Answers, Part III
Before I get to the third set of answers, there were a number of questions about hoops recruit Abdul Gaddy, an Arizona commit. I didn't answer every one of those questions, but boiled it down to a question or two. I am also working on it to see how realistic UCLA's chances are of getting him now that Lute Olson retired as UofA coach.
Now, here is the third set of answers:
Did you ever think that your "Familiar Name" post might lead to negative comments about Donovan Edwards?
Since this blog's popularity rose greatly last December, one thing I learned is never to be surprised by people's ability to read way too much into something, or miss the point of something completely. Some people, and it is far in the minority of folks that visit this blog, just cannot help themselves and always have to write something negative.
how is damien holmes progressing? does he look like a future starter on the DL?
His progress won't be able to be charted until he spends the offseason in the weight room and get stronger, which he needs to do. As far as future starter, I'm sure he can be, but to what level? And when? Does starting as a fifth-year senior during a rebuilding year count?
From what you've seen from Howland, how would you descibe his relationship with the players and media?
Howland is tough on his players, but protects them and always takes a hit for them publicly. With the media, Howland understands it is important to get along with us, but there are times he is not very easy to deal with.
What type of chance do you think we have at getting back to the Final Four and actually winning a championship?
Great, but I'm not sure this is the season to do it. I do not like UCLA's front court depth, or lack of it, and relying on freshmen is a tall order when you're talking about the interior game.
Do you get to watch the basketball and football games from the court/field?
Nope. From the press box. But I go on the field for the last five minutes of football games, and the Pac-10 and NCAA tournaments I sit courtside.
Is it safe to assume that Hasiak, Hilliard, and Allmond weren't the only prospects offered a scholarship this past weekend? Do you know who else was offered, & do you expect another commit soon?
Hasiak had an offer long before this weekend, Hilliard was offered this weekend and Allmond said he was offered Tuesday, the day he committed. So it is not as if scholarship offers went out at the game and all of sudden guys were set to commit. And, I do expect Hilliard to commit next week.
Has Ben Olson started practicing in pads, yet? Was the November return date a date by which he could return to practice or a date that we could see him in a game? I know I'm in the minority, but I still think he is our best chance to beat 'SC.
He is in pads, but he is not practicing. He throws some passes on the side, but spends much of his time just watching. There was an update on him in today's paper in which he said his last x-ray (two weeks ago) showed the break in his foot still did not fully heal, and he was still experiencing pain so he may not be ready to practice during next week's bye.
How close were we in getting the transfer Ryan Mallet(sp?) from Michigan? Coaching staff bummed about not getting him?
I don't think very close. He didn't want to come this far, and when the QB coach from Michigan was not hired, I think that sealed the deal he wasn't coming to UCLA.
Do you think Josh Shipp can play the 4? How does he feel about the possibility of being asked to do so?
I think he can do it on a limited basis against smaller teams, but not often and not against bigger, physical power forwards. I wrote a blog item on it, and he said he wasn't told he could possibly play it, but if he was asked, he would do it.
Geez people . . . I think it's fair to say Ben Olsen's football career is over because it's so late in the season and he has not practiced with the team at all. What makes you think a guy who's played a handful of games during his career at UCLA can come in and be the X factor in beating $C? He may have some friends on the team but it's clear during games the guys do not play for him nor rally around him. And if you think Craft's progression reads are bad and he has problems looking off receivers, you've forgotten Ben is just as bad? We should all just wish him well and hope his foot heals.
Yeah, depending on a freshman for your front court scoring is stupid. No team can make it to the final four that depends heavily on a freshman in the front court.
"No team can make it to the final four that depends heavily on a freshman in the front court."
Go to Google and look up the Fab Five from Michigan.
bz, I think you missed the previous poster's sarcasm. If you recall, we had a freshman in the front court last year that did quite a bit of scoring.
I'll do you one better, go to last season in UCLA and Kevin Love. UNBELIEVEABLE. Couldn't even see it in your own back yard. No thinking caps on today eh?
Seriously? UNBELIEVEABLE. Did you not witness Kevin Love do that just 7 months ago?
Folks,
I know Kevin Love was a freshman last season and did a great job, and perhaps it is my fault for not pointing this out, but J'mison Morgan is not anything close to Kevin Love as a player. Love was a once-in-a-decade (or longer) type of freshman player.
As it has been mentioned to me by people I trust, Morgan is not in the same league as Love when it comes to playing the game and understanding the game as a freshman.
Yes, I am aware of what Love did, but I figured most people understood how special Love was, although I am now learning folks don't agree with that.
So, to make myself clear, I do not think Morgan and Drew Gordon are the type of talents that, as freshmen, can play significant roles in leading UCLA to a national title.
anonymous and anonymous,
I'm an idiot... ignore my post .... thanks :)
Forget Gaddy, from what I understand from the people who posted in the "Familiar Name" post about Donovan Edwards, UCLA fans don't want anyone who reneges on a commit to ever put on a Bruin uniform.