Answers, Part IX

Do you think the football staff has been slow in offering recruits? They have been a little slow, but I think it is because coach Rick Neuheisel is adjusting to the way recruiting has evolved since he was at Washington. And I do believe he is already adjusting, and will continue to do so.

Who do you think will be the next to make a non-binding oral commitment to play CFB at UCLA?Who knows, and since I've been away for so long, I won't even hazard a guess this time.

Is UCLA recruiting Renardo Sidney and Lance Stephenson hard or hardly?Hard-ly.

Also, are UCLA's chances of landing Michael Snaer, Elijah Johnson or Tyler Honeycutt looking good?I don't think all three, but I expect them to get at least one of those players.

What are your thoughts on Westbrook going 4 to Oklahoma (then Seattle) and Love going 5 to Minnesota (thru Memphis)? Did those picks surprise you and do you think the players will make an impact as rookies? What did you hear from scouts about both players?I knew Westbrook's ceiling was considered high (I did a story during the season in which a scout said Westbrook was the best NBA prospect on UCLA) but I didn't think he would go that high. I thought he would go 10 to 15, but his athleticism and style of fearless play is off the charts, and teams figured he will develop into a decent shooter.
Love went where I thought he would go, and in going to Minnesota, he is at the team he wanted to play for the most because of his affinity for Kevin McHale. Love often told me he patterned his game after McHale's game.
I think both will make impacts as rookies, and when you are drafted that high, you should make an impact.

What effect, if any, do you think Westbrook and Love being top 5 lottery picks in the NBA draft will have on Howland's ability to land future phenoms? The NBA is, after all, their dream right?I think it is huge. Now, kids know they can increase their value by playing for Howland, even with the style he employs. Howland and his staff basically took an unknown in Westbrook and made him the fourth pick overall in two years. That has to bode well.

First of all welcome back ! It hasn't been the same since you have been gone . No question , just Hello ! Thanks. And, boy, that was an easy one.

Have you heard anything about the OL situation from the coaches? Is it assumed that Harris is the next in line for the RT position & is he ready? Are OL actively involved in the voluntary workouts that are going on now & how do they look?The coaches are worried about the offensive line situation, mostly because they know there is no miracle cure. It takes time for offensive linemen to develop, and that means it could be a few years before UCLA has the depth needed at the position. I think Harris will get a shot and battle with Donovan Edwards (if he gets into school) for the starting spot.
As for as the workouts, they are there for them because they have to be. Voluntary is in name only.

Any word on Alex Stephenson's transfer status?Nothing yet. Everyone is keeping very quiet about it, especially the family, which makes finding out about information difficult.