Hoops stuff
Here is an update on UCLA power forward Nikola Dragovic, and also a story I wrote for today's paper on UCLA point guard Darren Collison still being at UCLA, and how he thinks about the NBA every day.
In making his decision, Collison talked to former teammates who play in the NBA.
"I talked to Ryan Hollins, and he said, 'The NBA is ready for you.' '' Collison said. "My draft status was I was anywhere between late lottery to the end of the first round. A lot of NBA teams liked what they saw. They liked my quickness, and going to the Final Four three straight years helped. They knew what I was about.''
Great guy. I really respect players like Collison and Hansborough who respect their program enough to come back for their senior year. He knows the money will come one day, but the chance to play for four consecutive Final Fours comes only once.
By the way, we finally put up our "Get Rid of Geoff Strand" article on WWW.ULTIMATEBRUIN.COM
Collison deserves the cheer and respect of all UCLA fans no matter how far he will lead the team at the end of the year. Because of his loyality and commitment to the program, his legacy at UCLA will always rank way higher than Love, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute.
"Coming back for my senior year is unusual, and rare, but I'm real loyal to my program. If I had one more year to win a championship, I'm going to go for it."
I hope the this year's freshmen will follow Collison's footsteps.
Perhaps it is sour grapes, but I believe that Nikola Dragovich's "punishment" should be to sit out for one-half of the next basketball game. At half-time, dress him in his uniform and let him play ball. This is what he does best, and what he was brought to the university for.
To wit, I think this is the best way to go since the athlete's lives and careers are not tampered with, and the school can still use the athlete's services, at least for half the game. Coach Ben Howland said he would handle the discipline "internally", the same way Coach Pete Carroll does. This is good for UCLA, Dragovich, and the fans.
LAWYER JOHN