Steve Alford is an interesting hire at UCLA. He had some solid success at New Mexico, but will the former Indiana star be able to “step it up” and find success in Los Angeles
People in my state (Iowa) are always interested in Alford. He coached the Iowa Hawkeyes for a number of years. The honeymoon started well when Iowa landed him off a Sweet 16 performance at then Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). He won a Big Ten Tournament Championship at Iowa but also loss an NCAA tournament game to No. 14 seeded Northwestern State. When New Mexico offered Alford its coaching job, many Iowa fans were happy to see Alford leave.
UCLA is counting on Alford to continue his success from New Mexico. Alford has proven he can win consistently on the mid-major level, but the power conference job success is still up for debate.
It seems a good risk for UCLA. However, Alford knows the guy he is replacing brought UCLA to two Final Fours. The learning curve won’t be long. And then there is always the John Wooden factor. The most successful NCAA Division I coach in history raised the bar extremely high at UCLA.
Showing posts with label UCLA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UCLA. Show all posts
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
This is Shameful
Shame on UCLA. Shame on the NCAA. Shame on the Hunger Bowl.
The UCLA Bruins are going to a bowl game with a record of 6-7. This is not a misprint. The Bruins were rewarded with a trip for a losing record.
I know it seems like here are 100 bowls these days. Actually, I think there are only 30-some. But the real question is has college football sunk this low inviting losers to the party? I was upset a few years ago when teams with 6-6 marks began receiving bowl invitations. Like many things in life, I eventually became use to it, but inviting teams with losing records won’t grow on me.
Folks this isn’t grade school or junior high. We don’t give college football team’s participation medals. Teams need to earn bowl games. Teams that don’t have .500 records or better need to stay home and try again next year.
UCLA applied for a waiver from the NCAA because of its record. The NCAA granted the request. UCLA should have never requested the waiver and the NCAA should not have granted it. End of discussion and end of story.
Come to think about however this situation does have one plus. It’s just one less bowl game I will be tempted to watch.
I hear my sock drawer calling me.
The UCLA Bruins are going to a bowl game with a record of 6-7. This is not a misprint. The Bruins were rewarded with a trip for a losing record.
I know it seems like here are 100 bowls these days. Actually, I think there are only 30-some. But the real question is has college football sunk this low inviting losers to the party? I was upset a few years ago when teams with 6-6 marks began receiving bowl invitations. Like many things in life, I eventually became use to it, but inviting teams with losing records won’t grow on me.
Folks this isn’t grade school or junior high. We don’t give college football team’s participation medals. Teams need to earn bowl games. Teams that don’t have .500 records or better need to stay home and try again next year.
UCLA applied for a waiver from the NCAA because of its record. The NCAA granted the request. UCLA should have never requested the waiver and the NCAA should not have granted it. End of discussion and end of story.
Come to think about however this situation does have one plus. It’s just one less bowl game I will be tempted to watch.
I hear my sock drawer calling me.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Talking John Wooden
There are several John Wooden books out there these days and I am reading one of them: “Coach Wooden by Pat Williams.”
Wooden, the famed UCLA basketball coach, died last summer. He put together coaching numbers unlike anyone in the collegiate game. Wooden’s teams grabbed 10 national titles (seven straight) and won 88 consecutive games. It is safe to say that nobody ever will touch that basketball resume.
I was just a kid when UCLA kept winning and winning and winning. I found myself cheering against UCLA (for the underdog) during its magical ride. My feelings were similar to fans that root against the New York Yankees or Duke Blue Devils today.
Comparisons are but useless and unavoidable, but I wonder how Wooden-coach teams would fair in the present college basketball climate. Wooden preached team, excellence and bank shots (there was no dunking during his era). The current basketball culture begs individuality and the head-shaking dunk shot.
As I became older, I began to appreciate Coach Wooden for his abilities and talents outside the basketball area. As the book I am reading states, Wooden’ father made a huge impact on his life.
By the way, I think Wooden would do just fine in today’s college basketball. He would find his type of player no matter what and mold the group into a T-E-A-M.
Wooden, the famed UCLA basketball coach, died last summer. He put together coaching numbers unlike anyone in the collegiate game. Wooden’s teams grabbed 10 national titles (seven straight) and won 88 consecutive games. It is safe to say that nobody ever will touch that basketball resume.
I was just a kid when UCLA kept winning and winning and winning. I found myself cheering against UCLA (for the underdog) during its magical ride. My feelings were similar to fans that root against the New York Yankees or Duke Blue Devils today.
Comparisons are but useless and unavoidable, but I wonder how Wooden-coach teams would fair in the present college basketball climate. Wooden preached team, excellence and bank shots (there was no dunking during his era). The current basketball culture begs individuality and the head-shaking dunk shot.
As I became older, I began to appreciate Coach Wooden for his abilities and talents outside the basketball area. As the book I am reading states, Wooden’ father made a huge impact on his life.
By the way, I think Wooden would do just fine in today’s college basketball. He would find his type of player no matter what and mold the group into a T-E-A-M.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Congratulations Connecticut Women
It was just another night at the basketball arena for the Connecticut women. Another opponent and another victory. The Huskies have won 89 straight.
But this one was SPECIAL. The victory broke John Wooden’s UCLA men’s team mark of 88 straight.
The debate will continue whether Connecticut accomplishments are the same as the UCLA feat. The bottom line is 89 straight in anything, including 4th grade basketball, is impressive. So a definite tip-of-the-cap to the Huskie women.
As I stated before, Connecticut women’s basketball keeps the women’s game in the news. The women’s game will never match the interest in the men’s game just like spring always follows winter. But that doesn’t mean women aren’t gifted players, they are just different. In the simplest terms, men bank on talent, women bank on skill. Men dunk the basketball, while women shoot better free throws.
It’s okay to celebrate and appreciate the differences. That’s why comparing the two winning streaks are unfair.
By the way, look for the Huskie women to grow their streak. Baylor is probably the only team with a legitimate opportunity to defeat Connecticut yet this season.
But this one was SPECIAL. The victory broke John Wooden’s UCLA men’s team mark of 88 straight.
The debate will continue whether Connecticut accomplishments are the same as the UCLA feat. The bottom line is 89 straight in anything, including 4th grade basketball, is impressive. So a definite tip-of-the-cap to the Huskie women.
As I stated before, Connecticut women’s basketball keeps the women’s game in the news. The women’s game will never match the interest in the men’s game just like spring always follows winter. But that doesn’t mean women aren’t gifted players, they are just different. In the simplest terms, men bank on talent, women bank on skill. Men dunk the basketball, while women shoot better free throws.
It’s okay to celebrate and appreciate the differences. That’s why comparing the two winning streaks are unfair.
By the way, look for the Huskie women to grow their streak. Baylor is probably the only team with a legitimate opportunity to defeat Connecticut yet this season.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Connecticut Women March Forward
The streak now stands at 80.
After a few tense moments near the end of the game Tuesday night, the Huskies stopped Baylor 65-64 for their 80th straight win.
Baylor had an opportunity to stop the streak, but a long three-point try fell well short.
So Geno Auriemma’s group moves on to the next milestone. Eight more straight wins and Connecticut ties the UCLA men’s record of 88 consecutive wins.
The Huskies' program is simply amazing. People don’t talk about dynasties in sports much anymore, but we have one clearly here. The old saying, “It’s better to be lucky sometimes than good” doesn’t apply to Connecticut. The Huskies usually dominate opponents. Baylor’s scare last night was a rare occurrence.
Connecticut is great for women’s basketball. The Huskies are the poster child and will continue to play the role.
Some might want Connecticut’s streak broken, but I say play on women. This isn’t America’s hatred team. This isn’t the New York Yankees or Dallas Cowboys.
The streak will end. Basketball is such a game of luck—one bounce there, one tip here. But Connecticut streak is a feel good story. And we definitely need more of those in sports these days.
After a few tense moments near the end of the game Tuesday night, the Huskies stopped Baylor 65-64 for their 80th straight win.
Baylor had an opportunity to stop the streak, but a long three-point try fell well short.
So Geno Auriemma’s group moves on to the next milestone. Eight more straight wins and Connecticut ties the UCLA men’s record of 88 consecutive wins.
The Huskies' program is simply amazing. People don’t talk about dynasties in sports much anymore, but we have one clearly here. The old saying, “It’s better to be lucky sometimes than good” doesn’t apply to Connecticut. The Huskies usually dominate opponents. Baylor’s scare last night was a rare occurrence.
Connecticut is great for women’s basketball. The Huskies are the poster child and will continue to play the role.
Some might want Connecticut’s streak broken, but I say play on women. This isn’t America’s hatred team. This isn’t the New York Yankees or Dallas Cowboys.
The streak will end. Basketball is such a game of luck—one bounce there, one tip here. But Connecticut streak is a feel good story. And we definitely need more of those in sports these days.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Paging Colt McCoy
I wonder if the state of Texas has recovered yet. Not only did UCLA defeat Texas but the Bruins did it easily and in Austin.
Texas receives an occasional hurricane and this was a major storm.
People said Texas was looking ahead to the Oklahoma game. Some said that the Longhorns took UCLA lightly. I propose that maybe Texas isn’t that good.
Pollsters buy my theory. Last week, Texas was ranked No. 7. This week, it’s No. 21. Well…
Scoring only 12 points in any football game usually is a problem. UCLA is no world beater, but the Bruins aren’t Sam Houston State either.
Texas fans are no doubt wishing Colt McCoy was back behind center. Garrett Gilbert is at the controls now. Maybe this week, he would like to return to the clipboard carrying days.
Texas will survive. The Longhorns expect to win every game. That might have been the problem Saturday.
Texas receives an occasional hurricane and this was a major storm.
People said Texas was looking ahead to the Oklahoma game. Some said that the Longhorns took UCLA lightly. I propose that maybe Texas isn’t that good.
Pollsters buy my theory. Last week, Texas was ranked No. 7. This week, it’s No. 21. Well…
Scoring only 12 points in any football game usually is a problem. UCLA is no world beater, but the Bruins aren’t Sam Houston State either.
Texas fans are no doubt wishing Colt McCoy was back behind center. Garrett Gilbert is at the controls now. Maybe this week, he would like to return to the clipboard carrying days.
Texas will survive. The Longhorns expect to win every game. That might have been the problem Saturday.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Is UCONN's Success Good for Women's Basketball?
The debate continues. Is the University of Connecticut's dominance in women's basketball good for the sport?
These gals are head-and-shoulders above others in the women's basketball world. UCONN has won 78 consecutive games and wrapped up its second straight undefeated season earlier this month.
UCONN's success has kept women's college basketball in the headlines on a consistent basis. That is a good thing because let's be frank, the women's game still lacks much interest compared to the men's game.
But on the downside, has UCONN's run discouraged the competitiveness of the game? Are teams going into games really thinking, "What the use against these gals we will just lose anyway"? Are women's college basketball fans tired of UNCONN's streak and thus pay little attention these days?
It also begs another question. Should UNCONN be penalized for being good? Should the NCAA reduce the number of scholarships in the women's game?
These are difficult questions. Meanwhile, UNCONN will continue the march. UCONN is well within sights of the longest undefeated streak in all of college basketball--88 by the UCLA men's teams.
Can these gals accomplish that feat? I believe they can.
But until UCONN loses again, the major question will linger. Perspective determines what side you are on regarding this one.
So, is UCONN's success good for women's college hoops?
These gals are head-and-shoulders above others in the women's basketball world. UCONN has won 78 consecutive games and wrapped up its second straight undefeated season earlier this month.
UCONN's success has kept women's college basketball in the headlines on a consistent basis. That is a good thing because let's be frank, the women's game still lacks much interest compared to the men's game.
But on the downside, has UCONN's run discouraged the competitiveness of the game? Are teams going into games really thinking, "What the use against these gals we will just lose anyway"? Are women's college basketball fans tired of UNCONN's streak and thus pay little attention these days?
It also begs another question. Should UNCONN be penalized for being good? Should the NCAA reduce the number of scholarships in the women's game?
These are difficult questions. Meanwhile, UNCONN will continue the march. UCONN is well within sights of the longest undefeated streak in all of college basketball--88 by the UCLA men's teams.
Can these gals accomplish that feat? I believe they can.
But until UCONN loses again, the major question will linger. Perspective determines what side you are on regarding this one.
So, is UCONN's success good for women's college hoops?
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