Out-of-work NBA players back in college

Thanks, cliq, for sharing on BZ.


Out-of-work NBA players back in college

By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports
Aug 9, 4:29 pm EDT



In recent years, Kenny Donaldson gently reminded some of UCLA’s former basketball stars that he could help them return to school to finish their degrees. As UCLA’s athletics assistant director of academic services, Donaldson hoped that any former Bruins who had left school early to play in the NBA would eventually find their way back to campus and work toward graduating.

Thanks, in part, to the NBA lockout, Donaldson’s had a handful of players take him up on his offer this summer. UCLA’s American Popular Culture class now has four out-of-work NBA players – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love, New Orleans Hornets forward Trevor Ariza and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Baron Davis – among its students. In addition, Milwaukee Bucks forward Luc Mbah a Moute is taking two classes this summer. Having begun their professional careers, all of the players are paying for their tuition and books.

“When the lockout looked like it was going to be a definite thing, I kind of sat down with each of them and laid out a game plan,” Donaldson said. “You don’t want to get them back in something that they’re not going to be interested in. I presented them with options and they found classes that they thought would be interesting, and are easing back into it right now.”

When Ariza first came to UCLA in 2003 from Los Angeles’ Westchester High School, he didn’t intend to stay long before moving to the NBA. After averaging 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds as a freshman, he declared for the 2004 NBA draft and wasn’t selected until the 43rd overall pick in the second round by the New York Knicks. With Ariza acknowledging he was more focused on pursuing a professional basketball career, Donaldson doubted he’d ever return.

Ariza, however, is now again enrolled at UCLA and is considering taking a much heavier course load in the fall. He’s still deciding on a major, and if the NBA lockout ends, he plans to take online classes.

“Being a regular student is kind of fun,” he said.

Ariza said he is learning more now than as a freshman because he has a “different appreciation” for college. While he is also considering playing in Spain, China or Serbia if the lockout drags into the fall, he is currently focused on his coursework at UCLA.

“I’m really going back for my two sons,” Ariza said. “Eventually they’re going to realize that their dad fulfilled his dreams doing what he wanted to do and still got his degree. For them to see that will be a great example for them to follow.”

Donaldson said former NBA forward Ed O’Bannon has also returned to UCLA, and is expected to complete his degree soon. Two more former Bruins – Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo and New Jersey Nets guard Jordan Farmar, who is expected to play in Israel during the lockout – have considered going back to school, Donaldson said.

Ariza thinks the lockout could spur players to take their education more seriously.

“We have a whole lot of our lives to live after basketball,” Ariza said. “We have to understand what we want to do when [retirement] comes. A lot of us came out [of college] really young, and we have no idea what we want to do with our lives if basketball doesn’t work out.”

Ariza, Love, Westbrook, Davis and Mbah a Moute aren’t the only NBA players who have gone back to school this summer. Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Randolph has rented an apartment in Baton Rouge within walking distance of Louisiana State University. He is currently enrolled in a math class and has signed up to take three classes in the fall. He has no plans to play overseas.

Randolph played only his freshman season at LSU before entering the 2008 draft, where he was selected 14th by the Golden State Warriors. If the lockout ends during the fall semester, he’d like to finish his classes online and return for summer school. A sociology major, Randolph also is considering joining a fraternity and attending LSU football games.

“The students know I’m from the NBA, but it’s more fun because I can focus on my schoolwork,” said Randolph, who has promised his mother he’d get his degree. “I don’t have the basketball distraction. I’m a more focused student now after being in the real world for a couple of years.”

Randolph met with LSU coach Trent Johnson about volunteering to help at the Tigers’ practices to gain coaching experience. If OK’d by the NCAA, Randolph would like to assist his old team.

“I want to pursue a career in coaching when I’m done playing,” Randolph said. “But I have to have a degree to do that.”

