June 2008 Archives

Staff writer Scott Wolf talked to Bryon Moore's dad, Byron Sr. today about the reason Byron Moore de-commited from UCLA and committed to USC.
``He's been going to their camps since he was in the seventh grade. There was something
in his heart that said he wanted to go there,'' said Byron Moore Sr. ``At the end of the day, he felt in his heart he wanted to be at USC.''
USC offered Moore a scholarship last week when he attended a summer camp.
``It's been tearing at him even before that,'' his father said. ``UCLA's been very good to us. They are a good group of guys.''

Former UCLA water polo players Adam Wright and Brandon Brooks were named to the U.S. Olympic men's water polo team today. Also, Jamie Hipp and Natalie Golda were named to the women's team.

Byron Moore - who de-committed from UCLA and says he'll go to USC - grew up a USC fan and attended games at the Coliseum. When Moore committed to UCLA, he said he wanted to stay close to home. UCLA and Arizona were the first schools to offer.

Noelle Quinn will be back in Los Angeles with the Minnesota Lynx for the game against the Sparks on Thursday. Quinn will help deliver food to 400 pre-selected needy families on Wednesday in downtown Los Angeles.

Reggie Carter has been named to the Bednarik Award watch list. Here's the release from UCLA:

Staff writer Scott Wolf is reporting that Narbonne DB/WR Byron Moore de-committed from UCLA and now has committed to USC.

UCLA signee Malcolm Lee will attend the 2008 USA Basketball Men's under-18 National Team Trials, which start tomorrow at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Drew Gordon was expected to try out as well but will no longer attend. Gordon, Jrue Holiday, J'Mison Morgan and Jerime Andesron are taking summer school classes at UCLA.

This is from UCLA:

Vandenberg Qualifies for 100 Butterfly Final At U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials

Former Bruin swims eighth-fastest time in semifinal round

Former Bruin and current volunteer swimming coach Kim Vandenberg
qualified for the 100m butterfly final on Sunday at the U.S. Olympic
Swimming Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. Vandenberg was 12th in the opening
round with a time of 59.57 to advance to the semifinal round. Once
there, she improved her time to 59.34 to advance to Monday's final.

Also on Sunday on day one of the Olympic Trials, sophomores-to-be
Lauren Hall (4:53.49) and Dani Milligan (4:55.09) competed in the 400m
IM where Hall placed 41st and Milligan was 54th.

More news from UCLA on former Bruins who are on their way to the Olympics:

Former Bruins Sheena (Johnson) Tosta and Suzy Powell Roos became the
first UCLA athletes to punch their tickets to the Beijing Olympic
Games as they both finished in the top-three in their respective
events at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR on Sunday.
Powell Roos finished in the runner-up position in the discus with a
mark of 206-5 and will head to Beijing for her third Olympic
competition (member of the U.S. team at the 1996 Athens and 2000
Sydney Olympic Games).
Tosta was third in the 400m hurdles with her time of 54.62. She will
head to Beijing and will compete in her second Olympic Games (she was
4th in Athens in 2004).
Also on Sunday at the Trials, former Bruin Monique Henderson easily
advanced to the semifinal round of the 400m as she posted the
eighth-best time of the day (52.24).
On the men's side, 2007 graduate Brandon Johnson placed sixth in the
intermediate hurdles with a run of 48.72.

UCLA freshman Maria Jose Uribe shot a final-round 75 in the U.S. Women's Open at Interlachen today, to finish in a tie for 10th place. Not surprisingly, she was low amateur at the Open.

Here's information, courtesy of UCLA, on former Bruins.

Here's a release, courtesy of UCLA, on Bruins and former Bruins in the Olympic Track and Field Trials:

Here's the release from UCLA on Bruins who are advancing in the U.S. Olympic track trials.

UCLA freshman Maria Jose Uribe is three shots back in the U.S. Open. Third round is underway. Uribe is playing as an amateur. She's also the defending U.S. Amateur champion.

Kevin Love said he'll live with his brother in Minneapolis, where he will play for the Timberwolves. Kevin lived offcampus with his brother during his freshman year at UCLA.

Here's the transcript of Kevin Love's afternoon press conference in Minnesota.

Here is a transcipt of one of Russell Westbrook's conference calls Thursday after he was drafted No. 4 by Seattle.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was a second-round selection (37th pick overall) by Milwaukee and his focus will be to make the NBA team. He was unsure about his prospects for playing on Cameroon's Olympic team.
``I don't know about that,'' Mbah a Moute said. ``Right now, I'm just trying to focus on making the team and getting accustomed to the team. I'll think about Olympic stuff after that.''

Kevin Love and O.J. Mayo will forever be linked because they were involved in an eight-player deal following the NBA draft Thursday.
Here's the storyI wrote for today's paper.

Kevin Love was a Memphis Grizzlie for about two seconds. He's been traded to Minnesota. Stan Love just confirmed ESPN's report. ESPN first reported the trade in which Love and three players are heading to Minnesota for O.J. Mayo and three players.

ESPN is reporting that Memphis is trading Kevin Love and three players to Minnesota for O.J. Mayo and three players pending league approval.
Click hereto read the story.

Here's a transcript of Love's conference call with Memphis reporters, courtesy of the Grizzlies.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was selected early in the second round at No. 37 by Milwaukee.

Both Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook just did conference calls with Los Angeles media. They shared a hug immediately following Westbrook's selection as the No. 4 pick.
``I told him he'd be next guy,'' Westbrook said. ``Kevin is a good guy. He'll do well at the next level.''

Russell Westbrook was selected fourth, which is UCLA's highest draft pick since Baron Davis was selected third in 1999.

Five Pac-10 players have been selected within the first 11 picks of the NBA draft.

UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love were selected Nos. 4 and 5 in the draft. It's the first time the Bruins have had two picks in the top five since 1969 when Lew Alcindor was selected first and Lucius Allen third.

UCLA will start construction on the Spieker Aquatic Center project at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center on Monday. Here's the release from UCLA:

Kevin Love selected fifth, as expected, by Memphis.

Here is a release from UCLA on the passing of Ray Bartlett.

Russell Westbrook was selected fourth in the NBA draft.

Here's the release from UCLA on offensive lineman Sean Sheller, who will miss the season. He suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament.

