JOSH SMITH A UCLA BRUIN!!!

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More on Josh Smith
By Jon Gold
The Los Angeles Daily News
November 9, 2009 8:18 PM

UCLA head coach Ben Howland got one relieving phone call on Monday night, from an old friend.

Four years after receiving his first interest from the Bruins, Kentwood (Wash.) center Josh Smith orally committed to UCLA on Monday.

The 6-foot-9, 270-pound center chose between the Bruins and home-state favorite Washington in a tense recruiting battle, picking UCLA because of the past, present and future.

The past, because he knows well of the program's storied history, hearkening back to John Wooden and the team's 11 national championships.

The present, because he knows the Bruins are a team in transition, with nine scholarship underclassmen and the opportunity to contribute quickly.

The future, because UCLA has been a ladder to the NBA in recent years.

"Not trying to disrespect any other school, but with UCLA, people see those four letters and they remember all those great players, those champions, Coach Wooden," Smith said. "I want to wear those four letters well."

Smith has been vocal about his interest in the Bruins for a long while, even speaking often with former UCLA center - and first-round pick - Kevin Love.

He said that he was particularly enamored with Howland's style of play and commitment to execution.

"Going and watching them play, I just kind of fell in love with their style of play," Smith said. "It was one of those things where I look at Pauley, I knew I'd have to live up to a lot. I spoke to Kevin Love multiple times and he worked his butt off and had fun, and look where it got him.
"But I'm not trying to be the next Kevin Love though, I'm trying to be the next me."
He'll try to get an early start.

Smith said he planned on heading to Westwood in June to get a head start on weight training and conditioning. A fixture in the post, Smith has said he wants to improve his explosiveness.


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UCLA basketball: Bruins score big recruiting win
by David Wharton
The Los Angeles Tims
November 9, 2009 | 7:47 pm

Washington state prospect Josh Smith, one of the top-rated big men in the nation, has committed to UCLA.

A 6-9, 270-pound center from Kentwood High, Smith came to the decision about an hour ago, his father said, choosing the Bruins over Washington.

He made his official visit to Westwood just a few weeks ago but had held off on a decision until after visiting with the Huskies staff.


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Welcome to UCLA, Josh! Congratulations, Coach Howland and staff!

For more on Josh Smith, see earlier MUH post.