Bruin Recruiting: Prep News Roundup (1/24)
By Bruin Basketball Report
Prep News Roundup is published every Monday.
Commits
The Hornets punctuated the Eastern League win with dunks from Norman Powell and Tyree Robinson in the final seconds. “They hit tough shots and they came to play today. Luckily we gutted it out at the end,” Bryant said. Powell led Lincoln with 18 points as one of three starters in double figures. San Diego Reader 1/18
Recruits
Bishop O'Dowd-Oakland (12-3), The Chronicle's top-ranked team, blew a 44-31 halftime lead, losing 86-85 in double-overtime to Sacramento (12-4). The game was a rematch of last year's Division III Northern California final, won by O'Dowd. Anders Haas led O'Dowd (12-3) with 21 points, but Brandon Ashley, one of the nation's top-ranked juniors, fouled out at the 3:05 mark in regulation with 10 points and six rebounds. SF Gate 1/17
The adjustment was too much for the visiting Cougars to handle. Sophomore wing, Michael Loomis harassed the Gervais guards into turning the ball over and dished the ball ahead to Junior Jordan Tebbutt who finished uncontested at the other end on successive trips down the floor to put the Hawks up 6-2. That ignited a 16-0 run for Horizon Christian the rest of the opening quarter, with the Hawks up 18-2....Tebbutt paced a balanced Hawks scoring effort with 14 points. Portland Examiner 1/18
I know you remember him...DeAndre Daniels?? The kid that was undecided the last time we left him...worse than Brett Favre undecided... He was down to Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, and Oregon. He was first committed to Texas..he then decommitted. Then he went to IMG Academy and played a half a year of Prep School. Next he said he was taking visits. He came to Kentucky, went to eat at Malone's and caught a game at Rupp Arena. He was then rumored to visit North Carolina State, but decided not to go.. He instead revisited Texas.. He has been in limbo ever since. Nation of Blue 1/20
Junior point guard Jordan Tebbutt and Sophomore Calvin Anderson added 13 and 11 points respectively. Tebbutt nearly recorded a triple double in the game collecting nine rebounds and dishing out nine assists to go along with his 13 points, in just over 16 minutes of playing time. Portland Examiner 1/21
In the Trinity League, Santa Ana Mater Dei defeated Santa Margarita, 66-46. Freshman Stanley Johnson had 17 points and junior Xavier Johnson had 14 points. LA Times 1/21
BBR :: Article Link :: 4:00 PM ::
99 comments
99 Comments:
Who is our Derek Williams???! Who's bringing the swag and backing it up. Certainly is not Malcolm Lee or Tyler Lamb. I'd add Honeycutt too but I think he can be a more special player than AZ's D. Williams. PS Reeves Nelson = Cane from WWE.
I hope our road woes don't continue or we will miss the NCAA tny...
SOM:
We don't have a Derek Williams. Our front line plays like Vanessa Williams. Is everyone out there blind? BH has lost control of this team. Where there is smoke, there is fire. The defections, the transfers, the playing time issue, the lack of discipline, allowing opposition fans to get inside his players heads, blowing 2nd half leads, not recruiting for needs; losing recruits to PAC 10 rivals; not bringing in leaders with toughness; there is no team chemistry.
Come on Bruin Nation. The man is enjoying the sun and the beach. He would never allow this to go on in PITT. He has allowed these sunshine boys to run all over him. He second guesses himself all the time. He has lost the edge, the fire and doesn't teach fundementally sound basketball. When St. John's makes the NCAA before UCLA -- it will be validated.
This team is a joke. It will not be invited to any post season tournamement. Stover, Lane, Lamb, Anderson all need to find another place to play and open up 4 spots. Honeycutt and Nelsen to NBA. Give me a break! If they can't play in D1, how are they are going to play in the pros?
Their futile effort might be a blessing in disguise and if Smith, Nelsen, Honeycutt and Jones return and Powell and the Wear Twins play well, we could look for another run at the conference title in 2012. Even that will be a stretch. UCLA is no longer a place for aspiring athletes, period!
The President and the Board needs to evaluate AD DG as well. He too is resting on the past. A past that had coaches who recruited well and taught the game well. It's no longer there. Sadly, it might never come back.
This year has been a joke!
The Zona game was a dunk contest. Take a damn charge once in a while.
Joke!
I've been thinking about this a lot, and I think it might be a problem with UCLA in general. On Honeycutt's bio it says he came to UCLA for the "exposure." Whatever happened to student athletes who actually tried to learn something? These primadonnas are attracted to UCLA because of the legacy...not because they want to represent the school, but because they want the school to help give them a boost.
The problem with the basketball team in particular is compounded by the fact that Howland coaches hard man to man defense in a time where most young players don't want to play D.
If Tyler Honeycutt thinks he is good enough for the NBA, then I suggest he give John Wall a call and ask him how that's going. Is the money really worth moving to a backwater town to play for a terrible team?
I'm not opposed to Lane, Stover and Andersons spots opening up. Reality is Anderson has done well off the bench so I think he will be around. Lamb, it's too early to tell but like the Wears, he is from the OC and soft...i.e. James Keefe...We can't expect the Wear twins to save us...Imagine our team next year, assuming Honeycutt leaves. I do not see us making the NCAA tny next year either....some drastic changes have to happen at the end of the season...
Open up roster spots
Where r the Cameroonians???
Pauley will not be open to CBH if this continues....I will hold my breath the rest of the season on the road....
The games this week are CRUCIAL must W's. CBH may not last after this year....