There was some talk that Kevin Love would be selected third by Minnesota, but the Timberwolves just selected O.J. Mayo.

Derrick Rose was selected as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.

The NBA draft, and the months preceding it, is a big spectacle. Of course, it didn't always used to be that way. Here's how Stan Love found out he was drafted. Stan Love was selected No. 9 by the Baltimore Bullets in 1971.
``I was driving down Interstate 5 from Eugene to L.A. when I heard on the radio that I was drafted by Baltimore,'' Love said. ``I pulled over to look at a map and see where it was.''

Stan Love said Kevin Love isn't sure where he'll be selected in today's draft There's much speculation that he could go to Minnesota at No. 3 or Memphis at No. 5
``He's confident he'll be in the NBA,'' Stan Love said. ``You just really don't know. You have no idea. All the people that analyze and try to predict, it just doesn't mean anything until the GMs and owners make their decisions. There's just no telling where you can go. That's the good and the bad. It's fun, but you have no idea which lottery teams you're going to go to.''

Kevin Love wasn't sitting around in his hotel room last night nervously anticpating today's draft in New York. Love was on the Best Damn Sports Show last night, and he also conducted interviews on the red carpet for the ``Gunnin' for that No. 1 Spot'' documentary at the Magic Johnson Theatre in Harlem. Love is featured in the documentary.

Here's an overview of the last year in the Pac-10. Here's the release from the conference:

After working the phones all day Wednesday, here's the most likely destinations for Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook, barring any trades

Love: Minnesota at No. 3, Memphis at No. 5

Westbrook: Seattle at No. 4, the Knicks at No. 6 or the Clippers at No. 7

Things could get interesting if those teams make a trade, or elect to go in a different direction with their picks. Because of the depth of this draft, and all the trades that have been talked about in the last few days, it's incredibly hard to predict. But those are my best guesses right now.

Here is a release from UCLA on Bruins who will participate in the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene. Trials start on Friday.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is in Boston, having just worked out for the NBA champion Boston Celtics. He told me he worked out for eight teams. He also signed agent Sam Goldfeder.
The NBA draft begins at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Collegiate players don't sign contracts that would restrict them from doing activities like riding motorcycles, skiing, off-roading, etc. This should be noted in the wake of Sean Sheller's ATV accident. A UCLA official didn't believe Rick Neuheisel had any rules prohibiting such activities. It's doubtful Neuheisel would. When Neuheisel was at Colorado he took players on rafting trips.

The UCLA national championship men's golf team, women's tennis team and women's water polo team were honored at the White House today.

Go to www.uclabruins.com or www.whitehouse.gov for text of President Bush's
speech, video and photos.

Sheller stuck out his left leg in an effort to keep the vehicle from tipping over, but the vehicle tipped over anyway. That's how Sheller injured his left knee and sustained an open wound near the inside of his left ankle. The vehicle was used as a mode of transportation, according to Steve Sheller, who spoke to a UCLA official, while the family was on vacation in Lake Havasu. None of the other passengers in the vehicle were injured.

Here is an update from UCLA on Sean Sheller. His dad, Steve Sheller, said Sean injured the leg while driving the ATV (not off-roading) on a family vacation in Lake Havasu. He was driving on a curve to the right and when the vehicle began to tip to the left, Sheller stuck out his left leg to keep the vehicle from tipping over. Sheller injured his left knee and had an open wound inside the left ankle. He had an MRI on the knee today, but the results were unavailable.
Here's the release:

It didn't seem likely that Kevin Love was going to work out for the Clippers but apparently he did. Ramona Shelburne spoke with Mike Dunleavy today and she was asked him about O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook. He said the Clippers have worked out all three guys.

As I wrote yesterday, Edwards told me he needs to pass two more junior college classes with at least a `B' in order to gain admittance to UCLA. He said he's confident he'll do that. He said he's also lifting weights and working on technique this summer.
``The coaches told me to get things done (academically) and prepare myself for a Division I football game against Tennessee,'' Edwards said.

Again, Donovan Edwards must pass two junior college courses this summer with at least a `B', and if he does that he can immediately help the offensive line.
``UCLA was the right choice for me because of the educational values,'' Edwards said. ``I really like what Bob Palcic and Rick Neuheisel are doing. I love L.A. I really want to live there, even after I'm done at UCLA.''

I just talked to Donovan Edwards, and he told me that he's taking two summer school classes at Diablo Valley College and he needs to get at least a `B' in both classes. In order to be admitted to UCLA, he needs two more classes and at least a `B' in each.
``I'm definitely going to get things done,'' Edwards said. ``This is the opportunity of a lifetime.''
Edwards committed to UCLA over the weekend.

UCLA offensive tackle Sean Sheller, who hurt himself in an off-road accident while riding an ATV on Friday, is being treated for an open wound on the inside of his left ankle.
He also injured his left knee and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of that injury. No timeframe was given for the MRI, only that it will be done in the near future.
His status for the football season will be determined following the MRI.

Hi folks. Sorry for the infrequency of posts today. I've been on assignment at a golf course with no cell reception.

Anyway, I see there's quite a debate regarding Edwards. He doesn't have the grades to get into UCLA, and if the season started today he wouldn't be playing. He did commit to UCLA, but he has work to do this summer academically if he's elibigle to play.

Jill Painter has reported that J'Mison Morgan, who originally signed with LSU to play basketball, attended his first summer school class at UCLA today, making his commitment to UCLA official.
Football players Kevin Prince and Kai Maiava (transfer from Colorado) attended their first summer school classes as well.
Juco OL Donovan Edwards committed to UCLA, but he has work to do in the classroom before he is academically eligible to attend UCLA. Sources say he doesn't have the grades to get into UCLA right now.

Getting a report out of UCLA that redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Sean Sheller was injured Friday in an off-road accident while driving an ATV.
He injured his left knee and ankle. The severity of the injuries has yet to be determined.
When I know more, you will know more.

I'm hearing that Diablo Valley CC offensive lineman Donovan Edwards didn't get the grades in order to attend UCLA, therefore there was a scholarship available for Kevin Prince.

