I wanted to succinctly touch upon the Sidney recruiting issue as it appears to be quite an incendiary topic here – and on other Bruin related websites. The part that has left me perplexed is how many UCLA fans are seemingly questioning CBH’s judgment. Of course, it also seems a little ridiculous to have a bunch of adults vilify an adolescent that they don’t have any first hand knowledge of (perhaps some of the posters do know RS personally – but I kind of doubt it). Additionally, some of the critiques being bandied around about RS are so incredibly ambiguous or subjective (like saying that he has poor body language on his film clips – or that his attitude seems poor – or indicating that he acts in a puerile nature – based off of a series of second hand reports). While many of these reports may have some element of validity to them – don’t we trust CBH’s judgment on this matter? If indeed he has decided not to offer RS – it does at least appear that he was recruiting him but has decided to stop due to some obstacle that may be insurmountable.

I guess what I want to address is the notion that fans think they know better than our esteemed head coach. I read article on leadership recently that conveyed how successful organizations have exemplary leadership. This article described common components of such leadership styles – and indicated that the strong leaders all had a philosophy of hegemony that they filtered all of their decisions through. For basketball teams that would suggest that a coach (or GM – or AD) would identify a system or philosophy of play that they wanted to utilize (like the triangle for PJax or CBH’s system). These leaders then identify players that fit the particular system that they plan to implement.

Now the best leaders stuck to their system and did not change when faced with adversity. Their perseverance was inspiring – and it helped their team develop confidence. Furthermore, because the system was so clearly established – the leader helped each team member delineate the particular roles that they could flourish in. This in turn, helped each respective member hone their skills in that area in a manner that empowered the overall team become better than the sum of its parts.

I think that this dynamic of organizational systems soundly describes what we are experiencing in the CBH (and CRN) era. CBH is a paragon of hegemonical virtue. I think that just about everyone here at BN would agree with that!? Therefore, (and perhaps this is directed more at some of the other sites that have questioned the moral fortitude of our coach for having interest in RS – and I will post this on those sites as well) we should have absolute trust in our leader – right? He has not let us down to this point – and there are literally streams of excellent young athletes that desire to play for UCLA so that they can flourish under CBH’s leadership. If CBH believes that he RS can thrive in his system – who am I to question that? I certainly don’t have the same leadership resume that he has.

And as far as the whole tainting our pristine institutional image argument – I just don’t buy it. If CBH is the great leader that we assume him to be – then I believe that his unique characterological talent would help guide RS toward individual and communal success. I would love to see CBH offer this terrific athlete an opportunity for redemption. It’s like RS has a chance to finally get some of the structure that he has desperately needed – and some Bruins fans want to deny him that – and excoriate him at the same time. I guess that’s just not how I roll (of course, being in the field of psychology – it could be that my personal paradigm influences the way that I experience this whole issue).

Finally, it’s not as if we haven’t taken on athletes with some questionable virtues before. Even during Wooden’s era – he helped coach some relative renegades toward tremendous success (certainly – Bill Walton comes to mind). In those cases, his outstanding leadership trumped Walton’s individual ego – and I believe that Walton is a better man for having experienced Wooden’s guidance.

I - personally - would love to see what CBH could do with RS. I imagine that under his leadership we could see him blossom into a unique and unstoppable talent/force. I got to give CBH a ton of credit for consistently recruiting top level athletes that also have great character (although - I think some of our recollections of his players may be revisionist in that he may have improved or enhanced their character). However, at a basketball institution that only hangs National Championship Banners - a talent like RS could help us/CBH hang that elusive 12th banner - at least, if given the right direction and leadership. We know that if he goes to SuC - he will be given no leadership - and his destiny almost assuredly will not be as bright. It would upset me to see such a talented player play for Timmeh - watching him try and beat UCLA - knowing that he could have helped us destroy the Pac-10 (I think a frontline with him and BoBo - and the other incoming freshman - would be awesome). 

Well, whatever direction CBH decides to take us in - I am willing to follow. It doesn't mean that we can't question some of the decisions that he makes along the way - but until proven otherwise - I am going to assume that he understands the landscape of success in college basketball a little bitter than I do.