Ben Ball Game Day Roundup

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2007 7:17 AM PST in Basketball Comment 32 comments

Let's get back to our other major revenue athletic program, led by the Anti-Dorrell of college athletics. Coach Howland and his Ben Ball warriors are getting ready for the CBE classic, which tips off tonight at Pauley. Bruins take on Youngstown St. tonight, and if they can get by that game, they will get to take on the winner of the Weber St. v. Cal State San Bernardino tomorrow night at Pauley.

Everyone is wondering how DC is doing. Coach Howland has some answers on DC's health and the state of our back court:

"It's feeling better," Howland said. "It's a progression of things now. [Today] will be the treadmill run. Assuming that the doctor releases him, Tuesday will be lateral slides. Wednesday it will be stops and starts with transition movements on the floor. Hopefully by Thursday he'll be able to practice."

In the meantime sophomore Russell Westbrook will get his second start at point guard. "For him it's just more and more experience," said Howland.

Howland said Westbrook had too many turnovers (six) in a season-opening win over Portland State on Friday. "But he did a very good job defensively."

When Collison is healthy, Howland said, he is excited about the defensive pressure opposing point guards will feel.

"If you really study the film," Howland said, "people will be open a moment but with the good pressure on the ball we give you on the point, guys [inside] can recover to the open man."

That account was from Diane, who reports DC may be back next week. While DC is out, RW will get more experience at the 1 spot, and it looks like it will take him some time. And folks shouldn't worry too much about it. I remember when Watson had to take over for Baron Davis at the 1 spot, after playing at the 2 for two seasons, it took him a while to get acclimated to play the point. Unlike Watson who was playing without a head coach, RW will have Howland to learn from, and it will be fun to see him develop as he gets extended mins in the next few games.

The other kid who is getting used to a new position is Luc. He had an off game at the 3 spot last time out. From the OC Register:

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has led the Bruins in rebounding the past two seasons and pulled down a team-high 117 offensive rebounds as a freshman and 87 last season.

He had one rebound against Portland State, on the defensive end.

Mbah a Moute is playing the small forward position while Michael Roll is out because of a ruptured plantar fascia in his left foot, and Howland said the 6-8 junior should have more success rebounding against smaller perimeter players.

"It should be easier for him to get those offensive rebounds," the Bruins coach said. "He's got to come from the perimeter and establish position."

And Coach Howland doesn't sound too worried about Luc adjusting. From Diane again:

Howland also said he was not worried about the play of junior forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who is adjusting to playing small forward after being moved from power forward.

"There are so many things that are different defensively and offensively," Howland said. "Defensively he's trailing and chasing guards instead of extending screens and helping out the forwards."

Luc and Russel will get another opportunity to adjust in their new roles today. As mentioned above Bruins are taking on Youngstown State, and the ever diligent KS Wong from BBR has this preview on the Penguins:

The Youngstown State Penguins of the Horizon League open their season with this game against the Bruins. They finished 14-17 in 2006-07, the most games the school has won since the 2000-01 campaign.

The Penguins lost their two leading scorers from last season, but they return seven lettermen and add a number of freshmen and transfers to the club.

The top three players returning for the Penguins are Byron Davis, Jack Liles, and John Barber

Senior guard Byron Davis (6'2, 180) is the team's top returning scorer (8.6) and assist man (3.9). He is moving from the point guard slot to the two-guard position this year.

The top returning post man for the Penguins is forward Jack Liles (6'8,240,Jr) who averaged 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds a contest last year. He is a solid frontcourt player who shot 55.6% from the field and led the team in blocks with 36 in the season.

Senior John Barber (6'7, 220) averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds a game as the team's sixth man last season. A valuable player who does what needs to be done for the team, either it be scoring or grabbing a key rebound. Barber will move into the starting line-up this season.

In case you are wondering what kind of mindset our Warriors are in, given the rash of upsets in college hoops, take note of this from the Register report linked above (emphasis mine):

There have been some major upsets already in college basketball, something Howland said he already had addressed with his team. He didn't start when Grand Valley State took down Michigan State in an exhibition, when Gardner-Webb won at Kentucky or Belmont won at Cincinnati, snapping the Bearcats' streak of 42 consecutive victories in home openers. "I talked to them starting with Appalachian State over Michigan (in football)."

I know we keed when we say may be we should have Coach Howland take over the football team to save it from the Doofus. But may be we are not all that off.

Anyway, the game is on tonight at 8 pm PST. We hear Steve Lavin is going to show up at Pauley tonight for the ESPN2 broadcast. For everyone who are heading to Pauley tonight, I'd urge you that you let him know exactly how you feel about the way destroyed and decimated our basketball program. He should NEVER FEEL WELCOME in the House that Coach Wooden built, and Coach Howland has rebuilt, after he burned it into the ground.

Again make sure to let him know how you feel. Booooo the heck out of him when his ugly mug shows up on the big screen, and if you are near him just let him know in a polite and measured tone that he is an incompetent basketball coach and you are glad that he is no longer around to ruin our basketball program.

Lastly per the beat writers more good new from the injury front. Roll could be back for the Texas game (12/2) while Keefe might be eying the game against Idaho St (12/15) for his 2007-08 debut. We can't wait but they should make sure they are completely ready before joining rest of their team-mates.

We are going to have an open game thread up later tonight featured by some great shots courtesy of Jack Rosenfeld.

GO BRUINS.

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Karma

I think it would be funny if the Lavinoma got booed, it's part of college hoops and all that jazz. But if it were me I would refrain from making a personal comment to him. It's all about karma. Our suffering under him was paid back a million-fold by getting Ben Howland. If the Lavinoma kept having winning seasons, he may still be around (blargh, ukh, puke). I don't want to dwell on misery. I would just ask that he return the salary from his last year and his contract buyout.

But we should never forget what he did and the pain he caused, because that is how we get stuck with lame coaches like Toast. So, booing, yes, in-your-face "you suck" comments, not my style...

by tasser10 on Nov 12, 2007 8:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

In your face ..

I am not advocating we say, "you suck." I have a lot of confidence in my BN brothers like you that if he ever come up to you in person, you'd get that point across w/o being sophomoric. :-)

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2007 9:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Believe me

I would LOVE to tell him that in his face. But we are where we should be with Ben, and he is where he should be talking BS on the MSM. It's all good. Living well is the best revenge. Plus, he already knows he sucks, otherwise he'd try to get a coaching gig. And not just in Kazakhstan.

by tasser10 on Nov 12, 2007 10:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Very niiiiice!

by Barnes2JJ on Nov 12, 2007 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

long time reader first time blogger

i love BN.

With regards to Lavin, i hate that guy. Everytime I see him on ESPN, I change the channel or roll my eyes after I hear his non-analysis.

But, when he comes to Mecca tonight I would do the Wooden thing (class) and ignore him. Ok maybe a few boos.

But remember, this is UCLA. Lets not be like the SEC fans out there (especially the Gators) and act like classless, undereducated fans.

GO BRUINS. And thanks to BN for keeping information moving.

by 8994 on Nov 12, 2007 9:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Welcome aboard.

Even if not everyone agrees with your position re: taking the Wooden route, you can do no wrong citing Coach as an example of behavior.

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Nov 12, 2007 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Luc

he is a big mystery to me at this point. How do people think he is going to play this year?

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Nov 12, 2007 10:25 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Silence can be deafening...

As I watch the game tonight (my 3rd visit to Pauley this year), the presence of Lavin will certainly taint my experience. But rather than make the experience awkward for others by booing a former "coach" I'll take the high road and merely remain silence. Expecting a warm reception, my refrain will hopefully send a clear message that I'm glad he is no longer on the sidelines ruining our beloved program and is instead ruining ESPN broadcasts with his drivel for millions of viewers. Go silent, fellow Bruins!!

by Bald Eagle on Nov 12, 2007 10:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

We've moved on

Lavin is the loser ex-girlfriend that you dumped several years ago.

Howland is the perfect hot babe that you are dating now.

No need to be bitter. No need to show any deference. We are much better off now. Silence and indifference I think is the way to go.

"If I don't do my job, I will get fired" -Karl Dorrell

by godblesstyus95 on Nov 12, 2007 10:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

That's interesting

I think the huge increase in attendance now compared to the crowds he used to draw is probably all the "FU" we need to give him. And that's non-verbal. We can be indifferent and rub it in at the same time.

by Tydides on Nov 12, 2007 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Howland is a blessing for UCLA

and his coaching is a thing of beauty...but dang!! Calling him a hot babe??!!!

by bluegold on Nov 12, 2007 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Metaphorically speaking,

of course!

"If I don't do my job, I will get fired" -Karl Dorrell

by godblesstyus95 on Nov 12, 2007 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I know...but

from now on when I hear the term "hot babe" images of a balding Howland are going to pop into my head.

by bluegold on Nov 12, 2007 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you guys are right

But I am having a hard time letting it all go. I hate that SOB. I hate him because of how he not only destroyed something we so dearly love, but demonized (and trivialized) us all in the process of doing so (while taking millions he didn't deserve to the bank).