Here is some info on Bruins in the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Poland, courtesy of UCLA:

UCLA's Tiffany Joh won the U.S. Women's Amateur Publinks for the second time. She beat USC recruit Jennifer Song, one of the top amateur golfers in the world, 2&1 in the final.
Here's the release from UCLA:

Here's some UCLA football notes, courtesy of the UCLA sports info department.

The UCLA women's tennis team, men's golf team and women's water polo team will be honored Tuesday at the White House.
Here is the release, courtesy of UCLA:

Loyola....Jerry Neuheisel, Rick's oldest son, will go to school and play football at Loyola. Jerry Neuheisel is a quarterback, too.

Here are some notes on former, current and future UCLA tracksters, courtesy of the sports information department.

Kevin Prince has learned there's a scholarship available for him, so he'll enroll in school early. UCLA asked Prince to enroll early (originally he was going to enroll in January of 2009) and he agreed. But then UCLA had to make sure it would have a scholarship available.

Jim Purol, a stuntman, plans to sit in every seat at the Rose Bowl (capacity 92,542) in five consecutive days beginning on July 7. The ''festivities'' begin at 10 a.m. July 7. The event is free and open to the public. Purol is collecting donations and pledges for the program Outward Bound Los Angeles.

UCLA football practice begins on Aug. 5, which is in just under seven weeks. The pre-season football scrimmage is Aug. 16 at Drake Stadium.

Love has apparently moved to celebrity/athlete status with an appearance on TMZ.com, a site that usually caters to actor gossip.
Click hereto see Kevin Love's interview with TMZ.com after he came out of Mr. Chows, a popular eatery frequented by celebrities. If you're a celebrity and you're trying to avoid photographers, this is not a place to go.

Click hereto read an article on Cal's Ryan Anderson, who decided to stay in the NBA draft. There is a paragraph toward the end of the story in which Anderson said he heard Stepheson might go to Cal. UCLA, as you know, is a player in the Stepheson sweepstakes as well.

UCLA just sent this release, an overview of the athletic programs from the last year.

UCLA track and field coach Jeanette Bolden is the head coach for the Olympics in Beijing, but She is the first U.S. head coach to have won a gold medal as an athlete. She won gold as a member of the 400-meter relay team in Los Angeles in 1984. She also finished fourth in the 100-meter dash. I'll have a feature on her this summer in anticipation of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Trials are June 27-July 6 in Eugene, Ore.

Where do you think Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will go in the draft? You can check out ESPN'S mock draft here, which has Kevin Love going to Memphis at No. 5 and Russell Westbrook to the Knicks at No. 6.
The NBA draft is June 26.

Read this storythat ran in Monday's Long Beach Press-Telegram for more on John Merrick's top-10 finish at the U.S. Open.

John Merrick, a former UCLA golfer, tied for sixth at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines on Sunday. That was big, but how about this? He's exempt to play in the Masters next year, as well as the U.S. Open at Bethpage. Merrick had to go through qualifying to make this year's U.S. Open field at Torrey Pines. He shot 73-72-71-71--287 (3-over par).

Luc and Ben Howland talked about where Luc is academically on their conference calls this afternoon.
I saw some questions about it on other posts, so hopefully I can clear some of those questions up.
Luc said he is five or six classes shy of graduating. He said he could take those classes over the summer, some online, and be on target to graduate.
He was asked how his father responded to his decision to stay in the draft and Luc said: "He knew what I was going to do after last night anyway. He supports me whatever I did. His main thing has always been school. Schoolwise, I only have about five or six classes left to graduate. Some of those classes I can take online. That was the main thing with him. He was really happy with the fact that I'm really close to graduating."
As for the APR, Howland said Luc is leaving UCLA on good academic terms. The APR will not be affected. What Howland seemed a little upset about was that because Luc is leaving early, he only has 11 players on scholarship. He can have 13.
If Alex Stepheson decides to come to UCLA, that would give him 12, but still one shy of the max.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute started in three straight NCAA Final Fours in his career at UCLA. Only a handful of other basketball players can claim that.
He is the first since Andre Hutson and Charlie Bell of Michigan State (1999-2001) and the first Bruin to do it since Bill Walton, Jamaal Wilkes and Greg Lee (1972-74)
"After speaking to my family and going through the process, I feel like the time is right for me to take the next step in my basketball career and keep my name in the NBA Draft," said Mbah a Moute. "I had the greatest time of my life at UCLA. Starting in three-straight Final Fours and winning three straight Pac-10 titles is something I'll never forget. I will be a Bruin forever."

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has decided to remain in the NBA draft and will forgo his senior season at UCLA, coach Ben Howland said today.
"Luc had a great career at UCLA, and I'm really proud of everything he helped our team accomplish during his tenure as a player at UCLA," Howland said. "He was the freshman of the year in the conference, won three Pac-10 titles and started in three Final Fours, but, more than anything, he is a winner.
"I'm sure he'll continue to provide that great attitude and work ethic at the next level in the NBA," Howland added. "I will always be grateful and appreciative of Luc. He's an outstanding player and an even better person."

UCLA is holding a news conference at 3:30 to announce it.
I don't want to even try to guess what his decision might be, but if UCLA is making an announcement, it most likely means he's coming back to school.
That's just going off how the Josh Shipp announcement was handled.

Here are the UCLA athletes going to the U.S. Olympic Trials for track and field in Eugene, Ore. The Trials begin June 27.

Tori Anthony (pole vault)
Ingrid Kantola (pole vault)
Nicole Leach (400m hurdles)
Krishna Curry (800m)
Greg Garza (discus)
Boldizsar Kocsor (hammer)
Kevin Craddock was expected to compete in the 110-meter hurdles, but after injuring his groin at NCAAs, he might not make it to Trials.
Freshman Cory Primm is still on the fence about competing in the 800.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has until 9 p.m. Pacific time to make up his mind if he wants to stay in the NBA draft or return to UCLA.
Last check, he was having a workout with an NBA team today. He probably will take all the time that is allotted to him to make his decision.
As soon as I know something, you will know something.
Last week, coach Ben Howland said he expects Mbah a Moute to be a second-round pick if he stays in the draft and that he wants a guarantee from a team he will be picked. However, Howland said no team is going to give him that kind of guarantee. He will be too late of pick and there's no telling who will be available as the draft comes to a close.

