LRMAM is going to test the draft water

by HK Bruin on Apr 18, 2008 5:58 PM PDT

UCLA forward Mbah a Moute to enter draft, but hasn't hired agent

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is the latest UCLA player intending to leave early for the NBA.

The junior forward said Friday he will enter the draft. The 6-foot-8 Mbah a Moute won't hire an agent right away, keeping him eligible to return to UCLA for his senior year.

"I feel that it is in my best interest to see what the NBA has to offer," Mbah a Moute said. "I have had a wonderful experience at UCLA."

Personally, I think the Prince will be staying for another year. His below-average shooting and ballhandling skill will hinder him in the NBA no matter how good and versatile his defense may be.

Anyhow, I love how Coach Howland is handling Luc's announcement.

"Luc is a great rebounder and is an outstanding defender," Howland said. "He's the most versatile defensive player I've ever coached. He has been an integral part of the success that our program has achieved over the last three seasons. I fully support him exploring his opportunities to play in the NBA."

MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE. MOUTE KICKS BOUTE.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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by HK Bruin on Apr 18, 2008 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

Expected

I ould have been surprised if he didn't test the waters, and actually, I'll be surprised if Shipp doesn't follow suite. If their goal is to eventually play in the NBA, and the NCAA will let you take two shots at attending the camps (as long as you don't hire an agent on the first go-round) then why not go for it? Neither is likely to impress enough to make it into the end of the first round, but they will be able to get an idea of what they need to work on if they want to get their the following year.

I think it's highly-likely both will be back, but if either surprises enough to make their way into the first round, or is happy with being a second round pick, then so be it. Luc has given us heart and hussle for three years and whatever he thinks is best for himself I fully support.

by cabz on Apr 18, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions

If Josh could be predicted

as a second rounder I'd think he'd be very pleased with that and have to go.

I think both will be back though, Josh has got to rediscover himself a bit and I think many would love to see LRMAM develop a more consistent Jumper. If both are happy with where they are projected though, then best of luck to 'em.

O.A.

by Ollie on Apr 18, 2008 6:56 PM PDT reply actions

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Et Tu, Luc?

In all seriousness, good for him. This is the price we must pay for our success. I hope him the best of luck.

Of course, I would like to see everybody back and another run for the Final Four and maybe even a National Championship. But, We all came to UCLA to succeed and launch our careers. An early jump to the NBA is certainly both.

Anybody and everybody that test the NBA waters will of course be welcomed back with open arms.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Apr 18, 2008 7:00 PM PDT reply actions

This can work out

I'm glad Luc's testing the NBA waters so he'll be more motivated to work on his atrocious handles, cringe-inducing jumpshot, and nonexistent offensive repertoire after hearing about it from NBA scouts.

by ishXdavid on Apr 19, 2008 1:34 AM PDT reply actions

Completely Unneeded

I am sure the x man has some mad skillz... Constructive criticism is fine, but keep that kind of bs off bn.

by idabruin87 on Apr 19, 2008 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions

BS?

Sorry, but my criticisms are valid. He came into the past season wanting to make more contributions as a small forward because that's the position he projects to play at the next level. It didn't work out because the team needed him in the paint and he doesn't possess the necessary skills to play small forward yet. I was merely stating that when he hears about his various shortcomings from the scouts that will determine his NBA future, he'll have more motivation to complete the transformation that began last offseason. It can work out for Luc and the team.

by ishXdavid on Apr 19, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Then merely state that the first time

Shortcomings, work on his mid-rage shot, improve ball-handling...that is fine. Atrocious handle, cringe-inducing jumpshot and non-existent offensive repertoire are not necessary. LRMAM has been a huge contributor for three final four teams, and there is no need to throw out harsh judgements about a player and a program you support.

by idabruin87 on Apr 19, 2008 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Nonexistent?

I guess offensive rebounds, putbacks and solid screens don't count. Pretty harsh for an incomporable player whom most of us believe has been the glue of the team...

by tasser10 on Apr 21, 2008 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

I think he's referring to on-ball offensive skills

in which case non-existent is a little too harsh, but it gets the point across.

Luc was the MVP of our team. Kevin and Russ got all the press, and Josh was the one we yelled at to be more assertive at times, but Luc was just the guy who kept chugging along. During the game, you'd barely remember he was on the court (in a good way). Once he left, it was obvious how much we missed him. Two of the four games we lost? Missing Luc (UW where he would have had Brockman and SC where he got hurt in the first half).

I hope Luc comes back, and finally figures out his J. There are times when he makes a few in a row (ever notice how he NEVER hits the rim on a make - it's either a pure swish or a "WTH was that??") and I think he's on to something, then he'll toss up a few bricks and I'll just be yelling "DON'T SHOOT! DRIVE! DRIVE!"

Anyway, Luc has nothing to lose, so why not. Over on BRO it was stated that a guy has something to lose because he could look awful at camp and hurt his stock for the next year. Don't think that's the case with Luc though, since right now, his stock just isn't that high. Hopefully without Kevin hogging all the rebounds =(, Luc will have a huge season and earn himself that guaranteed contract.

by seattlebruin07 on Apr 24, 2008 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions

You Just Sound

like you haven't actually been watching him play. Without him, our scorers have trouble getting into the paint, we don't get the defensive rebounds, and we're smaller and softer.

It's--you know--a TEAM thing. At some critical times this season, having KL, LMR and LRMAM in at the same time changed the tide for us.

Re-read what CBH says about him, and then watch some games we played against teams with big men, like Stanford.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Apr 21, 2008 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions