Why PAA, JS and DC Will Always Be At the Top of My UCLA Hero List

by Class of 66 on Mar 7, 2009 8:40 AM PST Comment 4 comments

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

The Ultimate Path to My All-Time Favorites List? Stay 4 Years.

Watching all the video highlights and reading all the wonderful things you all are saying about PAA, JS and DC has made me wonder what it is about them that has me so sad to see them go and so proud that they are Bruins.

I've watched many great players in my time -- especially in the early years. Many hold that special place in my Bruin heart.

But, not all of my all time heroes have been the best players to wear the uniform. In fact, although you will find the guys from my years at UCLA - the 60's on the list, and people who were there when I left and after -- like Kareem and the Readhead, you will also find some people that many of you will not recognize.

I've been trying to figure out the common denominator for the guys on that list, and tonight I found it.

My all time heroes are players who stayed the full term at UCLA -- 4 years, no less.

And, I realized that to be on my all time Bruin Hero list you have to be a true scholar/athlete -- not someone here to use the university as a place to spend a year or two before jumping off to be a pro.

Don't get me wrong -- I have deep respect for KL, JF, AA, and RW, and fully understand why BD had to leave UCLA before the lizard completely ruined him -- but I see UCLA as a very special place -- a place for education not a minor league sports franchise.

To be on my list, you have to walk the entire path -- and JS, PAA and DC have.

They were true scholar/athletes, and passed up other opportunities to finish what they started. That shows character and commitment.

In order to stay, they attended school, took classes and passed them. School wasn't just a vehicle to play ball -- it was part of the bigger experience. PAA -- getting a Masters while playing BBall -- a true hero.

In this day of me first, DC's coming back to finish what he started, PAA's using BBall to get a better education, and JS's pure joy for the college game as evidenced by that incredible smile on his face (the one that should not be allowed to mask his competitive intensity) stand out and deserve to be rewarded.

Were things different, and were I able to, I'd fly to tomorrow's game just to say "good bye" to them. Instead, I'll send this post to let them know that for this Geezer Bruin, they've made it to the top of my Bruin mountain of fame. Guys, I am so proud of you. And, I will miss you.

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.

7 recs | Comment 4 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Perfect

Your sentiments are perfect 66. I only had the privilege of attending UCLA for a single year but I still talk about it an awful lot three years later. This usually revolves around Bruin sports as I recount to people over here the university’s obvious achievements, great facilities and fantastic fans (which, thanks to the good folks on BN, I can continue to follow from afar).

What I don’t need to explain to people is its worldwide academic standing, as the name alone says that for me. PAA, JS and DC have managed to have the best of both those worlds for a full four (five in JS’s case?) years. I am extremely jealous of them and even more proud of them for staying to get the absolute most of their experience in that little spot of paradise that is Westwood. I’m sure their lives have been changed completely by what they have learned from both their Professors in class and from Professor BH in the gym (I think I see him more as a Professor of Basketball rather than a Coach at this stage).

Well done lads, you’re on my list of people that “get” what UCLA is all about. I can’t wait to watch Tele’s highlights of Senior Night as I am quite sure I will shed a tear for them and their achievements, and I’m sure I won’t be the only one.

by irishbruin on Mar 7, 2009 1:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ditto

I could not agree more with you 66, well written. That Four year group keeps getting smaller and smaller and thus more dear to mind and obviously our hearts. The natural extension of this thought of course spreads through all the sports like football and baseball. For me, I have huge respect for ANY college athlete that goes the full four, but to do it at Westwood….separates you from the pack eternally.

Here’s to DC, JS and PAA and of course CBH, who no doubt had a little influence over their decision to stay. Keep up the fantastic work.

by tru-bleu on Mar 7, 2009 10:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Remember Kareem Abdul Jabbar?

I think he’s probably glad he stayed at UCLA for four years. There was an article about him in one of the local papers recently, and he only talked about basketball in passing. Four years in the UCLA environment means something. It adds a piece to the persona of each of our guys which will stay with them long after slam dunks are distant memories.

In other words, I agree with the other people said.

by Fox 71 on Mar 7, 2009 11:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Perfectly Stated, 66.

Four years is a very long time to stay so dedicated to both your education and your sport at any age, but especially when you are that young. I am so very impressed by these young men, and so very proud of them.

I really think PAA is going to be my all-time favorite, for all of the reasons you’ve described, and for his story. I can’t even think about him without welling up.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 7, 2009 3:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs