UCLA Completes Sweep in Oregon

By Bruin Basketball Report

Box Score

The Bruins went on a 14-4 run to start the second half and then cruised to a 63-54 victory over the Oregon St. Beavers (OSU) in Corvallis completing a road sweep of the Oregon schools.

After leading by only a point at halftime, the Bruins held the Beavers to only one field goal in the first nine minutes of the second half.

For the second straight game, the UCLA defense held it's opponent to under 60 points. UCLA is second only to Washington St. in points allowed per game in Pac-10 conference play.

The Bruins (17-4, 7-2) shut down OSU’s two leading scorers, Chris Stephens and Nick Dewitz, the two combined for only 8 points. Stephens and Dewitz had been averaging 14.5 points and 11.8 points per game, respectively.

UCLA’s defense held OSU to only 35.4% FG shooting. Entering the game OSU (10-10, 3-6) had been leading the Pac-10 conference in FG% shooting at 48%.

The only Beaver to score in double figures was Sasha Cuic who scored a career-high 24 points primarily on long range jumpers.

Halfway through the Pac-10 season, senior Ryan Hollins is solidifying the Bruin’s interior. In another superb performance, Hollins scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in addition to changing a number of the Beaver’s shot attempts in the paint.

Hollins has sparkled since his return from a groin injury and is beginning to play an integral part to the Bruins march to the post-season.

Sophomore Jordan Farmar showed again why he is one of the top point guards in the nation. Whenever the Bruins needed a score in the game Farmar would hit a jumper, drive for a basket, or pass to an open man for an easy score. He finished with 13 points, 8 assists, and committed only 1 turnover in the game.

Guard Arron Afflalo continued his shooting slump finishing with 11 points but on 4 of 14 shooting. Afflalo appeared to be pressing too much and not letting the game come to him. A number of times he passed up open jumpers or dribbled into a crowd for a tough shot.

However like any great player, Afflalo contributed other ways including being the primary defender against OSU’s Stephens and grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds in the game.

Freshman Luc Richard Mbah a Moute had another solid game for the Bruins scoring 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. He shot 5 of 9 from the field and is expanding his game on the offensive end.

Earlier in the season most of Mbah a Moute's points were off offensive rebounds, but he is beginning to attack the basket from the wing and is taking more outside jumpers, in this contest he took four 3-point FG attempts making one of them.

For the game the Bruins shot 43.6% from the field but shot only 3 of 19 from beyond the arc. UCLA also out-rebounded OSU by a 36-24 margin.

UCLA is first place in the Pac-10 conference leading Arizona by one game. The Bruins are at home next week to face Arizona St. on Thursday and Arizona on Saturday at Pauley Pavilion.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

(photo credit: (Rick Bowmer/AP)

Bozeman To Start Against Beavers

UCLA coach Ben Howland called Cedric Bozeman's 18 minutes "invaluable" in the win against Oregon, despite the senior wing scoring just three points, grabbing only two rebounds and dishing out one assist.

It was because Bozeman's return from a left shoulder injury allowed leading scorer and top defender Arron Afflalo to play 31 minutes, his lowest total since before Bozeman was injured, and also took pressure off freshman Michael Roll.

In fact, point guard Jordan Farmar said having Bozeman back "helps everything."

Because of those factors, Howland said Bozeman will start at wing in place of Roll today, when No. 17 UCLA visits Oregon State. L.A. Daily News

UCLA vs. Oregon State - Game Preview

No.17 ranked UCLA looks for a sweep of the Oregon schools when it faces the Oregon St. Beavers (OSU) tomorrow afternoon in Corvallis.

The Bruins 16-4, 6-2) won a hard fought game on Thursday in Eugene against the Oregon Ducks 56-49.

On Thursday the Beavers (3-5, 10-9) lost in overtime to the USC Trojans, 72-70. OSU’s Chris Stephens forced the game into overtime with a three-pointer at the end of regulation, but in overtime USC’s Nick Young hit the winning shot with three seconds left.

OSU mixes their defense with a man-to-man and zone. Against California, OSU’s zone effectively shut down Cal’s big men inside and limited the Bears to only 34% FG shooting for the game.

The Beavers lead the Pac-10 in FG% defense allowing only 39% shooting from the field. Moreover, they defend against 3-pointers well limiting opponents to only 23% from beyond the arc.

