Tuesday Ben Ball Roundup

by Ajax on Mar 25, 2008 8:44 AM PDT in Basketball Comment 50 comments

By now I'm sure you've all seen the Hubert Davis (UNC alum) segment on Sports Center predicting a WKU upset over the Bruins on Thursday. Davis' "analysis" (which strains the definition of the word) is part of an already tired MSM theme that seems to be the story de jour--that is, but for some grand conspiracy by NCAA referees, the Bruins would not have received a number 1 seed and would not have advanced to the Sweet 16.

While annoying, I hope these idiots keep blathering away about how "lucky" the Bruins are and how easy their bracket is. It's just a little more motivation to go out and step on WKU's throats.

On to the news.

Our favorite pro-UCLA beat writer Brian Dohn has a feature on WKU's style of play. The Hilltoppers will likely push the tempo and look for the 3:

Western Kentucky presses teams in hopes of forcing an up-tempo game and shoots plenty of 3-pointers.

It is a formula the Hilltoppers used to nearly beat Gonzaga and Tennessee earlier this season, had success with in defeating Michigan, and will use that guard-oriented breakneck approach when they make their first Sweet 16 appearance in 15 years.

...

The Hilltoppers have 6-foot-9, 190-pound sophomore Jeremy Evans and 6-9, 260-pound D.J. Magley to guard Love, and the lack of inside presence makes it even more imperative the Hilltoppers (29-6) force a fast-paced game with plenty of 3-point shooting, which they excel at.

Western Kentucky is 18th in the nation in 3-point percentage (39.4), and ranks 31st in scoring (77.3 ppg).

"They're a pressing team that runs and jumps all the time," Howland said. "They run and jump and double team the ball both in the backcourt, early, they'll also do it once you cross halfcourt. They will double all on-ball screens. They play primarily pressure man-to-man defense."

...

NBA scouts have been following Western Kentucky's leading scorer, 6-5 senior guard Courtney Lee, much of the season, and as Adras said, the 3-point shooting can be the "great equalizer" in the tournament.

Lee is shooting 40.4 percent from 3-point range and averaging 20.3 points per game. He scored 29 in the NCAA Tournament's second round defeat of No. 13 seed San Diego, but he is not the lone outside threat.

Senior guards Ty Rogers (37.4 percent) and Tyrone Brazelton (41.7 percent), both starters, and reserves A.J. Slaughter (44 percent) and Orlando Mendez-Valdez (39.4 percent) each shoot 3-pointers.

"Lee is just a big-time player, and then Brazelton is very, very good," Howland said. "He's about as quick as anybody we've seen all year."

Steve Greenburg of The Sporting News also chimes in regarding the respective teams' game plans for Thursday:

UCLA's game plan: This one is easy -- play the first half like it, you know, matters. The Bruins' potentially devastating tendency to fall behind early won't fly against Western Kentucky, which is unflappable on offense and has an absolute go-to guy in Courtney Lee, something Texas A&M clearly lacked. Some scoring from Josh Shipp would be nice for UCLA, but don't be surprised if Luc Richard Mbah a Moute dives into the fray with a big game.

Western Kentucky's game plan: The Hilltoppers must do whatever is needed to make UCLA point guard Darren Collison give up the ball, using half-court and full-court traps and lots and lots of ball pressure. The Hilltoppers also would be wise to let All-American center Kevin Love take all the perimeter jumpers he can hoist; WKU certainly can't handle Love on the low block. And there is reason to believe Shipp will continue to misfire. UCLA is so strong defensively that Lee might have to play decoy for shooters Tyrone Brazelton and Ty Rogers.

Many are wondering what is going on with Josh Shipp. According to Diane Pucin at LAT, Josh has been furiously working on his shot:

Howland spent 75 minutes in the gym supervising Josh Shipp as the junior forward, who went scoreless in Saturday's 51-49 win over Texas A&M, took 375 shots in an effort to bust out of his shooting slump.

I am confident that Josh will find his groove in one of these games. We all know what an absolute terror on opposing defenses he can become once that shot starts to fall.

Thursday is going to be a batttle. Everyone in the US that does not have UCLA connections is going to be rooting for the Cinderella Hilltoppers. Accordingly, if you can make it to Phoenix, help turn the arena Bruin Blue.

Go Bruins.

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Thanks for the insightful analysis.

One thing about it stood out more than any other. "6-foot-9, 190-pound sophomore Jeremy Evans...to guard Love"??? Are you f-ing kidding me? THAT's who they've got inside? They're going to stick someone who weighs 190 on the Big Fundamental?

I'm suddenly looking forward to this game a lot more.

by jlazarus on Mar 25, 2008 8:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"and 6-9, 260-pound D.J. Magley "

by bruinofthenorth on Mar 25, 2008 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just checked out WKU's roster.

