from 18 down at halftime? True, sc is not a very good team, but UCLA is growing. Being down by 18 to your crosstown rival on their floor, particularly after getting beat in your last three, to come back and win is huge. Shows definite mental toughness. This team is making strides....

January 31st, 2005, 09:16 PM	#5
focal22 Join Date: 08-07-2002 Posts: 6,506	yeah thats what they all say when a team isn't performing up to normal standards. they are rebuilding...when will DUKE be rebuilding?

January 31st, 2005, 10:01 PM	#6
KP Join Date: 07-08-2002 Posts: 1,988	Well, the truth is, UCLA IS rebuilding. They start three true freshman and only one senior. Steve Lavin was a terrible recruiter and proved to be a subpar coach. Howland is transfiguring this team from a soft team that lacks focus and mental and physical toughness to one that has intensity and toughness. Duke is a great program. They've had great coaching for years just like the other top programs that are there every year. I'll say it: UCLA has sucked for the last three or four years. No question. They will make noise next year.

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