David & Travis Wear Are Officially Bruins
by Nestor on May 25, 2010 11:17 AM PDT
in Basketball
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So it is now official.Travis and David Wears (6-10, 23) are now Bruins:
"I am absolutely ecstatic about Dave and Travis joining our program," said Howland. "Both are outstanding players. They are highly-skilled good athletes who are hard workers and extremely motivated to be at their best. They are constantly working hard on their overall game.
"They are a great addition to our program, not only as players but as people. They come from a great family and from one of the best high school programs in the country in Mater Dei, coached by Gary McKnight."
So much for "irresponsible" "rumor" mongering. :-) According to elder Wear other schools were also coming after the Twins:
As for other schools that tried to recruit the twins after they got their releases from UNC, their father said "Let's just say there was a lot of interest. Some very high-profile schools reached out to us. Some (of the coaches) were willing to recruit one, the other or both of them. But the boys were adamant that they wanted to stay together."
He laughed.
"And it was going to be somewhere on the west coast," he said. "The boys and their mother (Gloria Wear) had no intention of going outside of this time zone."
So the Bruins get two Mickey Ders on their roster who have already had one year of coaching under one of the best teachers in the NCAA. They are going to redshirt this coming season and get acclamated to rigors of Ben Ball before getting ready to make their contributions in 2011-12.
I am pretty excited about having these two guys as Bruins. As mentioned before they are good kids with solid fundamentals and will help in strengthening the core of UCLA basketball under Howland which needs to get back to its roots of rebounding, defense and smart basketball. I will have more extensive thoughts on these two and how they impact our roster balance and the program when I get a chance (unless one of you want to beat me to it).
For now though let's dish out a warm welcome Travis and David and to Westwood.
GO BRUINS.
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Congrats to David, Travis, and CBH
I respect these kids quite a bit for coming into a rebuilding situation, even if it may be convenient for them. If they can bring energy, determination, and play to the best of their abilities, they’ll work out just fine here.
That's probably a good thing ...
maybe it’s a good thing that they will be in a different academic class than Nelson and Lane.
I remember when they committed to UNC, the feeling was that they were good, but it’s better to have Nelson and Lane as 4/5 players. Now that we have all four, maybe it’s good that they won’t all be the same year.
Emotionally, I’m not sure what to make of this development. I don’t think it hurts us, but I’m not sure how much it helps, either — the jury is still out on how much impact they can have at a major college program. More than that, though, is that while I guess you can’t have too many skilled big men (think about two years from now … we’ll have the two Wears, Nelson, Lane, Stover and Smith. That’s six guys who play two position on the floor. But my long term trepidation is that while we have an abundant of adequate big men, we’ll be thin on the perimeter.
So, while I’m cool with recruiting the Wears, they don’t do much towards solving issues at wing and point guard. Getting them is a nice step, but I remain a skeptic as to the long term health of the team.
They don't solve pg/wing issues
However, they do give Howland luxury to really focus his recruiting efforts in next few months on wing and pgs.
That really is the main benefit here
I’m not a big fan of the Wears and I see them as duplicative of BL, but they are big and skilled and will be great additions to what will be the 2011 class. The huge benefit of them is that the frontcourt is now pretty must setup for the next 2-3 years and CBH doesn’t have to waste any time recruiting bigs this year.
great add's
while not as refined as KL, they should be the second coming of LMR and PAA. hard work, high energy will do wonders for our program.
now let’s hope carlino and/or zeke jones turns out to be a decent division I PG, or let’s hope jerime gets his groove back…
a decent PG
ML at the 2
TH at the 3
RN at the 4
JS2 (if he’s in shape…)
sounds like a good lineup to me
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." --John Wooden
what is the deal with only using initials
Since most of the guys you referenced are still on the team, I was able to figure out who they were. Love, also a recently player, was also easily identifiable.
But I’m very curious to know who LMR and PAA are.
by adam1hundred on May 25, 2010 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
You're new, I take it?
Get used to the initials around here…
LMR = Lorenzo Mata-Real
PAA = Alfred Aboya (“Prince” Alfred Aboya).
by Westwood Wizard on May 25, 2010 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Chris09 beat me to it
President Aboya was the one interested in graduate school and pursuing a political career. Prince LRMAM was studying History.
