So I'm here in Maui getting ready for tonight's tournament opener versus Chaminade. First of all, this whole area is great. As Diane Pucin wrote about earlier it is somewhat like a mini Final Four with fans walking around and chanting and banenrs up everywhere. The players from all 8 teams can be found walking around the Kaanapali area and I was lucky enough to get a room on the same floor as the UCLA players and coaches so I've seen all of them multiple times and have been in the elevators with them quite a few times. By far the most engaging of all the players is Darren Collison. I was in the elevator with him earlier today and he was joking around, asking me to predict a score for tonight and telling me that after tournament he'll give me a jersey. Another great personality is Ben Howland who told me since there are no students here or band or cheerleaders he expects me to lead the UCLA crowd and give us a home court advantage. Overall, every player and coach here has been great to everyone and the atmosphere is great. I will be taking pictures and updating as the tournament progresses.
Go Bruins!!!