High on Howland ...
by Nestor on Dec 27, 2005 7:42 AM PST
in Basketball
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PrintLooks like we are not the only one happy with the job Coach Howland has done so far this season. We are off to our best start since 1994-95 (ahead of my pre-season expectations), and may be - just may be primed for a special season (emphasis mine):
Four years ago, the Bruins would have lost games like Michigan where they got behind on the road early and close games against Albany and Wagner as well.
No doubt about it. This isn't ex-coach bashing. Just the plain truth.
[...]
Howland has instilled a toughness in the program. This is evidenced not only by his coaching style but by his recruiting. Arron Afflalo, Howland's first big recruit, is as tough a collegiate guard you'll find. Farmar is unflappable under pressure and will not let the Bruins lose without a fight. The post men, although still raw, are wider and tougher than in previous years.
This is Howland's simple formula for success. Tough defense. Tough players. And if he has the personnel to run - he will have the offense run. This year's team is dominated by excellent perimeter players and thus Howland wants the Bruins to push the ball up the court at every opportunity. Howland knows the team's best offense is in the transition.
The Pac-10 will bring tough games every night for the Bruins, but the Bruins are set for a special season.
What a difference a competent/good coach makes in a program? It is fun to be all fired up and look forward to upcoming conference game (in contrast to the vibes coming from the football program). Is it Thursday yet? GO BRUINS.
No doubt about it. This isn't ex-coach bashing. Just the plain truth.
[...]
Howland has instilled a toughness in the program. This is evidenced not only by his coaching style but by his recruiting. Arron Afflalo, Howland's first big recruit, is as tough a collegiate guard you'll find. Farmar is unflappable under pressure and will not let the Bruins lose without a fight. The post men, although still raw, are wider and tougher than in previous years.
This is Howland's simple formula for success. Tough defense. Tough players. And if he has the personnel to run - he will have the offense run. This year's team is dominated by excellent perimeter players and thus Howland wants the Bruins to push the ball up the court at every opportunity. Howland knows the team's best offense is in the transition.
The Pac-10 will bring tough games every night for the Bruins, but the Bruins are set for a special season.
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Mercury News
I was reading through the San Jose Mercury News yesterday (since I am home for the holidays), and they had a Men's Basketball Preview (Registration may be required). Even though this area is home to Cal and Stanford, they are picking UCLA to finish first!
GO BRUINS. HOOK 'EM HORNS.
UCLA first?
Does the guy who made the pick have any ties to Westwood?
I don't think so
Although, I don't think it is totally unreasonable. At this point in the season, I could see a newspaper picking either Washington or UCLA to be first, and this guy seems to be a little wary of Washington without the guys that took them far last year, along with the underachievement (so far) of Stanford and Arizona. Washington had one good win at home(over Gonzaga), and UCLA had a win at Michigan and against Nevada, with its only loss against a top 5 team. I think it is fair to see either Washington or UCLA to be picked first at this point in the season.
GO BRUINS. HOOK 'EM HORNS.
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