Although OSU averages only 66.3 points per game, they lead the Pac-10 conference in FG% (48%) and 3-point FG shooting (41%).

The Beaver’s offense is paced by two seniors: guard Chris Stephens and forward Nick DeWitz.

Stephens (Sr, 6'2,195) leads the team in scoring at 14.5 ppg - shooting 51% from the field and 48% on 3-pointers. He leads the conference in 3-point shooting. Stephens also shoots over 90% from the line.

DeWitz (Sr, 6'8, 230) is a tough match-up for defenders. Although not very athletic, he has the ability to score on post ups and can step outside to hit a jumper. He is shooting 50% from the field and 31% on 3-pointers. DeWitz also averages 5.1 rebounds and a team-high 1.8 blocks per game.

In addition to DeWitz, OSU has three other big bodies they can put in the game.

Forward Marcel Jones (So, 6’8, 215) leads the team in rebounding at 7.3 per game. He also averages 8.7 ppg and shoots 45% from the field and 37% on 3-pointers. Only a sophomore, Jones tends to struggle with consistency at times.

OSU starts Kyle Jeffers (Jr, 6’9, 258) at center. Jeffers is a good interior defender and shot blocker. He averages 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 22 minutes per contest. Jeffers also averages 6.4 ppg on 49% FG shooting.

European import Sasa Cuic (So, 6’10, 253) gives the team an offensive spark off the bench. He averages 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He shoots 45% from the field and is dangerous when left open beyond the arc hitting 46% on 3-pointers.

OSU lost senior starter Lamar Hurd to a groin strain last week. Junior college transfer Wesley Washington (So, 6’3, 175) and Jason Fontenet. (Sr, 5’10, 168) have filled his spot. Even with Hurd, the Beavers have struggled at the play-making spot.

The Beavers are last in assists in the conference averaging only 10.4 assists per game. Making matters worse, they also commit the most turnovers per game in the conference (18.4). Not surprisingly they have a record of 5-8 when they commit more turnovers than their opponents. The Beavers have a conference low of 0.57 in assist to turnover ratio.

The Bruins will need to match up against a big OSU front line. UCLA did not fare well against Cal’s big front line; however, the Bruins center Ryan Hollins did not play in that game. The senior Hollins has played well on the defensive end since his return from a groin injury. He grabbed season-high 8 rebounds against West Virginia last week.

Sophomore 6’7 forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute had a double-double performance against Oregon on Thursday scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Senior forward Cedric Bozeman played 18 minutes against the Ducks and looks to continue his road back from a shoulder injury. He hit the only shot he took in the game – a 3-pointer, but most importantly, Bozeman provided the Bruins with a steadying presence on both ends of the court.

Guard Arron Afflalo looks to snap out of a six game slump in which he has shot less than 50% from the field. Prior to his shooting woes, Afflalo was shooting over 56% from the field. In his last two games he is shooting only 4 of 19 from the field and 1 of 12 on 3-pointers.

Last year UCLA and OSU split their regular season game but the Beavers upset the Bruins in the Pac-10 tournament 79-72.

(Bruinbasketballreport.com)

Bruins Know How To Win Tough, Edge Ducks

By Bruin Basketball Report

Box Score

The UCLA Bruins (16-4, 6-2) pulled out a rough road victory with a 56-49 win over the Oregon Ducks (10-10, 4-4) in Eugene.

The Ducks famed arena, “The Pit”, has been a graveyard for many visiting teams. Oregon was undefeated at home in conference play this year which included a sweep over both Arizona schools. However on this night of solid defensive play by both teams, the Bruins came out on top.

In a contest in which no team led by more than five points for most of the game, it was more of a slugfest than a basketball game.

UCLA’s Arron Afflalo battled Oregon’s Malik Hairston all night with each player holding the other below their season scoring average.

Afflalo had 12 points on only 3 of 10 shooting. He played great denial defense on Hairston by using his speed advantage in keeping the ball out of his hands.

When Hairston did get the ball, Afflalo teammate’s, especially Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, would slide over to give defensive help. Hairston, who was averaging 15.2 points per game, was held to only 6 points on 3 of 8 shooting.

