John Robert Wooden - The Wizard of Westwood
06/04/10 19:30 Filed in: College
Basketball
John
Wooden passed away this evening at age 99.
He was the greatest coach in American sports history, a teacher and philosopher whose deeply held faith and belief in always putting others before him guided his life. He was a genuinely nice man, whose former players loved and adored him, and continued relationships with him to his dying day.
My four years at UCLA were the first four years of his unbelievable run of seven consecutive NCAA basketball championships (which eventually would become part of 10 titles in 12 years). I attended almost every home game over those four years. I didn't get to many games over the next ten years or so, but I've had UCLA basketball season tickets for the past 25+ years, and almost never missed a game until my wife's health problems worsened in 2003. Coach Wooden almost never missed a game either. He sat in the same seat a few rows behind the UCLA bench for almost every game from his retirement until his health declined a few short years ago. You did not have to look hard to find him - there was always an orderly, respectful line of people, young and old, waiting to say hello and ask for an autograph. He never declined and he never asked to be paid for signing his name.
He was devoted to his family, especially his wife, Nell, to whom he was married 53 years until her death in 1985. In the early 2000s, UCLA officials wanted to name the Pauley Pavilion basketball court after him. He would not hear of it, until they agreed to name it the "Nell & John Wooden Court".
He wrote several books on his philosophies of living life and in gaining success in your chosen path. He was famous for his Pyramid of Success, and for the many, many maxims that he could recite when appropriate, even into his late 90s. Here are a few of them:
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Be quick, but don’t hurry.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
Never mistake activity for achievement.
Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
RIP, Coach.
He was the greatest coach in American sports history, a teacher and philosopher whose deeply held faith and belief in always putting others before him guided his life. He was a genuinely nice man, whose former players loved and adored him, and continued relationships with him to his dying day.
My four years at UCLA were the first four years of his unbelievable run of seven consecutive NCAA basketball championships (which eventually would become part of 10 titles in 12 years). I attended almost every home game over those four years. I didn't get to many games over the next ten years or so, but I've had UCLA basketball season tickets for the past 25+ years, and almost never missed a game until my wife's health problems worsened in 2003. Coach Wooden almost never missed a game either. He sat in the same seat a few rows behind the UCLA bench for almost every game from his retirement until his health declined a few short years ago. You did not have to look hard to find him - there was always an orderly, respectful line of people, young and old, waiting to say hello and ask for an autograph. He never declined and he never asked to be paid for signing his name.
He was devoted to his family, especially his wife, Nell, to whom he was married 53 years until her death in 1985. In the early 2000s, UCLA officials wanted to name the Pauley Pavilion basketball court after him. He would not hear of it, until they agreed to name it the "Nell & John Wooden Court".
He wrote several books on his philosophies of living life and in gaining success in your chosen path. He was famous for his Pyramid of Success, and for the many, many maxims that he could recite when appropriate, even into his late 90s. Here are a few of them:
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Be quick, but don’t hurry.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
Never mistake activity for achievement.
Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
RIP, Coach.
theHoundDawg
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Texas Coach Rick Barnes: He is What is Wrong With College Sports
03/04/10 14:55 Filed in: College
Basketball | NBA
Rick Barnes, Head basketball coach at Texas, actually said this out loud.“We would love to win a national championship, but we’re not obsessed with it because we’re obsessed with these guys trying to live their NBA dream. What’s happened to Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, T.J. Ford — I’d give up a national title for all of our guys to be able to live their dream.”
Early defections to the NBA have destroyed college basketball. Fact. No Debate.
Where would the UCLA Bruins be today if Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Jrue Holiday were still Bruins and not raking in NBA millions? What would this year's NCAA Tourney be like with these guys playing, plus the likes of Hasheem Thabeet at Connecticut, Tyreke Evans at Memphis, Gerald Henderson at Duke, Jeff Teague at Wake Forest, DaJuan Summers at Geogetown, etc., etc., etc.?
And Barnes has the audacity to say he cares not about success for his Texas team, so long as the one-and-out prima donnas get their asses into the NBA? Does he maybe collect a share of their contracts? How else can he insult not only his team and his school, but ALL OF COLLEGE SPORTS and expect to get away with it?
The lure of professional sports glamour and riches is poisoning not only college sports as a whole, but doing a horrible disservice to the student-athlete. How many of these young guys have given up a free education to follow little more than a dream into the NBA (and for some the NFL), only to see that dream burst with their future destroyed? Far more then the handful who succeed.
People like Barnes, the head coach at a major university, are feeding this disease, to the detriment of the NCAA, the fan, and primarily to the student-athlete.
Barnes is not fit to coach in a softball beer league.
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theHoundDawg
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Darren Collison Making Most of Paul's Injury
02/07/10 20:44 Filed in: NBA | College
Basketball
Speaking of New Orleans,...
Darren Collison stayed at UCLA for the full four years, and completed a career as one of the top point guards in a Bruin history already replete with names like Walt Hazzard, Michael Warren, Baron Davis, Ty Edney, Pooh Richardson, and an almost endless list of others. When his college career came to an end, he was still a solid draft pick and was rewarded with a million dollar NBA contract. The bad news was that he was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets who already had a guy named Chris Paul at the point, and it appeared that Collison would be little more than a caddy for quite a while.
But, Paul has not been healthy, and a few days ago went out for one to two months with knee surgery. In steps Darren Collison, and in five games since taking over as the starter, he has compiled a 16.6 points-per-game average and has passed off for more than ten assists per game.
He's got a great chance to excel now, and show the rest of the league that he has the talent to be an NBA starter a point guard.
Darren Collison stayed at UCLA for the full four years, and completed a career as one of the top point guards in a Bruin history already replete with names like Walt Hazzard, Michael Warren, Baron Davis, Ty Edney, Pooh Richardson, and an almost endless list of others. When his college career came to an end, he was still a solid draft pick and was rewarded with a million dollar NBA contract. The bad news was that he was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets who already had a guy named Chris Paul at the point, and it appeared that Collison would be little more than a caddy for quite a while.
But, Paul has not been healthy, and a few days ago went out for one to two months with knee surgery. In steps Darren Collison, and in five games since taking over as the starter, he has compiled a 16.6 points-per-game average and has passed off for more than ten assists per game.
He's got a great chance to excel now, and show the rest of the league that he has the talent to be an NBA starter a point guard.
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theHoundDawg
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Bruins Scared Straight by Loss to brain surgeons, Win 4 of Last 5
02/04/10 23:50 Filed in: College
Basketball
Since the debacle of January 16, the Bruins have been
a different team. I guess the embarrassment of the
21-point loss to the brain surgeons scared them
straight. That, and the outstanding play of senior
Michael Roll, the improved play of senior Nikola
Dragovic, and the fabulous, continual development of
super-talented freshmen Tyler Honeycutt and Reeves
Nelson, have pulled the Bruins into a first place tie
in the Pac-12, uh, excuse me Mario, Pac-10.
Of course, a big part of the turnaround has been the zone defense instituted by Coach Howland, though tonight the stellar defense during a key 9-0 run was with Howland's preferred (and the Bruin traditional) man-to-man.
Don't get me wrong, this is not a final four team, and maybe still not even a tournament team, but stellar defense which was so lacking for much of the season, improved free-throw shooting, and reduced turnovers could mean that this season that looked so ominous and started so horribly, may not turn out so bad after all.
Of course, a big part of the turnaround has been the zone defense instituted by Coach Howland, though tonight the stellar defense during a key 9-0 run was with Howland's preferred (and the Bruin traditional) man-to-man.
Don't get me wrong, this is not a final four team, and maybe still not even a tournament team, but stellar defense which was so lacking for much of the season, improved free-throw shooting, and reduced turnovers could mean that this season that looked so ominous and started so horribly, may not turn out so bad after all.
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theHoundDawg
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Mario - Who Are the Other Two Schools?
I've laid off Mario Solis for a while. Well, actually
I've avoided listening to him for awhile.
Unfortunately, I saw his broadcast tonight, and I'm glad I did.
Otherwise, how would I have known that the major west-coast college sports conference has added two additional schools. Yep, according to Mario, UCLA, the brain surgeons, and the others now play in the PAC-12!
Thanks for the info, Mario.
Unfortunately, I saw his broadcast tonight, and I'm glad I did.
Otherwise, how would I have known that the major west-coast college sports conference has added two additional schools. Yep, according to Mario, UCLA, the brain surgeons, and the others now play in the PAC-12!
Thanks for the info, Mario.
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theHoundDawg
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SC Scum and NCAA, and, Oh, Yea, Bruin Disgrace
Well, according to the late Mike Garrett (about two
monhts to go, at most), OJ Mayo has joined the NFL's
second-biggest scumwad r bush in their failure to
cooperate with investigations into their illegal
activities while enjoying the cardinal and gold
glamour and classroom experience (thought I'd throw
in a good laugh).
It is well known that bush took his Heisman and ran to the NFL where he had to take a pay cut, and refused to talk to NCAA investigators and others looking into his $1/2 million in ill-gotten riches while in the employ of petey and MG. Mayo followed in those footsteps to the NBA and as ESPN and the Daily News reported, refused to discuss the matter, as sc self-imposed all those darling little penalties.
While sc fully deserves what it is getting for employing criminal elements like petey, timmy, bush and mayo, the likes of bush and mayo should have had the decency to try to help out the school that paved the way for their future careers.
On another, equally sickening note, I really misspoke back on Dec. 24 when I though I saw a glimmer of hope in the Bruin basketball team. We all knew the team would not be very good this season, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect the team to be as bad as the brain surgeons figured to be. Alas, the brain surgeons, who had been playing reasonabley well most of the season, yesterday wiped the Wooden name off the hardwood with the horrible Bruin team. This was the most embarrassing exposition of Bruin bb in my memory, and I've been atttending Bruin games for five decades (Six, if I ever suck it up and go to a game this season - can't even watch them on TV right now).
It is well known that bush took his Heisman and ran to the NFL where he had to take a pay cut, and refused to talk to NCAA investigators and others looking into his $1/2 million in ill-gotten riches while in the employ of petey and MG. Mayo followed in those footsteps to the NBA and as ESPN and the Daily News reported, refused to discuss the matter, as sc self-imposed all those darling little penalties.
While sc fully deserves what it is getting for employing criminal elements like petey, timmy, bush and mayo, the likes of bush and mayo should have had the decency to try to help out the school that paved the way for their future careers.
On another, equally sickening note, I really misspoke back on Dec. 24 when I though I saw a glimmer of hope in the Bruin basketball team. We all knew the team would not be very good this season, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect the team to be as bad as the brain surgeons figured to be. Alas, the brain surgeons, who had been playing reasonabley well most of the season, yesterday wiped the Wooden name off the hardwood with the horrible Bruin team. This was the most embarrassing exposition of Bruin bb in my memory, and I've been atttending Bruin games for five decades (Six, if I ever suck it up and go to a game this season - can't even watch them on TV right now).
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theHoundDawg
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Sign of Life Spotted in the Moribund Bruins
12/24/09 10:40 Filed in: College
Basketball
After several games reminiscent of the play seen
during stretches of the Larry Farmer and Walt Hazzard
coaching years, not to mention Steve Lavin's last
season, the Bruins almost resemble an actual
basketball team over their last few games, despite
wins only over the likes of New Mexico St. and
Colorado St., to show for it.
But, the great improvement and now consistent play of a couple of young guys, Malcolm Lee and Reeves Nelson, and finally some good play and leadership from seniors Michael Roll and Nikola Dragovic, do give some small level of hope for the Pac-10 season that is about to start.
A couple of weeks ago, I would have expected UCLA to trudge through the Pac-10, winning maybe a half-dozen games. Now, .500 seems a possibility, with a finish near the middle of the Pac pack.
And, if we can see some increased playing time and similar contributions from probably the most talented player on the roster, Tyler Honeycutt, and from the likes of Bobo Morgan and Brendan Lane, by the end of the Pac-10 season, this may actually become a team.
At this point, though, a NCAA Tourney appearance is still little more than a dream.
But, the great improvement and now consistent play of a couple of young guys, Malcolm Lee and Reeves Nelson, and finally some good play and leadership from seniors Michael Roll and Nikola Dragovic, do give some small level of hope for the Pac-10 season that is about to start.
A couple of weeks ago, I would have expected UCLA to trudge through the Pac-10, winning maybe a half-dozen games. Now, .500 seems a possibility, with a finish near the middle of the Pac pack.
And, if we can see some increased playing time and similar contributions from probably the most talented player on the roster, Tyler Honeycutt, and from the likes of Bobo Morgan and Brendan Lane, by the end of the Pac-10 season, this may actually become a team.
At this point, though, a NCAA Tourney appearance is still little more than a dream.
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theHoundDawg
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With Two Weeks to Go .....
12/21/09 10:34 Filed in: NFL
-The King of Interceptions is rounding into form, and
taking his Vikings down with him. Over the last three
games, Favre has thrown four key interceptions, and
compiled QB ratings consistently in the 70s. The
Vikes will split their last two regular season games,
limp into the playoffs, and be blown out. Then we'll
have another summer of Favre retirement updates,
culminating with the King coming into camp the week
before the first game.
-The Overrated brain surgeon quarterback contingency had a great 0-3 week, with the overrated carson palmer losing to San Diego, the empty uniform in KC losing to Cleveland, and the overrated m sanchez accounting for all of seven points in a loss to Atlanta, and getting knocked out of the playoffs by virtue thereof. On the same day, and against the stellar defense of the King's Vikes, ex-Bruin backup and one-year starter at Oregon State Matt Moore was dominant, passing for 299 yards. Moore has thusly elevated himself into contention for next season's starting job at Carolina.
-With Cleveland playing their best football in a couple of years, it appears that the end of the Eric Mangini era is imminent. The Cleveland truck is backing up in Mike Holmgren's driveway, ready to dump a shitload of cash. It's not the time to start over again. Mangini deserves another year, and a decent quarterback, to bring the Browns the rest of the way back.
-The Overrated brain surgeon quarterback contingency had a great 0-3 week, with the overrated carson palmer losing to San Diego, the empty uniform in KC losing to Cleveland, and the overrated m sanchez accounting for all of seven points in a loss to Atlanta, and getting knocked out of the playoffs by virtue thereof. On the same day, and against the stellar defense of the King's Vikes, ex-Bruin backup and one-year starter at Oregon State Matt Moore was dominant, passing for 299 yards. Moore has thusly elevated himself into contention for next season's starting job at Carolina.
-With Cleveland playing their best football in a couple of years, it appears that the end of the Eric Mangini era is imminent. The Cleveland truck is backing up in Mike Holmgren's driveway, ready to dump a shitload of cash. It's not the time to start over again. Mangini deserves another year, and a decent quarterback, to bring the Browns the rest of the way back.
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theHoundDawg
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Jeff Sagarin is an Idiot
10/14/09 10:15 Filed in: College
Basketball
The self-appointed guru of college sports, Jeff
Sagarin, has come out with his list of the all-time
college basketball programs, and it's the biggest
pile of crap since both my dogs had diarrhea on the
same day.
Quierie - Which program has won, by far, the most NCAA Champtionships? UCLA of course. Where does he rank UCLA? Why number 2. Why? Becasue they were not a top program in the 1940s! The 1940s?
Who, you ask, is number one? Why Kentucky of course, the same Kentucky that has won 60% as many titles as the Bruins, and which has not sniffed the title in this milleniium.
He also rankes teams by decades, and in the current decade, he ranks Duke and Kansas as one and two, with Florida, winner of two straight titles number four, behind North Carolina, who has also won two titles in this decade, while UCLA, Final Four participants three straight years, getting knocked out by Florida in their two championship years, is ranked TWENTIETH!
Having totally screwed up the top rankings, he has some other schools ranked in places that are so totally absurd, it would appear he formulated his rankings by picking the schools out of a hat. He actually has the dysfunctional brain surgeons, who have never won a title, and who had only a few really top seasons (all decades ago under Bob Boyd) without violating NCAA rules, at number 25! Absolute lunacy. Even worse than perrennial loser Northwestern ranked number 77.
Happy 99th birthday to John Wooden.
Quierie - Which program has won, by far, the most NCAA Champtionships? UCLA of course. Where does he rank UCLA? Why number 2. Why? Becasue they were not a top program in the 1940s! The 1940s?
Who, you ask, is number one? Why Kentucky of course, the same Kentucky that has won 60% as many titles as the Bruins, and which has not sniffed the title in this milleniium.
He also rankes teams by decades, and in the current decade, he ranks Duke and Kansas as one and two, with Florida, winner of two straight titles number four, behind North Carolina, who has also won two titles in this decade, while UCLA, Final Four participants three straight years, getting knocked out by Florida in their two championship years, is ranked TWENTIETH!
Having totally screwed up the top rankings, he has some other schools ranked in places that are so totally absurd, it would appear he formulated his rankings by picking the schools out of a hat. He actually has the dysfunctional brain surgeons, who have never won a title, and who had only a few really top seasons (all decades ago under Bob Boyd) without violating NCAA rules, at number 25! Absolute lunacy. Even worse than perrennial loser Northwestern ranked number 77.
Happy 99th birthday to John Wooden.
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theHoundDawg
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Thanks to Solid Defense, Bruins Start is Now 3-0, and another Mario Solis Update
09/19/09 22:36 Filed in: College
Football
Well, another stupendous game by the defense, a solid
running attack featuring constantly improving
offensive-line play and Johnathan Franklin's first
100-yard game, and the consistent kicking of Kai
Forbath all combined to pull the Bruins through to a
victory without Kevin Prince. I do have to give Kevin
Craft credit for playing a decent game for three
quarters. He was efficient through the first half,
and played a solid forth quarter. The fact hat he did
his best to give the game away in the third quarter
can, for tonight, be overlooked, especially with the
prospect that he may have to play only one more game
until Prince's return.
What was most upsetting, though, was the fact that the team committed EIGHT penalties, seemingly all eight at critical times, and, as you would expect, almost all eight were committed by the offense. Coach Neuheisel, in his post-game comments, said that with the bye week, the next two weeks would be a "training camp" for the team, and this is one of the major areas that needs to be addressed.
The Pac-10 is shaping up to be very interesting this season, with California now the team to beat, a much improved Husky Dawg team at U-Dub, and new life, new enthusiasm, and talent on both sides of the ball, at UCLA.
On his broadcast tonight, in describing the Bruin game and Kansas States' extra-point flub, our boy Mario called it a failed two-point attempt.
What was most upsetting, though, was the fact that the team committed EIGHT penalties, seemingly all eight at critical times, and, as you would expect, almost all eight were committed by the offense. Coach Neuheisel, in his post-game comments, said that with the bye week, the next two weeks would be a "training camp" for the team, and this is one of the major areas that needs to be addressed.
The Pac-10 is shaping up to be very interesting this season, with California now the team to beat, a much improved Husky Dawg team at U-Dub, and new life, new enthusiasm, and talent on both sides of the ball, at UCLA.
On his broadcast tonight, in describing the Bruin game and Kansas States' extra-point flub, our boy Mario called it a failed two-point attempt.
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theHoundDawg
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In the Sleeply Little Town of Seattle, and a Mario Solis Update
09/19/09 16:11 Filed in: College
Football
In my last post, I inquired:
"So, which top-five team will lose this weekend?"
Well, in the sleepy little town of Seattle, Wash., the might Husky DAWGS defeated the University of Spoiled Children Brain Surgeons 16-13!!!
All is right in the world of college football.
Oh, and according to Mario Solis, as he reported on his sportscast on the Channel 4 KNBC news last night, later today the UCLA Bruins will be playing Kansas City.
Well, in the sleepy little town of Seattle, Wash., the might Husky DAWGS defeated the University of Spoiled Children Brain Surgeons 16-13!!!
All is right in the world of college football.
Oh, and according to Mario Solis, as he reported on his sportscast on the Channel 4 KNBC news last night, later today the UCLA Bruins will be playing Kansas City.
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theHoundDawg
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Neuheisel Picks QB, Lays Down the Law
09/15/09 21:36 Filed in: College
Football
With the apparent decision that it will be freshman
Richard Brehaut at qb Saturday against Kansas State,
and not last year's walking interception machine
Kevin Craft, it has also been announced that four
players, starting soph db Courtney Viney, and three
freshmen subs, rb Milton Knox, and receivers Morrell
Presley and Randall Carroll, have been suspended for
the game, for undisclosed reasons.
Rick Neuheisel must have had a damn good reason for the suspensions, and hopefully they were an exercise of the same good judgment that led him to choose the talented Brehaut over Craft to fill in at qb. Last February, I said that Brehaut could be the key to a successful 2009 season and beyond. Glad to see him get the chance, and who knows what the future will hold. You can't say enough about Kevin Prince, though, coming back into the game with his jaw broken, to take the final two snaps against Tennessee.
And on the other side of town, petey says his little boy has a boo boo on his shoulder and may not make it to Seattle for the brain surgeon's game against the Huskies and their new coach, former brain surgeon assistant (and flunk-out as an sc student/baseball player) Steve Sarkisian.
Speaking of Sarkisian, it was very interesting the other day hearing Steve Bishoff with Mason and Ireland tell the real story about the petey-Norm Chow rift and the fact that Chow only decided to leave the brain surgeons and move to the NFL AFTER petey told him he was being demoted from offensive coordinator in favor co-coordinators Sarkisian and petey's buddy's baby boy, Lane Kiffin, who we all remember from last Saturday in Tennessee.
So, which top-five team will lose this weekend?
Rick Neuheisel must have had a damn good reason for the suspensions, and hopefully they were an exercise of the same good judgment that led him to choose the talented Brehaut over Craft to fill in at qb. Last February, I said that Brehaut could be the key to a successful 2009 season and beyond. Glad to see him get the chance, and who knows what the future will hold. You can't say enough about Kevin Prince, though, coming back into the game with his jaw broken, to take the final two snaps against Tennessee.
And on the other side of town, petey says his little boy has a boo boo on his shoulder and may not make it to Seattle for the brain surgeon's game against the Huskies and their new coach, former brain surgeon assistant (and flunk-out as an sc student/baseball player) Steve Sarkisian.
Speaking of Sarkisian, it was very interesting the other day hearing Steve Bishoff with Mason and Ireland tell the real story about the petey-Norm Chow rift and the fact that Chow only decided to leave the brain surgeons and move to the NFL AFTER petey told him he was being demoted from offensive coordinator in favor co-coordinators Sarkisian and petey's buddy's baby boy, Lane Kiffin, who we all remember from last Saturday in Tennessee.
So, which top-five team will lose this weekend?
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theHoundDawg
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Almost a GREAT Day
09/13/09 10:14 Filed in: College
Football
The Bruin defense had a stellar performance,
dominating Tennessee. Rahim Moore had two more
interceptions to give him 5 in two games and the rest
of the defensive backfield played just as well, in
particular the Playmaker Alterraun Verner and Tony
Dye, and Courtney Viney did well replacing the
injured Aaron Hester. In the final couple of minutes
the Defensive Line, with Brian Price on the bench
part of the time, stopped the Vols on four plays
after a first down inside the 10, and then kept
pressure on Jonathan Crompton on his last-ditch 0/4
drive from his own territory. The offense sputtered
much of the time against a strong Tennessee defense,
but showed signs of real promise, and next week
against a less talented Kansas State defense, I would
expect to see some real improvement.
Notre Dame's last-second loss to an underrated Michigan team, featuring maybe the best freshman in the country in QB Tate Forcier, was unexpected and appreciated, and for the second time in the two-week-old season, a top-five team lost, as unranked Houston easily beat Oklahoma State.
And, oh, it cold have been a great day, if Ohio State cold have just hung on, played a tougher defensive game in the fourth quarter, and had a better offensive plan. The brain surgeons keyed on Terrelle Pryor, and Jim Tressell should have realized that would be the case, and prepared more options, in both senses of the term. That first-drive interception was the difference in the end.
Following up from the first week, BYU is a top team and their defeat of the Bradford-less Sooners was no fluke. I can see BYU going undefeated. Oklahoma played extremely well against poor competition without Bradford, and like I mentioned, should have only the one loss when they meet Texas, possibly with Bradford back at QB.
Notre Dame's last-second loss to an underrated Michigan team, featuring maybe the best freshman in the country in QB Tate Forcier, was unexpected and appreciated, and for the second time in the two-week-old season, a top-five team lost, as unranked Houston easily beat Oklahoma State.
And, oh, it cold have been a great day, if Ohio State cold have just hung on, played a tougher defensive game in the fourth quarter, and had a better offensive plan. The brain surgeons keyed on Terrelle Pryor, and Jim Tressell should have realized that would be the case, and prepared more options, in both senses of the term. That first-drive interception was the difference in the end.
Following up from the first week, BYU is a top team and their defeat of the Bradford-less Sooners was no fluke. I can see BYU going undefeated. Oklahoma played extremely well against poor competition without Bradford, and like I mentioned, should have only the one loss when they meet Texas, possibly with Bradford back at QB.
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theHoundDawg
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Vets, New Guys Sharp, as Bruins Continue Dominance Over SDSU; Sooners Dead
09/05/09 23:07 Filed in: College
Football
Redshirt freshmen Kevin Prince at QB and RB Johnathan
(yea, Johnathan) Franklin, who ran
12 yards for a TD on his first carry, made strong
debuts for the Bruins, but veteran defenders were the
real difference, as sophomore safety Rahim Moore was
the real star of the game with three interceptions,
and the Playmaker, senior CB Alterraun Verner, put
the game away when he ran 70 yards for a TD on a
blocked FG attempt.
All in all, this evening's opener confirms the promise I described as seeing in this year's team.
The game could have turned into a disaster very early though, when Brian Price tweaked a knee in the opening minutes of the first quarter. It seemed to be a very minor tweak as he jogged of the field, and retuned not too long thereafter.
My guy at WR, Taylor Embree, made a couple of nice catches, and had six reception for 98 yards, though he had a potential TD bomb go just past his reach. Like I said - a star in the making.
I had my doubts about Tennessee, with all of the controversy of the off season, not to mention Lane Kiffin's lack of success as a head coach, but they had a hell of a start against Western Kentucky, and next week's game should be more of a test than originally thought.
Finally, BYU's upset of Oklahoma could mark the start of another season of surprises, like last year. Starting off with a loss, and the potential of being without Sam Bradford for much, and potentially all, of the season, assuredly means that the Sooners will not be making a repeat visit to the title game.
All in all, this evening's opener confirms the promise I described as seeing in this year's team.
The game could have turned into a disaster very early though, when Brian Price tweaked a knee in the opening minutes of the first quarter. It seemed to be a very minor tweak as he jogged of the field, and retuned not too long thereafter.
My guy at WR, Taylor Embree, made a couple of nice catches, and had six reception for 98 yards, though he had a potential TD bomb go just past his reach. Like I said - a star in the making.
I had my doubts about Tennessee, with all of the controversy of the off season, not to mention Lane Kiffin's lack of success as a head coach, but they had a hell of a start against Western Kentucky, and next week's game should be more of a test than originally thought.
Finally, BYU's upset of Oklahoma could mark the start of another season of surprises, like last year. Starting off with a loss, and the potential of being without Sam Bradford for much, and potentially all, of the season, assuredly means that the Sooners will not be making a repeat visit to the title game.
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theHoundDawg
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College, Pac-10 Football Off to Rocky Start - Bruins Ready to Surprise
09/04/09 22:36 Filed in: College
Football
Chip Kelly's Ducks got off to a rocky start
yesterday, and while I question how successful his
team will be on the field this season - he's no Nick
Bellotti - I have to give him credit for his response
to the horrific conduct of LeGarrette Blount. A
season's suspension seems appropriate, but few
coaches would take that type of action against a star
player. (Petey? not even if a running back committed
murder.)
Tomorrow begins the second Bruin season under Rick Neuheisel, and I expect to see improved communication, more teamwork, and much improved play all around, all resulting in a turn-a-round to an 8-4 season. The defense will be outstanding, and an improved O-line, lead by Mike Harris, combined with solid receiving, and an actual Quarterback on the field, will translate to a winning season, and a deserved bowl bid.
A year ago, I said Taylor Embree was a star in the making. That should come about this season, with Kevin Prince on the throwing end of his receptions. Redshirt freshman Johnathan (yea, Johnathan) Franklin and Derrick Coleman lead an inexperienced but very talented group of running backs The defense, without DeWayne Walker, but with the sometimes spectaciar Alterraun Verner anchoring a young defensive backfield, does feature a ton of experience up front, and could be more consistent than last year, especially when, hopefully, the offense won't be turning the ball over several times per game, putting the D back on the field time and time again.
Yea, 8-4 sounds good....
Tomorrow begins the second Bruin season under Rick Neuheisel, and I expect to see improved communication, more teamwork, and much improved play all around, all resulting in a turn-a-round to an 8-4 season. The defense will be outstanding, and an improved O-line, lead by Mike Harris, combined with solid receiving, and an actual Quarterback on the field, will translate to a winning season, and a deserved bowl bid.
A year ago, I said Taylor Embree was a star in the making. That should come about this season, with Kevin Prince on the throwing end of his receptions. Redshirt freshman Johnathan (yea, Johnathan) Franklin and Derrick Coleman lead an inexperienced but very talented group of running backs The defense, without DeWayne Walker, but with the sometimes spectaciar Alterraun Verner anchoring a young defensive backfield, does feature a ton of experience up front, and could be more consistent than last year, especially when, hopefully, the offense won't be turning the ball over several times per game, putting the D back on the field time and time again.
Yea, 8-4 sounds good....
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theHoundDawg
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Sporting News' 50 Greatest Coaches List - Some Hits, Some Misses
The Sporting News pretty much stays out of the news
these days, but they did raise some controversy this
week when they released their poll of the 50 greatest coaches of all
time. I absolutely agree with their choice
of John Wooden as the greatest
coach in any sport. As should be the case, the
vote was not even close, with the Wizard
receiving 57 first place votes, from the TSN
panel of 118 "experts". Unfortunately, many of
their last 49 choices miss the mark.
The list includes only six additional college basketball coaches and five NBA coaches, and none of them, incredibly, is Larry Brown. His omission is the most glaring misstep on the list. The list contains ten NFL coaches, and eighth among them, and number 20 overall, is Bill Belichick, who should be the second-ranked pro football coach, following the list's number two, Vince Lombardi. Also as to NFL coaches, the bottom two, Bill Walsh and Bill Parcells, at numbers 26 and 33 overall respectively, should be above the higher-ranked Paul Brown, George Halas, Joe Gibbs, and Tom Landry.
Their ranking of college football coaches is not too badly composed, but I would elevate Bud Wilkinson, number 29 overall, from the seventh spot among college football coaches, to the third spot, behind only Bear Bryant and Knute Rockne, and I'd make Rockne number one, not Bryant.
As to the five NHL coaches that made the list, perhaps Scotty Bowman deserves to be higher overall than number seven, and there are dozens of coaches from other sports who deserve the last spot, over Herb Brooks. He's listed as an NHL coach, and that does not merit him a spot on the list. Call him an Olympic Hockey coach, and there is at least a sentimental and patriotic basis for his selection.
The list includes ten MLB managers, with the over-hyped, over-indluged, and over-rated Casey Stengel on top, at number nine overall. Give him Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and the like, and he can win pennants. He managed three other teams, before and after the scumstripes, and to call his performances mediocre would be overly generous. He still owns, at least until the Washington National's current season comes to a close, the worst single-season record in major league history, with the 1962 Mets. For my money, in following MLB as close as I have for more than 50 years, and in reading and studying much of early baseball history, the four best managers I have seen, are Walter Alston, Tony La Russa, Sparky Anderson, and Joe Torre. Their listings at numbers 35, 41, 38, and 32, respectively, are absurd. The four should all be in the list's top 20 overall.
Finally, how could the panel waste valuable, limited positions on the list with the inclusion of not one, but two, woman's basketball coaches?
The list includes only six additional college basketball coaches and five NBA coaches, and none of them, incredibly, is Larry Brown. His omission is the most glaring misstep on the list. The list contains ten NFL coaches, and eighth among them, and number 20 overall, is Bill Belichick, who should be the second-ranked pro football coach, following the list's number two, Vince Lombardi. Also as to NFL coaches, the bottom two, Bill Walsh and Bill Parcells, at numbers 26 and 33 overall respectively, should be above the higher-ranked Paul Brown, George Halas, Joe Gibbs, and Tom Landry.
Their ranking of college football coaches is not too badly composed, but I would elevate Bud Wilkinson, number 29 overall, from the seventh spot among college football coaches, to the third spot, behind only Bear Bryant and Knute Rockne, and I'd make Rockne number one, not Bryant.
As to the five NHL coaches that made the list, perhaps Scotty Bowman deserves to be higher overall than number seven, and there are dozens of coaches from other sports who deserve the last spot, over Herb Brooks. He's listed as an NHL coach, and that does not merit him a spot on the list. Call him an Olympic Hockey coach, and there is at least a sentimental and patriotic basis for his selection.
The list includes ten MLB managers, with the over-hyped, over-indluged, and over-rated Casey Stengel on top, at number nine overall. Give him Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and the like, and he can win pennants. He managed three other teams, before and after the scumstripes, and to call his performances mediocre would be overly generous. He still owns, at least until the Washington National's current season comes to a close, the worst single-season record in major league history, with the 1962 Mets. For my money, in following MLB as close as I have for more than 50 years, and in reading and studying much of early baseball history, the four best managers I have seen, are Walter Alston, Tony La Russa, Sparky Anderson, and Joe Torre. Their listings at numbers 35, 41, 38, and 32, respectively, are absurd. The four should all be in the list's top 20 overall.
Finally, how could the panel waste valuable, limited positions on the list with the inclusion of not one, but two, woman's basketball coaches?
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theHoundDawg
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The New Pauley Pavilion - c. 2012
05/15/09 08:58 Filed in: College
Basketball
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Well, after years of rumors, a
massive Pauley Pavalion renovation plan is
official, to the tune of $185 Million in
improvements, upgrades, and innovations. The
anticipated result is a lavish palace
befitting the NCAA's greatest basketball
dynasty, and substantial additional costs to
ticket holders.
Years of anticipation, however, will now be followed by years of construction, as completion is now projected for Fall, 2012, and will require Bruiin road games only, for at least one season. They are not, of course, calling them road games, but what else would you consider UCLA games played in the Honda Ponda of Anaheim, Staples Center, the formerly Fabulous Forum, and who knows what other Socal venue that may be called into service to house the Bruins. All of the gritty details, and lots and lots of |
What is more important, though, is the impact of the renovation, and the cost thereof, on long-time season ticket holders, such as theHoundDawg, and ticket-seekers in general. It is a fact to deal with, that big donors will be rewarded with the best seat locations, pushing the rest of us further back. And, in order to keep even those seats, not only will ticket prices rise, as they have done yearly anyway, but we will also be required to fork over substantial payments - personal seat licenses or what ever they may be called - for the right to spend thousands of dollars for the actual tickets.
Antiquated Pauley needs a renovation, but the powers that be need to realize that the average fans, primarily Bruin alumni, are the backbone of Bruin support, and if they price us out of the new Pauley, support of and interest in Bruin basketball could be irrevocably damaged.
theHoundDawg
Four Left
03/29/09 22:08 Filed in: College
Basketball
It isn't exactly Duke, Oklahoma, Missouri and
Louisville (March 17 post), but a Final Four of
Michigan St., Villanova, North Carolina and
Connecticut still isn't four number ones, or three
and a number two as the "experts" picked.
The Bruin loss to Villanova doesn't look quite so bad a week later, and combine that with seeing daily NBA box scores with the names Love, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute all pro starters as rookies, this should have been the year.
There isn't a great team anywhere out there, and the "I want it NOW" attitude of 19 year old millionaire wanna-bes, driven by corrupt agents and fueled by NBA money, has made the Tournament a CBS and ESPN media extravaganza, rather than a competition of great amateur basketball. As Dave Letterman has said about Stupid Human Tricks, "It's an exhibition, not a competition, no wagering, please."
theHoundDawg
The Bruin loss to Villanova doesn't look quite so bad a week later, and combine that with seeing daily NBA box scores with the names Love, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute all pro starters as rookies, this should have been the year.
There isn't a great team anywhere out there, and the "I want it NOW" attitude of 19 year old millionaire wanna-bes, driven by corrupt agents and fueled by NBA money, has made the Tournament a CBS and ESPN media extravaganza, rather than a competition of great amateur basketball. As Dave Letterman has said about Stupid Human Tricks, "It's an exhibition, not a competition, no wagering, please."
theHoundDawg
First Round Blues
03/22/09 23:06 Filed in: College
Basketball
Well, the First Round is history and overall I'm a
totally unimpressive 33-15, but the brain surgeons
lost their game two, and all of my Final Four picks
are alive and well, as we await the Sweet Sixteen.
My concerns now are Missouri having enough to survive Memphis, and Oklahoma beating Syracuse. The Duke-Villanova game will be my major interest, however, as it will be very interesting to see my pick to win it all, Duke, against a team that so out-muscled and so overpowered the Bruins. Can Villanova really be that good, or have Ben Howland's Bruins fallen that far back?
theHoundDawg
My concerns now are Missouri having enough to survive Memphis, and Oklahoma beating Syracuse. The Duke-Villanova game will be my major interest, however, as it will be very interesting to see my pick to win it all, Duke, against a team that so out-muscled and so overpowered the Bruins. Can Villanova really be that good, or have Ben Howland's Bruins fallen that far back?
theHoundDawg
Tournament Day Three
03/21/09 08:57 Filed in: College
Basketball
My overall numbers are only so-so after Thursday and
Friday games, and the disappointment of BC's falling
apart against the brain surgeons, is staggering.
Other teams that failed theHoundDawg and themselves,
include upset losers West Virginia, California and
Clemson, and lower seeds Utah St. and Tennessee that
I thought would win their openers.
It will be nasty in Philadelphia this morning if the Bruins again shoot 37% from inside the arc and if Darren Collison and others again get in foul trouble. As Eric Maynor did his best trying to lead VCU over the Bruins with Collison on the bench, today could be a repeat against Villanova and Scottie Reynolds, but given Nova's overall talent, the result is likely to be different.
It will be hard for today's games to match the excitement yesterday with those two late overtime finishes.
theHoundDawg
It will be nasty in Philadelphia this morning if the Bruins again shoot 37% from inside the arc and if Darren Collison and others again get in foul trouble. As Eric Maynor did his best trying to lead VCU over the Bruins with Collison on the bench, today could be a repeat against Villanova and Scottie Reynolds, but given Nova's overall talent, the result is likely to be different.
It will be hard for today's games to match the excitement yesterday with those two late overtime finishes.
theHoundDawg
Thoughts on the Tourament
03/17/09 23:58 Filed in: College
Basketball
While I have been down on UCLA, especially of late,
they should get by VCU, and looking at the match-ups,
give Villanova a tough game. As good as 'Nova is,
they do not out-size the Bruin frontcourt, and Aboya
should have some measure of success guarding the
slightly shorter Wildcat top scorer, Dante
Cunningham. Scottie Reynolds is a very similar player
to Collison, but despite both being seniors, you
can't discount Collison's three final fours of
experience. The winner of this game will likely have
little chance again a Duke team that has peaked just
as the tournament begins. I think Duke will defeat
Pittsburgh for a Final Four berth.
In the West, I'm picking Missouri to upset Memphis and then Connecticut, and get to the Final Four, and to beat Louisville in the Final Four semi.
To me, the South bracket was the toughest to complete, with tough second-game match-ups between Western Kentucky and Gonzaga, and Arizona St. and Syracuse. I think a great player will carry a "surprise" team pretty far this year, the way Stephon Curry did with Davidson last year, and that player is Blake Griffin who will get Oklahoma to a Final Four match-up, and loss, to Duke.
Less surprises in the Midwest, where Louisville will defeat West Virginia in the regional final.
So, in a year where every commentator says the Big East is the greatest conference ever, my Final Four has one Big East team, Louisville, and they will lose to Missouri. Duke will take Oklahoma, and defeat Missouri for the title.
theHoundDawg
In the West, I'm picking Missouri to upset Memphis and then Connecticut, and get to the Final Four, and to beat Louisville in the Final Four semi.
To me, the South bracket was the toughest to complete, with tough second-game match-ups between Western Kentucky and Gonzaga, and Arizona St. and Syracuse. I think a great player will carry a "surprise" team pretty far this year, the way Stephon Curry did with Davidson last year, and that player is Blake Griffin who will get Oklahoma to a Final Four match-up, and loss, to Duke.
Less surprises in the Midwest, where Louisville will defeat West Virginia in the regional final.
So, in a year where every commentator says the Big East is the greatest conference ever, my Final Four has one Big East team, Louisville, and they will lose to Missouri. Duke will take Oklahoma, and defeat Missouri for the title.
theHoundDawg
Thoughts the Day Before Selection Day
03/14/09 17:42 Filed in: College
Basketball
A lot of good to excellent teams are limping into the
NCAA tournament, having suffered unexpected defeats
in their conference tournaments. In a major upset in
the ACC, Florida State today defeated Number One
North Carolina, in the Big-10, Michigan St., hoping
for a number one tourney seed, lost to Ohio State,
and in the SEC, No. 20 LSU lost to Mississippi State.
Yesterday, No. 25 BYU lost to bubble team San Diego St., Baylor defeated Texas, and Arizona State reached today's ill-fated Pac-10 final game by outplaying Pac-10 regular season champion Washington.
The Pacific-10 has been a total disaster, with the top four teams, Washington, UCLA, Arizona State, and California, all going down, and to clearly inferior, but over-achieving, teams.
A couple of teams winning tough, close games leading up to the tournament, may be poised to do better than expected a few weeks ago, These include Duke, who goes into the ACC final game with hard-fought wins over BC and Maryland, the aforementioned Ohio State, and up-and-down Tennessee, who will be playing for the SEC Tourney title against Mississippi State.
After more reflection, UCLA will most likely win no more than one Tournament game; maybe two.
theHoundDawg
Yesterday, No. 25 BYU lost to bubble team San Diego St., Baylor defeated Texas, and Arizona State reached today's ill-fated Pac-10 final game by outplaying Pac-10 regular season champion Washington.
The Pacific-10 has been a total disaster, with the top four teams, Washington, UCLA, Arizona State, and California, all going down, and to clearly inferior, but over-achieving, teams.
A couple of teams winning tough, close games leading up to the tournament, may be poised to do better than expected a few weeks ago, These include Duke, who goes into the ACC final game with hard-fought wins over BC and Maryland, the aforementioned Ohio State, and up-and-down Tennessee, who will be playing for the SEC Tourney title against Mississippi State.
After more reflection, UCLA will most likely win no more than one Tournament game; maybe two.
theHoundDawg
SHAME at Staples
03/13/09 23:19 Filed in: College
Basketball
In 2006, UCLA lost the NCAA Tournament final by 24
points, and in 2007 they lost the semi-final by 10,
both times to great, great Florida teams. Last year,
they lost the semi-final to an excellent Memphis
Tiger team. Embarrassing losses all, but nothing as
out right disgusting as losing tonight's Pac-10
tourney semifinal to a horrible group of brain
surgeons, who should not have been allowed on the
same court as the Bruins.
Coached by a deceitful, rule-breaking jerk, somehow this band of criminals ran away with a game UCLA should have breezed through.
This was Ben Howland's worst game ever as UCLA coach, letting his talented, previously defense-oriented squad self-destruct, throwing any semblance of coaching out the window, while firing up misguided shot after shot, with no teamwork, no "plays", no conscience. They shot an unbelievable 27% (19 of 70)! The brain surgeons did not win this game - UCLA gave it away.
My thoughts the past few weeks were that the Bruins might get to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. With miserable play like this, they will be lucky to escape that first weekend and get to the Sweet Sixteen, especially as their seeding took a major nosedive tonight.
theHoundDawg
Coached by a deceitful, rule-breaking jerk, somehow this band of criminals ran away with a game UCLA should have breezed through.
This was Ben Howland's worst game ever as UCLA coach, letting his talented, previously defense-oriented squad self-destruct, throwing any semblance of coaching out the window, while firing up misguided shot after shot, with no teamwork, no "plays", no conscience. They shot an unbelievable 27% (19 of 70)! The brain surgeons did not win this game - UCLA gave it away.
My thoughts the past few weeks were that the Bruins might get to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. With miserable play like this, they will be lucky to escape that first weekend and get to the Sweet Sixteen, especially as their seeding took a major nosedive tonight.
theHoundDawg
Why Have Announcers if They Ignore the Game?
03/05/09 20:56 Filed in: College
Basketball
In watching the UCLA/Oregon State game this evening,
I was appalled by the announcing.
I've come to expect that while action is going on on the court, the FOX Sports West Prime Ticket Blah Blah Blah Regional Sports Network Cable System Blah Blah cameras will be showing close-ups of players on the bench, coaches, and fans, instead of focusing on the court. But maybe even worse, during the first half of tonight's game, there were stretches of play, including one that had to go on for a good five minutes, where announcers Bill Macdonald and Don MacLean went on and on about the Oregon State team, coach Robinson, their new offense, their recent success, and more, TOTALLY IGNORING WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THE COURT.
There was also a long segment of hype for the UCLA woman's gymnastic team, all the while the game was being played, with absolutely no mention of what was happening by anyone supposedly hired to ANNOUNCE the game to the viewers.
When the announcers actually returned to the GAME, there was virtually no recap of what was missed.
Let me add that this all occurred before UCLA took their commanding lead, and while the score was close.
Why bother to employ announcers when they cannot be bothered to actually pay attention to, and describe, THE GAME?
theHoundDawg
I've come to expect that while action is going on on the court, the FOX Sports West Prime Ticket Blah Blah Blah Regional Sports Network Cable System Blah Blah cameras will be showing close-ups of players on the bench, coaches, and fans, instead of focusing on the court. But maybe even worse, during the first half of tonight's game, there were stretches of play, including one that had to go on for a good five minutes, where announcers Bill Macdonald and Don MacLean went on and on about the Oregon State team, coach Robinson, their new offense, their recent success, and more, TOTALLY IGNORING WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THE COURT.
There was also a long segment of hype for the UCLA woman's gymnastic team, all the while the game was being played, with absolutely no mention of what was happening by anyone supposedly hired to ANNOUNCE the game to the viewers.
When the announcers actually returned to the GAME, there was virtually no recap of what was missed.
Let me add that this all occurred before UCLA took their commanding lead, and while the score was close.
Why bother to employ announcers when they cannot be bothered to actually pay attention to, and describe, THE GAME?
theHoundDawg
Where IS the Local Sports Media - How About Doing Some Investgative Reporting?
02/28/09 12:47 Filed in: College
Basketball | College
Football
It's been more than a week since the brain surgeons
snatched Renardo Sidney from the Bruins, and the
brilliant investigative reporters of the Los Angeles
media have yet to utter a word as to what really
happened. Within a day or so, his "commitment' to
UCLA was vanquished, and he orally announced his
intentions to attend that other school. Something
major happened, most likely something below-board,
with rumors being rampant in the air, not not in the
media.
When will local sports reporters step up and investigate and report on these types of stories?
The local media has totally ignored the NCAA investigations of the brain surgeons football and basketball programs, and were it not for Yahoo Sports and the likes of Charles Robinson, Jason Cole, and Josh Peter, we would never have known about all of the rules violations and illegal activity involving reggie bush, not to mention the pay-off in the civil lawsuit stemming from the hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal benefits he and his family received while at sc, and also the outrageous conduct of oj mayo under the noses of sc's basketball staff.
Yet another story is going unnoticed by the local sports media, and apparently by both sc basketball fans, as the brain surgeons have removed their basketball games from television coverage. Their Cal game Thursday, today's game at Stanford, and also both of next weeks final Pac-10 regular season games have been taken off their TV schedule. Why? Rumors fly, even including the one that has sc knowing they are facing significant NCAA sanctions and are trying to appease the gods and retroactively ban themselves from TV exposure.
Why are not any LA Times sports reporters, anyone at the Daily News, or any local TV or radio reporters reporting on these stories?
theHoundDawg
When will local sports reporters step up and investigate and report on these types of stories?
The local media has totally ignored the NCAA investigations of the brain surgeons football and basketball programs, and were it not for Yahoo Sports and the likes of Charles Robinson, Jason Cole, and Josh Peter, we would never have known about all of the rules violations and illegal activity involving reggie bush, not to mention the pay-off in the civil lawsuit stemming from the hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal benefits he and his family received while at sc, and also the outrageous conduct of oj mayo under the noses of sc's basketball staff.
Yet another story is going unnoticed by the local sports media, and apparently by both sc basketball fans, as the brain surgeons have removed their basketball games from television coverage. Their Cal game Thursday, today's game at Stanford, and also both of next weeks final Pac-10 regular season games have been taken off their TV schedule. Why? Rumors fly, even including the one that has sc knowing they are facing significant NCAA sanctions and are trying to appease the gods and retroactively ban themselves from TV exposure.
Why are not any LA Times sports reporters, anyone at the Daily News, or any local TV or radio reporters reporting on these stories?
theHoundDawg
Alfred Aboya - the Second Coming of Brad Wright
02/08/09 18:54 Filed in: College
Basketball
In 1980, UCLA recruited two highly sought after
centers, Stuart Gray, and Brad Wright, who both came
to UCLA in 1981, playing for coach Larry Farmer.
Stuart Gray won the starting center spot for the
1981-2 season, and kept it for three years,
underachieving all along the way. He then decided to
leave after his Junior season, and Wright stepped in
as the starter for the 1984-5 season, under new coach
Walt Hazard. Wright not only played significantly
better than he ever had in his three seasons as a
back-up, but oh so much better than Gray ever did.
Wright averaged 10.5 points per game, and brought
down 8.7 boards per game that senior season. Gray's
best efforts were 9.9 points per game, and 7.9
boards. The Bruins missed all the tournaments in
Gray's junior season, and thought they also missed
the NCAA tourney in Wright's one season as the
starter, they did win the NIT.
For three years, Alfred Aboya played behind Lorenzo Mata and Kevin Love, and in the shadow of fellow countryman and front-liner, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Well, Mata graduated and Love was one and out, and Luc Richard left early as well, and Aboya is the starting center, and playing lights out - solid defense, stellar rebounding, and providing offense that most who watched him the last three years never imagined, much like the situation with Wright was almost 25 years ago.
The similarities are striking, and maybe there will be a tournament title - and not that "other" tournament - in the offing this season as well.
theHoundDawg
For three years, Alfred Aboya played behind Lorenzo Mata and Kevin Love, and in the shadow of fellow countryman and front-liner, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Well, Mata graduated and Love was one and out, and Luc Richard left early as well, and Aboya is the starting center, and playing lights out - solid defense, stellar rebounding, and providing offense that most who watched him the last three years never imagined, much like the situation with Wright was almost 25 years ago.
The similarities are striking, and maybe there will be a tournament title - and not that "other" tournament - in the offing this season as well.
theHoundDawg
Bruins and Clippers Both Getting it Together
02/07/09 21:22 Filed in: College
Basketball | NBA
Since losing two of three games in late January,
including an embarrassing meltdown against
Washington, the Bruins have played with an intensity
they had not shown this season, and fueled by the
best play ever from Alfred Aboya and Nikola Dragovic,
and the most consistent all-around play of the season
from Darren Collison and Jrue Holiday, the Bruins are
on a role, winning the last four by an average margin
of 22.7 points.
Since that awful second half in Seattle, the Bruins have played with more maturity than at anytime this season, not an easy thing from a team so young. Plus they have received solid play from a dozen different players, and as a result, they are playing like the team that so many experts picked to continue the run of the past three years, despite the critical personnel losses following last year's tournament and resultant dependence on so many freshmen.
UCLA has basically played 40 minutes of solid defense in virtually every game this season, but in these last four games, their offensive play has matched the defense in both intensity and results, averaging 85 points per game in that stretch, leading to consistent and totally dominant results.
I never thought this young team could make it four straight final fours, like some believed, until watching them the past few games. Now it looks like they could do it.
With newfound life, due to the return from the injury list of so many key players, the Clippers also continue to play their best ball of the season, scoring over 120 points for the second straight game, producing consecutive 20+ point victories.
This is the team that looked so good for a brief period following the trade for Zach Randolph, and now again really looks like a legitimate, quality team. Too bad they could not have gotten it together earlier in the season, but like I alluded to yesterday, the future for the Clippers actually looks brighter than it has in a long, long time.
theHoundDawg
Since that awful second half in Seattle, the Bruins have played with more maturity than at anytime this season, not an easy thing from a team so young. Plus they have received solid play from a dozen different players, and as a result, they are playing like the team that so many experts picked to continue the run of the past three years, despite the critical personnel losses following last year's tournament and resultant dependence on so many freshmen.
UCLA has basically played 40 minutes of solid defense in virtually every game this season, but in these last four games, their offensive play has matched the defense in both intensity and results, averaging 85 points per game in that stretch, leading to consistent and totally dominant results.
I never thought this young team could make it four straight final fours, like some believed, until watching them the past few games. Now it looks like they could do it.
With newfound life, due to the return from the injury list of so many key players, the Clippers also continue to play their best ball of the season, scoring over 120 points for the second straight game, producing consecutive 20+ point victories.
This is the team that looked so good for a brief period following the trade for Zach Randolph, and now again really looks like a legitimate, quality team. Too bad they could not have gotten it together earlier in the season, but like I alluded to yesterday, the future for the Clippers actually looks brighter than it has in a long, long time.
theHoundDawg
Signing Day - The Day After
02/05/09 19:07 Filed in: College
Football
Late yesterday, UCLA cemented a top recruiting class
with the signing of receiver Randall Carroll, a
speed-burner that the brain surgeons thought they had
locked up. The Bruins had earlier signed TE Morrell
Presely, who sc also thought was set in red and
yellow.
Scouts.com's final listings actually rate the Bruins at number four in the country, though neither rivals.com nor ESPN have them in the top ten. Regardless, with an emphasis on the offensive line, yesterday was a major UCLA success.
The brain surgeons had their typical highly rated group, but one thing stands out. While sc did tremendously well nationally, even with the loss of Hawaii's Manti Te'o to Charlie Weis's Irish, the Bruins had the better class of California recruits, and that bodes well not just for now, or for the 2009 season, but for the entire Neuheisel era.
theHoundDawg
Scouts.com's final listings actually rate the Bruins at number four in the country, though neither rivals.com nor ESPN have them in the top ten. Regardless, with an emphasis on the offensive line, yesterday was a major UCLA success.
The brain surgeons had their typical highly rated group, but one thing stands out. While sc did tremendously well nationally, even with the loss of Hawaii's Manti Te'o to Charlie Weis's Irish, the Bruins had the better class of California recruits, and that bodes well not just for now, or for the 2009 season, but for the entire Neuheisel era.
theHoundDawg
UCLA Recruiting Nets Hope for 2009
02/04/09 19:09 Filed in: College
Football
National Signing Day in Westwood, thought rated at
only No. 16 in the country by rivals.com, and No. 10
by scout.com, on closer inspection, looks like some
major talent will be helping the Bruins really begin
the next, hopefully winning, phase, of the
Rick Neuheisel era, this coming season.
The top couple of players according the the "experts" are DL Iuta Tepa, OT Xavier Su'a Filo, and receiver Ricky Marvray, but a couple of others look to be the key guys to help bring respectability back to Westwood: Running back Damien Thigpen, and the real key to the recruiting class, and to the 2009 season, QB Richard Brehaut.
Come September, it will be the right time to forget the injury-plagued quarterbacking of Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan, and the 5-yard passes and drive-stopping interceptions of Kevin Craft, and give the reins to Brehaut. Another rookie qb year doesn't sound so good after last year's fiasco, but Brehaut is not Kevin Craft; he's the guy to lead the team now, not to sit in the wings for a year or two.
See what info and stats ESPN has on him, and check out the video.
the HoundDawg
The top couple of players according the the "experts" are DL Iuta Tepa, OT Xavier Su'a Filo, and receiver Ricky Marvray, but a couple of others look to be the key guys to help bring respectability back to Westwood: Running back Damien Thigpen, and the real key to the recruiting class, and to the 2009 season, QB Richard Brehaut.
Come September, it will be the right time to forget the injury-plagued quarterbacking of Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan, and the 5-yard passes and drive-stopping interceptions of Kevin Craft, and give the reins to Brehaut. Another rookie qb year doesn't sound so good after last year's fiasco, but Brehaut is not Kevin Craft; he's the guy to lead the team now, not to sit in the wings for a year or two.
See what info and stats ESPN has on him, and check out the video.
the HoundDawg
Pac Ten Openers
01/05/09 08:41 Filed in: College
Basketball
The Bruins had an impressive victory over the Oregon
Ducks yesterday. Exactly one month earlier, on Dec.
4, the Bruins lost to Texas, and the commentators
were delighted over the "great senior leadership" of
Longhorn guard A.J. Abrams. I wondered, where was the
"great senior leadership" of the Bruin upperclassmen,
especially point guard Darren Collison, who
disappeared in the final minutes, just as Abrams took
his game up a notch to pull Texas in front for good.
Statistically, Collison is having a great season, and his current foul-shooing streak is more than impressive. But, for the first time since last season, in a meaningful game, Collison stepped up when it counted, played like an All American, and led the Bruins to a win. In addition, Josh Shipp finally found his shot, and had his best game in memory.
The freshman-laden Bruins cannot rely on the youngsters for leadership if they are to win the Pac 10 and get anywhere in the NCAA tournament. Collison and Shipp and the other veterans need to be consistent, clutch when needed, and did I say consistent. The play of Michael Roll of late also has been outstanding - the perpetually-hyped three-point shooter (and as I have long though, underrated overall player) has been playing the best BB of his injury-plagued career, and he too needs to keep it going.
Congrats are also in order for First Brother-In-Law Craig Robinson and his Beavers, for taking it to the brain surgeons, for the first Oregon State Pac-10 win in what seems like decades, but is actually only about a season-and-a-half.
Also of note was Stanford losing decisively to Arizona State after building up an impressive 10-0 record, against a bunch of stiffs.
theHoundDawg
Statistically, Collison is having a great season, and his current foul-shooing streak is more than impressive. But, for the first time since last season, in a meaningful game, Collison stepped up when it counted, played like an All American, and led the Bruins to a win. In addition, Josh Shipp finally found his shot, and had his best game in memory.
The freshman-laden Bruins cannot rely on the youngsters for leadership if they are to win the Pac 10 and get anywhere in the NCAA tournament. Collison and Shipp and the other veterans need to be consistent, clutch when needed, and did I say consistent. The play of Michael Roll of late also has been outstanding - the perpetually-hyped three-point shooter (and as I have long though, underrated overall player) has been playing the best BB of his injury-plagued career, and he too needs to keep it going.
Congrats are also in order for First Brother-In-Law Craig Robinson and his Beavers, for taking it to the brain surgeons, for the first Oregon State Pac-10 win in what seems like decades, but is actually only about a season-and-a-half.
Also of note was Stanford losing decisively to Arizona State after building up an impressive 10-0 record, against a bunch of stiffs.
theHoundDawg
Bruins in the NBA - Looks Like One Less For Awhile
12/23/08 13:15 Filed in: NBA | College
Basketball
We've just unveiled our Bruins in the NBA
section, thought it's not quite complete yet,
just as further news of the knee injury suffered
by Laker guard and former Bruin Jordan Farmar is
released. It seems he has a torn lateral
meniscus in his left knee, and surgery is
likely. This type of injury normally sidelines
the player one to two months, so the Lakers
likely will looking to pick up a point guard to
fill in while Farmar recovers. Derek Fisher
could play some extended minutes for awhile, but
that would likely take a toll over the long
season, and he needs to be energized at playoff
time.
The Lakers play New Orleans and Boston in the next two days, and will be facing the likes of Chris Paul, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, so the lack of depth at guard could be a significant factor in how the Lakers match up. Maybe they'll have a new body in uniform by Thursday's Boston game.
But, Mitch, this is a short-term problem, and there is no need to go overboard and give up too much to fill this regular season hole. Farmar will be back, and retain his key minutes during the regular season.
theHoundDawg
The Lakers play New Orleans and Boston in the next two days, and will be facing the likes of Chris Paul, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, so the lack of depth at guard could be a significant factor in how the Lakers match up. Maybe they'll have a new body in uniform by Thursday's Boston game.
But, Mitch, this is a short-term problem, and there is no need to go overboard and give up too much to fill this regular season hole. Farmar will be back, and retain his key minutes during the regular season.
theHoundDawg
trogan THUGS II - Rey Maualuga: The Dirtiest Player in College Football
12/06/08 23:04 Filed in: College
Football
Two years
ago, the vicious hit that brain surgeon Rey Maualuga
put on UCLA Quarterback Pat Cowan became a staple of
TV, internet, and email transmissions, winding its
way across the football world time and time again.
Part II of that video was produced in today's UCLA-sc
game, by Mr. Maualuga, but this time, its far greater
viciousness was far exceeded by its needlessness and
illegality. With absolutely no thought for rules, or
for the well-being of a fellow human being, Maualuga
rammed Bruin qb Kevin Craft helmet-to-helmet, after
the qb had gone out-of-bounds, in as outrageous,
wicked, and just plain evil a play as I've ever seen
on a football field, and I had season ticket for the
entire 13-year existence of the Los Angeles Raiders.
He was given a personal foul and the bruins were given 15 yards. Craft is very lucky he was not seriously injured. Maualuga should have been kicked out of the game, but of course the trojan conference refs wouldn't do that to a brain surgeon. Well, now Pacific Ten officials need to review this play, and the only appropriate punishment they can provide is to suspend Maualuga from playing in the Rose Bowl game.
theHoundDawg
He was given a personal foul and the bruins were given 15 yards. Craft is very lucky he was not seriously injured. Maualuga should have been kicked out of the game, but of course the trojan conference refs wouldn't do that to a brain surgeon. Well, now Pacific Ten officials need to review this play, and the only appropriate punishment they can provide is to suspend Maualuga from playing in the Rose Bowl game.
theHoundDawg
Vote of Confidence for Neuheisel Misplaced?
12/03/08 17:19 Filed in: College
Football
Just yesterday, I gave a vote of confidence to
Rick
Neuheisel. Today, I feel maybe I made a big mistake.
No, I haven't changed my opinion of his coaching abilities, nor have I suddenly given up on the future of the football program under his tutelage.
Rather, I feel very strongly that his giving up a timeout in Saturday's sc game is an abomination. The Bruins are out-manned, out-talented, and likely out-coached, and all of Bruindom is angry enough over this situation. We do not need our coach ceding one small advantage back to the brain surgeons; an unexpected advantage handed Neuheisel and the Bruins on a silver platter, by carroll as a bi-product of his egotism in desiring to flaunt his cardinal and yellow brain surgeon colors in the Bruin's house.
I also have it on good authority that the decades-old tradition of both teams wearing home uniforms, contrary to carroll, the LA Times' Bill Plaschke, and apparently Neuheisel, is not so "traditional" after all, only being a short-lived trend in the 1960s and 1970s (maybe extending until about 1982 or so).
Go ahead, Buy College Team Gear Here!
theHounddawg
No, I haven't changed my opinion of his coaching abilities, nor have I suddenly given up on the future of the football program under his tutelage.
Rather, I feel very strongly that his giving up a timeout in Saturday's sc game is an abomination. The Bruins are out-manned, out-talented, and likely out-coached, and all of Bruindom is angry enough over this situation. We do not need our coach ceding one small advantage back to the brain surgeons; an unexpected advantage handed Neuheisel and the Bruins on a silver platter, by carroll as a bi-product of his egotism in desiring to flaunt his cardinal and yellow brain surgeon colors in the Bruin's house.
I also have it on good authority that the decades-old tradition of both teams wearing home uniforms, contrary to carroll, the LA Times' Bill Plaschke, and apparently Neuheisel, is not so "traditional" after all, only being a short-lived trend in the 1960s and 1970s (maybe extending until about 1982 or so).
Go ahead, Buy College Team Gear Here!
theHounddawg
UCLA Football Thoughts re Coaches and sc game
12/02/08 17:54 Filed in: College
Football
I've said before that Rick Neuheisel was the right
choice and that his chance of success in his first
year, coming in with little to work with, and then
beset by injuries, was unlikely. I've also mentioned
that Ben Howland was 11-17 in his first year, so give
Neuheisel some leeway.
That said, some of the other candidates for the job have fared pretty well, others, not so well. Boise State's Chris Petersen has an undefeated season so far, but Al golden has had a disappointing 5-7 year at Temple, and a candidate who was met with skepticism and disbelief when discussed, John Harbough, has had a tremendous season as a rookie head coach in the NFL, taking the Baltimore Ravens, led by first-year and unheralded QB Joe Flacco, to 8-4, 2d place, and a probable playoff spot, coming off last year's 5-11 and total housecleaning, which included Neuheisel. Of course Norm Chow and DeWayne Walker are part of this year's painful UCLA experience.
That pain promises to get far, far worse, on Saturday. sc figures to dominate the Bruins, and the brain surgeons will not be satisfied with a 35 point win, as they were against ND. The sc coach may call of the dogs on offense, but given the sc defense and the disaster masquerading as an offense for the Bruins, it will be much more difficult to keep the sc defense from scoring at will, especially in the later stages, where the Bruin offense will be weary from all that time on the field, and the sc 3d string defense will be out to impress the coach.
theHounddawg
That said, some of the other candidates for the job have fared pretty well, others, not so well. Boise State's Chris Petersen has an undefeated season so far, but Al golden has had a disappointing 5-7 year at Temple, and a candidate who was met with skepticism and disbelief when discussed, John Harbough, has had a tremendous season as a rookie head coach in the NFL, taking the Baltimore Ravens, led by first-year and unheralded QB Joe Flacco, to 8-4, 2d place, and a probable playoff spot, coming off last year's 5-11 and total housecleaning, which included Neuheisel. Of course Norm Chow and DeWayne Walker are part of this year's painful UCLA experience.
That pain promises to get far, far worse, on Saturday. sc figures to dominate the Bruins, and the brain surgeons will not be satisfied with a 35 point win, as they were against ND. The sc coach may call of the dogs on offense, but given the sc defense and the disaster masquerading as an offense for the Bruins, it will be much more difficult to keep the sc defense from scoring at will, especially in the later stages, where the Bruin offense will be weary from all that time on the field, and the sc 3d string defense will be out to impress the coach.
theHounddawg
"I Don't Understand That Call"
11/08/08 16:31 Filed in: College
Football
While watching the first half of UCLA-Oregon State
game:
As the TV feed goes on and off, and the radio play-by-play is used to fill the dead air, there is an amazing similarity between what the tv and radio announcers and commentators are saying. Practically in unison, they all utter the same phrase: "I Don't Understand That Call". Over and over again. And that statement is not unique to this one game - we've heard it all season long.
A 4 yard pass on 3rd and 9, a quarterback draw when the tailback can't even get back to the line of scrimmage because the defense is in the backfield practically on the snap, and a total reluctance to even try throwing a pass 20-plus yards down field.
Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow distinguished himself at BYU and USC, and came to UCLA with great anticipation of a revived, energetic, and high-powered offense,
Well, the offensive line has been a nightmare, they started the season with zero experience at quarterback, the running game has been a joke, the receiving corp is 90% freshmen and sophomores, all compounded by play-calling that has been overly conservative, unimaginative, and has, to an extent, compounded the other problems, rather than making the best of strengths and trying to minimize weaknesses.
With Taylor Embree and Terrance Austin, and now with the return of Marcus Everett, there is a deep threat in the receiving corp, and Kevin Craft has shown he can fire the medium range pass, so he should have plenty of arm to get the ball deep to these guys. A few long gains like that, and Kahlil Bell and Derrick Coleman might even find a little running room.
Leaving the field, Rick Neuheisel told the sideline reporter that they'll try something different in the second half.
We'll see.
theHoundDawg
As the TV feed goes on and off, and the radio play-by-play is used to fill the dead air, there is an amazing similarity between what the tv and radio announcers and commentators are saying. Practically in unison, they all utter the same phrase: "I Don't Understand That Call". Over and over again. And that statement is not unique to this one game - we've heard it all season long.
A 4 yard pass on 3rd and 9, a quarterback draw when the tailback can't even get back to the line of scrimmage because the defense is in the backfield practically on the snap, and a total reluctance to even try throwing a pass 20-plus yards down field.
Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow distinguished himself at BYU and USC, and came to UCLA with great anticipation of a revived, energetic, and high-powered offense,
Well, the offensive line has been a nightmare, they started the season with zero experience at quarterback, the running game has been a joke, the receiving corp is 90% freshmen and sophomores, all compounded by play-calling that has been overly conservative, unimaginative, and has, to an extent, compounded the other problems, rather than making the best of strengths and trying to minimize weaknesses.
With Taylor Embree and Terrance Austin, and now with the return of Marcus Everett, there is a deep threat in the receiving corp, and Kevin Craft has shown he can fire the medium range pass, so he should have plenty of arm to get the ball deep to these guys. A few long gains like that, and Kahlil Bell and Derrick Coleman might even find a little running room.
Leaving the field, Rick Neuheisel told the sideline reporter that they'll try something different in the second half.
We'll see.
theHoundDawg
A Little About Last Night in the NBA
10/30/08 14:24 Filed in: NBA
It has only been two games and they have yet to play
a team that reasonably expects to make the playoffs,
but you have to be totally amazed by the play of the
Lakers. 710 ESPN's Steve Mason has caused a stir by
predicting they will win 70 games, and while I won't
go that far, they may get close. On the other side of
the court, the Clippers looked great in the first
quarter, but were never heard from again.
The debuts of the two one-year-and-gone locals were to form as I see it, and as I mentioned yesterday. Kevin Love, in 18 minutes off the bench, shot 5 of 8, scored 12 points, collected 9 boards, and had one steal, in Minnesota's victory over Sacramento. I checked Memphis' stats at half-time, and saw Simpson Mayo with 8 points. In his typical fashion, in a game that started close as the fourth quarter began, but which Houston then won going away, SM was nowhere to be seen, despite playing 40 minutes. He finished with 10 points, shooting 5 of 20, including 0 of 7 from 3-point range.
Elsewhere, former Bruin Jason Kapono, who had the highest 3-point pct. in the NBA in each of the past two seasons (they aren't crediting him with the title last season for sightly too few attempts), got off to another great start with 3 of 4 from downtown and 15 points in Toronto's win.
theHoundDawg
The debuts of the two one-year-and-gone locals were to form as I see it, and as I mentioned yesterday. Kevin Love, in 18 minutes off the bench, shot 5 of 8, scored 12 points, collected 9 boards, and had one steal, in Minnesota's victory over Sacramento. I checked Memphis' stats at half-time, and saw Simpson Mayo with 8 points. In his typical fashion, in a game that started close as the fourth quarter began, but which Houston then won going away, SM was nowhere to be seen, despite playing 40 minutes. He finished with 10 points, shooting 5 of 20, including 0 of 7 from 3-point range.
Elsewhere, former Bruin Jason Kapono, who had the highest 3-point pct. in the NBA in each of the past two seasons (they aren't crediting him with the title last season for sightly too few attempts), got off to another great start with 3 of 4 from downtown and 15 points in Toronto's win.
theHoundDawg
More on the New NBA Season
10/29/08 14:12 Filed in: NBA
A few more thoughts about the new NBA season:
Greg Oden is the re-incarnation of Sam Bowie, but not as talented. Like Bowie, Bill Walton, and some other touted big men coming into the NBA, he's started off with the injury bug and you have to wonder will his carer mirror Bowie's, never to be fulfilled?
Barring their usual rash of injuries, which started in the preseason this year, the Clippers do figure to be improved, and their tip-off vs. the Lakers tonight should be interesting. The Clippers, from this perspective, have nothing to lose in playing the Lakers, who looked totally dominant against Portland.
More question marks abound in Charlotte, where it looks like it will be tough for Larry Brown to work much of his prior magic, unless he stays a lot longer than his track record would indicate he will, and in New York, where except for the new coach, it doesn't look like much has changed. Charlotte looks set at point guard and power forward (depending on the health of Sean May), but the rest of the team looks like it needs improvement to be a work in progress. As far as the Knicks are concerned, their only visible improvement is Stephon Marbury starting games on the bench.
Terms that may surprise: Minnesota and Kevin Love (UCLA), and Philadelphia and Elton Brand.
Teams in the dumper: Sacramento and Memphis. How did Sacramento get so bad so quickly, and Memphis will soon learn that in crunch time, the last guy you want on the court is OJ Simpson Mayo.
theHoundDawg
Greg Oden is the re-incarnation of Sam Bowie, but not as talented. Like Bowie, Bill Walton, and some other touted big men coming into the NBA, he's started off with the injury bug and you have to wonder will his carer mirror Bowie's, never to be fulfilled?
Barring their usual rash of injuries, which started in the preseason this year, the Clippers do figure to be improved, and their tip-off vs. the Lakers tonight should be interesting. The Clippers, from this perspective, have nothing to lose in playing the Lakers, who looked totally dominant against Portland.
More question marks abound in Charlotte, where it looks like it will be tough for Larry Brown to work much of his prior magic, unless he stays a lot longer than his track record would indicate he will, and in New York, where except for the new coach, it doesn't look like much has changed. Charlotte looks set at point guard and power forward (depending on the health of Sean May), but the rest of the team looks like it needs improvement to be a work in progress. As far as the Knicks are concerned, their only visible improvement is Stephon Marbury starting games on the bench.
Terms that may surprise: Minnesota and Kevin Love (UCLA), and Philadelphia and Elton Brand.
Teams in the dumper: Sacramento and Memphis. How did Sacramento get so bad so quickly, and Memphis will soon learn that in crunch time, the last guy you want on the court is OJ Simpson Mayo.
theHoundDawg
That's a Nice Mess in Arizona
10/24/08 20:41 Filed in: College
Basketball
Lute Olson
Kevin O'Neill
Lute Olson
Mike Dunlap
Russ Pennell
3 weeks before their first game of 2008-9, and for the second time in a year, Lute Olson has left the Arizona Wildcats holding an empty bag. After 24 years actually coaching, and after a few downs and a whole lot of ups, including one NCAA title, Olson left the team in the lurch for a second time. The first time, he left the team in the capable hands of assistant Coach Kevin O'Neill. When Olson returned after the season, he chose, for whatever sinister reasons, to fire O'Neill and asistant Miles Simon, and form a new staff, featuring Mike Dunlap, Reggie Geary, and Russ Pennell.
In true Olson style, and characteristic of the way he has treated his career and the University in recent times, Olson apparently told recruits and media sources he was quitting, and Arizona AD Jim Livengood had to find out from news reports. Add to this Olson leaving a questionable staff, including Dunlap, who was offered the interim head coaching job and who turned it down, and the totally inexperienced (and long-time rival Arizona State Sun Devil assistant) Pennell, who is now head Coach. At least for now.
This brings back memories of when Lorenzo Romar, Brad Holland, and Tony Fuller all left UCLA, leaving Steve Lavin as the number one assistant, and in line to be the only possible replacement for the fired Jim Harrick, back in 1996.
As stated in a comment to another post, besides the rats leaving the sinking ship, the recruits are leaving, and hopefully UCLA will benefit, not only by the mess left in Arizona, but with talented recruits seeking nice, new basketball homes.
theHoundDawg
Kevin O'Neill
Lute Olson
Mike Dunlap
Russ Pennell
3 weeks before their first game of 2008-9, and for the second time in a year, Lute Olson has left the Arizona Wildcats holding an empty bag. After 24 years actually coaching, and after a few downs and a whole lot of ups, including one NCAA title, Olson left the team in the lurch for a second time. The first time, he left the team in the capable hands of assistant Coach Kevin O'Neill. When Olson returned after the season, he chose, for whatever sinister reasons, to fire O'Neill and asistant Miles Simon, and form a new staff, featuring Mike Dunlap, Reggie Geary, and Russ Pennell.
In true Olson style, and characteristic of the way he has treated his career and the University in recent times, Olson apparently told recruits and media sources he was quitting, and Arizona AD Jim Livengood had to find out from news reports. Add to this Olson leaving a questionable staff, including Dunlap, who was offered the interim head coaching job and who turned it down, and the totally inexperienced (and long-time rival Arizona State Sun Devil assistant) Pennell, who is now head Coach. At least for now.
This brings back memories of when Lorenzo Romar, Brad Holland, and Tony Fuller all left UCLA, leaving Steve Lavin as the number one assistant, and in line to be the only possible replacement for the fired Jim Harrick, back in 1996.
As stated in a comment to another post, besides the rats leaving the sinking ship, the recruits are leaving, and hopefully UCLA will benefit, not only by the mess left in Arizona, but with talented recruits seeking nice, new basketball homes.
theHoundDawg
Tomorrow's Picks
10/24/08 18:44 Filed in: College
Football
| Ohio
State (+2-1/2) over Penn State Penn
State doesn't impress me as a top-5 team,
and the return to health of Beanie Wells
and the amazing, week-by-week development
of Terrelle Pryor since playing USC has
made Ohio State once again an elite team,
with a lot to prove and a massive job to
jump back into the BCS jumble. OSU will win
this one.
UCLA (+17) over California Cal is coming off a loss to Arizona and now appears to have a full-blown quarterback controversy. This is a talented team, but until Tedford installs Kevin Riley as the QB, they will underachieve. UCLA's noticeable improvement has been sporadic, with one step back for every two steps forward, compounded now by several injuries on defense, especially to the D-line. Still, UCLA should keep the game close, and cover. Arizona (+16) over USC Another game that seems like it could be close, though the brain surgeons have a knack for running away with these games. Nevertheless, this looks to me like it could be another Oregon State-type game, close to the end, with either team having a shot. Take the points. Also remember that Arizona, tied for the Pac-10 lead, is still the only conference member never to play in the Rose Bowl game, and if they are to have a chance to change that, this is the game they need. theHoundDawg |
UCLA Bruins Black Varsity Pleathed Jacket $74.95 
Arizona Wildcats Hoody Sweatshirt $59.95 |
UCLA v Stanford and "Skippy" and the Gang
10/18/08 22:08 Filed in: College
Football
In a comment to my initial post, reference was made
to the inept UCLA Football team, and the knight in
shinning armor, Rick 'Skippy" Neuheisel. While I hate
to agree with the commenter, he does raise some good
points. I am at a disadvantage, as the press of other
obligations kept me from seeing all
but most of the fourth quarter, so
what I saw was pretty impressive. However, having
seen almost every play of the season so far, and
coming in with the Bruins holding a single point
lead, and then falling behind the mighty Cardinal of
Palo Alto and environs, I can easily and correctly
say that this is not what most fans expected to be
seeing.
When Neuheisel was hired, replacing the inept Karl Dorrell, the feelings were much the same as when Ben Howland replaced Steve Lavin. However, knowledgeable fans should have expected a similar first year. Least we forget, the man who has led the Bruins to three straight Final Fours went 11-17 in his first year, and it was not until his third year that he produced a championship caliber team.
Neuheisel did a commendable recruiting job after his late hire, but the returning squad was far from a deep and talented group, including many over-rated players. Add to the mix a siege of injuries to key players, including QBs number one and two, and to many other key players beginning with almost the first play of the season, and clearly, as stated by the commenter, the talent the Bruins put on the field is thin, and each additional injury, as seemed to hit the defense especially hard today, further reduced the quality of the play on the field. But, the talent of the coaching staff was very evident today, and Neuheisel and OC Norm Chow got the most out of Kevin Craft and the young offense, to score in the last seconds, to pull out a victory.
The offense and the play of Craft has been more than inconsistent, but given the inexperienced offensive line, injuries to running back Kahlil Bell and fullback Trevor Theriot, and the numerous receivers out with injuries causing almost total reliance on young, inexperienced receivers Taylor Embree, Dominique Johnson, Nelson Rosario, Ryan Moya, and Cory Harkey, the present is ok, but the future looks bright.
I think overall the team is improving, and I do see more victories possible this season.
theHoundDawg
When Neuheisel was hired, replacing the inept Karl Dorrell, the feelings were much the same as when Ben Howland replaced Steve Lavin. However, knowledgeable fans should have expected a similar first year. Least we forget, the man who has led the Bruins to three straight Final Fours went 11-17 in his first year, and it was not until his third year that he produced a championship caliber team.
Neuheisel did a commendable recruiting job after his late hire, but the returning squad was far from a deep and talented group, including many over-rated players. Add to the mix a siege of injuries to key players, including QBs number one and two, and to many other key players beginning with almost the first play of the season, and clearly, as stated by the commenter, the talent the Bruins put on the field is thin, and each additional injury, as seemed to hit the defense especially hard today, further reduced the quality of the play on the field. But, the talent of the coaching staff was very evident today, and Neuheisel and OC Norm Chow got the most out of Kevin Craft and the young offense, to score in the last seconds, to pull out a victory.
The offense and the play of Craft has been more than inconsistent, but given the inexperienced offensive line, injuries to running back Kahlil Bell and fullback Trevor Theriot, and the numerous receivers out with injuries causing almost total reliance on young, inexperienced receivers Taylor Embree, Dominique Johnson, Nelson Rosario, Ryan Moya, and Cory Harkey, the present is ok, but the future looks bright.
I think overall the team is improving, and I do see more victories possible this season.
theHoundDawg
Three Straight Final Fours, But No Title Since 1995
10/18/08 00:14 Filed in: College
Basketball
The UCLA Bruins have been to the last 3 Final Fours,
but have failed to win a title since 1995.
They only got to the 1995 Final Four because of Tyus Edney's heroics versus Missouri, and the greatest 4.8 seconds in UCLA Basketball history:
Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and Lorenzo Mata are gone from last year's team, and Ben Howland faces a major rebuilding year. However, Coach Howland has recruited one of the major talents in the country in Jrue Holiday, and an overall outstanding freshman class to support returning upperclassmen Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, Alfred Aboya, James Keefe and Michael Roll, to hopefully keep the Bruins more than competitive. But a fourth straight Final Four?
A lot more about this in the following weeks.
theHoundDawg
They only got to the 1995 Final Four because of Tyus Edney's heroics versus Missouri, and the greatest 4.8 seconds in UCLA Basketball history:
Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and Lorenzo Mata are gone from last year's team, and Ben Howland faces a major rebuilding year. However, Coach Howland has recruited one of the major talents in the country in Jrue Holiday, and an overall outstanding freshman class to support returning upperclassmen Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, Alfred Aboya, James Keefe and Michael Roll, to hopefully keep the Bruins more than competitive. But a fourth straight Final Four?
A lot more about this in the following weeks.
theHoundDawg