Ben will be in deep doo doo if he:
1-Loses to SC TWICE in ONE season...
2-Loses to STEVE LAVIN...
3-LOses to either Oregon or OST.
A clean sweep is the only answer with this 4 game homestand. THEN we can talk NCAA.
Nice "D" last night, then again, SC missed wide open shots...
I pray to Bruin Nation Zeke's xrays on his hand are negative...Anderson get ready!
6'6 tight end is cool but a 6'8TE and a 6'8OL...they sure eat their Wheaties...I say we will surprise people in Football nxt yr....Talent is their and this class was a good patch job...still top 50....Rock on Bruins!!
This is what I see next year. Starting 5 Nelson, Honeycutt, Lee, Jones, Smith. Top 3 reserves, Anderson, Wear twins. Next 4 just in case you need them Stover, Lane, Lamb and Powell. Things can change especially for Powell because of his toughness. Hit the wieghts reserves.
Honeycutt...Lee....
Go to NBADRAFT.NET
Honeycutt's gone 4 sure...
Man, they each have sooo much to improve on...
Poll:
Who leaves the UCLA program?
A) Lane
B) Stover
C) Anderson
D) All of the above
E) You would like to mention two names
My vote:
Anderson earned a spot off the bench from me
E) Lane/Stover need to get get a clue and move on
We do have the Wear twins nxt yr...not saviors by any means
Go back to Bruinbasketballreport of old and recap games, give us practice/midweek updates, stories, etc etc.
This was my favorite website of all time by far. I will even pay.
Thanks for reading and there will be an even bigger thanks for going back to the good old days!!!!
I am with you, ASK, and too much negative comment.
Life is too short to complain about an 18-7
team.
Seriously BruinFan, that's a bit harsh. Anderson has improved A LOT since last year and even Stover has come along nicely this year. You can tell that both of them have gained much needed confidence. Even Lane isn't that bad.
What was bad was when the walk ons came off the bench at the end of the Oregon State game. But I feel bad for them, It's not easy to sit for an hour and then get up and play against guys that are angry and feeling it.
Also, I too miss the recaps.
Finally, is anyone else worried that the teams nomad status next year will effect Honeycutt/Lee's decision to stay?
Honeycutt is a lottery pick(talentless draft) and Lee is working towards first round status. TH is gone for sure with Lee a possible first round pick. Hope for strong NBA lockout talk to keep these guys in school. With that said, a nice and needed 4 game home-stand sweep. I also feel sorry for the scrubs. Maybe too late in the year to play the un-playables. Next Bay area roadie...
Let me first say, I WILL NOT pay for this website...Tyler Honeycutt would be stupid to leave. Next year's team is going to make more noise so I'd stick around and ride that wave of hype...The team has been playing better, but consistency will come with a strong finish...and consistency is definitely needed for a championship run in 2012. Go Bruins!
Honeycutt is not a Lottery pick, no matter what the experts say. All these jokers should stop yapping and play for this team. They owe it to the fans who have stuck by these jokers. Norm Powell is a fabulous player. Better than anything they have currently.
Malcolm Lee has played well the past month and he has become the leader of this team.
Lamb, Lane, Stover all need to get out of Westwood.
They have merely beaten up on the bottom feeders in the PAC 10. They need to win the remaining games, not lose to Cal or Stanford or AZ State. Tough games against the Washington schools and Arizon who will be making noise at the big dance.
These guys have done nothing. If they get in, it will be beacause BYU and St. John's keeps on winning.
Lane, Stover, Lamb - not an option on the poll ...only kidding...I get whatcha are saying...clear room and get Cameroonians along with a point guard...
Good job Jammer. On the same update you tell us how UCLA will not be invited to any post season tournamement and you also tell us the reasons that they will get into the NCAA tournament. Rich.
Lamb will be a good ballplayer. And how soon we forget that Lane was playing as consistently well as anyone early on, but Stover has eaten into his minutes in addition to an injury and family issue. Lane adds a better offensive presence -- in part because Stover has no game at all at that end -- but Stover has stepped in and added some enforcement around the basket. Not to pick on Lee, but let's not forget that while he's picked it up recently, he was wildly inconsistent. The best thing is that of late, everyone is contributing in one form or another. Even JA has played well, and I think that's directly attributable to Zeke's addition, Ben's smart use of JA, and Anderson's own improvement.
Remember Mike Tyson in the 80's...intimidations sometimes work...if Stover looks tough, block shots and grab boards, I have no beef with him. Key to next year is if Smith and Honeycutt are staying. Them plus the Wears coming off the bench...add a cocky, high flying 6'6" freshman and we should be a definite contender.
Honeycutt WILL be going to the NBA next year. Accept it, you'll sleep better. If you haven't noticed, the "jokers" are on a 9 game winning streak and have won 10 of 11. Also U Dub has been playing like crap lately and sit BEHIND these "jokers" in the PAC-10 standings.HONEYCUTT=GONE!
There are 2 rounds of NBA draft, last I checked, and someone has to go. That doesn't necessarily mean a kid should. Yeah, it'll be a lot of dough for anyone, let alone an 18-...19-year-old kid. But if they're still overwhelmed and overmatched when that contract runs out, they'll be looking for a job overseas or coaching high school ball somewhere. Can Honeycutt go? Yeah, it looks like he'll be on that list. Should he? Nope. Lots of holes in his game. Very average foot speed and not very quick...not great putting the ball on the floor...only a decent ballhandler. He does have nice height and an ability to shoot over defenders. Has a nose for the block when playing help defense. And can drop some sweet dimes. But I thought Holiday needed another year, so take my analysis with a grain of salt.
