Bobo's contributions

I just hope he develops during the year to the point that he can contribute in March...

considering that there were not many videos on bobo from H.S. I was not expecting anything more than the 5th rated center in the nation...so I guess i was expecting a bit more, but considering howlands defensive system it would seem that most talented big men would struggle to handle it.

Considering he was so highly rated, 5 stars, I was expecting something a little more polished at this point. He has upside, but he has a lot of work to do to become one of the elite big men in the country.
A few years back, we had the same issues with big men. We had 1 option, Mata. The others off the bench were just to give him a break, nothing more.
That is how this team is looking to me right now. Aboya is a serviceable big man with mediocre offensive skills and poor free throw shooting...just like Mata, just shorter.
Unless Bobo gets in shape, quickly..it's going to be a long, hard year for Aboya.

His points per minutes aren't bad for a freshman...the rebounding could use some work especially since that's where we're lacking. Conditioning is his biggest problem though - as that gets better I expect his numbers will go up.

He is very raw and still out of shape. I like, however, that he is aggressive on offense...looks to score. That is something that Aboya and Mata rarely looked to do...though you really didn't want them too, either. Bobo's effectiveness will increase when he learns the art of passing out of the post or dishing to a cutter--we don't want him becoming a black hole in the post because teams will double. Also, improved offensive reboudning can bump up his scoring numbers. But, all that being said, the key to playing time with Howland is defense, so if he wants to get on the court, he'll have to be on board with the defensive scheme.

I am just so happy with how the Hoops season has unfolded so far. If we were 7 and 0 instead of 5 and 2, everyone would be talking national Championship, etc., etc., etc. Instead, we are focused on what this team needs to do to improve. And yes, it needs to improve! But the good thing is, IT HAS SO MUCH ABILITY TO IMPROVE.

Now, if the Frosh class was lighting it up, it would be harder, IMO, for CBH to TEACH them what they need to know to be successful in P10 and March. Now, he can intensify the learning process for the Frosh.

As to Aboya, he will give us good, but not great minutes in the middle. He is a great guy and a good player, but he is not the same caliber of K-Love (that slimey worm).

Gordon and Bobo will need to progress quickly, and I think they can. Bobo has size, no doubt, but he appears a little soft. He needs to bulk up a bit more. He has good hands, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired. I think he and Drew will be successful contributors by the middle of January, and give us really good minutes in March.

It is easier for wing players to have an immediate impact on offense. Just shoot. But the bigs need more time to develop. K-Love was an exceptional player, but he too was somewhat soft. Just look at how much he bulked up to get that NBA contract! Bobo and Drew will be very good players when all is said and done, but right now, they are very good FRESHMAN players. In the old days, we didn't worry until their Junior year!

I expected a few more minutes given the lack of depth at the center position, but not a lot of production early on. It's going to be important, though, to get some minutes early on for him to be a factor in March, imo, but I'm sure that will happen as the year progresses and especially when we face some teams that have bigger lineups. Right now Howland seems to be trying to give Keefe the chance to earn the starters role throughout, but if he doesn't it will be up to Gordon/Bobo to improve and be able to take a spot on the front line.

Is it just me, or are the UCLA BB fans a lot more reasonable and understanding than the FB fans on this board?

Bobo, is far away at this point. his post game (on offense) is good, but he's slow on D, often out of position and unskilled. The first exhibition game I saw, I wrote this year off as a learning year for him. Hopefully he'll get a lot better down the line, but right now he kinda reminds me of that ASU (former Duke) big man, Boatang, except with some offensive skill. Hopefully Howland can coach him up. I guess we'll see how he develops real talented big men (Mata and Aboya are kinda different cases).

First off, I really agree with UB's comments about being glad we're 5-2 and not 7-0. Excellent points.

As it related to Jill's post --> Bobo has potential...everyone can see that. Are other people not more surprised that he wasn't in better shape? While muscles take time to build, couldn't he have been working out this past summer to get rid of the baby fat? Maybe this is just me, but if I'm the #5 ranked Center coming out of HS, I bust my rear end before going to college to make my mark and get to the NBA sooner rather than later. He needs to get on a stationary bike and do some work!

One more thing, the minutes are there for Bobo if he can get himself in shape. His level of contribution only weighs on his own shoulders.

Bailey...I couldn't agree more! Knowing that ABOYA was the best big man UCLA had coming into this year...IF I was the big center recruit, I would see that the minutes are there if I earn them...so I would bust my tail and come in...make the big splash in the weak Pac-10.
I'm very surprised that is not what he chose. I hope he is learning work ethic now, cause he obviously didn't come with a very good one.
Opportunity is knocking Bobo. Time to step up!

i was expecting a lot more