Answers, Part I

Why are we so obsessed with college sports?
Got me. I have my reasons, but I'm not about to answer for the masses.

If I remember correctly last summer there was some buzz around Keefe bulking up and improving his game. Then he got hurt and we didn't see him until later in the year, where at times I think he stood out. How is he doing this summer? stronger? Faster? Better?
Yes, he's bigger and faster. I spoke to him briefly last week when I saw him on campus. Is he better? Well, that will be decided in a few months. I know he's going to play an important role with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute gone, and he may also have to play a little center.

What happened with Kevin Prince? It sounded like he was looking great, but then he wasn't in the running for the starting spot when Olson went down, with Rashan jumping him.
It's difficult for a true freshman to be in the mix because training camp is so overwhelming because of everything to learn. Also, Rasshan is more elusive, and that has to factor into the equation considering UCLA's offensive line.

What other college basketball teams play exclusively man-to-man defense like UCLA does under Howland?
I don't know, but I know a lot do. I covered UConn for two seasons, and the Huskies didn't play zone defense.

If Knox redshirts like he is supposed to, will he be on the scout team?
If you red-shirt, you are on scout team. No question about it.

I don't suppose you would be looking for an intern here in the next year or two would you?
Is this a trick question? Would it be as a personal assistant, because I have plenty of chores that need to be done around the house.

was wondering how you feel about players' names on the back of their jerseys? Some people don't really care, but I've read where coaches think it promotes unity and team first thinking if the uniforms have no names on the back.
I have no preference. One thing about the college game is sometimes two players wear the same number, so it may be helpful to have the names on the back of the jersey. And as far as unity, teams with names on their back win titles all the time. Unity is built in other ways, not whether a player has a name on his back.

Are you more of a football fan than basketball fan? Do you have more knowledge of the game?
I enjoy them both, but my blood does get pumping a little more for college football. I think I have decent knowledge of both sports, considering it is how I make my livelihood.

UCLA seems to finish in the top 2 or 3 for basketball recruits a lot, but loses more than it gets. It's kind of an interesting pattern, any thoughts?
First, I trimmed a lot of your question because it was way too long. That said, finishing second and third is part of recruiting. If it was as simple as offering five kids and getting four of them, recruiting wouldn't be nearly as difficult.

Messi. Best in the world. Right?
I'll take Ronaldo after his 40+ goals last season, but Messi is right there. Man, could Liverpool use him with Stevie G.

I was under the impression Jeff Locke was going to redshirt but I read he is going to compete for kickoff duties. What happened?
I think he winds up red-shirting, but it doesn't hurt to let him practice kickoffs in case he was sensational. In the last few days the kickoff competition dwindled to Jimmy Rotstein and Kai Forbath.