Jordan Farmar signs with Maccabi Tel Aviv

Jordan Farmar signs with Maccabi Tel Aviv

New Jersey Nets Guard Signs with Israeli Powerhouse

By: Leonard Carl
ShalomLife
Published: August 3rd, 2011 in Culture » Society » News



Thanks to the National Basketball Association lockout, New Jersey Nets guard and former first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers Jordan Farmar is making aliyah, well, that is temporary aliyah.

According to reports, Farmar, whose step-father is a Tel Aviv native, has signed a one-year contract with Israeli power house Maccabi Tel Aviv. The deal is said to include a special clause which allows the to Farmar to return to the NBA Nets if and when the lockout is settled.

"I'm very excited to play in Tel Aviv,'' Farmar told the Star-Ledger. "I went there as a little kid. My stepdad is from Tel Aviv. I watched Tel Aviv play basketball and football -- soccer.''

Farmar signed a 3-year contract with the Nets prior to last season after spending his first four years in the NBA with the Lakers who chose him 26th overall in 2006.

Last season, Farmar averaged 9.6 points and 5.0 assists.

Farmar, who had also reportedly been talking to Maccabi Haifa, will attempt to go through the traditional “aliyah” route, which would make him an Israeli citizen, giving his new, albeit, temporary team, added flexibility since Israeli teams are allowed to dress only four foreign players.

NBA Wednesday: Bruin sightings

Russell Westbrook 31 pts, 12 assists, 5 rbds for OKC, Jrue Holiday 17 pts, 11 assists for the 76ers. Thunder wins at home, 109-103.

You Tube video by KlezaTheRaptor


Kevin Love 8 pts 9 rbds for Minnesota to complement a monster night for Michael Beasley 42 pts (career high) 9 rbds 2 assists. T-wolves beat the Sacto Kings 98-89.

You Tube video by NewNBAVideoGames2nd


Other Bruins: Jordan Farmar 12 pts 6 assists 6 rbds for the NJ Nets, Ryan Hollins 11 pts for Cleveland, Nets beat the Cavs 95-87...Luc Richard Mbah a Moute 2 pts 1 blk 2 stls for the Bucks, Milwaukee beat Atlanta 108-91.

Jordan Farmar hits rock bottom

Jordan Farmar going from NBA champion to 12-win team? Huh?
Dave D'Alessandro/The Star-Ledger
Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 9:25 PM
Updated: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 10:21 AM


So you’re 23 years old, you own two rings with the Lakers, you played in your hometown in front of your family and friends for four years, and then one day you decide to chuck it all for a chance to play with a 12-70 train wreck.

Jordan Farmar, please explain yourself.

“We talked about it, and it wasn’t really how I wanted to spend my whole career, being a backup in a triangle (offense),” the Nets’ new backup point guard explained yesterday.

“I didn’t know if Phil (Jackson) was coming back, didn’t know what direction they were going to go in. So that uncertainty led us to go different ways.”

This is, sure enough, a guy who likes to make his own path.

Farmar said he only went to UCLA because the program was a disaster and he wanted to rebuild it.

He said he has come to Jersey because he wants to prove to the rest of the league that he’s not just a spot-up shooter on the weak side, he’s a starting-quality point. He said he’s leaving his beloved L.A. because it’s time to escape the cocoon.

But ... the Nets?

“We’ve got a new owner, a new coach, and we’re working on a new arena,” Farmar said. “There are some big things with this organization — it’s committed to winning, and that’s what I’m all about. I’ve had my fair share of that, and I’m trying to help this organization move in that direction.”

He added, it was about “playing time.”

“It was a chance to be part of something special,” Farmar said. “It was a lot of Avery Johnson — being able to play for a point guard, someone who will appreciate the little things I do. He’ll help me grow as a player in this league, (and that) was really closer to my decision.”

• The other three free agents — small forward Travis Outlaw, wing Anthony Morrow and center Johan Petro — all agreed the coach’s vitality was a major factor in their decision to come here.