Give the team and BH credit for their improvement. More to come.
They absolutely deserve credit. My post was a tongue and cheek response to one of the naysayers.
I never thought Russell Westbrook would go early, let alone the 4th pick overall. Both Lee and Honeycutt would benefit from another year. We will see how the NBA collective bargaining talks go...
Still feel the same way after the way they played at Cal? That was a layup drill for thwe kid who scored 34. That will come back to haunt them. Arizona is a legitimate # 10 in the country and you will see why on Saturday.
Honeycutt is an average college player at best. If he goes, I will still sleep well. Look at his turnover ratio and he is non existent in crunch time.
They were never in the game. If Cal fouled before Lee puts up the prayer, it's over in regulation.
In overtime; they simply watched as the pony tail kid went to work on his layups.
Take a charge; get weakside help; stop the ball. They did nothing.
If they don't sweep final four games and have a deep run (finals) of Pac 10 tournament; they are not going. Top 25 teams are all bunched up and that will mean less at large berths for teams like UCLA and Michigan State.
Hey: It's a good turnaround from last year's miserable display and it will save BH's job, but they are not a top 50 team. If they do get in; thank Steve Lavin and the play of his squad against top tier teams. Committee will see that as a signature win; but far too many bad losses; Cal is the latest one of them.
That's what all good pundits do.
Cal loss has them out. Miracle run in last 4 weeks (sweep of Washington and Arizona schools) and they will be on the bubble. Split final 4 and they are out.
Even if they manage to squeeze in as a 14 to 16 seed; does that mean they are back on the National level? I think not! This is UCLA. I suppose die hards will say, we had an improvement from last year. It's a start. But with no committed recruits except Powell (a good player) and Lee and Honeycutt thinking of leaving; it will be another rebuilding year for CBH and the baby Bruins.
The Bruins obviously played their best game of the year against AZ. They were focused on both ends of the floor for 40 minutes. If they can maintain the same effort and focus, Ucla can definitely make some noise in the NCAA tournament.
And I take my hat off to Stover. He blocked 4 shots and altered numerous others, making it difficult for AZ to score in the box. I hope he does not transfer
A good game for everyone.
Stover was a force in the box, no doubt.
We do have the talent to make tournament noise - and it all starts with CBH.
They looked great, and AZ looked awful. If they can sweep Washington schools; they could slide into a 6th seed in the tourney and play a # 11 seed from a smaller conference.
That Cal loss and the one at USC will come back to haunt them.
USC is playing with a swagger and if they sweep Washington and W State, that will help our Pac 10 seeds and give us a couple of more wins heading into the Madness.
Fitting that Wooden's great grand-son gets the final basket at Pauley. A feel good story all the way around.
If they play like they did against the Cats, they will make some noise.
Hope Nelsen isnt contemplating NBA after career day. If he can do that once, he should do that every game. He has the tools to be dominant. Stop pouting and play with a chip. That's what they all did.
Malcolm Lee is one tough kid. That dunk over Hill was poster material. He is quietly leading them without too much drama attached.
3 Point %age has to improve. Teams will play zone and they better know how to attack it.
A good week. Let's hope it continues.
Jammer must be suffering from some type of self-esteem issue. Never consistent with the comments.
Who would have guessed 21 wins?
CBH is quietly working his magic
Carpe diem, bro. Let's back THIS year's team
and ease up on negatives like which players to dump.
Leave that logic to the NBA (NY?).
-
http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/24496/uscs-kevin-oneill-speaks-up-for-rival-ucla
USC's Kevin O'Neill speaks up for UCLA
March, 1, 2011
Mar 1
4:25
PM ET
By Diamond Leung
USC coach Kevin O'Neill is confused why crosstown rival UCLA isn't ranked in the national polls this week -- especially after the Bruins beat Arizona by 22 points on Saturday and pulled into a tie with the Wildcats atop the Pac-10.
"All I hear about is BYU and St. John's every time I turn on the TV. BYU, St. John’s. BYU, St. John’s. UCLA beat 'em both," O'Neill said.
"Our league just doesn't get the credit for whatever reason. Maybe it's because we live in a different country. You know, we're three hours behind everybody. But to me, they're a top-15, -16 team. I think they've really come along and become a really, really good basketball team."
O'Neill noted that since UCLA lost at USC on Jan. 9, the Bruins have won 12 of their past 14 games, and that coach Ben Howland and his staff have seen freshman center Joshua Smith continually improve.
"I always hear people joking he's Oliver Miller. He's much more skilled than Oliver Miller.
"I think the kid's really, really a good player. He's got a big-time upside. He may end up being the best player out of this league at the next level no matter what."
Howland indicated he wasn't really focused on whether his team was ranked.
"I’m not even thinking about it, so it’s nice Kevin would say that," Howland said. "I don’t know what to say. All I know is I know our league is very good."
In the final week of the regular season, UCLA goes on a difficult road trip to the Washington schools with hopes they can keep pace with Arizona. The win against the Wildcats on Saturday has buoyed those hopes.
"That was our best game of the year," Howland said. "We played very good defense for 40 minutes, and we did a good job of executing offensively."
NPU:
Give me a break!
Did you watch last night's game? Huskies overplayed and were right in their Bruins chests all game. V-Cut, back door, pick and roll? Could they do any of these? No! Honeycutt, missing in action. Anytime Anderson leads you in scoring, the starters didn't do their jobs!
Then we have Romar outcoaching the "caretaker". Huskies used a zone out of a timeout and the Bruins had no clue what to do. He Ben; expect it!
They are not a top 50 team. Be realistic. They will have to go through USC, or the Washington Schools to get to the Pac 10 championship. Let's hope they don't draw Cal for their opening game or it will be an early exit there as well.
A great year; but not worth gloating about.
All in all I felt Ucla played a good game. The effort was there, but they committed too many turnovers at crunch time. Perhaps a couple of backdoor plays to the wings would have opened up the passing lanes.
So despite playing in WA, and Reeves and Honeycutt playing below standard, and WA playing inspired defense; Ucla still held a 3 point lead with 5 minutes to play.
That would not have been the case earlier in the year, and is a testament to how much this team has improved.
whether he goes or not, Honeycutt is definitely not ready for the nba...Josh Smith, maybe. - on his size alone. but Honeycutt-type players are a dime a dozen at the nba level. Honeycutt will be riding the pine all the way to europe. best he stay and enjoy college.
They had too many men on the court against the Ducks.
Please tell me this coach has control of this team.
They are a joke!
What the Ducks did to the Bruins was indicative about how passionless and careless this group is.
They are in. Hope they are a 15th seed and get their heads taken off.
What happened last night was inexcusable.
Howland didn't have them prepared and they have one more game this year and that will be a loss as well.
USC might win the tourney again and get in. Add insult to injury.
Get your heads out of the sand.
They need to go after Mark Few or a younger coach who these guys respect.
Howland had a good run; it's time to wish him the best of luck as we watch Pitt gain another # 1 or 2 seed.
Jammer, I don't know you, but you seem to be one of these guys with a vendetta, and who loves pointing fingers and stirring up issues. You're going to blame Howland for the lethargic play against Oregon? Howland didn't have these young adults ready to play at Staples Center in the opening round of the conference tournament while preparing for the NCAA tournament and playing for a higher seed? Give me a break! If you need your coach to inspire you with all that on the line, you should be in your dorm playing video games on Thursdays and Saturdays. Within the first five minutes of the game, Marques Johnson was already talking about the Reeves Nelson demeanor and funk. Is that Howland or is that Nelson?
My hunch is that you weren't in the locker room, either...unless you have a pass from Howland and the staff to come and go as you choose. How about Howland stays and you go?
Go to the other Bruin fan blog pages for updated material and insight.This website has been abandoned...once a great site, not any more! Please turn the lights off when you leave...
CH has done a tremendous job at Ucla. But at times he is too stubborn. So stubborn that he may not put his team in the best position to win.
Against Oregon, he should have experimented with a zone(s) once it became clear his players could not prevent Oregon's dribble penetration. And with Ucla's personel being long, big and slow, a zone might have been a better choice against a team they did not match up with.
I agree Ucla's effort was poor, but it seemed to grow out of frustration from their inability to stop Oregon.
As long as they don't face another Oregon in the tournament, their game(s) should be entertaining.
According to you, no team needs a coach to prepare a team. It has to come from within.
Well, this team doesn't have the maturity and accountability to look at themselves and say: "what can I do to halp this team win?"
Honeycutt stated to the press that they weren't focused in the warmups. That they weren't prepared; that they took the Ducks too lightly.
Why would you come into a game with that kind of a mindset?
Howland himself said he didn't prepare them. That's inexcusable. This guy is supposed to be an elite coach.
I live in Michigan and the Spartans are coming in with a huge chip on their shoulders and will be taking it out on the Bruins from the inside and the outside. No one can stay with Lucas and the Michigan front line is relentless on the boards. There is no one who can match up against Green and Smith will be schooled by the veteran front line of the Spartans.
If the Bruins play like they did against Arizona, they have a chance. This team needs to stay close and not fall behind early. If they can stay out of foul trouble and run at every opportunity, they will be close. They will not be able to go against State's half court defense. The UCLA offense is stagnant and they don't move well without the ball.
Howland should watch tapes of Notre Dame and see how all five players move all the time.
One and done or if they get lucky ... another blowout at the hands of the Gators.
I have no Vendetta. I love my school and want them to succeed, but Howland and the football coach get a free pass for their lack of preparation.
I watched all the great Wooden teams; unselfish; thoughtful, prepared; never surprised. These guys have the deer in the headlights look about them all the time.
That's my beef with Howland.
Check the stats and see how many time outs he has to use up in the firts half if they fall behind by a few points. He doesnt adapt to his or the opposition's personnel.
Yes, the players have to play the game; but they are kids and they need to get some guidance both mentally and physically from their coach.
Next year will be better. If they keep improving they will be a force in the Pac 10. RN and TH will be in the D League if they leave for the draft. Stay one more year and grow as men and athletes.
Nelsen needs to stop pouting; Smith needs to stop fouling; Anderson needs to make free throws and Honeycutt needs to use his athletic superiority against weaker opponents. It's not going to happen.
Izzo is a top three coach in the game and he will have his team prepared.
Will CBH do the same?
It remains to be seen.
A good improvement and if that what the Bruin fan is looking for ... an improvement. CBH deserves to stay. If they want to contend for top flight recruits and challenge in the Pac 10, he has to change or AD DG has to make a change.
Unfortunately, he's not in jeopardy of losing his job. Plus there isnt anyone who would want the job. If you know of anyone who would want the position; let me know. There are fifty schools with better programs than UCLA, currently. UCLA will stay the course with CBH and never be in the conversation for a national championship for a very long time.
They simply stopped playing after the first 7 minutes of the game. There is no excuse for that.
Face another Oregon? Oregon didn't make it.
They face a scrappy, well coached experienced Spartan team that is ready to give someone a beatdown after losing to Penn State and after beating a very good Purdue team.
Let's wait for better things from next year's team and hope Smith loses 30 pounds.
Is Cluster's right? This website is dead. John Wooden would have a quote or two if he were here.
Those in control seem to have given up, time to pass it to the crew.
I told you guys in the beginning, 20-10, NCAA.
Malcolm is gone, deserving so. Tyler and Smith need to stay. Powell and De'End along with the Wears will make the others compete for their jobs. You will see Rough and Tumble practices which will make for a team that looks alot like Howlands first 4 years here. I do see some defections with those who can't mustard up. They could end up in UNLV or New Mexico. Top 10 team next year, NO DOUBT!
"Well-coached Spartan team"? You continue to rip Howland (while in case you haven't noticed but many who are actually paid to analyze the game say Howland did a great job mixing and matching), yet where was MSU ranked coming into the season? Gee...Izzo must really be outstanding. Where does the "well-coached" part come in?
Please. Get your head out of the sand. Everything I wrote was not based on opinion, but fact.
Here are some more facts!
In 8 years, he does not have an answer for a zone defense. He refuses to play zone because he feels these guys have to learn man to man for the next level.
Can you tell me what this team's identity is? Do their rest their laurels on defense (not against Oregon)? Do they blow any team out? Do they have an inside presence (other than the overweight Smith who gives them nothing after he gets into foul trouble)? Nelson is a terrific player, but part of being a good player means knowing when to go "crazy" and when to have self control; Honeycutt can go off for 15 or simply disappear. Jones has been terrific considering where he has come from, but his shooting has been under 30%. Malcolm Lee has been the only gritty kid on this team and I have a ton of respect for him. But he is a relatively shy kid and has not been able to be a leaders (I'm sure he has tried).
Lane, Lamb, Stover, Anderson -- not even mentioning. They do nothing but give the starters a couple of minutes to catch their breath. Let's hope they all sit on another team's bench next year.
Take the records out of the equation -- there are few coaches better than Izzo when it comes to preparing his team for a deep March run. His track record speaks for itself (the "many" who get paid to analyze the game have stated so). They play in a much tougher conference and he has superior talent in every position when compared to the inconsistent Bruins.
I would love to see the Bruins win but this is a great draw for MSU who will be much better prepared, by a much better coach.
UCLA should be in the talk for a National Championship each and every year. They have had some good years reaching two Final Fours, but be honest; they were outclassed in each of those games. They simply don't have the cache they once did, and now, they are merely pretenders. They don't get any of the top recruits anymore. If Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, NC, Texas, Florida, Ohio State, even Arizona and Washington are going after the same kid ... where do you think the kid will go? Smith should have gone to the Huskies. I would take any one of their front line athletic guys over him.
I wish the few loyal bloggers would not take things personally and look at the facts. They should be angry as heck that this progam can no longer compete with the elite schools in the country.
They average just over 70 points a game. They shoot 45% from the field, they shoot 33% from 3 point line, they shoot 68% from the free throw line; they average 15 turnovers a game. This is not championship material.
Let's hope Lee and Honeycutt stay. Let's hope the bench guys transfer out and Powell and the Wear Twins bring something positive -- starting with pride and passion back to UCLA basketball.
This team has made an "acceptable" step from last year's disaster, but is this how we evaluate the most storied program in Men's basketball? Seems like that's all we've been doing. Living in the past; blaming early entry into the NBA draft. Massive defections, poor recruiting and no accountablility ... it has to fall on someone. That's why he was chosen to be coach (not be caretaker as he proclaims himself to be).
Thursday at Midnight -- one of us will be right and one will be wrong.
How about some love for the Women's squad. What an outstanding job Nikki Caldwell has done in 3 short years. That's the "real" basketball coach in Westwood.
I thought I was too harsh on Howland at the beginning of the season. But after watching the Bruins play Oregon in the Pac 10 tournament I once again think Howland needs to go.
I mean, forget the fact that Izzo is coaching and that he is always well prepared. The cookie cutter formula to beat a Howland UCLA team is to run zone.
Howland can't do ANYTHING against a zone. Almost every team runs it against us and we get owned most of the time.
The loss to Oregon was pathetic and humiliating. I was at the game and the whole team looked stoned and out of it. Minutes after the game I saw Matt DeMarcus walking outside of staples in civilian clothes. I don't remember if he suited up and sitting on the bench during the game but even if he wasn't able to play wouldn't there have been a post game grilling by Howland that all the players would have been around for?
If we got whipped by Oregon in Los Angeles...how are we possibly going to survive MSU out of state?
That said, I still picked UCLA to play against Washington in the final in my bracket =)
Finally, an objective fan.
The Bruins have come a long way from last year, but unless there is a change in the "culture" at Westwood (something Nikki Caldwell is obviously doing with the women's team); we will be in the top 50-100 schools when we should be in the top 10 every year.
Accountability!!!
It starts there and has to be the building foundation if UCLA basketball is going to be relevant again.
Watched Drew Gordon play last night. Nothing spectacular, but he played with passion and determination. This is a kid who left the program under Howland.
Last year with Drags -- no accountability for his on court or off court attitude and performance. He got the most minutes and never played D.
Smith: Please name a center who is so out of shape. Kid has great hands and could be a beast but teams bring him out on a pick and roll and guards run into him and he gets called for fouls 19 feet away. Watch MSU exploit this with Lucas and Green all night.
Jones was a great recruit. Nothing spectacular, but he will be better next year.
Lee: Only kid I respect on this team. Plays hard, plays through pain and is in shape to give 35 plus minutes every night.
Nelsen: He could, and should be the leader. Needs a shrink as much as he needs a coach. Harness that anger and he should be able to play like he did against Williams in the last Zona game.
Honeycutt: Blessed with length and agility, but he needs to be in control. Usually, that is not the case. He's a combo 2/3 type of player (like Tayshaun Prince, but nowhere as talented on either end).
Andersen: He's had flashes, and he plays some good D at times, but his bb IQ is simply low. He is not a D 1 player.
Lamb: This guy was heralded out of HS. He has been nothing short of awful. They have a better intramural player playing at the Wooden Center than this kid. A huge recruiting blunder. I dont see him developing like R Westbrook did. RW worked his butt off between his Frosh and Soph year and today the kid is an Olympian and one of the top 5 PT in the NBA.
Lane: Just never knows his role and seems like a good kid, but out of his element at this level.
Stover: Yeah he blocks shots. Can't the coaching staff work on his low post moves and make him an asset on the offensive end?
Next year: If Powell is as good as he can be and Jones and Lee stick around, they will be okay in the backcourt. No idea about the other JUCO verbal commit. He's apparently the 4th best on his team (that's a problem).
Wear Twins, Nelsen, Honeycutt, Smith (if he sheds 50 pounds) will be a dominant force.
If Lee, Honeycutt and Nelsen leave; they will be playing overseas or in the D league. None are ready for the next level.
Howland needs to change: play zone, play against zone, tech them back door cuts, and work on their shooting and make them ACCOUNTABLE!
It all starts with him.
Tomorrow night, you will see one team set on winning the weekend and the other simply happy to be there and head back to sunny CA.
Bfore you get a jump on me, I thought I would post my comments on last night's game.
A win is a win is a win. But to blow a 23 point lead with under 9 minutes to go is quite distressing.
Give the UCLA guards a great deal of credit for keeping Lucas off the scoresheet for most of the game. They did a great job fighting through ball screens. That was the difference in the game.
They did not defend the 3 point shot well and it almost cost them.
Game wouldnt have been that close if they hit their free throws in the second half.
Smith played a very good game as did Honeycutt.
Now a date with their Nemesis. Gators have owned them since Howland has been there. Let's hope for a change on Saturday, but I think Florida will win if they are on their game and the Bruins don't step it up.
Interesting facts I read about Mich. St.: this team went to the final four the past two years AND they were ranked #2 at the beginning of this season.
I'm just grateful we scraped by because Mich. St. played their hearts out and we couldn't make a damn free throw towards the end.
As for tomorrow, Florida was red hot last night and I am concerned about playing them in Florida. However, this time we have the beef to stack up.
Those years when Noah and Horford beasted on the Bruins are over. I look forward to seeing Josh Smith and Reeves Nelson lock down the key this time. I just hope that backwoods white kid on Florida doesn't go off like he did last night.
It's beena good run. Hope these kids don't leave and give UCLA one more year of their lives.
Lee, Nelson, Honeycutt and Smith are not ready for the next level.
Florida is playing some great basketball and they will advance unless UCLA plays their best game in 2 years.
Lee has to do the same thing he did to Lucas. Shut down the Gator guards. That won't be easy.
Donovan seems to have the Bruins number. Let's hope Reeves has a monster game and doesn't back down from the Gator front line.
Smith needs to stay on the court and not get into early foul trouble.
If Gators jump out early;its game over.
Gosh the loss against Florida is just hard to watch.
I mean come on, how many fastbreak open layups we missed? how many layup period we missed. Freethrows? Come on make them and you would have won if the team shot 70%.
Why was the offense so dang slow with 55 sec left down 4 points we are dribbling and dribbling, and dribbling.
I do not mind losing the game if we play hard, but to lose on these types of play is just hard to swallow. Can we not speed up on the offense when Josh is not on the floor? Years of slow and uncreative offense is tough to watch and tough to get the guards to come.
Ok I am venting here and another tough year. Hate to go out like the way we played. Get beat is one thing, but beating yourself is another...
Well, the year turned out better than most expected. UCLA is a definite top 20 right now. Lee will return, ala Collison. Honeycutt I believe played for the scouts and not UCLA. Reminds me alot of J.R. Henderson, he is NOT ready for the NBA. Honeycutt needs to come back and play hard every single game and needs to learn how to be a leader. Nelson is our best player as of now and will be a beast as he grows. Mental and Physical toughness should be the area where Howland needs to work on this team for next year, if he can do that I see a top 10 team.
Ditto, UCLA should have won. SEC toughness is overrated. Howland needs to recruit the kids not thinking about the kids willing to do 3-4 years at UCLA.
the Ucla and Florida game was well played by both teams. The game basically was decided by which team took advantage of the breaks given to them, and the more experienced team came through. Especially for Florida's point guard with his clutch 3 pointer and miraculous layup over JSmith.
I believe Lee and Honeycutt are headed to the Nba (IF there is an Nba season) since both are projected to be first round draft choices. CH probably anticipated this and recruited a JC player, Parker, who can play at the wing, 2nd guard and point guard position next year.
And Stover is my surprise player of the year. He is already a defensive force and has 3 years remaining at Ucla to develop an offensive game. I hope he does not transfer.
Nelson and Smith have said they will be coming back. Lee was the team's best player all year with his consistency. The kid is tough as nails and he has some great skill. If he comes back, they have the nucleus to be a contender in the Pac 10.
I though Laz was out of his element, picking up his dribble far too early on several occassions. He is a gamer, though and he was hurt much of the second half.
Reading what I did in the media, this loss will do them a lot of good and make them work hard.
Smith -- lose another 25 pounds and build some muscle; RN will be a beast; Lee, Powell and the Wears will be solid next year.
Honeycutt ... the kid is talented. Made some long threes, but missed some crucial layups.
The kids were gassed. Lamb, who has proven he can be a good defender disnt get any minutes and the FL guards ate them up in the second half. You could tell they were exhausted when they stepped up to the line and didn't make the shots (Lee usually is automatic as is Jones).
I have been down on these guys and Howland but I tthink they played quite well with a 7-8 man rotation.
Anderson was a no show and he did nothing to contribute.
Hope they remember the loss and come back stronger than ever.
Howland needs to take a good hard look at how he recruits and how he manages minutes next year. They will hopefully be deeper in all positions except small forward if TH leaves (he will probably go). The best thing is if there is a NBA walkout and then they will all stay and have a chance to be ligitimate.
I'm proud of Lee, Nelson, Smith, Jones. They played their hearts out.
They had some bad luck and they ran out of gas. The pace was too frantic for a 7 man rotation. That's Howland's fault. Lamb and Lane could have helped out a lot.
Stover needs some work catching the ball. He sure can swat them out. He will only get better.
Go Bruins.
Kind of ironic how all 3 Pac-10 teams had/has to practically play on the home court of their opponant. That's the respect the Pac 10 is getting from the committee. Speak up Pac-10 Commish. Pac 10 and MWV Conferences are just as talented as ACC, Big East and SEC.
None of these guys can play in the NBA. Honeycutt might have a career but it will be as a model not as a NBA player. He should have slammed that ball instead of trying to finesse it. That cost us the momentum and the game.Big Josh needs to lose weight and join RN as a beast. The back-court needs help too. There is no excuse for missing foul shots. None. RN is a beast but he's not very atheletic yet all he needs is help from some of his soft teammates. I think Stover could be a major contributor.He can't be any worse then Aboya. Lee is not a real point, but he will have to learn the job. He no Westbrooke though.
If everyone returns, next year could be interesting.
Wayne:
Aboya was a great player. To put Stover in the same category as him is an insult to Alfred's character, intelligence and hard work.
I didn't mean to insult Aboya, but he was no great player.If he had been just a little BETTER, beating Fla. and Memphis would have been a breeze. He is probably a great person with an awesome personality, but he was like a deer staring into the headlights for four seasons. Stover could be a better player if used mostly for defense and not counted on for points much like Aboya. His points should come from put backs off of missed shots ala Dennis Rodman.
I'm proud of how the guys played against Florida this time. It is ridiculous that both Florida and North Carolina got better treatment than some of the #1 seeds.
And I hope Honeycutt leaves. We don't need his turnovers or his lousy hair styling techniques.
Even if Lee leaves, I look forward to a starting lineup consisting of: Jones, Lamb, Nelson, Stover, and Smith. Not to mention mixing in the twins and powell. And imagine Laz Jones with two good hands!
I think next years team will be much better.
Front Court will be solid. There is a kid from Florida considering UCLA. He has good size and bred in the the tough SEC style of BB. I think Lee has earned his way to the NBA. Honeycutt should only stay if he stops thinking to much of the NBA.
Did not realize Caldwell's team had to play on the Zag's homecourt. A win here will make a huge difference if they (should) get pass Xavier and meet Stanford for the 4th time this year.
fyi if you write more than one paragraph, no one will read your rant so STFU. As long as Smith returns, I think we are good as gold next year. BTW...do you notice that only west coast players get all tatted up...that's the one thing I hate about west coast ballers...bunch of posers but whatever Go UCLA!
Watching VCU outplaying Kansas something sticks in my mind. "UCLA's Key Losses" graphic on several UCLA telecasts. It would always show "Montana,VCU". Validation of the Bruins continues...
According to Scouts.com, Larry Drew Jr. will be enrolling at Ucla and be available in the 2012-13 season.
Guess I'll have to trust CH since I was not impressed when LD played at NC. Hope he turns out to be the elite point guard we badly need even if it is for only one season.
ESPN reports that Josh Smith will be declaring for the NBA draft. There goes next year!
Nikki was given everything at UCLA. I was wrong about her. She is CLASSLESS. AKA Kiffen.
She is not classless. While i hated that she is leaving, she has done a great 3 year job at ucla. Staying closer to home and getting paid three times the money. that is something no one in this forum would deny themselves so be quiet about her.
She put UCLA women basketball on the map so dont even go there with the Kiffin comparison. Caldwell inherited a weak team and turned it around. She brought in great recruits.
Niki earned the right to better herself by going back to the SEC where she will compete with and against the best.
She did a great job here, and should be honored for that.
Classless?
She put UCLA on the map for women's basketball which should be rewarded.
If you do the research, UCLA is not known for paying its coaches well and they lost a great coach an recruiter as a result of AD DG unwillingness to pony up.
It will be interesting to see who they choose to replace NC. Whover they get, it will not compare to NC
All the best NC. You did a great job in 3 short years.
Nikki said all the right words and had some convincing interviews. Truth is she used UCLA as a stepping stone. A real Bruin does not like to get stepped on.
Nice article on De'end Parker that was posted on Scout.com:http://www.sanfranpreps.com/2011/03/24/beyond-preps-parker-parlays-city-success-into-scholarship-at-ucla/
Could there be anymore Lambs in this year's tourney?!