In addition to providing defensive help on Hairston, Mbah a Moute recorded his sixth double-double of the season scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

For the game the Bruins out-rebounded the Ducks 34-27.

The Ducks have undergone a total team transformation in midseason. They began the year as an up-tempo running team but have now become a half-court methodical offensive team. In addition, they have stepped up their defensive intensity.

They held the Bruins to 41.3% shooting for the game and 12 points below their scoring average. UCLA shot only 4 of 16 from beyond the arc.

Oregon’s strategy against the Bruins was to focus their defense on slowing UCLA point guard Jordan Farmar by having a bigger guard defend him. 6’5 Bryce Taylor and 6’4 Brandon Lincoln took turns guarding Farmar.

The defensive scheme appeared to bother Farmar for most of the evening but towards the end of the game Farmar began driving around high screens for either lay-ups or shooting fouls. He finished with 14 points although he only shot 5 of 9 on free throws.

Senior Cedric Bozeman returned to the line-up after rehabilitating his left shoulder and missing eight games. Bozeman had 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 18 minutes of play. As he did earlier in the year, Bozeman had a steadying influence on the offense. He provides the Bruins with another ball-handler and good passer on the floor.

If Bozeman can stay healthy for the rest of the season, his presence and play elevates the team which may translate to good success in postseason play. In addition to his offensive contributions, Bozeman switched over to guard Oregon’s Malik Hairston at times during the game in order to give Afflalo some rest.

For Oregon this was a game it could have won.

Ivan Johnson, a physical 6’8 forward, was a tough match-up inside for the Bruins. He scored 10 points in the game. In addition to Johnson on the inside, 6’8 Adam Zahn also scored 6 points. The two give this perimeter-oriented Oregon club an inside game to build upon in the future.

However, with Hairston underwraps the Ducks just did not have enough offense.

Oregon’s junior point guard Aaron Brooks had another forgettable game. After shooting 2 of 12 against Washington on Saturday, Brooks shot 3 of 10 in this game and committed four turnovers.

The Bruins held the Ducks to only 32.2% field goal shooting and only 3 of 17 on 3-pointers.

UCLA now sits atop the Pac-10 conference alone after California defeated Washington, 71-69.

The Bruins now travel to Corvallis for a match-up against the Oregon St. Beavers. The Beavers lost to USC in overtime, 72-70.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

(photo credit: AP)

Wooden Speaks About Recruiting, Now and Then

The legendary John Wooden, 95, allowed us into his home in Encino, Calif., to talk about recruiting at UCLA during his era.

He relates the stories of Lewis Alcindor, Gail Goodrich, Walt Hazzard and more, while discussing his recruiting methods and how he very rarely saw a recruit. Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa and other subjects come up, too. FoxSports.com

Farmar Settles Into Leading Role

UCLA sophomore point guard Jordan Farmar led the Pacific-10 Conference in assists last season, was tops among the league's freshmen in scoring, minutes and free throw percentage, and second in steals. Yet, as the season wore down, a fight raged within Farmar.

"I was talking to Luc (Mbah a Moute) and told him I averaged 30 points and six assists as a senior in high school. I was an All-American," said Farmar, who attended Taft High in Woodland Hills. "I came in and was getting 13 points and winning some of our games. I (was) not taking over when I should be, and lo and behold, I'm freshman of the year (in the conference) and everybody is noticing me, and I'm feeling like I didn't do anything yet."

Farmar said his secret to this season lies with his newly discovered maturity, something that flourished during the offseason. The 19-year-old credited maturity as enabling him to survive a distressing first two months in which he played with a badly sprained right ankle, while helping him embrace his roles as a vocal leader and arguably as one of the nation's premier point guards. Daily News

UCLA vs. Oregon - Game Preview

By Bruin Basketball Report

The No.17 ranked UCLA Bruins (15-4, 5-2) take on the Oregon Ducks (10-9, 4-3) in Eugene on Thursday.

The Bruins received good news yesterday when it learned senior forward Cedric Bozeman was cleared to play in practice and games. He is expected to play 15-20 minutes against Oregon.

However, another Bruin was hit by the injury bug when freshman Darren Collison sprained his left ankle on Saturday. Collison missed practice the last two days but will practice today and is expected to play against Oregon.

The cover of Oregon's basketball media guide portrays the Ducks as "Speed Racers", yet lately, the Ducks have been more comfortable driving in the slow lane.

Instead of an up and down game one would expect from an athletic Oregon team, we'll see the Ducks be more patient in setting up their offensive sets in the half court.

"We still run and get up and down the floor," Oregon head coach Ernie Kent said. "We've just made it slower in terms of not turning it over as much, not trying to make as many home-run plays."

The Ducks have transformed themselves out of necessity. Despite a talented roster of players, Oregon finished a mediocre non-conference schedule with only a 6-6 record.

Kent decided his team was better off not trying to replicate the breakneck pace of past Duck teams and the results have been somewhat promising.

Oregon has a 4-3 record in Pac-10 conference play. The Ducks are undefeated at home this season in conference play which included an impressive win over Arizona.

Last week the Ducks beat Washington St. 52-50 at Pullman but then were routed by Washington 78-59.

The Ducks are led by sophomore forward Malik "Carmelo" Hairston (6'6, 200). He is averaging 15.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Hairston can hit from anywhere on the court; he is shooting 48% from the field, and 45% from beyond the 3-point arc.

A healthy Cedric Bozeman would have been a good size and athletic match-up for Hairston. Michael Roll has done a good job defensively against his opposing number at SF but Hairston plays at another level. Most likely we'll see Arron Afflalo, Michael Roll, and Cedric Bozeman take their turns matching up with Hairston.

Junior Aaron Brooks (6'0, 165) runs the team from the point. Brooks, a highly recruited prep star, has endured injuries and inconsistent play during his college career. His unven play was the main reason Kent decided to change the team's offensive tempo and scheme.

Brooks is averaging 11.7 points and 4.5 assists per game; however, he is shooting 39% from the field and only 29% on 3-pointers. In his last game against Washington, he scored only 4 points on 2-12 shooting.

Guard Bryce Taylor (So, 6'5, 205) is averaging 9.8 pointer per game and shooting 40% from the field. He has struggled form the 3-point line this year shooting only 27% from the arc although he is still capable of putting together an impressive game. He hit 2-5 on 3-pointers against Washington.

Forward Maarty Leunen (So, 6'9, 215) suffered an ankle sprain two weeks ago and has played sparingly although he did play in both games last week. He is the team's leading rebounder with 6.9 rebounds per game and also averages 7.8 points per contest. Leunen likes to face up and shoot from the perimeter; he shoots 30% on 3-pointers.

Jordan Kent (Jr, 6'5, 205), the coach's son, has played in Leunan's place in the starting line-up. He is a nice complimentary player who plays to get his teammates involved in the game. He averages only 1.4 points and 4 rebounds per game but his value to the team goes beyond the box score.

Center Adam Zahn (Jr, 6'8, 230) is averaging 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per contest. He averages only 0.3 blocks per game.

Ivan Johnson (Jr, 6'8, 255) was supposed to be a key part of the team but instead has been a distraction. He was suspended by Kent for non-academic reasons earlier in the season. When playing, Johnson provides a perimeter-oriented Duck team with a tough and active presence inside the paint. Johnson is averaging 8.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a game.

Brandon Lincoln (Sr, 6'4, 195) is the team's valuable sixth man. He provides solid offense and defense off the bench. Lincoln is averaging 6.0 points per game and shoots 40% on 3-pointers.

Chamberlain Oguchi (So, 6'5, 195) is a shooter off the bench although he has struggled with his shooting this year. He averages 35% from the field but has done well on 3-pointers by shooting 33%.

Oregon has played like an average team this year but it has the potential to be a very good team. If coach Ernie Kent is able to assemble the misfit pieces he started with this season, the Ducks still may be an NIT team. If not, Kent's job may be in jeopardy at the end of the season.

The Bruin's Arron Afflalo has struggled with his shot over the last few games. Head coach Ben Howland feels Afflalo has been relying too much on his outside shot and wants him to drive and attack the basket more often to keep opposing defenders off balance. Currently teams are playing him to take the perimeter shot.

Senior Ryan Hollins is coming off his best game of the season against WVU. Hollins scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the game. He also was a dominating defensive factor in the paint for the Bruins.

