I don't write this as an Arizona fan who wants to trash a rival, but as a basketball fan who can't believe what he's seeing. UCLA lost to Arizona 87-52 today to drop them to 2-7 in Pauley Pavilion. This from a school with more championships than any other, in the second best recruiting ground in the U.S.. Even when UCLA had poor coaches, see Walt Hazzard, they always were a threat. But this team is lost. Losing to Northern Arizona in Pauley? That's like Brazil losing to Montserrat in the Maracana! In the end, it all falls on the head of the coach, Steve Lavin. Lavin's main problem is that he can't recruit LA's best players to its most famous school. A good example of this is Hassan Adams, who decided between Kansas and Arizona, not UCLA and another school. Another problem is UCLA's players never seem to get better under Lavin. Cedric Bozeman was a McDonald's All-American coming out of high school. How many of you have heard of him? Barring a miracle run, Lavin is out at the end of the year. Choosing his successor is interesting. One big rumor that is swirling out West is Larry Brown. Now he could bring UCLA back to prominence really quickly. The question is, does he want to go back to the college game? Then again, he does have to coach AI, "it's just PRACTICE!". My guess is they're going to go after a big name. Second best can't be the answer this time.
Is UCLA not paying as much as the other schools? No cars for their players, spending money? Are they requiring that their players actually make the greades? Or is this the other UCLA, University of California Left at Avery? (Those in Orange County should understand). Oh, yes it is a sad state for a school with a huge tradition.
Other Universities have teams, too. UCLA basketball= very spoiled Nebraska football= very spoiled Parity is a great thing and I am glad to see ALL traditionally winning schools losing, it's good for everyone. The bottom feeders deserve a chance. -VON