Magley is the only active player on the Hilltoppers who is listed at more than 225, and he averages only 16 minutes a game this year.

I'm not saying this game is a gimme. No game is a gimme, especially in the tournament. I'm just saying that Keven Love presents the Hilltopers with a huge match-up problem.

by jlazarus on Mar 25, 2008 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good analysis Ajax

I don't want to jinx this game, but, on paper, doesn't it seem that WKU is tailor-made for UCLA dominance? A full court-pressing team with an emphasis on shooting (read: non-penetrating) with a big that is clearly incapable of handling KL.

When the A&M line opened at -10.5 I thought it was completely insane--everyone knew it would be much more competitive than that simply due to matchups. This line opened at -12 which I still find to be excessive this time of the year, but I can understand it much more than that A&M line.

by bruinhopeful on Mar 25, 2008 9:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

In fairness

I just summarized the analyses from Dohn's piece and Greenberg's blurb at TSN. Thanks though.

by Ajax on Mar 25, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Exactly, our weakness is us slogging through half court. Westbrook, plus hedging on double teams, is the answer for their shooting guards. The Bruins (but not Ben) Love to run and shoot. Look for 4 or 5 Westbrook dunks in this one.

by 75NatChamps on Mar 25, 2008 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruins need to win and win BIG!

Please shut these haters up. LOVE gets a triple double...feed him!

by bruinelder on Mar 25, 2008 9:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully the Hilltoppers come out running

and gunning because that is just the antidote for Shipp, Luc, and Westbrook to start hitting their shots and making major contributions. The Hilltoppers press and up-tempo style is tailor-made for the Bruin athletes.

by bonecar on Mar 25, 2008 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You Don't Have to Be A Hater

To realize that we have been so lucky that no calls have been made 1) on the intentional fouls not called when we stole the ball at the end against Cal; 2) When Shipp shot it over the basket (I was there, and thought, that's an illegal shot) and 3) On Shipp's steal (I thought it was clean during live action, but the Times Photo is pretty conclusive that Shipp had his fingers wrapped around the Texas A&M guy. I prefer to have the calls/non-calls go our way. Go Bruins.

by 75NatChamps on Mar 25, 2008 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tony Kornheiser put it best yesterday

He said, "If you think they are so lucky, go out and beat them by 10 or 12," basically telling the haters that there is reason we are in the Sweet 16, and it isn't the refs.

I really don't understand all the hate this year.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 25, 2008 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Banner envy

That is number 1. Second is Bruin envy. Who wouldn't rather have been a Bruin? And who wouldn't rather put up only Championship Banners, rather than what other guys have to put up.

by Fox 71 on Mar 25, 2008 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

on luck

"Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have." - John R. Wooden

by Dienekes on Mar 25, 2008 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

for those that don't remember

we played a couple teams that press in the non-conference. I think Maryland was one of them. Our starting 5 can all handle the ball for their size. I remember Love helping pass the ball up the court. Also Luc handles the ball very well for a 4. plus collison and westbrook are probably the quickest overall backcourt that I've seen.

Three point defense will be key. We're usually good at limiting threes, but we've had some times when we didn't do a great job.

We should kill them on the boards, hopefully we can get some offensive contributions from more than 2 players, and maybe some more quality bench minutes.

by stephons on Mar 25, 2008 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Real question, not rhetorical

Weren't the times when we gave up a lot of threes when the other guys also had a significant inside presence? (And this doesn't count the Wazzou game where they threw in that ridiculous number of threes at the end of the game to cut our lead from about 30 to about 10.) From what I ready about WKY, they don't have that inside game that requires our perimeter defense to fudge toward the inside.

by Fox 71 on Mar 25, 2008 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, the Cal game is a perfect example

The penetration pressure with the kick out typically leads to a lot of threes against our defense. I just don't see that happening on Thursday.

by bruinhopeful on Mar 25, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brazelton

per Howland as quick as any guard they've faced this year, can penetrate. With several decent 3-point shooters spotting up and NBA prospect Courtney Lee, they will get their fair share of good looks. If they get off to a better than normal start and their confidence builds, we're going to have a protracted struggle on our hands. Teams like theirs are very dangerous and have posed problems for us so far this year.

by snorkeldorf on Mar 25, 2008 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nba prospects

No doubt having NBA prospect(s) matters; however, that does not mean their team will play well against the Bruins (they might but likely for other reasons). Arizona has two projected lottery/first rounders in Bayless and Budinger and we all know how well we handled them this year. Cal has two projected first/second rounders in Hardin and Anderson and we did pretty well against them (except for the middle game of the three). Texas A&M and Stanford have a projected lottery pick in DeAndre Jordan and B. Lopez, respectively, and we are 4-0 against them collectively.

Granted, some of the games were pretty darn close, but so were a lot of our other games. I just feel the NBA aspect is a little overblown and could also hurt a team if the player thinks he has to do too much (e.g., OJ Mayo).

by Dienekes on Mar 25, 2008 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

Yep, gotta put out their spark before they catch fire.

These boys can shoot. If they penetrate and successfully dish, and make their 3s (which they are very good at) w/ regularity, we might be in trouble. Probably not a bad idea to focus on shutting down Lee, and see how the other two do first.

I think we'll be able to see how well we'll do after the first 7-10 min. of the game. If by that point we've showed we can slow them down, and they aren't shooting well b/c of our D, so long as we play a decent offensive game, I don't see us losing this one ("So long" being the operative words.)

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 25, 2008 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laser love passes

A few of those and the Western Kentucky team may think twice about early presses considering the Bruins have some speedy and athletic players to break free. Those quick shots plays into UCLA's game as they'll get the rebounds and fastbreak or slow it down and run their offense. I just don't want the Bruins getting caught playing their game.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 25, 2008 9:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Guard Play

I love this team. I guess the one frustration is why can't we have a complete team for at least one year. This year we are plentiful of 6-8 forwards- Luc, AA2, Keefe, Dragovic, but we have only have 2 solid guards- Darren & Russell.

Next year, we have 3 highly recruited guards- Jrue, Malcom, Jerime, but we might lose both of our centers- Love, Lorenzo.

BTW, Jrue is the real deal, comparable to Dwayne Wade. Good kid too! I can see us using the press next year and even using a pressure zone-ala the amoeba defense UNLV used in the early 90's.
I just loved that defense!

I don't know if we want to run with WKU (it might look like the Lakers-GSW games) or have a shootout. We will do better to slow it down and have Love & Mata score points in the paint and foul their bigs out.

In regards to MSM, I was just thinking that now Duke is out, they want to use a "name team" to be the good-bad guy (Yankees, Lakers, Manchester United, Duke). The use it to gain attention and increase ratings. Just a thought!

Go Bruins!

by UCLA Champions Made Here on Mar 25, 2008 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

we should run as much as possible

Agree about the MSM point about their need for a "bad guy" to get attention and ratings.

However, I think we should run as much possible against WKU. Frankly, it is WKU that is in real danger if they come in with a shootout mentality because they will end up with quick shots, no offensive rebounds, and quick counters by the Bruins.

I agree with everybody who says this is a much better match up for the Bruins relative to the Aggies. Obviously this doesn't mean it will be a cake walk, but it should be a much different style game than against A&M.

by Dienekes on Mar 25, 2008 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying WKU has bad guards.

In fact they have good guards. But can someone please explain to me how cbssportsline gives the "edge" in the backcourt to WKU over UCLA. Four words. Darren Collison Russell Westbrook.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/mayhem/edge/west/UCLA/WKTY

by rfirpo on Mar 25, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Injury prone?

Foul trouble? Have these guys watched us at all?

DC was injured at the beginning of the season and hasn't been since. He plays in the mid to high 30's as far as minutes, which isn't something you can do if you're in foul trouble all the time. The backcourt depth issue is legit, but their other reasons are complete crap, and even in the best possible light for WKU, this is a push.

by Tydides on Mar 25, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably consulted with the PAC-10 guys

who placed DC on the conference second team and RW on the third team. As good as our conference is, I don't think it is quite that good.

by snorkeldorf on Mar 25, 2008 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

MOJO rising...

Put this in another thread. I'm convinced that the more the MSM naysaying, the more the MOJO rises.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 25, 2008 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

From...

Rochelle Rochelle: The Musical

"Well you made a long journey from Milan to Minsk,
You never stopped hoping. now you're in the Pinsk..."

"When the naysayers nay you pick up your pace,
So nothing's going to stop me so get out of my face...."

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 25, 2008 10:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rich...

...you are the wind beneath my wings...

by tasser10 on Mar 25, 2008 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You guys slay me

Black and White Cookies to both of you.

by Tydides on Mar 25, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Love the ...

Seinfeld reference Tydides...that's what I was thinking :)

by bruin08 on Mar 25, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have one prediction and one prediction only:

by lolwtferic on Mar 25, 2008 10:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

awesome!

by Dienekes on Mar 25, 2008 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh no...you didn't...

Didn't the Dukies torture an opposing player for a similar dunk? Some kind of fellatio-related chant?

by tasser10 on Mar 25, 2008 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Paulus

I think you're thinking of Va Tech's Deron Washington jumping over Duke's Greg Paulus. The next time Duke visited Va Tech, I think the student section chanted "tea-bag Paulus..."

That RW/Hilltopper photo is awesome, by the way.

by EphsandBruins on Mar 25, 2008 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here I am trying to be coy

and not say tea-bag. I knew the comment, though I had the wrong student section...was trying to keep the thread caffeine-free, if you know what I mean...

by tasser10 on Mar 25, 2008 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In that case...

