Feliz Cumpleanos Lorenzo

Guys like this rarely get a shot at the NBA but I'll tell you something--Lo Mata-Real is a ferocious defender, great blocker especially for his height, and will do whatever a coach asks. He's a liability at the line and from outside, but he's very good in deep and is a smart player. Shooting can be worked at, and often is improved when a player cares about it (Shaq when he had a FT coach, Farmar this year, etc.). Mata-Real's not going to change a franchise, but I think he's an absolutely fantastic guy to have around, and I hope someone gives him a shot.

Happy birthday to the big guy.  A true warrior, no doubt about it, and a real credit to the program.

LMR has really evolved and is a solid, solid player.  Playing behind Love and not getting minutes and a couple of injuries have kept him from getting the opportunities and recognition he deserves.  He can rebound and defend and he's obviously a very hard worker.  I would have liked to see him get more minutes on the floor with Love, who would probably be best at getting LMR the ball in good position down low.

LMR should have some pretty good pro prospects.  Maybe not the NBA, but why not?  He's a strong, tough player coming out of a great program, he has steadily improved over 4 years, and he didn't really get a chance to show his stuff as a senior.  Some good minutes in the tournament could also help him--let's not forget where Hollins was at this time of year when he was a senior.  

Lo-Ma is an outstanding example of the kind of player I am PROUD to call a fellow Bruin.

This guy broke his nose twice and his leg in service of the Blue and Gold.  Maybe not the flashiest athlete on God's earth, this guy gave all he had -- his strength, his quickness, his hustle, his court sense -- game in and game out, never complaining, always working.

If ANYONE has earned the right to have an Ed O'Bannon kiss-the-court moment in his last game at Pauley, it's THIS guy.

Come on, Nestor, put up the picture of our boy Zo kicking it poolside with the hotties in Hawaii.  It's his birthday, man!  ;-)

M

I love Lo because he is so dedicated, hard working and humble.  He lives by Coach Wooden's principles and goes about his business without any bravado.  He doesn't care about personal glory and is always the first to cheer on his teammates, especially KLove who took his job.  But most of all, he came from very humble beginnings being the son of a single mom in South Gate with no father around.  To see him excel at UCLA is an inspiration to all of us, not just the homeboys in the 'hood. LO-- you, my brother are the definition of Bruin Warrior.

If you're a Bruin fan, it is impossible not to love this guy and the way he plays.  A class act, one of my all time favorites.  But then again, it's hard not to really like almost all the guys BH has brought to westwood.  Even so, LRM is one of those standouts for all the reasons mentioned on this thread.  

Happy Birthday Lorenzo...

Mata-Real is the real thing, and will be successful if a pro team is smart enough to sign him, or if a pro company signs him or if he decides to venture out on his own.  I can imagine him missing a free throw from time to time, but I can't imagine him failing to take his hard work and dedication with him wherever he goes.  And that will take him a long way.  I think Coach would be proud to call him a Bruin brother, and that's the highest accolade I can think of.

status mor than anyone ive ever known!!! happy bday lomat !

All of Pauley in thanks.  Wish the AD had arranged a give away from Adidas.  Should have done if for Kapono as well.

Have to wear it over our ears in tribute.

I've read and heard time and again about how he has become an inspiration to those who look up to him. He has been great asset to the UCLA basketball and its community. I wish him the best should he coninue onto the nba or pursuit a different avenue...

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS LORENZO...