Westbrook's honor
UCLA coach Ben Howland talked about the improvement on defense in Russell Westbrook from last season to this season.
"Just understanding. Like a year ago, he would just get beat just off the dribble where guys would go by him even though he had the quickness to stay in front of the ball,'' Howland said. "He just has a better understanding on how to stay in front of the ball and really locking in on a guy.''
Westbrook was named the Pac-10's defensive player of the year today.
I am so grateful that BH is our coach! Having suffered thru the Walt Hazzard, then the Jim Harrick, and ultimately the Steve Lavin Era...I have seen many many really talented BB Player over the last 20+ years go thru the "wasteland" of UCLA and not improve as players. But now we actually see results of great coaching and teaching.
I know that the players actually want to learn and grow...but in general I have not experienced UCLA basketball players who actually look to play defense and rebound 1st. until now.
Good for RW....he deserves this award for his effort and hard work! Somethimes life just works when you work hard!!
"Suffered" through the Jim Harrick era? I'd agree that Coach Harrick didn't make his players improve nearly as much as Coach Howland does, but I think "suffered" through his tenure is a bit rough.
Harrick, despite his ethical challenges, was a pretty good coach.
other than the title, suffered is pretty accurate.
while it didn't cause me premature hair loss like the lavin era, it was a very frustrating era.