The 12-70 meltdown last season was a non-factor, as Outlaw put it.

“I hit Portland when it was bad,” said the seven-year pro, now the longest-tenured NBA player on Johnson’s team. “And I looked here and I think it was just missing some things. They can make up for it in free agency. Other than that, it didn’t look too bad.”

• With 12 guaranteed contracts and two others expected to survive training camp (Brian Zoubek, Ben Uzoh), the Nets still have room for a starting power forward, and the coach seeks to find him before the first preseason game.

“We’re not sure it’s going to happen in the next day or two — it may take a little longer with the route we’ll take,” said Johnson, alluding to how the Nets’ cap space ($14.9 million) is sacrosanct, unless there’s a home-run deal to be made.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is not easy. It could be very difficult. So I’m not necessarily confident it will happen before training camp. I’d like for it to happen before we get on a plane for China.”

To keep up with Jordan, check out The Hoop Farm.

Jordan Farmar joins Brook Lopez, Nets

Nets agree to terms with Lakers G Jordan Farmar
on USA Today

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Guard Jordan Farmar (FSY) of the NBA champion Lakers has agreed to join the Nets.

New Jersey added another low-profile free agent Sunday after the NBA's worst team last season, with more than $30 million to spend, struck out in its bid to lure LeBron James (FSY), Chris Bosh (FSY) or Dwyane Wade (FSY).

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Farmar averaged 6.9 points and 2.1 assists in 18.1 minutes in four years with the Lakers.

The agreement is contingent on Farmar passing a physical.

The Nets also have reached deals with center Johan Petro (FSY) and forward Travis Outlaw (FSY).
_________

A good Nets investment: The case for Jordan Farmar
Dave D'Alessandro/The Star-Ledger
nj.com
Published: Monday, July 12, 2010, 2:35 PM
Updated: Monday, July 12, 2010, 5:51 PM

We’re going to throw this out there just so the five of you can groan: The Jordan Farmer signing was absolutely crucial and will prove to be more cost-efficient than, say, bringing back Keyon Dooling.

And maybe four of you will agree with that premise as soon as Devin Harris has one of his one-week hurts.

Realistically, you cannot rely on Terrence Williams to fill that job – though it’s not inconceivable he won’t grow into it faster than his coaches believe – so somebody had to be brought in. Farmar was the best guy available to step in as a short-term starter if Harris crash-lands himself into a five-game stint on the inactive list.

The things that are overlooked, as we see it, are these factors:

1. Farmar will be running a conventional pro offense for the first time in his career, something far better suited for his style and strength.

2. He can be far more aggressive than he was in L.A., because he’ll get more minutes, more shots, and his coach will allow him to take more risks because this team isn’t playing for a championship.

3. He'll push Devin Harris.

4. There's something to be said for a guy with rings -- he earned them, and he earned some cachet.

Don’t bother looking at the numbers with this kid – especially the numbers from 08-09, when he missed time with knee surgery. He now has the opportunity to take a big step forward with a screen-roll oriented offense, because that’s what he grew up in, and that’s what he does best.
_________

Farmar signs with Nets
On bettor.com
Posted By: Justin Black

Free agent Jordan Farmar has agreed to a three-year, $12-million contract with the New Jersey Nets. Farmar, 23, was a part of the 2009 and 2010 Los Angeles Lakers championship squad, averaging 6.9 points and 2.1 assists. He was also the no. 26 pick of 2006, drafted by the LA Lakers, which was acquired in a trade with Shaquille O’Neal going to the Miami Heat.

The wiry 6’2”, 180-lb. guard now joins Nets’ star guard Devin Harris and Keyon Dooling in the Nets lineup, setting-up an excellent backcourt game. The agreement is contingent on Farmar passing a medical.

Farmar was named to the all Pac-10 team and the all Pac-10 Tournament team, being one of the elite point guards from UCLA, where he played two seasons.

Farmar earned $1.2 million per year with Los Angeles for four years, and seeing his earnings triple will more than likely increase his on-court confidence, in the hopes of transforming him into a New Jersey key player, in which he clearly has the potential to achieve. With the Nets performing a young blood transfusion into their team, don't expect Farmar to be traded anytime soon, or at least be in the starting lineup for a while. Farmar, of Jewish descent, will be one of only two Jewish players in the NBA (the other being Omri Casspi of the Sacramento Kings). His father, Damon, played Baseball and Football in the minor leagues. Although he will be leaving his hometown of Los Angeles, he will still enjoy living in New York, with a bigger and heftier bank account. Whichever way it goes, it will surely be a better choice for him.

Farmar is an excellent addition to the already steep New Jersey roster, providing youth, athleticism and most of all, championship experience. He will definitely have more quality playing minutes, so expect an increase in his stats. Farmar as a back up point guard is a great option for the Nets, who seem to have lost its luster in the eastern conference.

Farmar is a gifted athlete who can be reliable in crunch time. He is an aggressive guard who likes to take it to the paint, which will be crucial if New Jersey wants to revive its status as a title contender in the future. He has the right build to become a defensive key player in the New Jersey lineup.

The New Jersey Nets also acquired French forward-centre Johan Petro and Travis Outlaw, which will further add depth to their lineup. Petro is needed to bulk up and solidify the Nets’ low-post game, an area the Frenchman can definitely handle. On the other hand, Outlaw is an athletic forward with decent playmaking skills that can boost New Jersey’s offence considerably.

Petro and Travis fill two holes in the Nets lineup, but they still come up short in the low-post game, an area that prospects such as Udonis Haslem or Argentinian Forward Luis Scola can take up with no problem. If they do acquire these players, the new Nets lineup will be a team to watch for in the future.

Nets head coach Avery Johnson will definitely have an edge in coming up with his backcourt game plan, with Farmar being a solid back-up point guard for key plays in both offense and defense. It is only necessary that Johnson realizes how much experience Farmar brings to the table, a crucial turning-point in a make or break situations. The championship-tested guard is expected to be the proverbial bench leader of the Nets in desperate situations. Undoubtedly, with Farmar’s arrival, the Nets are really rearing for a great performance next season.

BONSIGNORE: For Jordan Farmar, the real world awaits

Former UCLA, Taft High standout Jordan Farmar severs ties from Lakers in hopes of landing starting point guard spot somewhere.

BONSIGNORE: For Jordan Farmar, the real world awaits
By Vincent Bonsignore, columnist
The LA Daily News
Posted: 07/03/2010 10:08:09 PM PDT
Updated: 07/03/2010 10:49:16 PM PDT


Jordan Farmar, who has spent his entire NBA career with the Lakers since being drafted by the team in 2006, is an unrestricted free agent. When it was all said and done, the Lakers did right by Jordan Farmar on Wednesday when they declined to give the restricted guard a one-year, $2.8 million contract offer.

Now Farmar gets exactly what he wants: Unrestricted free agency and an opportunity to shop himself around the NBA as a potential starting point guard.

It's freedom and opportunity the former Taft of Woodland Hills and UCLA standout has sought for a few years now, a chance to run his own club and find out once and for all if he has what it takes to be an impact starting point guard in this league.

He isn't fleeing the Lakers as much as he's seeking a better opportunity to show what kind of player he's capable of being.

"It's nothing personal against the Lakers at all, because I've loved just about everything about playing for this organization," Farmar said. "But I am at a point in my career where I want a chance to start, to see what kind of player I can be while playing (big) minutes."

And he just doesn't see that materializing with the Lakers, not with them seemingly committed to bringing back Derek Fisher for at least one more season, and certainly not after they signed veteran Steve Blake on Friday to either back Fisher up or possibly start if Fisher goes elsewhere.

In any case, Farmar did not sense a strong opportunity to start next year for the Lakers, which is why he and his agent asked them not to exercise their right to make him an offer, an appeal they honored a day before the start of free agency.
For Farmar it represented a classy gesture by the Lakers, and it expanded his opportunities considerably.

Had the Lakers extended an offer, it would have made Farmar a restricted free agent, meaning the Lakers could have matched any contract offer to him by another team.

That would have severely limited his marketability, other teams fearful they'd just be wasting their time chasing him if the Lakers had the final say in whether they brought him back.

But by waiving the right - and surrendering any chance at compensation if he leaves - the Lakers granted Farmar complete freedom to find a job and team that best suits him.

And for that, he is grateful.

"I really appreciate what they did, because they didn't have to, they could have treated me like a piece of real estate and potentially hurt my ability to take a serious look at what might be out there for me," Farmar said. "So for that, I am thankful."

The move didn't officially end Farmar's Lakers career, which began four years ago when they drafted him in the first round out of UCLA and spanned three NBA Finals appearances and two world championships, but with the signing of Blake and the likelihood of Fisher returning, it is very doubtful Farmar will be wearing purple and gold next year.

Now Farmar can focus on finding a team he feels best suits his talents - which sometimes seemed suffocated by the restrictions of the triangle offense.

As of Saturday, the Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks were showing considerable interest in Farmar, and each team runs a wide-open offense.

Nothing against the triangle - which has helped Phil Jackson win 11 NBA titles over the past 19 seasons - but it never afforded Farmar the chance to utilize his skill set as a creator and scorer.

And as a backup, Farmar was severely limited in what he could do, his primary focus being defense and trying to maintain any momentum the starters created.

Offensively, there were never any set plays to exploit his ability, and his limited minutes never enabled him to get into any sort of rhythm.

Farmar averaged 18.1 minutes per game over his four years with the Lakers, always a dependable backup and part of the rotation almost from the day he arrived, but as the years moved on he was hoping to play more than the time he was allotted, and hopefully expand his role in the offense.

That was never the case at Taft or at UCLA, where Farmar was either the focal point or one of the main components, given free rein to run his teams and ample minutes to get teammates going and pick and chose his own scoring opportunities.

"That's how I grew up playing the game," Farmar said. "And as a backup, you just don't have that kind of leeway, and that can be a difficult adjustment."

It doesn't help that Farmar has watched two former UCLA teammates - Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and New Orleans' Darren Collison - flourish in uptempo offenses that complement their talents, hoping for the chance to play in a similar system.

Now he may get that opportunity.

"That's my goal, and I want to see what opportunities are out there for me as a starter," Farmar said. "I know there is interest, and I'm looking forward to exploring my options. It's something I've been looking forward to."

Farmar, 23, is grateful for his time with his hometown Lakers, and if he does move on he will look back on his career in Los Angeles with fondness.

"I love everything about the organization, my teammates and this city," Farmar said. "But ultimately I want a chance to start, and it's something I looked forward to every single year here, but it just never happened. All I've ever wanted was a legitimate chance to start."

It's an opportunity he always wanted with the Lakers, but due to circumstances it was never afforded to him.

"I'd come into training camp every season expecting and hoping this would be the year I'd get a legitimate chance to start or play bigger minutes," Farmar said. "I would work all offseason with that hope, that goal in mind.

"But it never happened. And I understand, Fish was there and obviously it was his job, so I just had to respect that and try to do the best I could in the minutes I did get. But I can't say I wasn't frustrated at times, because I'm a competitor and I wanted to contribute more."

Next season, he may finally get that chance.

Lakers let Jordan go; PG excited about his prospects

Photo: Jordan Farmar (1) splits the defense of Boston's Paul Pierce and Michael Finley (40) for a layup during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Lakers don't make offer to Jordan Farmar, who now becomes a free agent
blogged by Broderick Turner
Lakers Blog
Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold
The LA Times
June 30, 2010 | 4:33 pm


The Lakers decided Wednesday not to give restricted guard Jordan Farmar a one-year, $3-million contract offer.

