Special Ben Ball Open Thread: 2008 NBA Draft Party
by Nestor on Jun 26, 2008 4:00 AM PDT
in Basketball
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PrintWell today is going to be a big day for UCLA basketball program. Sure Kevin Love, Luc Richard M’Bah A Moute, and Russell Westbrook will not be wearing UCLA uniforms next season. But you can bet in coming years they are going to be representing our school the same way we have had superstars such as Baron Davis, Reggie Miller, Jordan Farmar, et al. representing their alma mater on and off the court. So here is just a little something wishing all of our Ben Ball warriors best of luck on their big night.
Here is to KL's next team ENJOYING what we experienced at Pauley:
Photo Credit: Jack Rosenfeld
While here is to LRMAM SHINING with his TEAM DEFENSE he perfected as Ben Ball warrior:
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian (via ESPN)
And, finally here is to RW SOARING to his next challenge:
Photo Credit: ISU_79's photostream (flickr)
If you are watching the NBA draft tonight and getting nostalgic about last three seasons, this is the place to be.
If you are following it on TV, the draft coverage begins on WWL at 4 pm PST. You should be able to ttrack the festivities online via this link.
We have followed every move of these three Ben Ball warriors since they arrived in Westwood. Here is to them having a great night and making all of us proud one more time representing those four magical letters stitched in blue and gold.
Kevin, Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuc, and Russell - good luck.
Fire away.
GO BRUINS.
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+1 -- Go Zo!!!
The first spot in my heart, in this draft, is held by Lorenzo Mata Real.
I believe what I wrote last week - the Lakers need him. I’m sure the Celtics and Pistons appreciate what he does - he is a solid, strong, selfless warrior. In a game that is being transformed to honor and respect defense, LMR’s is prepared to play contribute from day one. There should be a lot of teams looking at him.
I join the excitement to see where and how high in the draft KL, RW and LRMAM go, but I will be most excited if LMR finds an NBA home.
I wish our Fab 4 well tonight.
sjh
PS. Zo, if you somehow end up in Houston, dinner is on me, and I’ll actually buy a Rockets ticket so I can see you play in person.
sjh
So Proud
of all four of you, truly. I think we all share your excitement for your respective futures, and know that you will each achieve greatness in your own way.
No matter which NBA uniforms you will be wearing, though, you’ll always be Bruins to me.
Love My Bruins
For all Lakers fans here:
Chad Ford has Duh!von Jefferson going to the Purple and Gold at No. 58. Hopefully he’s wrong. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-Rd2-080626
that would be awful
i might become a clipper fan if that happened.
by UCLAbruin920 on Jun 26, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Especially
if the KC Star bonehead sports guy out here is right and the Clippers take RW.
Love My Bruins
If Nix is Right
and NY is picking a PG, it has to be RW or Bayless…did Dj Augustine work out for the Knicks?
Love My Bruins
Surprised that Miami didn't trade the pick
Since they weren’t huge on Beasley. I really thought they’d trade down to Seattle who coveted the big man.
Still early
I seem to recall teams drafting players only to later trade them the same day.
I Really Thought
they’d go with Mayo. I think Seattle has a different agenda this year, unfortunately.
Love My Bruins
Right, but
they just finished up closing arguments on the big move, and their management absolutely sucks. (Seattle)
Are they booing Mayo?
Love My Bruins
RW to the Clippers?
or are they taking Bayless?
OJ booing?! Darn being at work! I wish I could listen!
Russell Westbrook and Earl Watson together
love it. sux that the team is moving to OkC tho
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM PDT reply actions
How can they rate Lopez over those other guys?
Seriously, I would put him about 5th on that list.
Now the question
is what city Russ plays in.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 4:57 PM PDT reply actions
I knew RW would get taken ahead of Bayless
Glad Seattle saw what we saw in RW: a kid that owned Bayless when they came against each other and made Rose and Mayo hesitate whenever he was guarding them.
Hmm
No chance that lawsuit forces them to stick it out for another two years?
Yeah
but taking the Sonics would be terrible (and I can’t stand David Stern for the way he’s handled this) so I’m holding out hope.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Memphis has to take Love or Lopez...
...to replace Pau. Hopefully they go with the smart pick and take Love and not throw it away on Lopez (not that Lopez isn’t talented, but I think Kevin is the better pick).
Surprised Bilas has Augustin over Bayless...
...considering all the pre-draft hype Bayless was getting.
Remember guys
UCLA won’t be able to get top talents because our style isn’t fun and doesn’t prepare guys for the NBA.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:02 PM PDT reply actions
Wow!
Both go in the top 5! Alright – cmon Luc and LMR, hope you move up as well!
This can't recrutiing
Wanna get drafted in the top 5? Go to UCLA
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 5:02 PM PDT reply actions
*can't hurt recruiting
seeing ryebread’s more insightful comment threw me off.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions
But didn't Lute say...
...that blue-chip recruits would never come to UCLA and play in Howland’s “boring” system?
Ahh, so sorry Viagra Lute, both of our guys got taken ahead of your kid Bayless. Maybe you should think before opening your mouth next time Old Man.
No sympathy for a shit-talking asshole...
...like Viagra Lute. Big fucking crybaby is getting his due now that we have a real coach.
i remember reading this...
as well. do you have a link to the story? would love to read the full story again.
No way Seattle uses all 6 picks
That’d be the epitome of stupidity. They wouldn’t be able to fit all 6 on their roster so look for them to move 2 or 3 of the picks for picks next year, to move up this year or get a player.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not so sure
Presti’s been in charge for a little over a year and I think he’s done a pretty good job. Plus, he’s got a great track record as an assistant GM with the Spurs. I think the Sonics are finally headed in the right direction.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Not P.'s Fault
There is no excuse for this team to have sunk so low in the first place. It’s what has led to them being in a position to get moved out of Seattle.
Love My Bruins
Hmm Kevin Love competing with Darko for starting spot?
Yeah, I’m pretty sure K-Love will be a starter from the jump.
They'll play Darko, Miller and Love together is my guess
Might be the first offensive set w/ no one in the paint.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
From Italy
19 year old swingman at 6’9’’ who can do a bit of everything. He can shoot the ball, can put it on the floor, move without the ball and finish around the rim. I’m a lot higher on him than most and hat’s because not only does he have the tools, but he gets to the line at a great rate so there shouldn’t be an issue of the “soft European.” The guy takes it to the rim with ferocity and finishes strong.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
The Knicks fans
boo whoever they pick almost every year.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm 100% sure that Mayo will be a bust
I was convinced of it when I heard he was at the top of the Clippers’ board.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Disagree to an extent
I don’t like OJ2, know he’s a cheater, but I think he will make an immediate impact. Potential-wise, though… he has none. He’s almost as good as he’s going to get. He’s been doing this for a long time, little room for improvement unlike KL or especially RW
Yeah
but the Clippers loved him. That’s a death sentence.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Would have been nice
to get to see them play more than I will next year in Seattle/OKC and Memphis, and since they’re such a terrible team, they’d get a ton of PT.
hahaha
I’ve never been an NYC fan. Most of it is the people… (sorry to you NYC people out there. I attribute your individual awesomeness to your UCLA-affliation)
I think Gordon, a born loser
is perfect for a team of losers like the clippers…Its too bad we wont get to see much of Russ or Kevin in a couple terrible basketball markets
O.A.
Alexander
I’m not sure how well he’ll fit with the newly acquired Richard Jefferson. An interesting pick.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:21 PM PDT reply actions
I think so
it would allow Okafor to play the 4 where he’s more comfortable.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm glad...I hope he keeps falling...
....I thought he was overhyped and got way too much love. When he played us, I saw nothing special. RW worked him all over the court.
And perhaps it'll shut Lute up
With all of his bullshit about how blue-chip guys would prefer Arizona over UCLA.
I guess you could go to Arizona if you want to get drafted way behind Bruins.
Wow, what a stupid pick
I can’t believe Charlotte would take a G given they have Felton and J-Rich and they desperately need a C (Nazr as a starter is a recipe for losing). Well, no wonder they suck.
Wow
I never thought Augustine would get picked so high. That means Bayless get drafted below point guards Rose, Mayo, Russ, Gordon and Augustine.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions
Actually
Brown & the Bobcats would have been an interesting fit for Lopez. Who else thinks Larry is trying to find another AI instead of a big man?
I do like Augustine, though.
Love My Bruins
The more I think about it
the more it makes sense. Larry Brown is notorious for making it tough on rookies so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he goes with arguably the most NBA ready players available.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah, but they really need help down low...
....I mean, come on, Nazr Mohammed as your starting center?!
Who cares
I don’t think they plan on winning this year. They’re gonna make a trade for a center either for this year or next. The way the NBA is going, it’s not as if you need a dominant center either so a trade for a serviceable center is all it’ll take, especially in the east.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep, You're Right
He likes to spin the whole team around a quick, intense PG, Augustine is as tough as nails, and works hard.
Love My Bruins
Boy, NJ sure loves taking big men from Stanford with a twin
Reminds me of the two Collins boys. Surprisingly, I think Robin will be the better NBA player than Brook. Just a hunch.
Good pick for the Nets
Brook is TOUGH. Watched him that heart-stopping game in Pauley… I think I stopped breathing like 4 time in 5 minutes…
Lopez to NJ
I’m almost relieved. I HATE it when kids are just sitting there way too long.
Love My Bruins
Charlotte made a terrible pick
I think they should just packag and trade some of their raw young talent for a superstar, J Rich aint gonna lead a team anywhere
O.A.
I still think Robin should have stayed in Palo Alto
He needed another year to develop and he could have really improved his stock with a year as the feature of the Stanford offense.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply actions
Does this mean that Robin will get taken by the Utah...
...just like Jarron Collins did when Jason got taken by the Nets?
PAC-10
4 of top ten picks? How can anyone else say there are better basketball conferences out there?
It depends on the year
Last year we had the best conference, but the conference will be way down this year. Too many teams losing too many key guys.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
oh yeah...
I definitely think Bayless should have been before Augustine. But that’s just my uninformed opinion
Bayless does not look very happy
Guess dropping down from 4 to 11 kind of stings, huh.
That’s what happens when you sign up to play for flashy, run-and-gun, no substance Viagra Lute.
On the Bayless note
any word on Brandon Jennings? He was supposed to get his SAT scores today.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions
I don't think it's confirmed yet...
...I think the speculation is just building.
I’d love to see Viagra Lute deprived of his star recruit. Haha.
jennings won't find out his scores until July 5
I did some more looking and he’s going to have to wait some more. He did say that he’s considering Europe regardless of whether or not he gets the necessary scores.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
If he's smart, he'll bolt for Europe...
...because otherwise, he’s going to get embarassed by a very tenacious Ben Ball perimeter defense of DC and Jrue.
Might want to avoid the possibility of being handed his ass to him twice on national television.
Wanted to see where Luuuuuuucccccc went...
but need to get some sleep before tomorrow. Good night all.
Go Bruins!
ESPN chat with Kevin:
John (SC): Congratulations Kevin, how does it feel to be the 5th pick in the NBA draft?
Kevin Love: It feels great. If you were to tell me a year ago that I would be the gtop 5 pick in the draft, I would be estactic about it. It was a dream to hear my name called.
Nick (Dallas): Question for Kevin Love – What’s the feeling now that you’ve been drafted by a team in dire need of a big man? Nervous or excited or both?
Kevin Love: A little bit of both, because you don’t know what to expect. I’m going to come in and try to play my best. I’ll have to get used to the hazing a little bit. And traininga camp. I’m going to try to contribute.
Bob (Wichita): Kevin Love what will be the first thing you do with your Signing bonus
Kevin Love: That’s tough. I’ll probably take care of my parents. I just want to live comfortable, have a nice car and take care of my parents.