Mike Powell, the world record holder in the long jump and a two-time silver medalist in the OIympics, has decided to leave the UCLA track and field coaching staff. He was the jumps coach.
Powell is leaving UCLA to continue his involvement with the IAAF, the International Association of Athletics Federation, the international governing body for track and field. He will also continie to coach a number of professional athletes in jumps.
"I had a great experience the past few years and it was a hard decision for me to step down," said Powell. "I made a lot of new friendships and renewed friendships from when I was a student-athlete at UCLA. I had a great group of kids to coach and I will always follow them and support them.
"I came to UCLA because I felt I could help the program out and I feel I was able to do that. I'm excited with where the jumps program is at and I look forward to seeing the next coach continue the success of this group."

Darius Savage and Renee Williams earned All-American honors in track and field after the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
That gives the men five All-Americans in track and field and the women six. Savage was 11th in the discus at NCAAs and Williams was 14th in the triple jump.

The UCLA women, led by hurdler and sprinter Nicole Leach, finished 29th in the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday.
Leach was part of the 4x100 relay team that finished eighth in the finals on Saturday, the last day of the meet. LSU won the team portion of the meet with 67 points. UCLA had nine.
On the men's side, UCLA scored 7.5 points and finished in a tie for 34th with Missouri.
Florida State won the men's portion of the meet.
UCLA's Greg Garza and Boldizsar Kocsor are expected to compete in the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., at the end of the month. Garza competes in the discus and Kocsor competes in the hammer.

I've got a story coming out tommorrow on Bill Walton and his relationship with his four boys, specifically Luke, who is playing for the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Here's a sneak peek at some of Bill's comment's on parenting. As you can tell, he's incredibly influenced, to this day, by John Wooden.

``I always look back on the way Coach Wooden would start every pregame speech: As we were sitting there, anxiously awaiting the message of hope and inspiration to go out there and win this game, Coach Wooden would stand there with his rolled up program and say, `Men, I've done my job. The rest is up to you. Now let's go get it done.'

And, that's really what you try to do as a parent, which is to create opportunities to help encourage, to offer support, love and have that unconditional nature of the father-son relationship.''

Brendan Lane, a power forward out of Rocklin High in Northern California committed to UCLA today.

``I wanted to play at a big-time school with the chance to win a national championship and learn defense from a coach like Ben Howland,'' Lane told Tim Haddock.

EDIT:
Here is a link to the story Tim filed later this afternoon.

Greg Garza, Henry Hagenbuch, Boldizsar Kocsor and Johnny Quinn earned All-American honors for UCLA at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in track and field.
Kocsor set a school record in the hammer and finished fourth in the NCAAs.
"That was a tough competition," said Kocsor. "It took 65m to get to the finals today and that's a pretty high. I opened up with a 66m throw and knew I was going to get five more throws, so that took some pressure off of me and let me really get after the throws.
Garza earned All-American honors in the discus, Hagenbuch in the steeplechase and Quinn in the pole vault.

Junior Nicole Leach set a Drake Stadium record time in the 400-meter hurdles, but so did Nickiesha Wilson of LSU. Wilson beat Leach to win the NCAA Outdoor Championship event in Des Moines, Iowa.
Leach ran her race in 54.62 and finished second to Wilson's 54.45. Last year, Leach won the race and Wilson was second.
"I felt like I had a pretty good race," Leach said. "The biggest thing that Bobby (Kersee) and I wanted to work on in the race was alternating coming home and I had a problem at the 10th hurdle. I don't know if that kind of hindered my finish or not.
"I tried to stay in my race and focus on my step pattern. I didn't know she was there because I was focused on me."
Next up for Leach is the Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore., at the end of June.
"This let's me know what I need to work on - the last hurdle," Leach said. "Anything can happen at Trials, so I'm just going to get back to practice, work on what needs fixing, and focus running well at Trials."

Kevin Craddock came into the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, as the winner of the West Regionals and the fourth-ranked hurdler in the nation.
But a nagging groin injury and strep throat kept the junior out of the finals in the 100-meter hurdles.
He finished 24th in his heat race with a time of 14.31 on Thursday.
"Heading into the race I wasn't too sure about my groin, but I got a great start and midway through the race saw that I was with everyone else and decided to try to push ahead," said Craddock. "Once I tried to pull ahead, I felt some pain in my groin and was basically dragging the leg. I knew my race was over so I eased up through the finish line."
Six UCLA men, headed by Greg Garza and Darius Savage in the discus, advanced to events finals which begin today.
For more, go to the UCLA web site.

Junior Nicole Leach will have a chance to repeat as the NCAA champion in the 400 meter hurdles tonight.
She won her heat on Thursday and was the No. 2 qualifier in the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
"I feel fine," said Leach. "I still have some parts of my race to work on and I need to execute my step pattern better. The first half of the race was good, but I had some problems in the second half. I just need to put it all together and I'll be fine."
Nickiesha Wilson of LSU won her heat race as well. Leach's time in her race was 55.98 and she will start in lane six for the final race. Leach is also on the 4x100 relay team that finished eighth in qualifying. The relay team races on Saturday for the NCAA championship.
"I have so much adrenaline going through me right now," Leach said. "I'm ready and I've known in practice I'm ready. I'm just going to use the crowd on Saturday and my adrenaline to come away with the win."
Leach is looking beyond NCAAs and has the Olympic on her radar. The Olympic Trials for the track and field team are at the University of Oregon beginning on June 27.
"This is helping to build my confidence," Leach said. "Once I get to Trials, I know it will be a whole new group of people to compete against. It'll help to run in front of a large crowd like they have here because there will be a big audience in Oregon."
Katy Viuf will be competing in the finals of the pole vault today.
For more results, go to the UCLA web site.

Just ran into Stan Love at the Lakers game and got a quick update on Kevin. Stan said that Kevin is in New York for a workout with the Knicks tommorrow and will workout for Minnesota sometime next week.

I asked if he had any plans to workout for the Clippers and Stan said, ``Not yet. I'd love for him to be a Clipper but I'm not sure he'll be around by the time they pick. You never know though.''

The Clippers have the No. 7 pick.