I had better not mention my bracket names in this thread ;)

by bruinhoo on Mar 25, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beautiful

and also made me laugh quietly here in my office. I already get enough strange looks during the day, hehe.

by freesia39 on Mar 25, 2008 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's Just Too Funny!

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 25, 2008 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hubert Davis...

is an idiot. Numerous things he has said the last couple of weeks are out there - probably came to him from God in Tar Heel Heaven.

WKU will have to shoot very well to win. That said, they might since they have 3 good shooters. But the Bruins seem to have a way of making sure that doesn't happen.

by mizzou on Mar 25, 2008 10:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

remember when they had game day

ucla vs arizona in pauley earlier this year.

hubert predicted an arizona victory...

by stephons on Mar 25, 2008 11:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Who cares?

Why do these so-called analysts feel like they have to predict a winner? I would LOVE for someone to compile their percentage of correct calls, because I am pretty sure it is pretty bad. Why don't they just analyze the teams? Goodness gracious sakes alive, we do that here on BN and it can't be that difficult when it's your JOB! They should be forbidden from making these predictions, like Herbstreet is when he has to do commentary on a game.

That being said, Hubris may end up being right, but so what? He doesn't get any cookies from anyone for that...does he? Our boys had better be prepared, because 1) I (and they) would hate to lose, and 2) I would hate for someone like Hubert Davis to be "right".

by tasser10 on Mar 25, 2008 12:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hubert is wasting his talents

Let's have him do some predicting on things that really matter. For example, Hubert, where do you stand on when the world is going to come to an end? If it's going to be before the end of the tournament, then no one would really care about who wins the darn thing. Come on, Hubert. Help us out!

by Fox 71 on Mar 25, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nostra-Davis picks Jesus in the upset

in the year 2452 AD. I can see the LAT headline now...

by bruinhopeful on Mar 25, 2008 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

...did he beat Moses, Mohammed or the Buddha in the final?

by tasser10 on Mar 25, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

L Ron Hubbard in a Cinderella appearance!

by bruinhopeful on Mar 25, 2008 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Offense

Some from the media are jumping off the bandwagon because they think our offense is inept. Ben Ballers play to win and not for style points. Coach Howland recruit players that will practice and play hard.

I'm not a huge fan of Bob Knight, but he is still a great coach. In a recent article, he stated that Coach Howland should receive immense credit for the team's success because UCLA is lacking talent in some areas. The position that we have lacked is the very athletic swingman that is about 6-5 or 6-7 and can create their own shot.

AA and Josh have been excellent in this role, but they were limited during the last 2 tourneys because they relied too much on Jordan & Darren to create shots for them. Teams with athletic defenders can shadow and shut out our small forwards.

We might see a transformation in our offense and defense in the upcoming years. Coach knows how to use his personnel.

I see James and Chace blowing up next year.

Go Bruins!

by UCLA Champions Made Here on Mar 25, 2008 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

MRI Results?

I've been coming back every hour to see if we have MRI results.

Anyone know when the test is and when the results will be back?

I take it Luc's not practicing at all until we know what's up.

Does the MRI look for the kind of structural damage that gets worse if he "toughs it out"? Is the idea to make sure there is no permanent damage?

Can one have no pain and swelling and still have an injury that is enhanced by play?

When we say precautionary, are we saying he might feel strong enough to play but we won't let him because doing so would be dangerous?

More than for our chances, I wish the best for Luc -- I hope it shows there's no threat of real damage and that he can make play if he feels up to it.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 25, 2008 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Dohn on his blog

Said Howland was assuming the MRI was fine because he hadn't heard anything (and would have heard something about it by then if it was bad). Howland was expecting Luc would practice today.

by Raisin on Mar 25, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On 570-Loose Cannons

Report said that Luc's was negative but CBH referred to his ankle as "elephantitis." With that said, CBH continued saying that Luc is expected to fully practice today and tomorrow at full speed. Bizarre indeed.

by bruinhopeful on Mar 25, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

MRI's Can Show

even micro tears in tendons and ligaments, and these do not show up in X-rays. These tears are bad because, A) They're very painful, and B.) the amount of fluid release they generate is substantial--we're talking major swelling here.

I have to believe that they're doing this to determine the exact cause of the increased swelling, and to light up any tears that could "go all the way" if it starts to roll again.

Advisory: I am NOT a medical professional of ANY kind. I had a very, very bad ligament tear in my right ankle from rolling it, which eluded diagnosis, then I spent eight weeks in a cast, then a walking boot thing, then physical therapy, etc. I'm just repeating what I was told over the course of this mess.

I want Luc to be ok and safe before he goes out there.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 25, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs