Thanks to Kaz for posting this on Bruin Zone
ballislife.com/You Tube
hoopmixtape.com/You Tube
Saturday, June 18, 2011
New UCLA hire doesn't sway Jordan Adams
Jordan Adams, Photo: Brian Ing/SLNew UCLA hire doesn't sway Jordan Adams
By Jeff Borzello
CBSSports.com
Posted on: June 10, 2011 10:58 am
INTERESTED TEAMS:
If UCLA fans expected immediate results from the hiring of Atlanta Celtics AAU coach Korey McCray as an assistant coach, they won’t get it from Jordan Adams.
Adams, who plays on the Celtics, has UCLA on his list but said the hiring of McCray wouldn’t change his perception of the Bruins.
“I think it’s great for him,” Adams said. “He knows a lot about coaching, he’s a great trainer. He will help their program out a lot.”
However, he would add: “All schools are equal.”
Adams, a 6-foot-5 small forward from Oak Hill Academy (Va.), is one of the top recruits from the South in the class of 2012. His strength and scoring ability makes him tough to guard for opposing wings. Adams doesn’t shy away from contact around the basket and can also knock down perimeter shots.
He will never be mistaken for someone who can jump out of the gym, but that doesn’t faze him.
“[I’m a] shooter, rebounder, scorer. An unathletic skilled guard,” Adams said. When questioned about his lack of athleticism, he quipped: “I am, but I’m not gonna dunk on no one.”
The Atlanta Celtics were one of the “preseason” favorites for the No. 1 spot in AAU basketball, but they have struggled against the elite teams. With the talent on the roster, though, a big-time summer could be in order.
The same could be said for Adams, who commented that he hasn’t really broken out yet.
“Being selfish, really,” Adams said when asked what he needs to work on. “I like to get teammates involved, but you never get noticed for those things – like LeBron the other day.”
Plenty of schools have already liked what they saw from Adams, who listed Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami (Fl.), Memphis, Georgetown, Tennessee and UCLA. He said there were other schools in the mix too, but he forgot them.
Although he doesn’t have any favorites, Adams does plan on visiting Memphis at the end of June. If everything goes well, he said there is a chance he might commit to the Tigers.
“There could be [a chance],” Adams said. “[I need to see] things I’ve never seen at other colleges. They’ve been attractive to me for awhile.”
Damien Wilson, Adams’ teammate on the AAU and high school scene, committed to Josh Pastner and Memphis last month. Not surprisingly, that could play a factor in where Adams ends up.
“Yes, that’s [going to play] a big role,” he said. “I want to play on a wing across from him.”
Adams has already taken visits to UCLA, Georgia and Miami, with the Bruins and Hurricanes standing out.
“The coaches are honest, cool and I like their programs,” he said.
While there is no timetable for a decision, Adams was succinct when asked what he was looking for in a school. “Good coaching, a winning season,” he said.
McCray’s presence at UCLA seems like it will keep the Bruins in the hunt for Adams, but Westwood – and many other schools – will have to wait and see.
VIDEO: Former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee works out for Utah Jazz
Thanks to Kaz for posting this on Bruin Zone
VIDEO: Former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee works out for Utah Jazz
By SAM STRONG
The Daily Bruin in Sports: Bruin Sights
Published June 15, 2011 Updated: June 15, 2011, 5:44 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — Former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee made a stop in Salt Lake City on Wednesday for a pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz.
Lee has been touring around the country working out for several different NBA teams since he left the Chicago Combine in May.
Lee’s workout was overshadowed by the hype surrounding the matchup between former BYU guard Jimmer Fredette and former Connecticut guard Kemba Walker. Lee faced Fredette in the Wooden Classic last season, a contest that UCLA won 86-79.
Media members were not allowed access to the actual workout session but were allowed to talk to players, front office executives and coaches. This video includes interviews with Lee, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin and Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor, a former UCLA assistant coach.
VIDEO: Former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee works out for Utah Jazz
By SAM STRONG
The Daily Bruin in Sports: Bruin Sights
Published June 15, 2011 Updated: June 15, 2011, 5:44 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — Former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee made a stop in Salt Lake City on Wednesday for a pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz.
Lee has been touring around the country working out for several different NBA teams since he left the Chicago Combine in May.
Lee’s workout was overshadowed by the hype surrounding the matchup between former BYU guard Jimmer Fredette and former Connecticut guard Kemba Walker. Lee faced Fredette in the Wooden Classic last season, a contest that UCLA won 86-79.
Media members were not allowed access to the actual workout session but were allowed to talk to players, front office executives and coaches. This video includes interviews with Lee, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin and Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor, a former UCLA assistant coach.
SoCal locals await NBA draft fate
Thanks to Puffdaddy for posting on Bruin Zone
SoCal locals await NBA draft fate
By Sean Ceglinsky
Special to ESPNLosAngeles.com
Friday, June 17, 2011
LOS ANGELES -- With the first pick of the 2011 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select ...
The anticipation has been building for months, weeks on end and now days. In all likelihood, owner Dan Gilbert, along with the Cavaliers' brass, are going to take a chance on Kyrie Irving from Duke at No. 1 when the festivities finally take place Thursday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Beyond that, many questions remain unanswered, especially when it comes to things locally. Several players with local ties are expected to be first-round selections in the upcoming draft, namely USC's Nikola Vucevic and UCLA's Tyler Honeycutt. Malcolm Lee, another Bruin, could end up as a late first-round pick, although he seems destined to fall into the second round.
UCLA's Tyler Honeycutt, Arizona's Derrick Williams and USC's Nikola Vucevic all figure to be first-round picks in the NBA draft, with Williams, a La Mirada High graduate, expected to go No. 2 to Minnesota.
Some other college prospects worth remembering are former Southland high school standouts such as Derrick Williams, Kawhi Leonard, Jordan Hamilton and Klay Thompson, among others. There is a distinct possibility NBA commissioner David Stern will have announced each of their names by the time the first round has finished.
So, without further adieu, let's go ahead and break things down:
Player: Nikola Vucevic
School: USC
Height: 7-0. Weight: 260
Position: Center
Why scouts like him: Versatility is his biggest asset. He has shown the uncanny ability to step out on the perimeter and knock down open jumpers. Doing the dirty work underneath the basket also suits his skill set well. His averages of 17.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a junior for the Trojans, and a shooting percentage of more than 50 percent from the field, support those facts.
The flip side: His athleticism, or lack thereof, has been the biggest knock on Vucevic. Chances are, he will never be confused with someone who necessarily plays above the rim. Defensively, he has some shortcomings as well. A little determination from him figures to go a long way.
Bottom line: When it comes to post players, especially at center, the talent pool is considered to be a bit thin this year. Both Enes Kanter and Jonas Valanciunas figure to be off the board relatively early, leaving Vucevic as one of the few remaining legitimate options at his position.
Draft prediction: If he is still available at No. 14, the Houston Rockets figure to find themselves in a quandary of sorts. Given the injury-riddled past of Yao Ming, all signs point to it being somewhat difficult to pass up a prospect who possesses as much upside as Vucevic.
Player: Malcolm Lee
School: UCLA
Height: 6-6. Weight: 198
Position: Point guard
Why scouts like him: Many evaluators are under the impression the Riverside North High graduate is one of those quintessential combo guards, someone capable of running the show and doing quite well without the ball in his hands. Accordingly, as a junior for the Bruins, he ranked among the per-game leaders in minutes (33.1), scoring (13.1), rebounds (3.1) and assists (2.1).
The flip side: An inconsistent jumper, at this stage of the game, could be his downfall. If Lee is going to play off-guard in the NBA, he will have to make opponents respect his outside stroke. If not, finding a spot on the bench next to the coaching staff figures to be the result, unfortunately.
Bottom line: He might have picked the wrong year to forgo college for the professional ranks. The depth at both guard positions appears to be one of the strengths of this draft. Lee could end up on the proverbial outside looking in when all is said and done.
Draft prediction: It would be a big surprise if a team gambled and grabbed him with a first-round draft pick. Lee is on the bubble. That's not to say he does not have some value. He could end up in high demand at the beginning of the second round.
Player: Tyler Honeycutt
School: UCLA
Height: 6-8. Weight: 186
Position: Small forward
Why scouts like him: His redeeming qualities include size, length and athleticism, traits that certainly will help the Sylmar High product defend in the NBA. If the opportunity presents itself, Honeycutt appears capable of holding his own against smaller guards. He averaged 7.8 rebounds, mostly on the defensive end, along with a steal and two blocks per game as a sophomore for the Bruins. Offensively, he has a nose for the basket. Expect him to find creative ways to score.
The flip side: He is rail thin. Bulking up in a hurry needs to be a priority, or Honeycutt will run the risk of getting picked on, essentially pushed around in the physical setting that awaits him at the next level. Finding additional confidence also will be imperative to his long-term success.
Bottom line: His game continues to evolve. And that type of potential has teams intrigued. Landing in a place where he isn't expected to make a major impact right away would be the best possible scenario. Given some time, Honeycutt could carve out a nice little niche for himself.
Draft prediction: Here's where things get interesting. In a perfect world, the Minnesota Timberwolves draft him at No. 20. Once there, he plays alongside one of UCLA's own, Kevin Love, which will help out with the learning curve. European sensation Ricky Rubio will be making his NBA debut as well next season, taking some of the focus off Honeycutt's arrival. Worst-case scenario, he slips to the end of the first round and starts calling Chicago or San Antonio home.
OTHER LOCALS
Derrick Williams, Arizona (La Mirada HS): If Kyrie Irving is a lock to be the first player selected, Williams is a lock to be the second player picked. Chances are, the Minnesota Timberwolves are more than happy they do not have to decide between the two prospects at the top of the draft. Based on his all-around performance in this past spring's NCAA tournament, Williams' stock skyrocketed. When it comes to future earnings in the NBA, the 6-foot-9 power forward made himself plenty of money during March Madness. Many so-called experts, the mock draft gurus, apparently agree that if Irving were not around, Williams would be the No. 1 pick. Majority rules, after all.
Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State (Riverside King HS): College coaches and scouts alike slipped up when they did not recruit him heavily during his prep days. The head honchos in the NBA will not make the same mistake, certainly not after being impressed by Leonard at the numerous pre-draft camps he attended. Prevailing wisdom is the 6-7 small forward is a top-10 pick, perhaps as high as No. 7 to the Sacramento Kings. Leonard does not figure to fall much further.
Klay Thompson, Washington State (Santa Margarita HS): Like father, like son. Thompson's dad, Mychal, was the top pick in the 1978 NBA draft and enjoyed a 12-year professional career, including a successful stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. The younger Thompson is heading down an eerily similar path. The 6-7 shooting guard brings plenty to the table, particularly on the offensive end. It is reasonable to expect he will be drafted early, No. 10 to the Milwaukee Bucks or No. 12 to the Utah Jazz. It is difficult to imagine his dropping beyond No. 17 to the New York Knicks.
Jordan Hamilton, Texas (Compton Dominguez HS): He has a great frame, and his game is tailor-made for the next level. Hamilton can score with the best of them; he is one of those prototypical NBA types. The 6-9 small forward can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. Stepping back and hitting shots from out on the perimeter comes naturally. The Washington Wizards have had their eyes on him for a while now and would like to see him still sitting there at No. 18.
Darius Morris, Michigan (L.A. Windward HS): The 6-5 point guard is as unselfish as they come. It's as if he was born with a pass-first mentality. Make no mistake, though, Morris is also creative and can get his shot off when called upon to do so. The back end of the first round appears to be his final destination, No. 20 to the Portland Trail Blazers or No. 23 to the Houston Rockets.
Justin Holiday, Washington (Campbell Hall HS): For a while now, the 6-5 small forward has lived in the shadow, so to speak, of his younger brother Jrue, currently with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the time has come for the older sibling to make a name for himself. It is highly unlikely he will be drafted in the first round. Due in large part to his desire to get after things on defense, do not be terribly surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers take a chance on him in the second round.
SoCal locals await NBA draft fate
By Sean Ceglinsky
Special to ESPNLosAngeles.com
Friday, June 17, 2011
LOS ANGELES -- With the first pick of the 2011 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select ...
The anticipation has been building for months, weeks on end and now days. In all likelihood, owner Dan Gilbert, along with the Cavaliers' brass, are going to take a chance on Kyrie Irving from Duke at No. 1 when the festivities finally take place Thursday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Beyond that, many questions remain unanswered, especially when it comes to things locally. Several players with local ties are expected to be first-round selections in the upcoming draft, namely USC's Nikola Vucevic and UCLA's Tyler Honeycutt. Malcolm Lee, another Bruin, could end up as a late first-round pick, although he seems destined to fall into the second round.
UCLA's Tyler Honeycutt, Arizona's Derrick Williams and USC's Nikola Vucevic all figure to be first-round picks in the NBA draft, with Williams, a La Mirada High graduate, expected to go No. 2 to Minnesota.
Some other college prospects worth remembering are former Southland high school standouts such as Derrick Williams, Kawhi Leonard, Jordan Hamilton and Klay Thompson, among others. There is a distinct possibility NBA commissioner David Stern will have announced each of their names by the time the first round has finished.
So, without further adieu, let's go ahead and break things down:
Player: Nikola Vucevic
School: USC
Height: 7-0. Weight: 260
Position: Center
Why scouts like him: Versatility is his biggest asset. He has shown the uncanny ability to step out on the perimeter and knock down open jumpers. Doing the dirty work underneath the basket also suits his skill set well. His averages of 17.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a junior for the Trojans, and a shooting percentage of more than 50 percent from the field, support those facts.
The flip side: His athleticism, or lack thereof, has been the biggest knock on Vucevic. Chances are, he will never be confused with someone who necessarily plays above the rim. Defensively, he has some shortcomings as well. A little determination from him figures to go a long way.
Bottom line: When it comes to post players, especially at center, the talent pool is considered to be a bit thin this year. Both Enes Kanter and Jonas Valanciunas figure to be off the board relatively early, leaving Vucevic as one of the few remaining legitimate options at his position.
Draft prediction: If he is still available at No. 14, the Houston Rockets figure to find themselves in a quandary of sorts. Given the injury-riddled past of Yao Ming, all signs point to it being somewhat difficult to pass up a prospect who possesses as much upside as Vucevic.
Player: Malcolm Lee
School: UCLA
Height: 6-6. Weight: 198
Position: Point guard
Why scouts like him: Many evaluators are under the impression the Riverside North High graduate is one of those quintessential combo guards, someone capable of running the show and doing quite well without the ball in his hands. Accordingly, as a junior for the Bruins, he ranked among the per-game leaders in minutes (33.1), scoring (13.1), rebounds (3.1) and assists (2.1).
The flip side: An inconsistent jumper, at this stage of the game, could be his downfall. If Lee is going to play off-guard in the NBA, he will have to make opponents respect his outside stroke. If not, finding a spot on the bench next to the coaching staff figures to be the result, unfortunately.
Bottom line: He might have picked the wrong year to forgo college for the professional ranks. The depth at both guard positions appears to be one of the strengths of this draft. Lee could end up on the proverbial outside looking in when all is said and done.
Draft prediction: It would be a big surprise if a team gambled and grabbed him with a first-round draft pick. Lee is on the bubble. That's not to say he does not have some value. He could end up in high demand at the beginning of the second round.
Player: Tyler Honeycutt
School: UCLA
Height: 6-8. Weight: 186
Position: Small forward
Why scouts like him: His redeeming qualities include size, length and athleticism, traits that certainly will help the Sylmar High product defend in the NBA. If the opportunity presents itself, Honeycutt appears capable of holding his own against smaller guards. He averaged 7.8 rebounds, mostly on the defensive end, along with a steal and two blocks per game as a sophomore for the Bruins. Offensively, he has a nose for the basket. Expect him to find creative ways to score.
The flip side: He is rail thin. Bulking up in a hurry needs to be a priority, or Honeycutt will run the risk of getting picked on, essentially pushed around in the physical setting that awaits him at the next level. Finding additional confidence also will be imperative to his long-term success.
Bottom line: His game continues to evolve. And that type of potential has teams intrigued. Landing in a place where he isn't expected to make a major impact right away would be the best possible scenario. Given some time, Honeycutt could carve out a nice little niche for himself.
Draft prediction: Here's where things get interesting. In a perfect world, the Minnesota Timberwolves draft him at No. 20. Once there, he plays alongside one of UCLA's own, Kevin Love, which will help out with the learning curve. European sensation Ricky Rubio will be making his NBA debut as well next season, taking some of the focus off Honeycutt's arrival. Worst-case scenario, he slips to the end of the first round and starts calling Chicago or San Antonio home.
OTHER LOCALS
Derrick Williams, Arizona (La Mirada HS): If Kyrie Irving is a lock to be the first player selected, Williams is a lock to be the second player picked. Chances are, the Minnesota Timberwolves are more than happy they do not have to decide between the two prospects at the top of the draft. Based on his all-around performance in this past spring's NCAA tournament, Williams' stock skyrocketed. When it comes to future earnings in the NBA, the 6-foot-9 power forward made himself plenty of money during March Madness. Many so-called experts, the mock draft gurus, apparently agree that if Irving were not around, Williams would be the No. 1 pick. Majority rules, after all.
Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State (Riverside King HS): College coaches and scouts alike slipped up when they did not recruit him heavily during his prep days. The head honchos in the NBA will not make the same mistake, certainly not after being impressed by Leonard at the numerous pre-draft camps he attended. Prevailing wisdom is the 6-7 small forward is a top-10 pick, perhaps as high as No. 7 to the Sacramento Kings. Leonard does not figure to fall much further.
Klay Thompson, Washington State (Santa Margarita HS): Like father, like son. Thompson's dad, Mychal, was the top pick in the 1978 NBA draft and enjoyed a 12-year professional career, including a successful stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. The younger Thompson is heading down an eerily similar path. The 6-7 shooting guard brings plenty to the table, particularly on the offensive end. It is reasonable to expect he will be drafted early, No. 10 to the Milwaukee Bucks or No. 12 to the Utah Jazz. It is difficult to imagine his dropping beyond No. 17 to the New York Knicks.
Jordan Hamilton, Texas (Compton Dominguez HS): He has a great frame, and his game is tailor-made for the next level. Hamilton can score with the best of them; he is one of those prototypical NBA types. The 6-9 small forward can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. Stepping back and hitting shots from out on the perimeter comes naturally. The Washington Wizards have had their eyes on him for a while now and would like to see him still sitting there at No. 18.
Darius Morris, Michigan (L.A. Windward HS): The 6-5 point guard is as unselfish as they come. It's as if he was born with a pass-first mentality. Make no mistake, though, Morris is also creative and can get his shot off when called upon to do so. The back end of the first round appears to be his final destination, No. 20 to the Portland Trail Blazers or No. 23 to the Houston Rockets.
Justin Holiday, Washington (Campbell Hall HS): For a while now, the 6-5 small forward has lived in the shadow, so to speak, of his younger brother Jrue, currently with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the time has come for the older sibling to make a name for himself. It is highly unlikely he will be drafted in the first round. Due in large part to his desire to get after things on defense, do not be terribly surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers take a chance on him in the second round.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Pac-12 Insider: UCLA plans to feed the big man
Thanks to ipsedixit for posting on Bruin Zone.
Doug Haller on ASU & Pac-12 basketball
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 04:05 PM
azcentral.com
Pac-12 Insider: UCLA plans to feed the big man
Early departures might have hit UCLA as hard as any team in the country. With All-Pac-10 selections Tyler Honeycutt and Malcolm Lee, the Bruins might have started next season as a top five team. Without them, UCLA is reduced to simple Pac-12 title contender.
Impressive, just not as sexy.
Still, Ben Howland is excited. Coming off two subpar seasons (by UCLA's standards), the eighth-year coach told UCLA Radio last week he thinks the Bruins will be strong next season. And much of his optimism focuses on the big man inside, 6-foot-10, 300-pound sophomore Joshua Smith.
"Josh, 1-on-1 in the low post, is unstoppable by another college player," Howland told UCLA Radio.
"He's just too big, too strong. You don't have guys like that often. The only other guy we've had like him was Kevin (Love.) Kevin was unstoppable 1-on-1 in the low post and Josh is the same deal. So it's really going to be nice for the perimeter players, because if (opponents) don't double on him, if they don't help on him, then it's over. He's going to score."
Howland said the Bruins will run more four-man motion next season, with four perimeter players surrounding Smith. Despite the losses of Honeycutt and Lee -- UCLA's top 3-point threats last season (in terms of 3-pointers made) -- he thinks the Bruins can be effective from the perimeter. He said Travis and David Wear, forwards who sat out last season after transferring from North Carolina, both have decent range and Reeves Nelson showed off an improved touch in the spring.
Howland plans to play David Wear at small forward, placing him in a group of perimeter players that includes Lazeric Jones, Jerime Anderson, Tyler Lamb, freshman Norman Powell and junior college transfer De'End Parker. In the frontcourt: Smith will team up with Nelson, Travis Wear, Brendan Lane and Anthony Stover.
As a freshman last season, Smith averaged 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in just 21.7 minutes per game. According to kenpom.com, he was the nation's second-best offensive rebounder with a 19.5 offensive rebounding percentage. He had flaws (out of shape, foul prone, subpar defensive rebounder for his size), but Howland thought Smith improved as the season progressed, a stretch that began with a dunk in traffic during UCLA's win over Arizona State on Jan. 29.
That momentum continued through spring workouts.
"He's really improved his skill level with his post moves inside,'' Howland said. "He's really got a nice jump hook going now. His face-up jump shot is better. He's just got a bunch of different moves he can go to now."
That could be bad news for the rest of the Pac-12.
Other Howland tidbits from the radio show:
*On the upcoming Pac-12 race: "I think Arizona will be very good again. I think Cal will be outstanding; they return everybody. Washington will be good again. Stanford's youngsters are getting better and better, so there's going to be a lot of good teams in our conference. Oregon is improved. Oregon State I think will be a very good team this year. They return just about everybody but two players. Our goal is to always win the Pac-10 and if you do that, you're going to get a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. I think we're going to be good. We're going to Maui to play in the best field in the history of the Maui Classic. UCLA, Duke, Kansas, Michigan, Georgetown, Memphis, Tennessee. It's the best it's ever been. We're playing Texas, who will be very good again. We're playing St. John's on the road (televised) nationally on CBS in February. I'm really looking forward to it."
*On freshman guard Norman Powell: "Norman's a two-guard, 6-3, 205 pounds. Really athletic, very explosive. He might be the best athlete on the team next year, that's how athletic he is."
*On junior-college transfer De'End Parker: "(He's) a small forward but he has really good guard skills. He can guard a one, two or a three for us, and it's going to be competitive because we're going to play Dave Wear at the three as well."
*On sophomore forward Anthony Stover: "Anthony really came on for us the last half of the season. I inserted him in the starting lineup and he blocked a lot of shots. He's a very good defender. It's great that we redshirted him his first year because he's the same class as Josh. He's up to 250 pounds now, he came in at 218. He's going to be a good player for us. He's long, he's athletic and he has a great motor."
*On transfer Larry Drew, Jr., who's not eligible until the 2012-13 season: "He's the quickest player (we've had) since Darren Collison, and that's saying something. I'm telling you right now, he is cat quick."
*On the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, where UCLA will play most of its games while Pauley Pavilion is renovated (Rival USC used to play in the Sports Arena:) "Trust me when I tell you this: The USC people are very upset they're painting the inside of the Sports Arena blue for our year over there."
Doug Haller on ASU & Pac-12 basketball Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 04:05 PM
azcentral.com
Pac-12 Insider: UCLA plans to feed the big man
Early departures might have hit UCLA as hard as any team in the country. With All-Pac-10 selections Tyler Honeycutt and Malcolm Lee, the Bruins might have started next season as a top five team. Without them, UCLA is reduced to simple Pac-12 title contender.
Impressive, just not as sexy.
Still, Ben Howland is excited. Coming off two subpar seasons (by UCLA's standards), the eighth-year coach told UCLA Radio last week he thinks the Bruins will be strong next season. And much of his optimism focuses on the big man inside, 6-foot-10, 300-pound sophomore Joshua Smith.
"Josh, 1-on-1 in the low post, is unstoppable by another college player," Howland told UCLA Radio.
"He's just too big, too strong. You don't have guys like that often. The only other guy we've had like him was Kevin (Love.) Kevin was unstoppable 1-on-1 in the low post and Josh is the same deal. So it's really going to be nice for the perimeter players, because if (opponents) don't double on him, if they don't help on him, then it's over. He's going to score."
Howland said the Bruins will run more four-man motion next season, with four perimeter players surrounding Smith. Despite the losses of Honeycutt and Lee -- UCLA's top 3-point threats last season (in terms of 3-pointers made) -- he thinks the Bruins can be effective from the perimeter. He said Travis and David Wear, forwards who sat out last season after transferring from North Carolina, both have decent range and Reeves Nelson showed off an improved touch in the spring.
Howland plans to play David Wear at small forward, placing him in a group of perimeter players that includes Lazeric Jones, Jerime Anderson, Tyler Lamb, freshman Norman Powell and junior college transfer De'End Parker. In the frontcourt: Smith will team up with Nelson, Travis Wear, Brendan Lane and Anthony Stover.
As a freshman last season, Smith averaged 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in just 21.7 minutes per game. According to kenpom.com, he was the nation's second-best offensive rebounder with a 19.5 offensive rebounding percentage. He had flaws (out of shape, foul prone, subpar defensive rebounder for his size), but Howland thought Smith improved as the season progressed, a stretch that began with a dunk in traffic during UCLA's win over Arizona State on Jan. 29.
That momentum continued through spring workouts.
"He's really improved his skill level with his post moves inside,'' Howland said. "He's really got a nice jump hook going now. His face-up jump shot is better. He's just got a bunch of different moves he can go to now."
That could be bad news for the rest of the Pac-12.
Other Howland tidbits from the radio show:
*On the upcoming Pac-12 race: "I think Arizona will be very good again. I think Cal will be outstanding; they return everybody. Washington will be good again. Stanford's youngsters are getting better and better, so there's going to be a lot of good teams in our conference. Oregon is improved. Oregon State I think will be a very good team this year. They return just about everybody but two players. Our goal is to always win the Pac-10 and if you do that, you're going to get a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. I think we're going to be good. We're going to Maui to play in the best field in the history of the Maui Classic. UCLA, Duke, Kansas, Michigan, Georgetown, Memphis, Tennessee. It's the best it's ever been. We're playing Texas, who will be very good again. We're playing St. John's on the road (televised) nationally on CBS in February. I'm really looking forward to it."
*On freshman guard Norman Powell: "Norman's a two-guard, 6-3, 205 pounds. Really athletic, very explosive. He might be the best athlete on the team next year, that's how athletic he is."
*On junior-college transfer De'End Parker: "(He's) a small forward but he has really good guard skills. He can guard a one, two or a three for us, and it's going to be competitive because we're going to play Dave Wear at the three as well."
*On sophomore forward Anthony Stover: "Anthony really came on for us the last half of the season. I inserted him in the starting lineup and he blocked a lot of shots. He's a very good defender. It's great that we redshirted him his first year because he's the same class as Josh. He's up to 250 pounds now, he came in at 218. He's going to be a good player for us. He's long, he's athletic and he has a great motor."
*On transfer Larry Drew, Jr., who's not eligible until the 2012-13 season: "He's the quickest player (we've had) since Darren Collison, and that's saying something. I'm telling you right now, he is cat quick."
*On the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, where UCLA will play most of its games while Pauley Pavilion is renovated (Rival USC used to play in the Sports Arena:) "Trust me when I tell you this: The USC people are very upset they're painting the inside of the Sports Arena blue for our year over there."
The 'UCLA Factor' and the NBA draft
Thanks to bruinjake for posting this on Bruin Zone.
The 'UCLA Factor' and the NBA draft
By Eamonn Brennan
College Basketball Nation Blog
ESPN Men's College Basketball
June, 8, 2011 Jun 811:26AM ET
The draft expectations of UCLA players appear to have come full circle.
There was a period -- in many ways, it's still ongoing -- when UCLA coach Ben Howland was criticized by those in the recruiting world for not running an "NBA system." This was supposedly hurting the draft prospects of UCLA players. According to the criticisms, players like Jrue Holiday, Darren Collison, Aaron Afflalo and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute -- all of whom have experienced surprising success in the NBA ranks -- should have been drafted higher than the late first or early second rounds of the draft. Even Russell Westbrook, who was taken No. 4 overall in 2008 (just ahead of Kevin Love, the No. 5 pick in that year's draft) supposedly had his talents "hidden" by Howland's slow-paced, grind-it-out basketball scheme.
This is not a charge any coach wants levied at his program. UCLA wants to recruit elite players. Elite players want to get to the NBA. If they start hearing that Howland isn't the best coach to get them there, well, you get the idea. It's not good.
In the past 12 months, though, something strange has happened. This theory, like Christopher Wallace, has gone from a negative to a positive.
That's right: NBA scouts have begun to factor in the success of former Howland players in recent years. They've realized that, sure, while Howland's system might not highlight those talents in college, those players are still more than capable of succeeding in the pros. In fact, if there are scouts who haven't yet realized the high hit rate among UCLA prospects -- or who simply get scared away by so-so collegiate production -- those who have can own the slimmest of exploitable market inefficiencies.
This post from Bruins Nation -- in which BN visited an NBA draft camp and overheard media types discussing former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee -- goes ahead and calls it the "UCLA Factor." Whether that name is widespread among NBA front offices is beside the point. The concept itself is. A few months ago, I was talking to an NBA front office executive, and he brought up the very same notion without much prompting from me. UCLA players may not have flashy stats in college, he said, and they may not always look like high-flying freaks, but they enter the league as ready to play as any alumni in hoops. They know how to defend. They rebound. They, to put it vaguely, "get it."
It's hard to overstate how important this is. Getting drafted early is easy compared to how hard it is to last in the NBA. And yes, while the rookie salary scale is nothing to sniff at, and landing a first-round guaranteed contract is a big deal, the true barometer for NBA success -- and for turning your NBA career into a mind-bogglingly lucrative enterprise -- is landing that first major contract in your third or fourth season. For all the outdated stereotypes that characterize the NBA as a league of defense-averse stars, the best NBA teams know that players like those described above are absolutely crucial to long-term postseason success. They "get it," too.
Howland may have had to defend his NBA draft record in recent seasons. He may have found himself sitting on the couch answering questions from concerned players and their parents and guardians: "If my son goes to UCLA, will he be ready for the NBA draft? What's all this stuff I've been hearing?"
Howland's response should never have to be awkward. UCLA players now have a sterling reputation in the NBA. Lee and fellow NBA hopeful Tyler Honeycutt are already reaping the benefits of that perception. If Howland deserved blame for "hiding" talent, he deserves just as much credit on the other side of the transaction.
"With all due respect, ma'am, what you've been hearing is nonsense. Take a look at my former players in the NBA right now. Ask around about UCLA's development track record. Our work speaks for itself." That isn't a flashy recruiting pitch. But it's a damn persuasive one.
The 'UCLA Factor' and the NBA draftBy Eamonn Brennan
College Basketball Nation Blog
ESPN Men's College Basketball
June, 8, 2011 Jun 811:26AM ET
The draft expectations of UCLA players appear to have come full circle.
There was a period -- in many ways, it's still ongoing -- when UCLA coach Ben Howland was criticized by those in the recruiting world for not running an "NBA system." This was supposedly hurting the draft prospects of UCLA players. According to the criticisms, players like Jrue Holiday, Darren Collison, Aaron Afflalo and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute -- all of whom have experienced surprising success in the NBA ranks -- should have been drafted higher than the late first or early second rounds of the draft. Even Russell Westbrook, who was taken No. 4 overall in 2008 (just ahead of Kevin Love, the No. 5 pick in that year's draft) supposedly had his talents "hidden" by Howland's slow-paced, grind-it-out basketball scheme.
This is not a charge any coach wants levied at his program. UCLA wants to recruit elite players. Elite players want to get to the NBA. If they start hearing that Howland isn't the best coach to get them there, well, you get the idea. It's not good.
In the past 12 months, though, something strange has happened. This theory, like Christopher Wallace, has gone from a negative to a positive.
That's right: NBA scouts have begun to factor in the success of former Howland players in recent years. They've realized that, sure, while Howland's system might not highlight those talents in college, those players are still more than capable of succeeding in the pros. In fact, if there are scouts who haven't yet realized the high hit rate among UCLA prospects -- or who simply get scared away by so-so collegiate production -- those who have can own the slimmest of exploitable market inefficiencies.
This post from Bruins Nation -- in which BN visited an NBA draft camp and overheard media types discussing former UCLA guard Malcolm Lee -- goes ahead and calls it the "UCLA Factor." Whether that name is widespread among NBA front offices is beside the point. The concept itself is. A few months ago, I was talking to an NBA front office executive, and he brought up the very same notion without much prompting from me. UCLA players may not have flashy stats in college, he said, and they may not always look like high-flying freaks, but they enter the league as ready to play as any alumni in hoops. They know how to defend. They rebound. They, to put it vaguely, "get it."
It's hard to overstate how important this is. Getting drafted early is easy compared to how hard it is to last in the NBA. And yes, while the rookie salary scale is nothing to sniff at, and landing a first-round guaranteed contract is a big deal, the true barometer for NBA success -- and for turning your NBA career into a mind-bogglingly lucrative enterprise -- is landing that first major contract in your third or fourth season. For all the outdated stereotypes that characterize the NBA as a league of defense-averse stars, the best NBA teams know that players like those described above are absolutely crucial to long-term postseason success. They "get it," too.
Howland may have had to defend his NBA draft record in recent seasons. He may have found himself sitting on the couch answering questions from concerned players and their parents and guardians: "If my son goes to UCLA, will he be ready for the NBA draft? What's all this stuff I've been hearing?"
Howland's response should never have to be awkward. UCLA players now have a sterling reputation in the NBA. Lee and fellow NBA hopeful Tyler Honeycutt are already reaping the benefits of that perception. If Howland deserved blame for "hiding" talent, he deserves just as much credit on the other side of the transaction.
"With all due respect, ma'am, what you've been hearing is nonsense. Take a look at my former players in the NBA right now. Ask around about UCLA's development track record. Our work speaks for itself." That isn't a flashy recruiting pitch. But it's a damn persuasive one.
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