It means that Farmar becomes an unrestricted free agent, and that the Lakers could lose him and get nothing in return when the free-agency period begins at 9:01 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday.

If the Lakers had tendered Farmar a deal, known as a qualifying offer, he would have remained a restricted free agent and they would have had the rights to match any offer sheet he signed with another team.

"The Lakers cared enough to let me become a free agent," Farmar said in a phone interview. "I was excited to hear it. I was real happy. If I do decide to leave, I'll have nothing but positive things to remember about the Lakers."

Farmar, 23, has spent his entire four-year NBA career with the Lakers, winning two championships.

He also wants to become a starter in the NBA, something Farmar was unable to do with the Lakers because of veteran point guard Derek Fisher.

Famar also feels that the Lakers' triangle offense prohibits his game, which he believes is better suited for an up-tempo offense.

Farmar said he thinks that the Indiana Pacers are just one of the teams interested in him. He didn't rule out returning to the Lakers, but Farmar knows that is a long shot.

Jordan Farmar contributing to Lakers' quest for a championship

Boston's Rajon Rondo, right, and Lakers' Jordan Farmar fight for a loose ball during Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center on Tuesday. (CJ Gunther / European Press Agency)

Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic prove the Lakers do have something in reserve
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
June 16, 2010 | 12:01 p.m.

The backup guards play a big role in the Lakers' Game 6 romp of the Celtics, fortifying a second unit that has been criticized.


They knew what was at stake.

They knew what was on the line.

And they knew they had not been performing up to par in the NBA Finals.

For Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic, two guards the Lakers count on to come off the bench and be productive, they both knew they had to fill a void.

Both of them did, playing solid in the Lakers' 89-67 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Tuesday night at Staples Center.

"It doesn't matter what happened the entire year," Vujacic said. "We're playing for the season right now. We played as a team and we came out knowing that we got to win. We played like champions. We haven't done anything yet. We've got to win one more."

Vujacic scored nine points, his series high, in 14 minutes. He was three for six from the field, two for four from three-point range. He also had one assist and one steal.

Farmar scored four points in 17 minutes. He also had three steals.

"I wanted to take advantage of the situation," Farmar said. "Not knowing how much I was going to play, I just tried to make the most of the opportunities. I tried to get my hands on balls, dive on the floor and do the little things to make a big difference."

Vujacic and Farmar had been a part of a Lakers' second unit that was starting to be questioned about their poor play in the Finals.

But in Game 6, the Lakers' reserves outscored their Boston counterparts, 25-13. It was 24-0 after three quarters.

"We were just as a unit unbeatable tonight," Vujacic said. "We knew we had to play together no matter who was on the floor. We knew that we can't lose the game tonight, and we would not give up."

The Lakers had 13 steals, five by the second unit.

The Lakers threw their bodies on the court for loose balls, the second unit doing it just as much as the starters.

"I think for the most part, everybody was on the floor," Farmar said. "Everybody had a bunch of jump balls and were really getting down and making sure that we were aggressive."

Game 7 is Thursday night.

The Lakers' reserves know they will play a role in the outcome.

"It's nice to be in front of the home crowd," Vujacic said. "They were our sixth player [Tuesday night]. They really give us the energy we needed, and hopefully they are going to be like that in Game 7."

Jordan Farmar talks West Champs Series: Lakers vs Suns

2009-2010 Freshmen

Elie Seckbach reporting from Westwood on the new kids on the block, Reeves Nelson, Anthony Stover and Brendan Lane. He also talks to Coach John Wooden, Josh Shipp, and Jordan Farmar about (what else) UCLA basketball.

Jordan Farmar: Even better off the hardwood

When Jordan is not running and gunning with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is heavily involved in charity work in the LA community through his Jordan Farmar Foundation. Jordan describes the foundation's mission on its website "The Jordan Farmar Foundation supports charitable programs that build value, develop character, create opportunities, and foster positive attitudes, with an emphasis on youth programs in Southern California."