On a side note, African politics is incredibly fascinating (and somewhat depressing to study). I hope ‘President’ Aboya, if he chooses to begin a career back in the Cameroon, can create significant improvements in the region by implementing better policies.
President Aboya of Cameroon
could at least ally his government with other progressive African nations in curbing the nagging problems of pirates.
impaulv is right
I’m actually referring to the entire patrimonial system of corrupt politics that’s dominated most of sub-Saharan Africa in the last 50 years.
You're just the person this is for.
Dozens of BN regulars helped create this. Hope it helps you settle in.
http://www.bruinsnation.com/2010/1/27/1273311/the-bruins-nation-lexicon
thanks
I’m not new to the website, but definitely new to the comments section.
Thanks for the help.
by adam1hundred on May 25, 2010 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Welcome, at least to the comments
Always good to have new blood in here. And good to see the lexicon being put to use.
formerly bruinhoo
sweet!
I suppose Remi Barry is the last recruit CBH is working on for this season?
Great to have the Wears on board, our front court should hopefully be pretty solid for the time being.
Wears should give us additional insurance in the front court
particularly given the unknown health of BL, plus we don’t know how long JS2 will be around, these kids should mean we have some depth in the front court for the next several years.
Doesn’t leave us many scholies to play with (this year OR next year, pending departures…) to find some extra quality on the wing or the next great UCLA PG. Seems like an awful lot is riding on TH’s health.
This is huge!
I don’t think these guys will be stars, but Howland needs to return to the scrappy/physical them rather than 1 and done. As proved by Duke, you don’t need a roster full of 1st round picks to win. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
Great news but,
it would be a shame if TH and ML dont get to play with these guys.
A bruin is good forever, a Trojan is only good... ahh eff it, just use tin foil
ya I'm really hoping at least one of them will be around after next season
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
Character Counts
It takes more than talent to be a successful Ben Ball Warrior — it takes character.
By landing the twins we get talented kids with good heads on their shoulders — guys who will buy in and work hard, guys who don’t cloak themselves in the garb of entitlement.
With the dramatic change of the roster, some by “attrition”, one by graduation — CBH has given himself a nucleus of his kind of player. Last season, both he and the guys like JK and MR, who really knew what it took to win, were out numbered by a handful of players who overestimated their own value and practiced and played as though the game was about them and not the team.
Landing the Wears will help re-balance the emotional side of the team. Whether or not they are the most skilled players on the team, (and I think they will be very, very good), they will have a major impact in bringing this team back to where it was a few years ago.
David and Travis, better late than never. Really glad you are Bruins.
sjh
I hereby adopt Steve's remarks
These two young men are great additions to our program.
Just wondering ...
You wrote:
By landing the twins we get talented kids with good heads on their shoulders — guys who will buy in and work hard, guys who don’t cloak themselves in the garb of entitlement.
I’m not disagreeing with that statement at all, but that’s only because I have no idea what they’re like. If anything, I’ve “heard” different, though not definitively at all.
So, I’m curious … on what basis have you decided they will buy in, work hard and not cloak themselves in the garb of entitlement?
Because I really don’t know — one way or the other.
Two sources
First, I watched them play a few times on TV. They were lunch bucket guys who worked hard on the floor and seemed to play a strong team game. They were the anti-Drago.
And, the moment they were mentioned here, I started reading about them all over the ‘net. Both fan and commentator impressions seem to agree — they are hard working, team oriented, decent kids. I looked to find quotes from them complaining that they were not being played enough or used properly (to me, signs of entitlement) and found none. (The reason they are leaving? We will never really know. Officially, it is “geographic” whatever that means? Homesick? Or, a smoke screen? Won’t know. But, one thing I really like is that they made the move quietly without playing a second round of the “recruiting game”.)
Compare what Roy Williams said about their leaving to what CBH said about losing Bobo or Moser. I think Williams really thinks he lost something. We know CBH does not.
sjh
by Class of 66 on May 25, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Fair enough ...
I fretted after writing my query that perhaps I was too confrontational or obnoxious with it. I hope that wasn’t the case.
I appreciate your response. I don’t want to let anyone think I feel otherwise about these two — I just don’t have any basis for an opinion of my own.
No need to fret
We all “know” each other around here. I have deep respect for you. Asking me for reasons is absolutely the right thing to do. Perhaps, I should have put them in the first post.
I must say that when I first heard about the transfer, I dug in a bit myself. We’ve been burned by “attitude” issues and I wanted to feel secure that they were not leaving because they felt they deserved more than they were getting. I didn’t want any more head cases. I found nothing to raise any questions as to their characters.
Once more, you did the right thing with your post.
sjh
If we can somehow get Barry, too
this will be one heck of a late recruiting period. As it is, to go from whiffing on McCallum, Ziegler, and even Deonte Burton, having to get creative, and then bringing in Carlino and the Wears I think we’ve managed to find some guys that will be able to help the long term stability of our program.
And by the way, I’ll take a recruiting class of JS2, TL, LJ, MC, DW, TW, and possibly RB over most any other in the nation any day. Here’s hoping we can beat out the second largest oil slick in the nation for Barry.
We're havin' too much fun today. We ain't thinkin' 'bout tomorrow.
A very good point on this recruiting class
We have added desirable players. Considering how last year went, it would have been more likely that we would not do as well as we have.
Finally
Really love the move. Our frontcourt is pretty crowded but nobody has shown any ability to hit the perimeter J which the Wears can do. Don’t write off their pro potential either. If they develop, you could be looking at our own versions of Ryan Andersons. And you can bet that having these guys during practice will only make our other guys better.
YES!
Yea i worry about our wings. But congrats to CBH i know they wont play this year but they will help us during practices and cultivate competition which is something i thought we didnt have much of last year. Honestly dragovic being competitive isnt realistic. If CBH can get a solid pg and wing commit this or next year our squad after next year would be pretty dominating because i dont see anybody leaving for NBA besides TH
TH seems to have his head on straight
I’m hoping guys like him can learn a lesson from DC.
You don’t necessarily help yourself by jumping to the NBA at the first chance. There is something to be said for staying in school, not just for the benefit to your game but also for personal growth.
sjh
by Class of 66 on May 25, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea hopefully
Yea i hope he understands the value of great education also. The NBA can wait, if he develops like this for four years he can see his stock rise in the NBA and become a lottery pick.
What sticks in my mind
was the twitter post by ML that read something about being a caged pitbull for the last two years. Can only imagine that was referring to BH’s offense. I cant see both of the staying but hopefuly one, most likley TH but then there were also those rumors that he or his parents werent happy with how he was utilized either.
A bruin is good forever, a Trojan is only good... ahh eff it, just use tin foil
The Twitter Post v. Other Things He's Said Since Then
Hard to understand the Twitter post about the pit bull. He said it was a part of something bigger in life and not basketball related. I must say, I wasn’t impressed with him, as a person, for most of his first two years here.
But, then, he started coming out a bit — and he’s said some things that were much more introspective and team oriented. I actually started to like him.
Compare his attitude toward playing out of position most of the year to that of Jrue. ML suffered playing the point because we needed him to do it. He didn’t throw anyone under the bus.
Lesson to me: Twitter posts are not good indications of anything — tough to make a real point in 144 characters. That’s why I can’t see the pit-bull statement as a condemnation of our coach or offensive schemes. It’s a real stretch to do so.
ML is really growing on me. He’s starting to talk the talk. If he walks it, next year, I’ll be thrilled.
sjh
by Class of 66 on May 25, 2010 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Beat me to it!
He also had a solid GPA and was interviewed about working really hard to get stronger and more conditioned over the offseason. He seems like like a hard worker and more team oriented than he’s been given credit for.
That twitter post
was a pretty isolated incident during a frustrating time. Every other report regarding ML has been fairly positive. Midnight shooting sessions on his own, 1 on 1 shooting sessions with CBH, not testing the NBA waters and referring to leaving UCLA after his career thusfar as “crazy”. He has also since made his twitter page private.
Definetley
Thats why i think Malcolm wont leave westwood without accomplishing anything significant, but TH, i hope, follow Malcolm’s lead and sticks to the program and make it a winner again.
All of this is positive
I guess thats all I remember from him except a bit in Bald Eagles post about seeiming like he was going to stay around for four years, which I always take with a grain of salt at fundraisers with boosters looking for insight. From all of your accounts, everything looks good, lets just see how things turn out since he was after all projected as a second rounder this year. Then again, getting three years out of an NBA talent no adays is not bad but nothing like DC, which would be great,
A bruin is good forever, a Trojan is only good... ahh eff it, just use tin foil
UCLA should just drop Guards
All Big Men FTW!!!
lol
Smith, Nelson, Lane, a Wear, Honeycutt? I guess TH could bring the ball up…
two wears
honeycutt off the bench
A bruin is good forever, a Trojan is only good... ahh eff it, just use tin foil
who plays the point?!?!
c’mon now you’re just being unrealistic =p
Great News!
Welcome to Westwood, guys!!!
"The entire world that bleeds blue and gold ... they have been dying for this." - Coach Rick Neuheisel
Still trust CBH
Welcome to Westwood, guys. Now buckle up those chin straps, you are on the basketball team now.
If CBH wants these two, especially after what we all witnessed and presumably learned from this year, then I’m on board.
But do we have any more reliable info on why they really left at top program a year removed from a NCAA title?
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
Awesome
Glad to hear we got the Wear twins. I remember reading about them in high school and thinking they’d be good under Howland’s tough program. One question: besides obviously playing in official games, what are the limits on what these kids can do this year? Can they practice and travel as if they were on the team? Can they sit on the bench (or right behind it) and listen in on team huddles? One year of practicing, strengthening and listening to Coach Howland while still keeping eligibility would be amazing.
Reason for Leaving
A lot of posts on here are questioning the reasoning behind their decision to transfer from UNC. There is A LOT to be said about homesickness when heading from SoCal to North Carolina. Ask any alumni that dont live in California and they would completely identify with the Wear’s decision. I think the geography factor here was huge, and the kids just wanted to get back to California. While there may be some hidden motive, everything they’ve said thus far indicates a longing for home. Here’s hoping the extra comfort of being home will only add to their development on and off the court. This is a great get for the CBH and the program at large and we can look forward to watching the Wears anchor us in the post for many years to come. Go BRUINS!
My sister went to UNC Chappel Hill,
I got to see the place when she graduated and it’s nice. It’s one of the points of the “Research Triangle”, not a hick town by any strech of the imagination. The girls were cute too.
Now I grew up in San Jose so to me Pittsburgh PA seems like a happening place. I think Chappel Hill would be more fun than San Jose.
For a basketball player, you’ve got the home of John Wooden and the home of Michael Jordan. It doesn’t get any better than those two and the Wear twins had already arrived. I’m confused by their move and I have no idea whether it will be good or bad for UCLA.
The Reverse Is Also True
Just as the kids miss home, so do the parents miss their kids.
As excited as I am that Jen will be at UCSD and living in La Jolla, there is a little selfish part of me that wishes she will be closer to home. There is nowhere in Texas that will give Jen close to what she’ll get in SD. But, for the Wear family, this is a good move both for the kids and the family.
I truly believe this is a move to be closer to family and a culture that has anchored their lives.
sjh
AWESOME
This is huge! Adding the Wears makes the cupboard not look quite as bare – and double good that there are TWO of them! CBH apparently hasn’t scared off talented players – I was afraid that all of the defections and ‘dismissals’ (Stanback, Gordon, Moser, Morgan) and early outs (especially Jrue) would create too much turmoil for blue chippers to overlook, and we’d get the players that were more flash than substance. The Wears’ size will be a huge asset right away in practice, and while we don’t “know” them really, if Roy recruited them and he was really upset to lose them, well, that’s enough for me to think they are good character guys (though Williams might disagree now, somewhat — they bailed on him).
Welcome to Westwood, guys! Good luck making the transition and thank you for coming!
How come we only hear from Dad
Not one article I’ve read about these guys, since they decided to leave school, has contained a comment made by one of the twins. It is always Dad speaking on behalf of both of them. Dad was even the one who contacted Williams to inform him they were leaving. Too much involvement from Dad. Hope Dad and Howland don’t clash because I’m pretty sure he is going to try and have his nose in everything.
I stand corrected
They seem like good kids.
by adam1hundred on May 25, 2010 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Haven't completed my profile
Raised a Bruin fan, but haven’t added that to my profile. MY dad had season tickets my whole life, but I went to school in Colorado. I live in LA again now, and am a big fan of both programs.
by adam1hundred on May 25, 2010 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions
"We"
BN is geared for alums, students and fans who are strictly focused towards Bruins. Appreciate your interest in UCLA but before you voice displeasure with any aspect of your athletic program in this community, get a sense of how this community works and information we have already shared before.
You have no evidence about the speculation re. Wear Dad. Wear Twins made their comments yesterday and weren’t public until it became all official which was smart. So there wasn’t any need to attack the Elder Wear.
So I would suggest you think again before launching any kind of attack against anyone associated with UCLA here on BN. And I wouldn’t use the word "we" if I had dual loyalties for programs other than UCLA. As mentioned before this blog is not for fans who are just casual UCLA fans with loyalties to other programs. You are more than welcome to engage in hoops chatter (without attacking anyone associated with our program) here but don’t come here and use “we” and speak for Bruin fans when you are also rooting for other programs. Thanks.
Wow
Relax dude. I appreciate how passionate you are and that you take the time to contribute to this website, but I was at the Rose Bowl before I could walk. I was that little kid crying over every team lose. I’ve still got Pooh Richardson’s autograph. I’m a true fan. I was bread a UCLA fan.
People can have dual loyalties. My teams don’t even play each other. If Colorado ever moves to the Pac-10, then you’re correct, I’ll need to decide where my heart lies.
And my concern about over involved parents is a legitimate concern, no matter what level of sports. Youth all the way up to College. Over involved parents contact and question coach’s decisions and fill their kids heads with a sense of superiority. For a recent example, see Drew Gordan’s mother.
But you’re right, the way I expressed my concern was more like an attack. My bad. I definitely shouldn’t jump to a conclusion about Wear Dad. I think the twins were a solid pick up and I look forward to seeing them play.
by adam1hundred on May 26, 2010 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
You can have "dual loylaties"
But don’t come here and attack anyone associated with our program when you are also sharing your loyalty w someone else. We appreciate your UCLA connections but it wasn’t strong enough for you to not list UCLA anywhere in your profile. You just don’t get to come here and take potshots at anyone associated w our program by using “we” w/o establishing any connection to our community or establishing your loyalty to Bruins. As stated above plenty of other places to discuss Bruin sports. This place is for those who are loyal to UCLA first. End of story.
Don’t lecture us again or tell us how we should moderate this community and never again take a shot against anyone associated w our school. Thanks.
by Nestor on May 26, 2010 6:32 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
You can have "dual loylaties"
But don’t come here and attack anyone associated with our program when you are also sharing your loyalty w someone else. We appreciate your UCLA connections but it wasn’t strong enough for you to not list UCLA anywhere in your profile. You just don’t get to come here and take potshots at anyone associated w our program by using “we” w/o establishing any connection to our community or establishing your loyalty to Bruins. As stated above plenty of other places to discuss Bruin sports. This place is for those who are loyal to UCLA first. End of story.
Don’t lecture us again or tell us how we should moderate this community and never again take a shot against anyone associated w our school. Thanks.
by Nestor on May 26, 2010 6:32 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Congratulations to Nestor
The first time I read about this was in Nestor’s initial post on the subject. Excellent use of sources—first rate reporting. When it come to all things True Blue, this site leads the way. Sure opinions are just that—opinions—which are by nature subject to controversy and strong disagreement. But this was solid fact based reporting from the beginning.
Incidentally, doesn’t sticking it to Mr. Roy (the NC coach) just make you feel good all over?
Great day for the Bruins.
CBH did not disparage UNC in his comments
But he did put in a big plug for SoCal — which is an indirect dig at both big NC schools. He was thinking about his media message!!
by Bruin Dad and Grad on May 26, 2010 2:43 AM PDT up reply actions
WEAR TWINS to UCLA...yea baby!!!!
honestly i see great things coming our way for our bball program in the near future…not too far away now….
by bruincheerleader on May 25, 2010 2:21 PM PDT reply actions
Stover Doesn't Suck
I see him getting 10-20 minutes a game. Check out this video of him playing pick up with the U of A starters(Buddinger) back in 2008 during his recruiting visit.
Twins can play
I have seen the Wear twins play 4-5 times and Lamb a few more times while they were in HS. All three can play at the D1 level and be able to make positive contributions to our program, I am the last person to ever say much of a favorable nature about Mater Dei except that they have been well coached, played against top competition, and will not be academic problems. So to not only the Wears and Lamb but to Carlino, Jones, and Smith (listed alphabetically), I say welcome and we are glad you are Bruins
I asked my son thesports writer .......
My son was Prep Sports editor for the Oakland Trib and is now a writer for MaxPrep, I asked his take on the Wear twins. Here’s what he had to say:
“From what I saw of them in HS at Mater Dei, they weren’t as good as
everyone seemed to think. But they are solid. They’ll play. I’m sure
sitting out the season will help them, too, but it’s not like getting 2
Kevin Loves or anything.”
I think CBH and UCLA are rising from the ashes and will compete next year.
nice gets, albeit 1 yr (or 2) late...
but better late than never huh? these guys aren’t kevin love by any means and prolly a bit overrated out of high school but methinks they’re a bit better than just scrappy and hardworking, there’s some solid skill sets there. bigger james keefe without the injuries- that’f be good… while they won’t be playing in games this year, i think they could have a big effect on recruiting. now more than ever, student athletes are recruiting each other. the wears could speak about their experiences and serve as cautionary tales to kids thinking about leaving home.
Across The Face
Late may work out better
Transferring means they will be much more likely to stay through their full 4 years and will have had a red shirt year to develop.
by Bruin Dad and Grad on May 26, 2010 2:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Added Boost
Adding the Wear Twins takes a lot of sting out of the appearance that the program was out of control with DG, Bobo and Moser leaving the program. Along with Matt Carlino joining the program, it gives the impression that UCLA is on the upswing and a desirable destination for good players. It is another shot in the arm for a program. Time will tell whether these players will be of the caliber we hope they will be.
I want UCLA to be
The place where the best, smartest players know they will improve their skill set, conditioning, fundamentals and get an education to prepare themselves for life after college.
I don’t want it to be a place where over-rated kids can get in to a “name” school and worry about winning later.
We have to right the ship soon. I hope Carlino and the Wear twins are positive steps. I will have to see the team on the court before I make a judgement.
What's the net result after the additions and subtractions?
I’ve read all the comments about the skill levels of the Wear brothers, etc. So what’s the consensus on the overall skill level of the team after the additions of those two and the deletions of Gordon, Olson and Moser? Certainly Gordon and Olson brought publicity and hype that was at least on a par with that of the Wear brothers, but how about skill wise? I haven’t seen the Wears play, and even though I watched as much UCLA basketball as I could, I have no real recollection of seeing Gordon, Olson or Moser play, either. (Which may explain why their respective entourages made them leave, but I digress.)
Are we net ahead or net behind? I would think from what I’ve read that we’re way ahead of things. I thought the same thing from what I read about the new Fab Five class lead by Holiday. So where are we?
Congratulations and Welcome, Mssrs. Wear!
And I appreciate the show of class by not trash talking Roy William’s program (as far as I have read or seen anywhere). CBH sets a wonderful example for this kind of situation—he always has.
As far as not being “stars,” it seems to me that the players who have carried our team to the greatest heights, which we never get tired of watching (thank you, Tele), are rarely those mega-hyped “stars,” anyway. KL was an exception to that, I suppose, but he never really acted out like a star. I’m remembering LRMAM, Mata, JS, PAA…DC and RW became stars before our very eyes wearing our blue and gold…and the “already stars” (I simply don’t need to name these young men) became cautionary tales.
Welcome, gentlemen, to the finest university in the world. We’re delighted to have you here.
