Answers, Part II
Here is the second set. There will be four sets of answers today.
:
Why was Josh Carter's basket which hit the top of the backboard allowed? Isn't it the same violation of Shipp's basketball against Cal?
No, it’s different. Carter’s shot never went over the backboard. It hit the top of it. The contention with Shipp is the shot went over the backboard.
David Hall used to be a Pac-10 ref ... is he still this season? If so, how could he be assigned to referee the Stanford/Marquette game in the NCAA?
Are you sure that is a rule?
I know there is not much chance of this happening but what if both DC and KL come back next year. What happens to the scholarships that are supposed to be given to the new kids coming in?
First of all, scholarships are given on a yearly basis, meaning a scholarship of a player does not have to be renewed. Second, my guess is someone within the program would suddenly decide to transfer.
What lineman does UCLA have its sights on for this upcoming recruiting year? Coach Neuheisel said he needed to approach that area this year.
One I know UCLA really likes is Michael Philipp from Arroyo Valley High of San Bernardino. However, UCLA is behind in recruiting at this point for a variety of reasons, most notably because Neuheisel spent his first month on the job selling his vision to 2008 recruits while putting together a coaching staff, and then had to work with offensive coordinator Norm Chow to install an offense to be ready for spring practice.
Can UCLA finish higher than 4th in the Pac 10 for football this upcoming season?
Anything is possible, especially when spring practice is more than a week away still. However, I think a fourth-place finish would be a solid accomplishment given the fact a new offensive staff is in place, the Bruins play at Arizona State, at Oregon and California. The non-conference games against BYU and Tennessee figure to be physical as well, which could cut into UCLA’s depth come the conference schedule.
Who is the best point guard in the country? Where does collison rank?
Right now, it’s Collison. The guy is barely turning the ball over, hitting more than 50 percent of his 3-pointers and dictating the tempo of games. And he remains a difficult guy to play against on the other end of the court because of his quickness defending on the perimeter.
What is your relationship like with Ben Howland?
It is fine. We get along well. He understands my job, I understand his, and we know we will not see eye-to-eye on everything. At the end of the day, I believe there is mutual respect.
What do you think of the new MacBook air?
Is he related to McLeod Bethel-Thompson?
Re: Officials, I'm pretty sure they're independent contractors. So while we refer to "Pac 10 Refs" during the season, they aren't tied to the Pac 10 necessarily. They aren't Pac 10 employees. So an officiating crew isn't officially a "Pac 10" crew at any time other than during Pac 10 game. I know a lot of Big Ten refs work Big 12 games as well. For instance, Ed Hightower works Big 10, Big 12, and Conference USA games.
Brian-
I was not insinuating that you do not have passion to write and report, which you clearly do.....What I said is that you do NOT have a passion for UCLA, which you have clearly stated over and over again that you DON'T.
This is why I, along with many many others question why you want to continue to cover UCLA. Why does the Daily News and Your boss would continue to assign you to an "institution" that you have ZERO passion for.
I am not questioning your drive to get news and to inform your readers. You are really really good at that...which is a large part of why I was attracted to your blog...
...but how sad is it to be part of something great and not appreciate it for what it is! Once again....many many Passionate Bruin Fans would love to have your job. It would be a dream to cover the team you eat, sleep, and bleed for! It's just so sad that you don't share our PASSION!
If life was perfect for you...what would be your Dream Job? What would get your rocks off? Who would you cover? Or will you just continue to cover a team like a robot and not feel.
Alls I can say is that as a member of the Bruin Nation I love my team down to my core, my soul....
That is passion! I truly hope you find your passion one day!
Jetaway,
I love Rutgers like you love UCLA, which is why I never want to cover Rutgers. For me, being a fan of Rutgers brings enormous pleasure, but covering a team calls for objectivity and to put emotions aside.
For me, reporting and writing is great fun, and allows me to be competitive. Yes, the papers and writers do compete, and I get jazzed about providing information no one else has, be it good or bad. It doesn't matter to me.
For me, the passion doesn't come from cheering for the team I'm covering, it comes from providing interesting stories and information about the team (or program) I'm covering.
Right now, this is my dream job. I live in L.A., which I love, covering a high profile school. I talk sports much of the day and I get paid for it.
Whew! I am so glad that there is passion in you! And I have to reiterate that you do provide GREAT info for the Bruin Nation! Thank you for that!
Here is a photo in the LA times that Kevin Love was fouled going to the basket towards the end of the game that was not fouled! Like the Josh Shipp photo...the A & M player has his hand on Kevin's neck! I am just balancing things up!
Thanks for your continue drive to write!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/ucla/la-ucla23mar23-pg,1,6538861.photogallery?index=16