Waiting for Aboya
I ran into UCLA junior big man Alfred Aboya while on campus and asked him if he had any idea when he would decide whether or not he was returning for his senior season, or whether he would opt to continue his post-graduate work (he is graduating during the summer) elsewhere and not play for UCLA next season.
He said it would be a while, and he didn't think he would make a decision until the end of the summer.
Ouch, this is tough.
On the one hand, you can't blame him for taking the time to make such an important life decision.
On the other, you'd like him to just decide NOW so we know if there's going to be an extra scholarship available and the need to recruit another big man.
Good luck Alfred!
I'm sure Howland doesn't appreciate the timing on this one. Not so much because of the scholarship. After all, at this point in time, trying to find another big man that fits Howlands style and criteria is not too likely. Finding two (assuming the second one is to replace Aboya), well, that won't happen. Not even worth giving any consideration to.
But the thing that's somewhat disturbing is that waiting till the end of the summer doesn't give any consideration to the planning that your coach does in the off season to get ready for the new season. Kind of a selfish stance to take. Plus, what's with the delay? If he's been accepted into grad school elsewhere, I'm sure those schools want an answer from Aboya long before the end of the summer. Not being able to make a decision until the very last minute (if that's what you want to call this) doesn't really show alot from the decision maker. And this guy wants to be the President of his country? Hmmm. Sounds like he still has a lot to learn. Alot of growing up to do? Ready for grad school? Sounds odd to me...
rejn, you are one ungrateful "fan." ungrateful for the heart and soul alfred has left on the pauley floor. ungrateful for the sweat he has put into each and every practice. ungrateful for the broken face he gutted through and competed with. ungrateful for the poise (maturity beyond his years that many NBA "greats" don't possess) in not reacting to the facial assault with ball. rejn, what exactly have you done with your life that you can cast such stones upon this giant of a man who has given his all for the program the past three years? undoubtedly, there is one who "has a lot to learn" and "a lot of growing up to do." however, maybe you should reflect upon who that individual is.
rejn, you are one ungrateful "fan." ungrateful for the heart and soul alfred has left on the pauley floor. ungrateful for the sweat he has put into each and every practice. ungrateful for the broken face he gutted through and competed with. ungrateful for the poise (maturity beyond his years that many NBA "greats" don't possess) in not reacting to the facial assault with ball. rejn, what exactly have you done with your life that you can cast such stones upon this giant of a man who has given his all for the program the past three years? undoubtedly, there is one who "has a lot to learn" and "a lot of growing up to do." however, maybe you should reflect upon who that individual is.