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UCLA Basketball: Alford Told Octeus He Will Start?

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA

When I last posted about graduate tranfer Jon Octeus, I said that I was really scratching my head over this one. Octeus was leaving a good situation at Colorado State to perhaps sit behind Powell, Hamilton and the coach's son, Bryce Alford. Sure we needed him after we lost three guards to the draft, but I never would have guessed that he'd be the starter.

Well, now comes this article where Octeus explains his move.

"No matter how you look at it, it seems like a selfish decision, and I acknowledge that, but I wanted to make sure I had the best chance to accomplish the goals I set for myself after high school."

UCLA should be able to provide that opportunity, given the Bruins' desperate need for an experienced guard after having three selected in the first round of the NBA draft last month. Octeus said conversations he had with UCLA coach Steve Alford indicate he'll be the starter there next season.

Really? I would be shocked, but it's there in print -- he said it.

Octeus's strength is defense, but he implies that he's looking forward to playing for an "offensive-minded" coach to better prepare him for a professional career.

So exactly who would he supplant? I'm pretty sure Salford made promises to both Powell and Hamilton. And then there is that little issue of nepotism regarding Bryce. I don't say its a good lineup if Bryce comes off the bench, but hallelujah anyway.

I'm perplexed by this development. To me, this is would be the biggest shocker of the 2014-15 season.

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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