But your approach is probably the right one.

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2007 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Good post

There's no need to rub it in any further than UCLA's current situation does. Lavin knows he was a bad coach, he knows UCLA is infinitely happier and better off without him, and he probably won't see another head coaching gig at the D1 level. He's got a pretty nice gig at ESPN and is one of the few at that network who always speaks well of the Bruins.

If anyone should be booed, it should be Peter Dalis for giving a severely unqualified Lavin the job in the first place. He's the guy I blame more than Lavin. Just another example of UCLA trying to do sports on the cheap, and another reason the hiring of the next football coach has me very, very nervous.

by McNown to Farmer on Nov 12, 2007 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Amen to Dalis bashing

That guy may be the worst AD of any major school of all time.

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Nov 12, 2007 4:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No way

Dalis did a lot of stupid things, but expand your thinking. Think outside of the revenue sports and look at the commitment he made to non-revenue sports and women's sports in general. He hopped on board early and got those programs rolling, making us the first to 100. Did Dalis screw us with Lavin and a number of other decisions? Yes, but don't make a ridiculous statement like the worst AD is major collegiate athletics history.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Nov 12, 2007 5:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Rye

I will never forgive that bastard and his twisted testicles. He cut my sport because my teammates and I did not have a vagina. He could have cut many others that were more expensive and far less successful. But he did not. So Pete Dalis will always be a toe fungus to me.

by tasser10 on Nov 12, 2007 6:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dalis

was one of the worst ADs in the history of college athletics. A total f**king doofus.

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2007 7:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Rye, re Dalis

I think you are much too kind to this guy. If he isn't the worst athletic director in history, who is?

by Fox 71 on Nov 12, 2007 7:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How about

Steve Pederson who just got fired from Nebraska? He fired a coach who just went 9-3 to bring in Bill Callahan. He promised to commit to basketball and get it on the map, but failed to do so. He raised less money in his 5 years than in the 3 previous years before he was hired. His women's basketball coaching hire hasn't lived up to expectations and he left the athletic department as unorganized that many around Lincoln have described it as a mess on a good day.

Note tha I'm not saying Dalis was good, just that he did some good things and they cannot be ignored. First and foremost is the revenue sports and his mistakes there hurt the entire athletic department, however calling him the worst AD ever is quite the overstatement. He was poor, nothing more, nothing less.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Nov 13, 2007 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Lavin On ABC...Saturday Night

Did anyone watch Lavin in the press box during the Cal-USC game on Saturday night? First of all, he doesn't know anything about basketball, let alone football. Not sure why ABC felt the need to get him up there.

But what really bugged me was when they brought up this week at Pauley and Lavin talked about how he has already gotten the boos and he'll be expecting that.

Personally, watching it, all I saw was Lavin playing the victim card all over again. And he's really good at it. But it makes me hate him even more.

I will BOO tonight.

GO BRUINS!

by Quickhands on Nov 12, 2007 10:55 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah saw it

and it made my blood curl.

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2007 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding, listening to him...

... made by hair boil.

:lol: Just kidding, N.

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Nov 12, 2007 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ahahahahaha

Thats a feather in my belt!

by Nestor on Nov 12, 2007 1:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What was the fool doing?

I mean, what was the purpose of that? It was a game between Cal and u$c, and grease-head was there yammering on about dinner and the opera. Made me want to hurl.

Bob O. (Signholder #3)

by TuneMan7 on Nov 12, 2007 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He was talking about opera?

Maybe I've been too harsh on him.

(Just home from first orchestra rehearsal for La Boheme. I am at the stage where the players run around banging on everyone's shoulder pads.)

by Fox 71 on Nov 12, 2007 7:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Shown on the East Coast?

I'm going to the game myself, but for my friends who aren't living in the area, will this game be shown on ESPN2 all over?

Proud to be a lifelong Bruin

by omnigeno on Nov 12, 2007 12:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yes, thankfully

Game is showing up on my (Central Virginia) tv listing. Excepting a few CFB games, anything on ESPN2 is shown nationwide.

Only problems with tonight's game/coverage is the lavin angle and the 11pm eastern tip-off.

by bruinhoo on Nov 12, 2007 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Proud to be a lifelong Bruin

by omnigeno on Nov 12, 2007 2:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Lead comment from Nestor

Nestor, I agree with Fox71. We all need to take a pledge to clear ourselves of mentioning BH and the other guy in the same sentence, especially when it comes to comparing anything having to do with coaching......

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Nov 12, 2007 1:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs