News, analysis, and commentary about the UCLA Bruins basketball program
Sunday, February 13, 2005
a less than glowing review of the Bruins
in a column from the Daily Bulletin. Regarding the Bruins this year: "They aren't very talented, they don't play very well together, and you wonder how well-coached they are." Specific criticism about yesterday's performance: pathetic interior play, questionable discipline, and shaky fundamentals. The writer also takes several digs at Ben Howland, including:
Now there is some truth to what he says, but it is all out of context. Without knowing any background of this year's Bruin team, if you turned on yesterday's game, yes, I could see how you might think we're not talented, disciplined, or fundamentally sound. But how can you not understand that this is a result of starting three freshman? Three freshman who are first, third, and fourth on the team in minutes played. One of these three is the point guard who has no backup and is expected to not only run the offense, but be the number two scoring threat. And another freshman who is expected to shut down the other team's best perimeter player each game.
and if you think Howland is taking too long with the turnaround, consider that he has had only one recruiting class of his own at UCLA, and he has had only one full off-season with this team. and perhaps most significantly, this year he is missing two players that would have made substantial contributions: Trevor Ariza and Cedric Bozeman. Ariza would have given the bruins more size and experience, and he would have been the first or second option on offense. And Bozeman would have played minutes at the point and provided some added perimeter defense, alleviating pressure on both Farmar and Afflalo. There is no doubt that this team would be further along if both of those players were in Bruin uniforms this season.
So a message to all casual observers unwilling to look below the surface to evaluate the program: take a deep breath and be a little patient. Howland has this thing headed in the right direction.
Ben Howland came to Westwood from Pitt, where he was beating up folks in the Big East. His rep was rebuilding programs.
But with nearly two seasons on his Westwood watch complete, Howland's Bruins are 24-25, including 14-17 in the Pac-10. With nine defeats on their home court.
Now there is some truth to what he says, but it is all out of context. Without knowing any background of this year's Bruin team, if you turned on yesterday's game, yes, I could see how you might think we're not talented, disciplined, or fundamentally sound. But how can you not understand that this is a result of starting three freshman? Three freshman who are first, third, and fourth on the team in minutes played. One of these three is the point guard who has no backup and is expected to not only run the offense, but be the number two scoring threat. And another freshman who is expected to shut down the other team's best perimeter player each game.
and if you think Howland is taking too long with the turnaround, consider that he has had only one recruiting class of his own at UCLA, and he has had only one full off-season with this team. and perhaps most significantly, this year he is missing two players that would have made substantial contributions: Trevor Ariza and Cedric Bozeman. Ariza would have given the bruins more size and experience, and he would have been the first or second option on offense. And Bozeman would have played minutes at the point and provided some added perimeter defense, alleviating pressure on both Farmar and Afflalo. There is no doubt that this team would be further along if both of those players were in Bruin uniforms this season.
So a message to all casual observers unwilling to look below the surface to evaluate the program: take a deep breath and be a little patient. Howland has this thing headed in the right direction.
Comments:
Great site man. We have already put up a link to your site on our home page, and have blogrolled you. So if you can return the favor, that would great. Thanks!
This team already has a better record than last year's team. Howland is starting three freshman and we have two horrible centers. We have no inside game whatsoever.
I don't know how anyone could expect this team to be doing much better right now. We should be very happy if we make the NCAA tournament. Unless we have some type of major meltdown, Howland deserves a lot of credit.
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I don't know how anyone could expect this team to be doing much better right now. We should be very happy if we make the NCAA tournament. Unless we have some type of major meltdown, Howland deserves a lot of credit.
# posted by 
: 2/14/2005 11:55 PM
: 2/14/2005 11:55 PM
Fresno CA Direct TV can get you all the UCLA basketball games you want