Coach Rick Neuheisel announced the team captains for UCLA's football team. Senior tight end Logan Paulsen and defensive tackles Brigham Harwell will serve as captains when the season starts. They were selected by a team vote. Additional captains will be selected on a weekly basis.
On the draft front, Chris Horton signed a contract with the Washington Redskins on Thursday.

Jonathan Ogden, the former UCLA offensive lineman who announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, is one of eight Bruin football players to have his number retired.
Ogden wore No. 79 at UCLA and is the second offensive lineman to have his number retired.
The other seven are:
No. 5: Kenny Easley
No. 13: Kenny Washington
No. 16: Gary Beban (The only Bruin to win the Hesiman Trophy. He did it in 1967).
No. 34: Paul Cameron
No. 38: Burr Baldwin
No. 80: Donn Moonaw (The other OL for UCLA, also known as President Ronald Reagan's minister).
No. 84: Jerry Robinson

Looks like Donovan Edwards is making the rounds around town. The offensive lineman from Diablo Valley Community College was reportedly visiting UCLA today.
Linebacker Jelani Jenkins has also been seen at USC and UCLA in recent days. The recruit out of Maryland has at least one more Pac-10 school on his list of schools he wants to visit.

Six men on the Bruins track and field team advanced to the finals of the NCAA Outdoor Championships is Des Moines, Iowa, on the first day of the meet, which was interupted by weather delays.
Johnny Quinn and Dustin DeLeo are tops in the pole vault, each clearing 17-2.75 meters. They are in a group of 16 pole vaulters who cleared the same height.
Greg Garza was fourth and Darius Savage was eiighth in the discus.
The UCLA web site has complete results for the Bruins from the first day of the meet.

Two players who will be at UCLA next year will be trying to make the USA National U18 basketball team July 1-3 in Washington, D.C.
UCLA signees Drew Gordon and Malcolm Lee will be part of the 25 players invited to the National Team Trials at the Verizon Center.
More on the team and the trials is on the UCLA web site.

Three UCLA women advanced to the finals in their events at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nicole Leach was the No. 1 qualifier in the 400-meter hurdles and Rhonda Watkins is tied for third in the long jump.
Katy Viuf qualified for the finals of the pole vault.
More is on the UCLA web site.

Now that Ben Howland has Josh Shipp back in his camp, he can focus on whether Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will turn pro.
Moute is working out with NBA teams as he weighs his options before the draft. Howland said Moute will most likely take all his time to make his decision. He has until 9 p.m. PST on Monday to stay in the draft or return to UCLA.
"Luc's in a situation where he's most likely going to be somewhere in the second round if he keeps his name in," Howland said during a teleconference Tuesday. "No one's going to guarantee him anything. People might like them and like what they see."
But Howland said he talked to a "prominent general manager" in the NBA and Moute is taking a huge gamble if he stays in the draft.
"No one's going to guarantee a thing, because they want to see who falls to them," Howland said. "It's a crapshoot when you're talking about the draft, especially as you get into the later part of it."

Josh Shipp is returning to UCLA for his senior season. He withdrew his name from the NBA Draft today and told coach Ben Howland he will be back next season for the Bruins.
"We don't get to the Final Four each of the last two years or win Pac-10 championships without Josh," Howland said on a teleconference this afternoon. "Josh is an integral part of that. No question."
Shipp was the only Bruin to start all 39 games last year, a school record, and averaged 12.2 points and 2.1 assists per game.
"I am glad I went through this process. It gave me the opportunity to get input and prepare my body and my game for the next level," Shipp said in a release.
More telling than Shipp's announcement that he will be returning is the speculation by Howland that Alfred Aboya will also rerturn for his senior year giving the Bruins three seniors on next year's team.
"I'm pretty confident he'll be back," Howland said.
Darren Collison, Aboya and Shipp would all be seniors. If Luc Ricahrd Mbah a Moute decides to come back, that would give Howland four seasoned seniors on his team.
But Moute is still working out with NBA teams and probably won't make a decision about making himself eligible for the draft until Monday.

Brian has mentioned this several times, but today it became official: Josh Shipp is coming back to UCLA. Here's the official release:

UCLA forward Josh Shipp has signed paperwork to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and will play his senior season for the Bruins, UCLA head basketball coach Ben Howland announced today.

"Josh has been an integral part of our three Final Four runs and I am really excited that he is coming back for his senior year," said Howland. "I expect him to have his best year as a Bruin, and not just because of his talent, but because this is the first summer in the last three that he can focus on his game as opposed to having to rehab from hip surgery.

"I think that with Josh, Darren (Collison) and Alfred (Aboya) we have a great core group of seniors. This will be the first time in the last three seasons that we have had more than one senior and I think that senior leadership is very important."

As a junior, Shipp held the Bruins compile a record of 35-4 en route to their third straight Pac-10 title and third consecutive trip to the Final Four. He was the only player to start all 39 games - a school record - and averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He also ranked second on the squad with his .770 free throw percentage.

"I am glad I went through this process. It gave me the opportunity to get input and prepare my body and my game for the next level," said Shipp.

"But at the end of the day, I wanted to come back and make another run for the championship. We've been close a three times and a goal of mine is to win the NCAA championship. I think with our core of seniors, we have the leadership necessary to make another run for the title and I'm looking forward to next season."

I just ran into Russell Westbrook, after his workout with the Clippers this morning and caught up on what's turning into a very busy schedule for Westbrook.

Westbrook has been skyrocketing up mock draft lists and is almost a sure-fire lottery pick now. He's worked out for the Knicks, Sonics and now the Clippers and said he might work out for Indiana too.

The Clippers, of course, need a point guard and most teams are projecting Westbrook as a point guard in the NBA, though some teams see him more of a combo guard.

``It's gone fast, but it's exciting at the same time,'' Westbrook said. ``This is pretty much the most exciting time of my life.

Asked about his metoric rise up the draft board, Westbrook said it caught even him a bit off guard. ``Yeah, it did kind of,'' he said. ``I just continued to work and strive for the best and here I am.''

If he keeps moving up, Westbrook could actually end up being taken higher than his UCLA teammate Kevin Love. The two were roommates at the pre-draft camp in Orlando and have talked frequently during this process.

``Yeah, we joked about that a little,'' Westbrook said, when asked if there was a little competition to be the first UCLA player picked. ``Whatever happens, I'm happy for Kevin and he's happy for me. We're both going to be in New York together.''

Tuesday morning, Westbrook worked out in a group of six players that included: Arizona's Chase Budinger, LSU's Anthony Randolph, Mississippi State's Jamont Gordon, Oregon's Malik Hairston, and New Mexico State's Justin Hawkins.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute had a workout with the Charlotte Bobcats yesterday and was planning on going to Toronto for a workout with the Raptors.
The Toronto workout had to be canceled and rescheduled because of a facility issue.
He is still undecided about entering the NBA Draft, but looks like he is working out for anybody who is willing to see him.

The NCAA track and field championships begin Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa. UCLA has 22 athletes, nine women and the 4x100 relay team, and 13 men competing in the national meet.
Some Bruins to keep an eye on are Nicole Leach and Rhonda Watkins on the women's side and Kevin Craddock and Greg Garza on the men's.
Leach is the reigning 400-meter hurdles NCAA champion and has the second-best time in the country going into Des Moines. Watkins is the reigning long jump NCAA champion and is ranked seventh in the nation.
Craddock won the 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA West Regionals at Cal State Northridge and has the fourth best time in the country. Garza is a two-time All-American and is ranked second in the nation in the discus.
CSTV.com has a complete list of athletes and their rankings.

Folks, I will be off until July, and for the next week Tim Haddock will run the blog while Jill Painter is on assignment. Jill will take over after that.
Enjoy, and I will see you later.

Tom Hansen, the long-time commission of the Pacific 10 Conference, is retiring next summer. Here is the release from the Pac-10 site.

UCLA senior Courtney Mathewson was named the Peter J. Cutino Award water polo player of the year. Here is the release from UCLA:

In talking to several of my sources, UCLA's one-day camp was successful when it comes to evaluating players, but no commitments, or even scholarship offers, were imminent.
However, I know some folks were wondering who looked good, and to top it off, UCLA commit Richard Brehaut from Los Osos tore it up.
Also, receiver Rick Marvray of Corona Centennial had a tremendous camp, and Visalia El Diamante offensive lineman Greg Capella looked very good.

UCLA is still recruiting North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson and Kentucky transfer Derek Jasper, but neither player wanted to rush into a decision. I'm told the Bruins will likley wait for Stepheson to make a decision before Jasper's situation is resolved, unless Jasper wants to decide more quickly.
Either way, I'm still hearing Jasper is likely to wind up at UNLV. Stepheson, as was already reported, is also looking at USC, Arizona State and California.

One of UCLA's incoming gymnasts will compete in the Olympics for Canada. Here is the release from the school:

Incoming freshman Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs won the all-around at the 2008 Canadian National Gymnastics Championships. Here is the release from UCLA:

UCLA will begin football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 5, with the season begining Sept. 1 against Tennessee at the Rose Bowl.
The preseason scrimmage is Saturday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. at Drake Stadium. Players and coach Rick Neuheisel will be available after the scrimmage for fan photographs and autographs

Two more UCLA players were drafted on the second day of the Major League Baseball draft. Second baseman Alden Carrithers was taken in the 15th round by the Detroit Tigers and catcher Ryan Babineau was picked in the 17th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Here is the release from UCLA:

Here is the eight set of answers:

Here is the seventh set of answers:

Here is the sixth set of answers:

This is the fifth set of answers:

I went to John R. Wooden High School (a continuing education school) this morning for the unveiling of a 20 by 25 foot mural of John Wooden. It was incredible. I should have a photo of the mural attached soon, so you can check it out. Local artist Hector Rios didn't know who John Wooden was before he started the mural, but he did plenty of research and numerous renderings to capture the essence of Wooden. It was a three-month process. Principal Jay Kessler came up with the idea for the project, and students assisted in the effort.

Here is the third set:

Offensive lineman Brett Downey from Bret Harte High of Angels Camp is walking on at UCLA. He had offers from Nevada and Sacramento State, but decided to try and earn a scholarship down the line at UCLA.
He also played defensive line and made 58 tackles and had four sacks as a senior.
Here is more info about it:

Here is the second set of answers:

First of all, myself and my family thank you for all the well-wishing about our upcoming family addition. I shared it because I feel there is a connect with many of the readers of this blog.
Second, thanks again for all the questions. Loads and loads of them, which is what I love. I'm thinking there will be nine or 10 sets of answers today, so let's get crackin'.
Here is the first set:

UCLA will have a big-time visitor on campus Saturday when Jelani Jenkins, arguably the top linebacker in the nation, stops by. Jenkins is from Our Lady of Good Counsel of Wheaton, Maryland.
He is in town visiting USC today, and is scheduled to visit Stanford on Sunday. UCLA is hosting its one-day camp Saturday, but I'm not sure if he will participate in the camp.

I spoke to Paso Robles High coach Scott Larson today about one of his former players, guard Derek Jasper, who is transferring from Kentucky and has been contacted by UCLA.
Larson said Bruins assistant Scott Duncan recruited Jasper for Oregon when Duncan was an assistant there, and he is again the one who spoke with Jasper recently about UCLA.
"(UCLA) is a school that is in the running,'' Larson said. "I think he wants to make a decision and get started, but I don't think he wants to rush through it."
UCLA has requested Jasper's transcripts, and Larson said he spoke to Duncan as well about his former player.

UCLA had three players taken in the first five rounds of the major league baseball draft today. Here is the release form UCLA:

UCLA junior lefty Tim Murphy was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round (89th overall) of today's draft. Here is the release from UCLA:

I am hearing wing Chace Stanback, who said last month he was transferring from UCLA, will wait until after finals are over later this month before visiting prospective schools.

UCLA coach Ben Howland said he expected J'mison Morgan and guards Jerime Anderson and Jrue Holiday to enroll at the end of June, for the first summer session, which begins June 23.
However, he said Malcolm Lee and Drew Gordon would not enroll until the second summer session because both were trying out for the under-18 Olympic team, and if they made the team, would play in a tournament in Argentina.
Howland added "I feel very confident that it looks good that Alfred'' Aboya would return for his senior season. Aboya will graduate this summer, but will be working on a master's program.
Also, Howland said wing Michael Roll was still experiencing soreness in his foot, but added "his foot was coming along real well."

Here is a story that ran in The Tribune in the San Luis Obispo about former Kentucky player Derek Jasper looking to transfer, and possibly UCLA. I should have an update on this later today, but wanted to get it out to everyone.

UCLA received signed scholarship papers from recruit J'mison Morgan. There is a conference call in a little while, so I will have more than. For now, though, here is the release from UCLA:

Stan Love, the father of former UCLA center Kevin Love, said his son would be attending the NBA draft in New York on June 26. He said a table at the draft has been secured for Love and some family members.
Also, here is a story I wrote for today's paper on UCLA players readying for workouts with NBA teams. (Obviously, it was written before Russell Westbrook told me this morning he was signing with an agent).
On a different note, I hope everyone liked the video of the UCLA season-ending banquet. Sorry for breaking it into five parts, but the file was so huge it was the only way our tech folks could get it on the blog.

Here is the story I wrote for online on UCLA guard Russell Westbrook saying he will sign with an agent.

I just got off the phone with former UCLA guard Russell Westbrook, who said he is signing with the Wasserman Media Group. It means he will remain in the NBA draft and not return to UCLA for his junior season.

For some reason, this video only works when you're at:

This portion of Inside UCLA, so click this link if the video screen below says "This Playlist Cannot Be Loaded." Otherwise, enjoy.

For some reason, this video only works when you're at:

This portion of Inside UCLA, so click this link if the video screen below says "This Playlist Cannot Be Loaded." Otherwise, enjoy.

For some reason, this video only works when you're at:

This portion of Inside UCLA, so click this link if the video screen below says "This Playlist Cannot Be Loaded." Otherwise, enjoy.

For some reason, this video only works when you're at:

This portion of Inside UCLA, so click this link if the video screen below says "This Playlist Cannot Be Loaded." Otherwise, enjoy.

For some reason, this video only works when you're at:

This portion of Inside UCLA, so click this link if the video screen below says "This Playlist Cannot Be Loaded." Otherwise, enjoy.

UCLA running back Kahlil Bell, who had ACL surgery in December, told me two months ago he would be back for August training camp, and Bruins coach Rick Neuheisel is saying the same thing.
"I'm told by everybody he will be (ready), and I'm going to proceed as if that is the case," Neuheisel said. "I know he's working hard and he's looking very confident. And I don't have anybody telling me I have to be worried about it."

I kept forgetting to post this, but I thought it was interesting. When John Wooden was being honored with a plaque at the Coliseum last month, I had a chance to speak with UCLA coach Ben Howland, who was giddy about meeting a childhood favorite of his -- Vin Scully.
"He's the best. I grew up listening to him," Howland said. "He's the best ever. I kill my nephew all the time because he's a Giants fan.
"We have the greatest coach. The greatest baseball announcer is Vin Scully. Chick Hearn with basketball.
"L.A. fans get very spoiled. We've had the greatest basketball coach ever, for sure at the college level, and I think the whole sport. And when you look at it, you have to say Phil Jackson is probably the greatest professional coach in the history of basketball, and then you have the two greatest announcers, respective to their sport in Chick and Vin. It's a pretty awesome list."

UCLA quarterback Ben Olson was examined by the doctor earlier this week and he is recovering well from last month's foot surgery and remains on target to be ready to resume throwing in July.
Olson is no longer using crutches to get around campus.

I just spoke to UCLA forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute's brother, and ne interesting twist to Mbah a Moute's workout schedule is the scheduled June 20 workout with the Portland Trailblazers. That is four days after the deadline passes for players to withdraw from the draft.
"I've been trying to call and see if we can move that,'' said Mbah a Moute's brother, Armel Minyem, who is overseeing Luc's process. "Last time we talked he still didn't know what he was going to do (in regards to returning to UCLA). I think it will be right up until the (June 16) deadline."

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is heading to Chicago today to work out for the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, the first day players can work out for NBA teams. He will work out for the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday, and also has workouts scheduled for Dallas, Portland and Toronto.

Former UCLA offensive lineman Chris Joseph is being honored by the Pacific-10 for his academic achievement. Here is the release from UCLA:

First of all, the comments that have been sent in about improving the blog have not been ignored, or forgotten. They are being worked on, and I am told a few things (like removing the red bar and getting the "next" and "previous" tabs back on top of the blog) should be no problem to change, and should be done in the next week or so.
Second, send in some questions, because this will be your last shot for a while. After the weekend I'll be taking about a month off as my wife and I welcome the latest addition to our family. As always when I'm away, Jill Painter will carry you through the weeks, and I will return in early July.
Now, send in some questions by 8 a.m. Friday, and I will post the answers sometime afterward.

Brandon Breazell's shot with the Kansas City Chiefs didn't last very long, I was told. In fact, he didn't even make it to the practice field.
Instead, he arrive for rookie mini-camp with the Chiefs last month, and was cut before the first practice because of a shoulder issue.

UCLA wing Josh Shipp was back and working out with the program lately, but I was told not to expect the official announcement he was coming for his senior season until just before the June 16 deadline to withdraw from the draft.
However, like his mom, Debbie, said two weeks ago, her son will return for his senior season, and I am told that is a done deal.

Former UCLA center Lorenzo Mata- Real said he had a handful of workouts with NBA teams scheduled, beginning with Seattle and Houston. He also said he was going to work out for the Clipper and Lakers, Boston and Miami, plus a few more could be added.

With the end of the UCLA's athletic season nearly upon us, I was looking for feedback on what folks want from the blog in the future. This blog has really taken off in the last six months (thank you all very much), and I'm trying to make it better. I know video and audio are high on the list, and that is being worked on for the upcoming football season.
That said, here is a poll I put together in hopes of making it simple and quick for everyone to give feedback.

One thing I'm hearing about UCLA power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is that he wants to remain in the NBA draft, and is willing to do so with a second-round guarantee.
However, from talking to several people, that does not simply mean being taken in the second round, but rather a team telling him they would draft him in the second round and give him a guaranteed deal, like what happened with former UCLA player Trevor Ariza and the New York Knicks.
I'm also hearing Mbah a Moute's decision on whether to return to UCLA may not be made until the day of the June 16 deadline to remove one's name from the NBA draft.
As for his showing in Orlando, the consensus from several folks there was the same as when he went there -- his athleticism and defense is good, but his shooting remains a huge question.

Here are the rest of the measurements from DraftExpress for the players at the NBA pre-draft camp, including UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

Here are some numbers on former UCLA center Kevin Love from the NBA pre-draft camp, where he tested for NBA teams but did not play. He was 6-9 ½ in shoes (6-7 ¾ without), with a 6-11 ¼ wingspan and an 8-10 standing reach. His body was 12.9 percent. He jumped 35 inches, lifted the 185-pound bar 18 times, and ran well (11.17, 3.22).
Here is more from DraftExpress.

UCLA guard Russell Westbrook is no longer attending classes, but sources said he made arrangements with several of his professors to receive incomplete grades until his NBA status is decided.
While Westbrook is expected to remain in the draft, barring an injury during workouts, and be a lottery pick, his current plan is to return to UCLA in the summer and finish those classes. That will help UCLA, which would not take as big a hit in the APR if Westbrook leaves UCLA in good academic standing.

There came a request for a night owl post, so how about this?
UCLA's Kevin Chappell was named as golf's college player of the year. Here is the release from UCLA:

I mentioned Friday about some cool video I was trying to put on the blog, but I am having some trouble getting it linked up, so I apologize for that. I will keep trying.
In the meantime, here is some track and field academic honors, courtesy of UCLA:

Even with California having a down year when it comes to football recruiting, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel isn't about to complain.
"I think we do have a national presence, but I wouldn't trade California for any state,'' said Neuheisel, who made it clear UCLA's presence in Texas will remain. "Texas has always been good, and with (receivers coach ) Reggie Moore on our staff, and (defensive line coach) Todd Howard, who grew up there, it doesn't make any sense not to have guys making a push."

Diablo Valley C.C. of Pleasant Hill offensive tackle Donovan Edwards said he will begin an official visit to UCLA on June 11.
"I just got off the phone with the coaches and that's when they're going to bring me down,'' Edwards said. "(My recruitment) is pretty much status quo. I'm still definitely leaning toward UCLA, but I want to keep my options open."
If Edwards picks UCLA, he could begin taking classes when the summer session begins June 23. He is still being recruited by several other Pacific-10 schools, including USC and California, but his only offer to enroll and play in the fall is from UCLA.

I spoke to UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel recently about recruiting, and how it appeared the Bruins were taking on a more national approach rather than focusing so much energy in Southern California.
He said part of the reason this year it seems like that is because it is not a great year for talent in SoCal, especially along the line of scrimmage, where UCLA needs lots of help.
"If we could do it without leaving Southern California, that would be great,'' Neuheisel said. "However, I think UCLA is also a national name, and I think it is important we recruit some places outside of this area. We're working hard to drum up some guys abroad. That's what going on. This is an anomaly because usually you can get all the players you need in state."
Neuheisel also said his days as a player and assistant coach at UCLA suggest the Bruins can recruit on a national scope.
"We were able to carry the day often in recruiting,'' Neuheisel said. "I just believe we can do it. We have to go out and see what exactly can be done. But the key is not so much you go and get returns on it, but to make sure the guys you get can play."
Neuheisel said he still wanted no more than "30 percent" of a recruiting class to be from out of SoCal.

UCLA will host a one day camp Saturday, and the list of players attending is evolving. So far, only Los Osos quarterback Richard Brehaut and Bishop Amat receiver/corner back Sheldon Price are the committed players expected to attend, but that could change.
Other notable seniors-to-be scheduled to attend are TE/LB Marlion Barnett from Corona Santiago, DT Noel Beckles of Verbum Dei, LB/RB Robert Franco of San Pedro, CB Sean Martin of Santiago and OT Gavin Pascarella of Corona Centennial.
As I said, expect more to attend, with a larger number of high-caliber prospects expected to attend the overnight camp later this month.

For a look at just how much the NCAA cares about its student-athletes (not to mentions fans in non-revenue sports), consider last night's (actually, this morning's) conclusion to the UCLA-Cal State Fullerton regional baseball game.
The game ended after midnight, with Cal State Fullerton forcing a deciding game tonight (8p.m.) with an 11-8 win. Yes, a midnight finish, with UCLA still in session.

I mentioned in one of the Q&A segments Friday that UCLA offered scholarships to 15 offensive linemen, and I received several emails and inquiries as to the identities of those 15 players.
Here are most of them:
Alex Bullard,Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy; Greg Capella, El Diamante (Visalia); Donovan Edwards, Diablo Valley CC (Pleasant Hill); Chris Freeman, Trotwood-Madison (Ohio); Stanley Hasiak, Kapolei (Hawaii); Daniel Hood, Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic; Zach Martin, Bishop Chatard (Indianapolis); John Martinez, Cottonwood (Salt Lake City); Michael Philipp, Arroyo Valley (San Bernardino); Charles Siddoway, Marist (Eugene, Ore.); Xavier Su'a Filo, Timpview (Provo, Utah); Chris Watt, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn, Ill.); Khalil Wilkes, St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.).

Keep in mind, it is not considered a good year for offensive linemen in California, which is part of the reason so many of the offers are for guys from other states.

UCLA's Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza of the Los Angeles Lakers are the first Bruins to play in the NBA Finals since Jason Kapono played for the World Champion Miami Heat in 2006.

I've heard from a couple of sources that Alabama is making another push at UCLA hoops commit J'mison Morgan. Those same sources believe Morgan is sold on UCLA and will wind up in Westwood when the first summer session begins later this month, but since he cannot sign a letter of intent, expect schools to keep pushing in their attempts until he arrives in Westwood.

UCLA's incoming football recruiting class has a handful of highly successful track participants, and that was on display this weekend at California State High School track meet.
Receiver Nelson Rosario of El Camino of Oceanside was third in the long jump (23-1.25) and fifth in the triple jump (47-8.5). Defensive back Aaron Hester of Dominguez finished eighth in the 400 meters (48.13) and anchored the winning 4X400 relay team. Offensive lineman Jeff Baca of Mission Viejo was eighth in the shot put (56-8.5).
Also basketball signee Drew Gordon of San Jose's Archbishop Mitty finished seventh in the discus (176-6).
By the way, USC commit and UCLA target Randall Carroll of Cathedral High won the 100 and 200 meters.