Love My Bruins
These Are Not Jim Harrick's Bruins
I recall Harrick used to build his teams around pure athleticism(Bailey, Butler, Edney, McCoy). Most of his players (with the exception of Murray and MacLean) were athletic freaks. Edney and Dollar were incredibly quick. Butler, Bailey and McCoy had amazing hops and/or wingspan. Hell, Harrick brought in one of the world’s biggest twins at one point.
Continuing the theme: The World’s 2nd Largest Oil Slick tried to copy this recruiting pattern, with schizophrenic results, until the parents of alumni(Walton, Bibby) sent their kids elsewhere.
When CBH came in, he made his first run in 2006 on pure athleticism while using some of W2LOS’s leftovers and adding complimentary players. Afflalo, LRMAM and DC locked down the perimeter with freakish foot speed while Hollins and Bozeman used their length and size to provide good position defense.
Since Kevin Love; Howland has been building something different. Love’s understanding of position and fundamentals seems to have changed the type of team Howland is building. Athletic freaks still come to UCLA but now Howland mixes in a different type. Many of our recent recruits fit this mold: Carlino and the Wear Twins. Reeves Nelson is another example. RN can’t play above the rim like other guys but he finds a way to use his body to create good shots; basically he plays the right way(on offense). Considering RN’s defensive shortcomings he’s definitely playing for the right coach and he’ll improve; assuming the CBH effect kicks in and he learns to take charges and stay in the right position. I haven’t seen him play enough yet but I think Lamb is also another example.
Perhaps the lesson Howland learned from the #1 letdown class was to recruit the players that he can help the most. The players whose biggest deficiencies are Howland’s biggest strengths. The biggest flops were the players CBH couldn’t reach: Drago, Keefe, Gordon, Bobo, Wright, and Stanback. These guys didn’t share CBH’s vision of how basketball is played. They couldn’t understand the point of defense or what was a good shot or how to mask your weaknesses and magnify their strengths. They lacked the work ethic to meet the challenge. Lacked the will to be warriors.
Really?
Keefe? I just thought he was doing his best with his limited skillset. I wouldn’t lump him in with those others.
And, I question the characterization of Stanback
He was asked to leave, not because he did not have promise but because there was no room for him after we recruited the Fools’ Gold Class. Had they been the real deal, he would not have played here. I don’t recall any acrimony with CBH or getting the feeling that he was not practicing hard or trying to learn.
sjh
It's not meant to characterize
I’d just say that those players I mentioned showed little to no growth within the system. They never came into their own like Hollins and Bozeman. IIRC the light switch just turned on for Hollins when we lost to West Virginia at home during his senior year. From that day forward he was a legitimate college center.
Keefe gave us the one 18 point 10 rebound game. Then nothing close to that ever again. And even in that game a lot of his points were garbage put backs.
Character-wise Stanback and Keefe were nothing like the others. Stanback grew impatient and didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel that this season would have been for him. He would have averaged 30 minutes a game this season if he’d stuck around and might have had a shot at the NBA if he’d blossomed. As much as we lost out by not having Chace, he was the bigger loser by missing the exposure opportunity(which was wasted on Drago).
Stop spreading misinformation
No Stanback didn’t grow “impatient.” He was asked to leave the program. We have discussed that info coming from well placed sources multiple times on BN.
As for JK he gave us lot more than just garbage put backs. He played the game the way Howland wanted. He did the little things that never show up on stat sheets. His career wasn’t what we expected out of him, but don’t come here and diminish his contributions given how he gave everything he had despite his injury setbacks and despite being mismanaged by the coaching staff.
So don’t revise history. Look through the archives and the history of these players will be clear. If you make stuff up questioning the character of our players offering up uniformed opinions, you will not get to stick around very long.
+1
Thank you, N.
We owe JK some defense here—in no way does he fit into the same catagory as Gordon, character or otherwise. I can’t associate JK with “garbage” anything, frankly, and I never saw him give anything less than 100%, both on and off the court. His work ethic stands as a shining example, IMHO.
How could Stanback be a “flop?” He never really got to play. There was never any noise about his work ethic, either.
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