He is a fascinating study in image versus reality. He made his name in the tough-guy world of Big East college basketball, where wins are measured in final scores and number of bruises dished out. When he talks about the key elements of his teams, the stress is on the blue-collar stuff.
"We need to play tough defense," he says, "and have a sound offense. But mostly, we have to outrebound the other team."
Nor is there any question about who is in charge, about his feelings on discipline. Asked what he was going to do to make Aboya understand how costly his frequent foul trouble can be, Howland said he would stop practice when Aboya committed a stupid foul and make the entire team run sprints.
Indeed, it is that sort of folklore, along with the Pitt coal-miners' image, that has UCLA fans celebrating their tough guy from the East.