Don't we all want to improve our lot on life? Does that make us classless?
She is a good coach and she has a choice as to what she wants to do in her career.
Sure she used UCLA as a stepping stone. LSU has historically been a stronger women's program than the Bruins. Why should che be chastised for wanting to strive for something better?
If your going to lead these incoming Freshman to UCLA believing she will be your coach that is totally wrong. Did she tell those girl's beforehand that she "might" not be here next year? I don't think so. Or did you Nikki?
Here's another link on De'End Parker. The more I here of him the more I like him as a person and player.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/sports/college/basketball/mens&id=8089691
Bishop OD recruit Brandon Ashley is the real deal. Good luck in getting him.
http://www.courtbasketball.com
If you want to talk about women's basketball go to the women's basketball site. Otherwise, STFU. UCLA seriously needs to get a few athletic wing players to complete the puzzle.
Ucla receives verbal commitment Jordon Adams:
http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/06/20/jordan-adams-will-follow-aau-basketball-coach-to-ucla-runner-up-was-uga/?cxntfid=blogs_recruiting
I hope our bruins are....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViMfaA_ryB8&feature=related
this summer!
Hey everybody...this site looks dead...sad to see it go...
Would have liked Jerime to contribute off the bench this year...right when he finds his spot, he makes a terrible teenage mistake...If I were coach, he gets kicked off the team...this is not USC aka Thug central...
I'm in the OC now...will be hosting viewing parties...go to meetup.com and type UCLA
No more updates?
Why is this site dead? I really enjoyed it.
site is not dead, im returning again.
It is a shame that we arent able to recruit the talents in our own backyard. First I was hoping we get Grant Jerret even though we are stacked up front but I felt we can use an athletic pf, but we lost both him and ashly to arizona....
Arizona these last two years have gotten much talent and we need to keep pace.
Geezzz, your not the guy from MLB are you. Oh well, either way.....you STFU.
from scout.com:
"UCLA was the first to have an in-home visit with Muhammad last Friday. He has since hosted coaches from UNLV, Duke, Kentucky and Kansas. He talked about his in-home visits in this story. Muhammad has plans to take an official visit to Kentucky for Midnight Madness the weekend of October 14th, and has said he intends to officially visit Duke but no date is scheduled. The word is that Muhammad still plans to wait until spring to decide.
From there, Howland headed to the east coast and had a visit with Kyle Anderson, the 6-8 point forward from Jersey City (New Jersey) St. Anthony’s, the #4 prospect in the nation. As is well documented, Anderson is also considering St. John’s, Seton Hall and Florida. Anderson had in-homes with St. John’s and Seton Hall, and now will take an official visit to Florida this weekend. He will announce his choice Tuesday, September 20th.
We’ve heard that it’s between UCLA and hometown Seton Hall, with St. John’s running third. But recently, in the last couple of days, we’ve heard enough that leads us to believe that, at this time, Anderson is leaning to UCLA. Now, of course, things can change, especially after an official visit to Florida, but this is how it currently stands. "
Anderson and Muhammad will be a tremendous help to UCLA. If we can get muhammad, I can see him as a SG and Anderson also play SG to a point forward.
We are hurting badly with PG and recruiting of late and picking up these two players will give us badly needed recruits as well as visibility that weve been lacking lately.
We already lost Grant Jerrett and Ashely who are californian kids. Lets wrap these two up coah H.
Finally we land a top five prospect in Anderson! #1 Shabazz is next! GOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRUINS (Basketball anyway...)
Alright!! However what is up with this site?? Is the moderator not doing this anymore? Really bummed. Alot of bruin fans loved it. Pumped about andersen.
excerpts from scout.com:
"With the commitment of Kyle Anderson, the #4-ranked player in the nation, this week, UCLA’s recruiting changes again, and it’s been narrowed to mostly post players."
"His commitment, too, is seen by most as a strong indication that Shabazz Muhammad, the 6-5 wing from Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman, is indeed strongly leaning toward UCLA. Muhammad and Anderson are close and, even though Muhammad will wait until spring to announce his decision, Anderson’s commitment to UCLA has many putting two-and-two together."
"The next big thing coming up on UCLA’s 2012 recruiting calendar is the official visit of Tony Parker, the 6-8 center from Lithonia (Georgia) Miller Grove and the #19-ranked player in the nation. It reportedly is between UCLA, Ohio State and Memphis, with Duke running fourth."
"Just like with how the friendship between Muhammad and Anderson played a big part in Anderson’s commitment, Parker also has forged a bond with Muhammad and Anderson, and that could be an influence."
SWEET Beans! Hope this all pans out.
Hope your are right about Shabazz BB fan. I hope the hardest part of CBH's job these next 4 or 5 years is just shuffling the 5 star players in and out since a lot of them will be one-and-dones. Part of the business now!
GET THE SPORTS ARENA NACHOS READY!
Are there any new updates from anyone? Shabazz was at Kentucky's midnight madness and heard he was REALLY impressed (I'm sure they threw EVERYTHING at him). Also heard Calipari is pushing HARD for his "services". What up?
Also, any word on our PG situation and the recent decommitment?
Need some inside info!
11/11/2011....Did Jordan Adams decommitt or is that a rumor? Hey BrewIn....beers and nachos....BruinFan
Anderson and Adams sign on the dotted line.
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncb/story/_/id/7213353/coach-ben-howland-says-ucla-bruins-signs-no-5-recruit-kyle-anderson
hello
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