Gaddy to Arizona

In all honesty, I don't know why any big recruit would want to go to Arizona anymore. It's been fairly obvious that Lute's ship has sailed.

I think a lot of people would agree that Lute's ship has sailed and is starting to show its age...but perhaps Lute guaranteed him a starting spot or a certain amount of minutes per game. I don't know Lute's coaching philosophies but that could have been a determining factor. Arizona doesn't have the academics, location, or basketball history that UCLA does. Any other thoughts? Friends of his in the program already?

Arizona under Olson has had a better record than the Bruins and their history of wins before sell-out crowds in Tucson is more recent than the great years of John Wooden's teams who had their success before the current crop of basketball players were even born. Howland has changed the landscape in the last three years of course but it will take awhile before Arizona loses all its appeal.

Did you guys meant "Lute's ship has SUNK" instead of "sailed"? Or did his ship sail into the abyss?

Gaddy should've waited a little longer to make his decision.

Enjoy the lite reading ...

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/frontpage/96765.php

You mean, again?

I'm glad he went to Arizona. He has a much better chance of shinnig in that system then in ours. I have nothing but respect for Lute and the Cat's. It is one of my favorite games to watch during the Pac-10 season. Let's just hope they can get it together over there and be competitive once again.

Go Bruins!

Unless something drastic changes. This is looking like it's turning out to be one of Howland's worst recruiting classes.

I don't think you can look at each year's recruiting classes the same. He had a STELLAR one this year with what basically constitutes a whole team. Howland already got another couple really good kids coming in next year...You simply can't load with 5 studs every year. There aren't enough scholarships or seats on the bench. Ben has had the Gatorade National Player of the Year for two straight seasons...I'm not going to bust his chops about this next class.

Anyone have other thoughts?

I agree, He doesn't need to have stellar recruiting classes every year. Look what he did with lavins players! It's not always the best talent that wins. If you buy into his system he can make a 3 star player a 4 Star Stud. Bailey is correct in the fact that there are not enough scholorships or seats on the bench. Im not worried in the least about the year after next when this season has yet to begin. We will be just fine with Ben Howland at the reigns. He has a team full of up and comming assistants and kids will always want to play for UCLA.

Tyler Honeycutt just committed to UCLA

To a certain extent, I agree. However, Ben's stellar play and recruiting has made us greedy and ask for more. As a whole the level of talent he recruits has improved. I'm just not completely sold on the athleticism and talent of guys like Lane and Nelson at the PF. Two key positions and huge needs in the coming years. The reason why we have lost the last 3 Final Fours is simple, lack of depth and athleticisim. I just don't see that in this class.

For instance,

North Carolina is consistently bringing in lights out talent and athleticism, especially these last 3 years. This is who I believe will be our main competition in the next few years. On the next level I see Memphis, Kansas, and UConn. We can't compete with these guys when we only have 9-10 scholorship players out of 13 possible. I think we need to start taking chances on 1 top 10 guy a year. Even thought they don't necessarily fit the Ben "Mold". Guys like Favors, Henry, Stephenson, and Sidney. If they don't want to comply and play defense like Stanback, well.....you know what well. Especially, we should gamble on a local guy like Sidney who loves and wants to come to UCLA.

Dan B:

Not enough Scholarships or seats on the bench? What team have you been following? We have 13 scholies every year. Every year under Howland we have been well under that limit. Including, this year. Why do you think Ben was pissed when he found out Luc was going pro and stressed when he found out Aboya might not be coming back? Last year we only had 10 out of a possible 13 players on scholarship. This year we will only have 11 on scholarship. Please do your homework before blabbing. It's like backseat bloggers on here. We have always had plenty of scholies. Next year Aboya, Collison, Roll, and maybe Holiday will be gone. That will leave us with only 7 players coming back and 6 scholies to give. Think about it. Easy grade school math.

Dan B:

By the way, Steve Lavin's players were all extremely talented. They just weren't well coached. Cedric Bozeman was a 5 star recruit and Hollins was a 3 star with great size and athleticism. Get your facts straight.