Cruz (Its hot in L.A.): Kevin: What kind shape are you in right now?
Kevin Love: I’m in the best shape that I’ve ever been in. The clothes that I have don’t fit me anymore. The girls are looking at me when I walk down the street. As far as the weight goes, I’m not worried about that, I’m worried about keeping the body fat down.
Bill (Florida): Kevin, are you excited to play in Memphis?
Kevin Love: I’m very excited. I feel like I can bring a lot to the team. I’m just going to try to do my best and come into Memphis and do my best. I’m going to have to be a big Elvis fan now.
Kevin Love: Lot of shoutouts Lake Oswego back home in Oregon. Same thing goes to Westwood and the city of LA. And finally my new Memphis fans. I hope I do you proud., I’ll do everything I can to get you above .500.
Rush goes #13 to Portland
An interesting pick considering Portland’s glut of swingmen.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:47 PM PDT reply actions
congrats Love and Westy
got to see bits of the early draft broadcast from my weekly lefty bar night (conflicting w/the draft, of course). Awesome seeing Russell taken at #4, as well as Bayless fall as far as he did.
If you don't think the UCLA players are close
check out Lorenzo’s Facebook status:
“my lil brother Russ #4 NBA Pick… ya diiiiiiiiiiig.”
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:53 PM PDT reply actions
I hope not
It sounds better to be drafted, but he’d be a 2nd round pick which isn’t a guaranteed contract. I think it’d be better for him to go undrafted, become a free agent and pick the team that fits him best.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Not the most shocking comment of the day, I have to say.
One reason why I am just not watching anymore; espn.com’s updated draft board and this thread are enough for me
But in doing so
you missed Robin Lopez trying to get a hat on his head…err hair.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Bayless traded to Portland
Blazers gave the rights to Brandon Rush and Jarret Jack for the rights to Bayless.
There we go
Rush to Portland made no sense. They have 10000 swingmen already. Now Bayless takes the point in Portand (Crap. They have enough good young players already) and Rush joins his brother Kareem in Indiana.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 6:19 PM PDT reply actions
To Me,
Bayless to Indiana made no sense, either. Anyway, you said it, there they go. Kind of strange…earlier this week, Rush’s mom was talking about how Brandon isn’t very close to either of his brothers…he’s quite a bit younger.
Love My Bruins
Alexis Ajinca goes to Charlotte
The Frenchman is 7 feet tall and has a 7 foot 8 wingspan! There’s the center Charlotte needed, but they say he’s got a long way to go.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 26, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply actions
I HATE
seeing Darrell Arthur sitting at that table. Every year there’s one kid just left-in the NFL drfat, too-I just hate it.
Love My Bruins
OK,
If there’s anyone still out there…who do we want to join our RW and Kevin Durant as a Sonic? They really need a big man, badly.
Love My Bruins
DeAndre Jordan to the Clippers
5th pick of the 2nd round. May have been better for him to stay at A&M for his soph year, but at least he got picked.
Luuuuc!!!
Congrat’s Luc on going to Milwaukee. It’s really a great city—I’ve spent a lot of time there.
Solid, Midwest work ethic. Straightforward good people. Luc will fit right in.
sjh
Congrats Luuuuc
Will be tough w/ Richard Jefferson and Desmond Mason there, but hopefully he can find a roster spot.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 8:02 PM PDT reply actions
Congratulations, Luc
37th overall—picked ahead of CDR & Bill Walker. Go get ‘em, Prince.
Love My Bruins
ESPN chat w/Westbrook
since I didn’t see it earlier in the thread:
Gary (Phoenix): How relieved are you that this process is over?SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:12 PM ET ) Very relieved. I’ve been waiting all my life for this moment. Now it’s like I’m starting all over.
SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:12 PM ET ) Very relieved. I’ve been waiting all my life for this moment. Now it’s like I’m starting all over.
Bryan (Sacrmento): Do you see yourself as a full-time PG in this league or a hybrid?
SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:12 PM ET ) Full time PG. Playing at the next level, I have to be able to run the team and play the point.
Zach (Jersey): Were you surprised to go so high? Most people had you projected a bit later.
SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:13 PM ET ) Not at all. I worked so hard to become where I am. Not surprised at all.
kris katarzy (california): how excited are you to go one on one with chris paul during the season
SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:13 PM ET ) I can’t wait. Paul is a great player, but I’m going to come in and do my best and help my team win.
Mike (LA): Going to seattle, what is your take on the potential move out of there?
SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:14 PM ET ) I’m not worried at all. My family will be able to come and watch. I’m going to go and handle my business whether it’s in Seattle or Oklahoma City.
SportsNation Russell Westbrook: (8:14 PM ET ) Thanks for the support. Looking forward to talking to you guys soon.
LMR
I would love to see the 4th Bruin enter the draft, cmon Lakers pull the trigger!
Lakers coming up...
I’m not a fan, but I’ll hate them a lot less if they take LMR!
And they take Joe Crawford...
What a shame. They passed on LMR when they needed his toughness. Do they really need more help from the refs?
huh?
howd they pass on him? he was already off the board…
I Missed Something..
Did Ty Lawson pull out of the draft? I thought the NC faithful ran him out of town when he declared?...
Love My Bruins
yep, he went back to UNC
Was borderline staying in the draft until getting busted for DWI about 3 weeks ago, which likely raised enough questions in the NBA to encourage his return (not the 1st stupid thing Lawson had done @ UNC).
Darn...
No pick for LMR. Perhaps that’s a blessing though – now he can try out for any team he wants, and hopefully a few will come calling that are willing to take a chance on a high-character kid.
ESPN analysis - Luc
Chad Ford on Luc:
7 (37) Milwaukee Luc Richard Mbah a Moute 6-8 221 SF UCLA
Do you think maybe the Bucks thought that they needed help at small forward? The Bucks acquired their third small forward of the day. Mbah a Moute is a terrific defender who is a little like a bigger Bruce Bowen. He’ll never wow you offensively, but he should be in the league a long time.
KLove to the Wolves!!!
ESPN just reported KLove to Wolves and OJ to Grizzlies!!!
Geez, how many guards does Memphis need?
Conley, Crittenton, Lowry, Jaric, Juan Carlos Navarro, and now Mayo. And still no post presence.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I was wrong about Navarro.
He’s gone back to Europe.
by insomniacslounge on Jun 26, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
This may actually be GOOD for Kevin.
I’ll admit, I was dancing a jig knowing that OJ was going to the frozen wasteland of Minnesota… but Kevin may actually do well in Minny.
Look at who’s going with Kevin to the Wolves:
Mike Miller - still a deadeye shooter and scorer.
Brian Cardinal - scrappy 6-8 forward with a midrange shot.
Jason Collins—an extra big body for minutes and fouls.
Meanwhile, OJ goes over to Memphis with…
Antoine Walker - soft, doughy, outside shooting forward.
Greg Buckner - limited offensively, aging defender
Marko Jaric—versatile guard, but overpaid and a shaky shot.
I can’t believe it, but McHale may have pulled off a GOOD trade… one that DOESN’T help the freaking Celtics.
And Mayo ends up with a team that is absolutely WORSE for getting him.
Wow.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
KL will do well where ever he goes
but I still think that Memphis would have provided him with greater opportunties upfront. Plus, there was the off chance that I might go to Memphis every once in a while, maybe even catch a game. No way you’ll drag me to that frozen tundra that is Minnesota…
Davon
Jefferson doesn’t get drafted…........thank god, by the Lakers. But look on the bright side. At least Davon has his USC degree to rely on and can get a good job if the Developmental League doesn’t work out. What? He didn’t get a degree? Oh well, I hear Russell Westbrook may need a driver while spending most of his time in Seattle making millions. Does Davon have his driver’s license. :)
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