After losing to a tough West Virginia team at home on Saturday, the Bruin team will try to regroup on the road. After the game on Saturday, Howland said "The pressure we faced today (against WVU) will help us on our road games in the coming weeks".

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

Bozeman Returning To Bruins

Bad shoulder and aching knee notwithstanding, Cedric Bozeman is coming back for one last stab at playing basketball for UCLA.

Four weeks after he tore cartilage in his left shoulder in practice, the fifth-year senior swingman has been cleared to practice and resume playing limited minutes. Barring a setback in practice, Bozeman figures to play 15 to 20 minutes a game this week when the 17th-ranked Bruins head north to play Oregon and Oregon State.

"It's a start,'' Bozeman said Tuesday with a wry smile, when asked if he'll actually abide by the minutes limitation. "We'll see how it goes. Only time will tell (how many minutes I actually play)."

"When I hurt the shoulder, I didn't really think about asking for a (hardship redshirt)," Bozeman said. "I'd played too many games. I didn't figure they'd give me a sixth season.

"Every day I've felt a little bit better. There's soreness, but it's something I can play through."
Bozeman joked with reporters that he won't be able to do any "left-handed monster dunks," but other than that, the limitations from his sore shoulder are minimal.

"It might hurt some if I get hit on it, but I'll be able to use the left hand," Bozeman said. Daily Breeze

UCLA Men's Basketball Injury Update (1/24)

Red-shirt senior Cedric Bozeman was cleared by physicians today to begin practicing with the team. He is expected to play in the upcoming road trip against Oregon and Oregon St., although he will be limited to 8-10 minutes of play per half.

Bozeman, who missed last season with a knee injury, had started 11 games this season before injuring his shoulder and has been out for the last six games.

He was averaging 10.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game and shooting 53% from the field. Bozeman had also been one of the Bruin's best on-ball defenders (i.e. think Bozeman on Gansey).

The return of Bozeman gives UCLA, a team devastated by injuries this year, a much needed boost to their roster. Prior to his shoulder injury, the multi-talented Bozeman had played every position on the floor except for the center position.

In other news, Darren Collison injured his ankle in Saturday's game (x-rays negative). He did not practice Monday and Tuesday but may practice tomorrow and play in Thursday's game

The Bruins visit the Oregon Ducks in Eugene on Thursday, and then travel to Corvalis to take on the Oregon State Beavers Saturday.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

(photo credit: AP)

Everybody Loves The Big Red-Head: Bill Walton

Walton: Amusing, annoying
By Marc Narducci
Inquirer Staff Writer

As a college star at UCLA and an NBA player on two championship teams, Walton had a noticeable stuttering problem and was not very engaging when it came to dealing with members of the media.

Now the 53-year-old Walton has transformed himself into a loquacious, highly opinionated, entertaining and, to some, annoying analyst for ESPN and ABC.

For Walton, a hoop-head of hyperbole, it's all about extremes

All too often, it seems, Walton will trumpet a player as the greatest in the history of the NBA. Saying somebody or something is great often isn't enough for Walton. There has to be more emphasis to the statement.

He claims two of his biggest influences are legendary UCLA coach John Wooden and the late Grateful Dead singer Jerry Garcia.

[...]

During his often-injured but sometimes-brilliant NBA career, Walton was known as one of the best passing centers in the game. On Sunday, the Sixers gave him a big assist for helping them overcome a 19-point deficit to beat the Wolves. Guard Louis Williams, watching the game in the locker room, relayed Walton's harsh comments to his teammates at halftime.

After Andre Iguodala hit an improbable game-winning shot as time expired, he talked about Walton's influence. "We had to show Bill Walton who the Sixers were," Iguodala said. "He was killing us. We had to come back and have a good second half."

[...]

Walton has always been difficult to peg. At UCLA, he was known for his individualistic thinking, and he was known to participate in protest movements. Yet he was also known as one of the best team players in the history of sports. (Oh, no, we're starting to sound like Walton.)

For the full article go to: Philly.com

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

(photo credit: uclabruins.collegesports.com)

UCLA's Schedule Ranked 12th Toughest In Nation

By Bruin Basketball Report

What do college basketball teams: Connecticut, Florida, Texas, Villanova, Gonzaga, Illinois, Washington, and Pittsburgh have in common?

All of them are Top 10 ranked teams; in addition, they all have WEAKER strength of schedules than UCLA.