Definitely, one of the highlights of the foundation's work is their involvement with the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA. Jordan and his Laker mates (including fellow alum, Trevor Ariza) have visited children at the hospital -- a lot of them are suffering from terminal illnesses -- trying to bring joy to the children in a way that their status as famous NBA stars allows them. And Jordan is not into showcasing his charity work in the media, his focus are solely the children and the community. However, we as outsiders are truly blessed, I think, that Jordan has allowed Elie Seckbach (I love this guy, by the way, although not as much as I love Jordan) to report on the foundation's charity work.





Jordan goes international
Jordan has also tried his shot at international diplomacy, trying in his small way to bring peace to the Middle East, trying to bring the Jews and Arabs a little closer. Last year, he visited Israel and held a clinic among Jewish and Arab children. Again, Elie Seckbach reporting:



Jordan also holds a basketball summer camp for children at UCLA. Here is the link to his camp, Hoop Farm.

Thanks, Jordan, for allowing us to hear and witness all the great work that you do off of the basketball court. I know you've hesitated to have the media cover your charity work. You are not about the media hype, I know that. But being able to hear about all the non-basketball work that you do has definitely blessed me, as, I am sure, it has blessed others. You have been blessed. Thanks for putting your blessings to good use. You are simply a class act. Thank you for all you are doing for the children and the community, locally and abroad. And thanks, too, to your Mom, Mindy Kolani Farmar, for encouraging you to start your foundation. May God continually bless you, your family, your foundation and all the work that you do.

Some important links:
Jordan Farmar's Official website, farmarlive.com
The Jordan Farmar Foundation
Jordan Farmar's basketball camp, Hoop Farm

Former Bruins Farmar and Westbrook return to Westwood

UCLABruins.com was able to chat with former Bruins Jordan Farmar and Russell Westbrook while the two were on campus this summer. Both men talked about their NBA careers so far, what they are doing this summer, Jordan's charity work (real cool), Jordan's championship run with the Lakers, what they miss about UCLA, and other real cool stuff. Thanks, UCLABruins.com!

Jordan Farmar



Russell Westbrook


Continued best of luck, Jordan and Russell!!! GO, BRUINS!!!

Congratulations, Jordan and Trevor!!!

Congratulations to UCLA alums Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza for becoming the 2009 NBA Champs with the Los Angeles Lakers!!! Of course, there will be talk of whether they could have done it without Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Phil Jackson and the rest of the Laker Crew.

OK, trivia time!!! There are 4 individuals in the pic above that are testaments to UCLA's basketball power. Can you spot all 4?

JORDAN FARMAR UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL KNEE SURGERY

JORDAN FARMAR UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL KNEE SURGERY
from the The Los Angeles Lakers Official website
December 24, 2008

Lakers guard Jordan Farmar underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, it was announced by the team.

The surgery, which took approximately 30 minutes, was performed by Dr. Clarence Shields of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Group. Farmar is expected to be out approximately eight weeks.

Farmar suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Lakers game at Miami on Friday night. He is averaging 7.9 points and 2.4 assists in 19.6 minutes this season.

Get well soon, Jordan.

(MUH gives props to the Los Angeles Lakers Official website for the news and 040685ma for the youtube video)

UCLA BRUINS IN THE NBA

NBA.com Widgets for former UCLA Bruins now in the Big Leagues!

Arron Afflalo (Detroit Pistons)


Baron Davis (Los Angeles Clippers)


Jordan Farmar (Los Angeles Lakers)


Dan Gadzuric (Milwaukee Bucks)


Ryan Hollins (Charlotte Bobcats)


Jason Kapono (Toronto Raptors)


Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
NBA.com Widget unavailable

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Milwaukee Bucks)
NBA.com Widget unavailable

Earl Watson (Oklahoma City Thunder)
NBA.com Widget unavailable

Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
NBA.com Widget unavailable