A Champion Returns

As many of you know by now, Tyus Edney has come back to Westwood and has joined Coach Howland's staff.

It was 15 years ago that he became a legend, and it seems everyone likes to remind him of 4.8 seconds...we certainly never get tired of it:

His shot became NCAA legend, helping UCLA survive a flurry of 3-pointers and go on to win the national championship.  But that was far from his last championship:

Edney won the bulk of his championships away from Westwood. After spending two seasons with the Sacramento Kings and one with the Boston Celtics, Edney moved to Europe and helped his teams win nine titles before retiring last year.

Perhaps Tyus just didn't have enough tattoos for the NBA.  The true mark of a champion is being the best that you can be and helping those around you do the same.  Tyus embodied that Wooden-esque spirit.  He was always the smallest guy on the court but he never, ever took a play off.  He never complained and he never whined.  He was the consumate Bruin basketball player.

If you wonder why he is back in Westwood, I'll let him tell you:

"I think we're headed in that direction again," Edney said of winning a championship.

...

"It feels almost like coming back home"

And if you wonder why Coach Howland brought him on his staff:

"He knows basketball and he's a good mentor for these kids and an example of what hard work and dedication can do for a player," Howland said.

I know it is too soon to tell, but I for one will be attributing Jerime Anderson's progress to Tyus.

"It's good to hear from somebody who's done it, who's played at a high level," junior point guard Jerime Anderson said. "It's pretty cool."

He may be unassuming in presence and character, and those of us who used to see him on campus would tell you the same thing.  He is incredibly warm and friendly, and if you have not yet met him, don't miss the chance. 

But don't be fooled, Tyus is a winner, and I hope his calm and wisdom motivates our boys to stay positive and work as hard as he did.