A weaker strength of schedule than UCLA? Is it possible?

From outlets such as the Los Angeles Times to ESPN, college basketball pundits have repeatedly criticized UCLA for their weak strength of schedule this year.

Former UCLA coach Steve Lavin (via Bruins Nation):

"My only concern is the Bruins have not been tested enough because of their soft non-conference schedule."

Yet, the claim of a weak schedule is a complete and utter fallacy.

According to both CBS Sportsline and Ken Pomeroy ratings, the Bruins have the 12th toughest strength of schedule in the nation. In contrast, No.1 Connecticut has the 72nd ranked strength of schedule.

One wonders if so-called college basketball pundits are neglecting to do their research, or simply just expressing their own opinions.

More from former UCLA coach Steve Lavin (via Bruins Nation):

I've always been a big proponent of playing a schedule that has a balanced schedule of opponents that will allow a team to build the confidence, yet also have enough challenging games against the best competition in the country in order to gain a true sense of your team's strengths and vulnerabilities.

The sooner a coach is able to discover his team's vulnerable areas, the quicker he can do the drill work necessary in practice to neutralize or off set team weaknesses. As a result, the staff and players collectively can build a better and stronger team come March.

We'll let history speak for itself.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)

Bruins Ranked No.17, Connecticut New No.1

By Bruin Basketball Report

Voters at both college basketball polls agree on one thing: the West Virginia Mountaineers are an excellent team.

After routing cross town rival USC and then rallying but losing to West Virginia last week, the UCLA Bruins (15-4, 5-2) are ranked No.17 in both the ESPN/USA Today and Associated Press (AP) polls this week.

The Bruins moved down only one spot from No. 16 in the ESPN/USA Today poll, but AP voters rewarded the Bruins with a move up one spot from No.18 last week.

UCLA defeated USC 66-45 last Wednesday; and were beaten by West Virginia on Saturday 60-56 after trailing by 17 points at halftime.

The Bruin's RPI rating is No.18 this week; while their SOS (Strength of Schedule) is 12th best in the nation.

West Virginia (14-3), with their twelve game winning streak, moved into the top 10 on the AP poll at No.9; and moved up four spots to No.13 on the ESPN/USA Today poll.

The Washington Huskies (16-2, 5-2) remained the only other Pac-10 team in the rankings at No.10 in both polls. Although, Arizona (12-6, 5-3) did receive 9 votes from ESPN/USA Today and 3 votes from the AP.

College basketball has a new No.1 ranked team with Connecticut (16-1) sitting atop the polls after previously undefeated No.1 Duke and No.2 Florida both lost on Saturday.

Duke (17-1) is now ranked No.2 in both polls; and Florida (17-1) is ranked No.4 in the AP and No.5 in ESPN/USA Today polls.

The Bruins travel up to the northwest and do battle with both Oregon schools this week.

(BruinBasketbllReport.com)

Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (1/23)

By Bruin Basketball Report

Prep News Roundup published every Monday during the season.

Commits

no news last week.

Recruits

It's all Luke Babbitt all the time in the Internet's wonderful world wide Web of high school basketball recruiting. A blog on bruinbasketballreport.com (UCLA) has devoted paragraphs to the talents of the Grizzlies' boy wonder. Reno Gazette Journal 1/20

Leuzinger 64, Redondo 51: Russell Westbrook and Donnell Beverley each scored 18 points to lead host Leuzinger (17-3, 3-1). Shane Morgan scored 17 points and Alex Tucker had 14 points for Redondo (11-8, 1-2). Daily Breeze 1/21

But Kevin Love is so much more. On the perimeter he can see the floor well, a product of maturing through living the game 24-7. He handles the ball well and can shoot.
And then there is his bread and butter, the post game. And when he gets the ball down low, he scores -- period. Spin moves, going up with players hanging on his arms, hook shots, fade aways, it's all part of his repitoire. Statesman Journal 1/17

The Lakers are loaded, blessed with franchise guy Kevin Love and bolstered by a slug of big-ticket transfers. If there is sentiment against Lake Oswego throughout the state, it’s because of the perceived “recruits” at the school (see also: Jesuit University and Oregon City girls basketball), along with Oswego’s reputation as a school of rich kids. Plus, it’s human nature to root for underdogs. Portland Tribune 1/17

Kevin Love left Lake Oswego's game Monday against Putnam in the second quarter, holding his elbow. He didn't return, and his teammates beat Putnam 67-44 without him at the Rose Garden. But Love, the 6-foot-10 junior center, is OK and will not miss the team's game in New Rochelle, N.Y., on Saturday, when the Lakers play Our Savior Lutheran. The Oregonian 1/19

And, truth be told, most of the 2,000 fans who crammed into the South gym last Friday were there to watch players like junior forward Kyle Singler and sophomore point guard Michael Harthun, who are destined to play college basketball at the highest level.
Singler’s two-handed dunk off a long lob pass from Harthun in the Panthers’ 81-46 win over Grants Pass was by itself worth the price of admission. Mail Tribune 1/17

"We were just playing Panther basketball, that’s what we’re all about," said Kevin Singler, who also had six rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. "We play defense first and then the offense comes from that." Mail Tribune 1/21

South also got 19 points from senior Brent Johnson and 18 points and 12 rebounds from senior Kyle Singler before a crowd of nearly 1,500 fans. Mail Tribune 1/22

The 14th-ranked Pathfinders (15-3, 2-0), who led by seven points at halftime, opened a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, relying on numerous offensive options to offset the two-man attack of Traveion Finister, who scored 31 points, and Darnell Gant, who had 18, for No. 23 Crenshaw (14-4, 2-1). L.A. Times 1/21

Behind junior center Julian Vaughn (17.2 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game), the Seahawks have established themselves as one of the more dominant teams down low. The 6-foot 10-inch, 235-pound Vaughn has attracted the attention of Div. I college basketball programs. Connection Newspapers 1/18

Chace Stanback made a steal that led to a Ja'shon Hampton layup and then Hampton returned the favor on the next possession setting up Stanback on a dunk that put Fairfax ahead. Daily Breeze 1/20

And the 6-10 Anthony Randolph, ranked by Rivals.com as the nation's No. 25 junior, has yet to play a minute for Woodrow. He'll make his debut in Saturday's District 10-4A opener against Hillcrest after being ruled eligible by the UIL on Monday. Dallas Morning News Co 1/19

Jrue Holiday , a 6-4 sophomore guard, is on his way to becoming one of the most gifted players in Southern California. Arizona Coach Lute Olson has dropped by twice to watch him. UCLA Coach Ben Howland is paying close attention. All the Pac 10 schools know about him.He is averaging 20.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists for a team. L.A. Times 1/19

Justin Holiday is a 6-6 junior forward with improving skills. He averages 20 points and 10 rebounds and is capable of offensive outbursts; he scored 36 points last week against Santa Monica Crossroads. L.A. Times 1/19

Afterward, Riordan coach Rich Forslund wasn't fretting much, noting that Mitty's huge size advantage, led by 6-10 sophomore Drew Gordon, was just too much and long to overcome. SFGate 1/21

NIKE EXTRAVAGANZA XI. Dominguez is the local program led by CAL signee Patrick Christopher, USC commit Quinton Watkins and sophomore phenom Brandon Jennings. St. Pat's, meanwhile boats one of the best starting fives on the prep level. CalHiSports 1/20

No. 6 Westview 69, Beaverton 66: Andy Poling scored 34 points, including the game-winning free throws in overtime, to lead the Wildcats over the host Beavers. The Oregonian 1/17


(BruinBasketballReport.com)

(photo credit: CANDICE TOWELL/RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL)

Afflalo Works Out Frustration

Less than an hour after arguably Arron Afflalo's worst game of his college career, the UCLA sophomore guard returned to the Pauley Pavilion court, wearing white shorts and a red T-shirt.

He spent more than an hour shooting free throws and jumpers, dribbling between chairs and generally working on his offensive game, which he felt was much-needed after scoring a season-low four points as No. 18 UCLA fell to No. 12 West Virginia 60-56 on Saturday.

Making matters worse was Afflalo's worst offensive game coincided with his worst defensive game, which is something that cut much deeper into him, and is much more difficult to reconcile.

"I just get angry," Afflalo said. "There's nothing you really can do. You can't go run. You can't go shoot. You bottle it up and take it out on the next guy." L.A. Daily News