A Graceful Warrior

by Nestor on Feb 6, 2008 4:38 AM PST in Basketball Comment 6 comments

Well I wasn’t sure if it is possible to love Mata-Real any more than I already do. But after reading this morning’s Diane Pucin’s latest profile on one of the original Ben Ball warrior, that appreciation will go up a whole another level.

Mata-Real is slowly coming around this year after dealing with a series of nagging injuries to his foot, groin and a concussion that has stunted his senior season. And on top of that he has had to give up minutes to Kevin Love. Yet through all these on court related adversity LMR has maintained an attitude that coaches in today’s games can only dream about from modern day athletes. From today’s LAT:

He could have resented Love. Could have shunned him or thrown an especially nasty elbow here or not-so-subtle shove there on the practice floor to test the freshman's mettle.

Instead, Mata-Real -- who added his remarried mother's surname to the back of his jersey this season -- has responded with admirable grace. He has taken it upon himself to tutor Love in the necessities and nuances of defense, and his efforts are welcomed by Love, whose play at the defensive end sometimes falls short of Coach Ben Howland's standards.

"I really pick up on him as much as I can," Love said Tuesday, before the Bruins practiced in advance of games at Washington State on Thursday and Washington on Sunday.

"You wait till senior night. He's going to get the biggest ovation you've seen in a long time. Not only because of what he's done here, being on two Final Four teams, but because he's such a great kid."

Because of Love, Mata-Real and the Bruins might reach the Final Four again this spring.

That's what matters most, Mata-Real said, more than his disappointment over having his minutes cut to 16.8 per game and not starting a single game as a senior.

"I'm just glad that we're winning," said Mata-Real, who is averaging 3.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in a season interrupted by a foot injury, a concussion, a groin pull and, most recently, a sore left wrist.

"I feel good no matter how many minutes I play, whether I play six or 20. I just go out and play hard all the time.

"As long as we continue to win games, that's all I want. That makes me happy, that we play well and we win as a team."

Pucin’s article also reveals how LMR is coping with the fact he has not been able to share any of his UCLA related moments with his Dad – Federico Mata – who has been in prison in Texas for last three plus years (for reasons that are not known to LMR). It’s not clear whether Mr. Mata will be able to see his son play. Yet LMR is holding on his two goals (other than the obvious of reaching the Final-4 for the third time in a row) for his senior season. From the same article:

He hopes to have breakfast with John Wooden, whom he greets with a hug and is rewarded with a thumbs-up whenever the coaching legend sits courtside at Pauley Pavilion.

And he hopes that his father, who is due to be released next month, will be able to see him play in person for the first time before he must return to Mexico.

"He calls me, and even though he isn't really there for me he would call me and help me out," Mata-Real said. "I know he was trying."

That last wish may not come to pass. Life isn't always fair. But Mata-Real will persevere, as he always has, bringing unexpected grace to his path.

Well here is one Bruin who will keep his fingers crossed, hoping LMR gets all his wishes. I am sure there will be thousands of others doing the same. Here is one kid who deserves all the good things that can happen to him in his senior season and beyond because of how he has carried himself both on and off the court during his four magical years at UCLA.

GO BRUINS.

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LMR -- One of My All Time Favorites

As Geezer #1, I've been around Bruin sports for a long time and have built up a list of favorite athletes. My list is based on "character" and some intangible feeling I get when I think about their play.

LRM has really worked his way onto my list. And, I mean "worked". Gifted as he is, he really has made more of his talent than some of the really great stars we've turned out.

I remember when CBH recruited him -- it was before the program had regained its outward brilliance. CBH said that Mata was his prototypical player -- a hard worker who would sublimate individual stardom to team success.

CBH could not have been more right, and Mata-Real could not have done more for us on the floor and in the minds of all sports fans.

There have been a few times, when seniors say "Good bye" to us, that if feel tears well up in my eyes. Ed O's farewell was particularly poignant.

I know that I will feel the same way when LMR steps out onto the floor in Pauley for the last time.

In many ways, he is the symbol of the rebuilding of this program and for that he has made my personal "best of UCLA" list.

sjh

PS: Nestor, the title of the thread is perfect.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Feb 6, 2008 8:05 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I've always loved Mata's game.

It's true part of it is racial bias, you always want to see your kinsmen do well; but, I could tell in his freshman year that Mata-Real was a hard working, hard nosed, competitor.

UCLA has always been graced with incredible talents such as Baron Davis, Reggie Miller, Lew Alcindor (KAJ) but along side each we have also seemingly been blessed with incredible grinders such as Matt Barnes, Billy Knight and now: Lorenzo Mata-Real.

LMR and future grinders of Westwood, We Salute You!

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Feb 6, 2008 8:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Senior Day

I am sure he will get at least one start this year. No matter what situation the team is in with regards to the Pac-10 standings or NCAA seedings, Lo should get the start on Senior Day. He's earned that, and a lot more.

by Bruin77 on Feb 6, 2008 8:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

i agree

with mexibruin. much of my love for mata originally stems from the fact that he's the first mexican-american scholarship ball player at ucla. so much so that i tried to start a mata-mania movement, alas my suggestions to morgan center to inquire about a king taco night were never followed up. what could've been...
but this kid is something else, stand-up dude, and a warrior on the court. he is the symbol of the ucla turn around. good things are in his future and hopefully that includes an ncaa championship.
from a guy who was flunking out his first couple of years in high school to about to graduate from ucla- he's a kid from the hood that's made good, it's awesome!

Across The Face

by rb bruin on Feb 6, 2008 1:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

i meant scholarship b-ball player above

Across The Face

by rb bruin on Feb 6, 2008 1:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I like the guy

because he really epitomizes the kind of player that Coach was talking about in the Pyramid. I'm sure there is never a game when he has to admit he gave something less than his best. His best is not as good as the best of a lot of other guys, but he overachieves in my opinion. No one works harder, no one hustles more, and frankly there's no one I root for harder.

I agree with the sentiment above. Lorenzo absolutely positively deserves a start on Senior Day. And to be the last starter announced. And then just let the fans go crazy for a few minutes. I wish I could be there.

by Fox 71 on Feb 6, 2008 3:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs