Q&A time

Posted on by

It is that time of week again. Send in a question by 8 a.m. Friday, and I will post the answers throughout the day. If the questions are more than 50 words, they will not get answered.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email
  • Anonymous

    I don’t know if you’ve already answered this, but what became of our basketball team’s “motion offense?”

  • UCLAVES

    If he wanted to, could Ben Olson have taken a medical redshirt? If no, why not? I have seen guys get 6 years before.

  • Pauley Shore

    When is the “quiet phase” going to end with the Pauley redo, and when are we going to hear and see details? Wouldn’t the week after the NCAA championship game be a perfect time?

  • lavsmousse

    In your opinion, what improvements or changes, if any, should Larry Scott focus on making as the new Pac-10 commissioner?

  • gerry4ucla

    Your best guess on the starting lineup for the start of the next basketball season??

  • trueblue

    Do you know of any NBA teams who like Holiday enough or need a player like him enough to consider drafting him as a lottery pick in the upcoming draft?

  • Westwood Bob

    Is UCLA sincerely interested in QB prospect Robert Marve (left Miami, now shopping around) and going to make a big pitch for him assuming he trips out here as previously mentioned?

  • BRUIN NC

    (1) What’s your opinion of the attitude of players in the weight room as opposed to last season?

    (2) From what you know, do you expect Branden Warner to be in uniform for practice in the summer?

    (3) Was there any truth to the rumor Kansas State was trying to get out of the game with UCLA?

    (4) Did you hit the cheesesteak scene in Philly and down a couple?

    (5) What WR are you expecting a “breakout” year from in 2009?

    (6) Do you feel UCLA has the kind of playmakers on the roster to stretch the field and open up the running game?

    (7) Where do you rate the FB team in terms of talent in the PAC-10?

    (8) Do you feel NIKE gives Oregon an unfair advantage because of their proximity to Eugene and the fact Phil Knight is an alum?

  • lavsmousse

    Who do you see as having the best chance of being the starter at their respective position come season opener, K. Prince or C. Ramirez?

  • Anonymous

    Please put to rest the rumor that Holiday has a real problem with Howland (i.e. beyond the typical annoyance players have with hard nosed coaches who push their players hard.)

  • Jungleland

    My general hypothesis is the reason that Howland hasn’t won a national championship is that he is trying to play an east coast, physical style of game with west coast, run-n-gun, fast break players. Your thoughts?

  • Jungleland

    Hoops: how do you think UCLA would have done this year if Luc Richard had returned for his senior year? Would he have made a big difference? Or did Drago’s offense contribute more?

  • Jungleland

    Anything more you can say on why UCLA passed on Sidney?

  • Michael

    There were several “analysts” who commented that the Coach Howland’s reluctance to play a zone defense hurt us greatly in the game against Villanova. Having a variety of defenses to throw against a team makes intuitive sense. Can you lend your insight here? Thanks!

  • Anonymous

    In general, how frequently does coach howland contact recruits that have signed their LOI prior to them enrolling (lane, nelson, etc)? What would be common topics to discuss?

  • Anonymous

    Does ucla send their football recruits any workout regimen info prior to their enrollment so they can be properly training?

  • Anonymous

    Did d. savage improve on his blocking assignments/mental aspects of the game enough by the end of last year enough to where the coaches wouldnt consider that a major concern going into camp?

  • melsby’s knee was down

    We are hearing a lot now about chemistry problems on the basketball team this past year. Can you expound on this topic at all?

  • melsby’s knee was down

    What’s your initial expectation for next year if Holiday comes back?

  • melsby’s knee was down

    What have you heard on Arizona’s coaching search?

  • Anonymous

    Who pay for a pro day at a college? Does the have to pay for the scouts to come in and do the players have to pay for any of this?

  • melsby’s knee was down

    Is it hard for players to switch from one position to another during a game, for instance moving from SG to SF or from PF to C? I would imagine switching between guard spots would be the hardest.

  • Jungleland

    Hoops: With Nelson and Lane coming in next year, do you see Drago playing more time at the 3, to give the defense a bigger, more physical lineup?

  • sandiegobruinfan

    Thanks as always for taking time to respond to our questions.

    1. Did you sense the Bruin players just accepted the hard fouls dished by ‘Nova early in the game or were they instructed not to retaliate?

    2. Did the players indicate those 2 early hard fouls intimidated them and set the tone for the rest of the game?

    3. I asked about Prince a few weeks ago and you noted he’d be given the same opportunity to win the QB job like anyone else. What (if anything) changed to bump him up to getting the “first shot” at winning the job?

    4. What players are you looking forward to seeing this spring to evaluate how far they’ve come along during the off-season?

    5. While back in Filthadelphia, did you get the chance to visit friends & family in NJ?

  • melsby’s knee was down

    When we lost to Memphis in the final four last year, the explanation generally given was that “Memphis had more talent”. But with Love, Westbrook, and Luc having so much success in the NBA…that doesn’t really seem true anymore, does it?

  • romeojam

    how much more (or less) competitive would this team have been if darren collison was the one that left for the NBA instead of russell westbrook (everything else remaining the same)?

  • WIUbruinfan

    Which single basketball player do you think fans should be most excited to see next year? Is it Jrue if he comes back, or is it one of the freshman like Honeycutt who can jump over multiple people to dunk?Yeah, Howland is all about team, but tempt us…

  • amm

    Is Dominique Johnson looked at as the 1 WR going into spring practice?

  • Ali Ahmed

    How important is it to build strong relationships with high school football coaches? How much of a factor do they play in helping their student athlete on deciding a university. How are UCLA’s relationships with coaches in California and across the nation(please compare it to ‘SC)?

  • melsby’s knee was down

    Will all this dribbling at the top of the key and passing it back and forth for 32 seconds disappear now that Collison is graduating?

  • amm

    Was it wrong for me to cry after the nova game? It was more out of sadness than frustration.
    ALL HAIL DOHN!!!!!!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    Do you believe CBH will ever research and development a better offensive scheme and/or be more flexible in adjusting the defense to compensate for matchups? Can he ever win a championship if he doesn’t make improvments over pride and stubborness?

  • MaltBaa

    Do the football coaches have realistic expectations for the upcoming season? What are they?

  • MaltBaa

    Is Craft going to be given the shot as the number two Qb?

  • Calabruin

    With Basketball ending pre sweet 16, do you go through sportswriting detox to quit cold turkey? A 12 step program for you beat reporters to help you through this? Mock sessions with a Ben-Yoda-like creature who won’t answer your questions? We are here to help.

  • MaltBaa

    Is it an ncaa violation if i didnt have a previous reltaionship with brian dohn before this blog and we are friends on facebook?

  • MoeBruins

    Why do you think this years basketball team had so much problem getting up for every game when in the past under Howland it was never a problem? Was the team chemistry different this year?

    Do you think UCLA can win a championship running Howland’s offense?

    What would Coach Dohn do differently then Coach Howland to increase their chances of winning in the future?

  • redzone88

    How good is Tyler Honeycutt and do you think he is able to handle the starting position if Holiday leaves? How about Nelson? Are they currently good defensive players?

  • wc116

    do you get the feeling that the (Jrue) Holiday camp is unhappy with coach howland? if yes, what is it that they are unhappy about?

  • Anonymous

    Dohn, do you get excited when you see a pro or college athlete and if so you ask for an autograph?

  • redzone88

    Which freshman is going to have the biggest impact … for both basketball and football next season? (Based on your predictions who will get PT)

  • Anonymous

    Howland has been great for UCLA, but I can’t help but notice that all 4 of his UCLA tournament losses have been blowouts–not even close. Why? And how can Howland overcome this?

  • wc116

    you posted earlier that Howland praised Anderson when he was asked about Holiday’s potential role next season. Is he alluding to Anderson starting at PG next season regardless if Holiday stays? Do you think this upsets Holiday and cause him to go to the NBA?

  • VBs Cat

    OT
    Will you be attending the Chelsea vs Inter at the Rose Bowl 7/21? Not a huge soccer fan but it would be nice to see this match live.

  • BruinJigs

    Is UCLA soon to offer the top QB on their board, if they have not already?

  • BruinJigs

    Brian, I want to apologize because I was guilty of whinning during the Nova-UCLA game on saturday. It was rather immature on my part.

  • BruinJigs

    Brian, whats your favorite part of the UCLA campus?

  • wc116

    what is your opinion of Drew Gordon’s attitude? He seems like a hothead type of player that doesn’t respect his coach. Do you think Howland will discipline him if he doesn’t tone it down?

  • Legalsean

    In Howland’s press conference, he was very positive of the freshman players. How much of it is “coachspeak”, and how much is what he really believes? He did not play Lee, Anderson, and Morgan very much this season.

    Legalsean

  • wc116

    Do you think Jrue Holiday will leave for the NBA?

  • Legalsean

    Assuming Jrue returns, who do you think will be in the starting lineup for the Bruins b-ball team in 2009-10? and why?

    LS

  • wc116

    Who do you have in your Final Four and who do you think is going to win the men’s basketball Championship?

  • wc116

    Do you think Ben Howland will eventually win a Championship at UCLA before his coaching career is over?

  • Anonymous

    Seeing how physical stats are fudged in both directions, do you think Bobo is a true 6’10”? How about new recruits Stover and Lane?

  • barrya

    the women’s BB team had a pretty good record – didn’t make the NCAA tourney – nor do I find Ucla (or Sc) in the WNIT. Did they decide not to accept a bid – if so, why? Or were they doubly snubbed – again, if so, why do you think?

  • highlander

    Do you think Collison was a step slower this year after bulking up? If so, should he focus on quickness in preparation for the NBA?

  • mark

    Brian:

    Mike Montgomery did a masterful job of setting up an offensive system to match the make-up of his team. Do you think CBH fell victim to trying too hard to have his players fit his offensive and defensive system? At times, seemed like he was trying to put square peg into round hole this year.

  • Bruin Blue

    Brian, there’s been a lot of negative talk about Pac-10 referees this season. Is there a reason college basketball doesn’t have a coach-challenge system the way college football does, and from your perspective, would adding such a system be a good thing?

  • Anonymous

    What are you hearing about Jrue Holiday’s draft status from NBA scout types? Has it fallen a lot? From what you’ve heard, would Holiday still leave if he’s projected to be taken as late as the 20′s in the first round?

  • Anonymous

    What changes, if any, do you expect in chuck bullough’s defensive schemes compared to d walker’s?

  • KLOVEIT

    Next years basketball team will be very deep in the frontcourt. How do you see the battle shaping out between Keefe, Dragovich, Gordon, Aboya, Nelson, Lane, and Stover for playing time. Who do you see starting and who will get significant minutes off the bench?

  • Jungleland

    Am I missing something or has Howland admitted that he was out-coached in the NCAA tournament the last two years in the game where UCLA was eliminated (Memphis and Villanova)?

  • Jungleland

    Football: what are the three key things UCLA fans should be looking for in spring practice?

  • Mike in SJ

    Best guys leave early
    Howland ball takes years to learn
    Permanent problem?

  • Anonymous

    You’ve stated that UCONN coach Calhoun to be a good coach who runs a clean program. But now with what’s happening over there because of the Miles kid, should UCLA should be just as concerned that these kind of things are going on here as well?

  • Anonymous

    If you knew that something was going on at UCLA like what just come out at UCONN, would you write a huge story on it, or because of the relationships you’ve made would it be difficult? Even the slightest bit?

  • DCBruin05

    What would be the quick pros and cons of each potential starting QB candidates: Craft, Forcier, Prince, Brehaut?

  • CAMpie

    What do you think of this lineup? Possible?

    PG – Holiday
    SG – Lee
    SF – Dragovic
    PF – Gordon
    C – Bobo

    Can Gordon play the 4? We never got much O out of Luc but his rebounding was a huge help

  • CAMpie

    Has Chandler bulked up enough to man the RT spot? Is Sheller healthy enough for the left?

  • CAMpie

    Coach Howland talked about JA and Jrue running together, who runs the point in that situation?

  • CAMpie

    A lot of Pac-10 teams will probably lose big time players (Harden, Pendergraph, Brockman, Budinger, Hill, Derozan). Is there a real worry that UCLA will struggle to make the tourney or will the conference be so down we’re at the top?

  • CAMpie

    Do you feel the Seniors had a sense of entitlement against the hyped freshmen even though they were role players or weak links on Final 4 teams with great players?

  • CAMpie

    Has Collison’s draft stock gone up, down, stayed the same? Where do you feel he will be drafted? Seems he peaked as a College player as a Soph.

  • CAMpie

    Will the team be better next year with Jrue at the point and better chemistry with the rising Sophs and Seniors who understand they’re role players? What’s your expectation for next year?

  • tom962

    Did you have to see any friends/family when you were in Philly?

  • tom962

    Is the fact that Josh Smith is now apparently leaning toward UW attributable to UCLA having somewhat of an off year and UW having a much better than expected year?

  • eightyearplan

    For Jrue Holiday, what are points as to why he would stay? What are the points as to why he should go?

  • Blue Bruin

    Is Howland going to wake up one day next year and wish that he had played Lee, Anderson, Gordon, and Morgan more this season?

  • Blue Bruin

    Does Howland understand garbage time? Even in 30 point victories, he would sometimes bring the starting unit back in with 5 minutes to go!

  • Blue Bruin

    Presupposing you know enough about Stover, is there any current Pac 10 player that he could be compared to (or might develop in to)?

  • doug4ucla

    If Holiday was to go to the NBA…any guess on his projected place in the draft?

  • Anonymous

    Have you had the chance to watch and/or meet any of the new class of BB recruits? If so, are there any that stand out and impress you as either players or persons?

  • Bob

    Brian,

    Given the makeup of next year’s basketball team, has Coach Howland given any indication on whether or not he will utilize a more wide open offensive approach?

  • Roger Dodger

    On a scale of 0 – 100, how clean is Howland’s program?

  • Anonymous

    For next season, don’t you think Howland is going to have to loosen the reigns and just throw some of the big guys in the mix…whether they’re ready or not by his standards?

  • Anonymous

    For Anderson and Holiday’s summer development, is Howland going to give them some sort of manual on how to properly dribble around the perimeter for 30 seconds?

  • Anonymous

    Basketball home jerseys are white but football home jerseys are colored. Is there a reason? Has it always been that way?

  • BRUINBEATCH

    Brian do you think the Bruins will be able to keep pace with a more experianced USC bball team next year?

  • BRUINBEATCH

    Other than for “traditional reasons” why doesnt the Bruins wear diffrent bball jersey’s?Is that addidas’s call?A UCLA blackout jersey would be nice!

  • Blue Bruin

    Mark Whicker (Orange County Register) hints that Drew Gordon might transfer. Have you heard this rumor yourself, and can you comment on it?

  • bbruin

    Do you see any of the 3 BBall seniors starting next year?

    Will Gordon and Bobo go home for summer or stay at UCLA?

    Blue Bru – Whicker never hinted Gordon would transfer, geez!!

    Brian, Did you know that 10% of the population is apparently unable to understand sarcasm?

  • jma

    What do you think of Drew Gordon as a team leader next year? I think his attitude is an embarrassment to UCLA.

  • Anonymous

    Love that Gordon plays w/ emotion and competitive spirit, but you think Gordon can be a liability at times when he’s on the floor? Over the course of the season I’ve noticed on several occassions where he does these extra jabs, shoves, etc that go unnoticed by the ref (I can list incidences, but running over my limit on words). Have you/Howland noticed this?

  • cj003

    we dont practice zone. we dont practice a full court press. yet howland is supposed to be a coach who pays attention to every detail. am i missing something? what exactly do we practice?

  • awesomebruin

    lavin mentioned something like west-coast teams in the tournament that play at the early 10am time-slot have a very low winning percentage and provided a stat, or something. doesnt that give east-coast teams an unfair advantage? what do u think? what can be done?

  • Nathan

    How seriously is UCLA recruiting Marve? Would he even be eligible to play next season? Are there any concerns about his attitude or the manner in which he left Miami?

  • bruinmanny

    What is the hold up in offering (QB) 2010 prospect Peter Thomas ?

  • la-ukla

    What did you think about those intentional, hard Nova fouls? Is all fair in love and war or should UCLA have returned the favor?

  • Anonymous

    Prediction please: Will Sydney ever play basketball for USC?

  • MoeBruins

    Pooh Richardson on KLAC radio after the Villanova game called Ben Howland’s offense “pre-historic”. Do you agree?

  • BruinAlum’05

    If Holiday declares for the draft, will UCLA recruit another guard for this incoming class? Do they have someone in mind ie Westbrook signing late after Farmar declared?

    Your thoughts on a few potential candidates for Pac 10 POY for hoops next year?

  • Anonymous

    Brian,

    How does the officiating style in the PAC 10 effect the schools come tournament time?

    Is there a perception among the various schools and coaches that our officiating is not as good as other conferences?

  • mrybill2

    In two years, Florida went from National Champs to not in the tournament. With three Senior starters leaving, really weak nonconference schedule (I realize next year’s schedule isn’t finalized yet but that’s Howland’s history), etc. should we be concerned that could happen to us next year?

  • Mario DiLeo

    Who wins a game between the L.A. Defenders and Duke?

  • mike04

    Any status update on Lester White and the JC recruits? When can the public watch spring practice?

  • rejn

    Brian – Your colleague (SW) mentioned that Larry Scott was the fourth choice for the Commissioners job. Do you have any idea who the first three choices were? If so, who were they (by name)?

  • Anonymous

    Brian if you really wanted a story from a scource and he wouldnt let up would you tie him up play the usc fight song as form of torture over and over? Is there anything more annoying?

  • Anonymous

    Why does it seem that only Yahoo! Sports (and ESPN with the O.J. Mayo story) investigates the shady side of college athletics? Where are the local papers in all this?

  • GoGo Bruin

    With your insight to player personalities, who do you see as the next leaders on the BBall team? Why?

  • Anonymous

    What ever happened to Ben Bruneau from SO ND? Is he on the UCLA football team?

  • GoGo Bruin

    With 1 yr under their belt, CBH says that players grow a lot between their 1st and 2nd year? Who do you see as making the most improvement in their play? Why? Would these same players become effective team leaders as well?

  • GoGo Bruin

    What insight can you give us regarding what players learn their 1st yr in terms of growth in attitude and strength developement to move from highschool play to college level? Do they practice harder and hit the weight rooms individually, or does it take team effort to improve play?

  • GoGo Bruin

    HOw much do incoming freshmen in both FB and BB keep updated with news and team developements? Do these incoming players watch and read the bloggs like we do to be aware of team issues?

  • Gabe Green

    Is it possible that EJ Woods will receive probation similar to that of Dragovic, or is Dragovic domestic abuse case considered less severe?

  • GoGo Bruin

    If so, do these incoming freshmen listen to what CBH or CRN says about hitting the weight room to grow stronger? How much of what coachs say at end of season press conference for next years expectations translate into freshmen actively taking action of their own accord?

  • Tim

    I know they upgraded the Rose Bowl locker rooms and other facilities lately, have you heard of of any discussion of lowering the field to make the seats behind the bench usable?

  • GoGo Bruin

    Do the BB players ever think of emailing or contacting incoming freshmen who have signed NLI to discuss their learning experience their 1st yr and what they believe they need to do improve as a team? Can this happen before they enroll, or not permitted until after? How about FB?

  • GoGo Bruin

    Is BoBo’s playing issues really about him being out of shape or does his leg issues have any credibility? What is he doing to overcome these weakenesses?

  • GoGo Bruin

    We have not had any tough players like MATA REAL, do any of next years players have (including incoming freshmen) this personna?

  • GoGo Bruin

    Why don’t we have a player that can dunk with authority (like East coast teams)? It seems most of our big men prefer jumpshots or bankshots (less successful percentages). Do you think if Keefe, BoBo, or Morgan starting dunking more…it may make them more dominant because of attitude shift?

  • GoGo Bruin

    Do we have any dunkers in the incoming class? How tough is this class as oppose to past CBH recruits?

  • GoGo Bruin

    What is the record for questions by one person in this blog? Do I get some sort of award if I set the record? Do you really count to see if there’s more than 50 words in each question? Did you know me in high school, I was the annoying guy with the weird laugh?

  • Anonymous

    Without giving names, teams, or years: Are you aware of any UCLA players who were gay? Did/do their teammates know, and if so, how were/are they treated? Do you think BH or RN would recruit a talented player whom they knew to be gay?

    Thanks.

  • Bruin_67

    Have you heard of UCLA as a possible destination for Stephen Curry’s brother who is transferring from Liberty?

  • tim warren

    Scout.com shows two 2010 recruits, Kenneth Scott WR Colony HS and Demetrius Wright DB Corona HS, as favoring UCLA even though other schools have made offers and UCLA has not. Any knowledge of CRN interest in either of them?

  • Nathan Exp

    Wouldn’t you think that after all the hours CBH spends reviewing tape of opposing team offenses that he would be a more effective coach on the offensive side of the ball?

  • Anonymous

    Were you happy w/ how the in-game basketball chats progressed or did you tune out like I did when the same folks routinely used it as a personal chatting venue?

  • Anonymous

    Is it common in other Pac 10 venues for the band to play the same tired songs at every home basketball game? How good/lousy is the UCLA band in your opinion?

  • PointSpreadBruin

    Any truth to the rumors on the following:

    1) a home-and-home series w/ UNLV in college basketball

    2) a Pac-10 network/channel (similar to the Big-10 Network, Big East Network, and even The Mtn. (yup, even the mighty Mountain West Conference has their own channel)

  • GoGo Bruin

    I don’t know who signed in with my user name, but it was not me asking about breaking any questions record. I am not trying to annoy anyone…just have questions for the blog. I thought sign-ins were unique. What can you do about this Dohn?

  • GoGo Bruin

    For the BBall team who do you see CBH relying on for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shot next season? I don’t see any reliable shooters outside Drago and Roll.

  • GoGo Bruin

    Even if Jrue comes back, his shot doesn’t seem consistent? Do players work with a shooting coach during the off season? Do you think any other players need to work on their shooting mechanics?

  • wc116

    What’s your opinion on Josh Smith, the 2010 basketball recruit from Kentwood HS in Washington? It has been said that he is Howland’s priority. Do you think he will end up in Westwood?

  • Blue Bruin

    Seems like UCLA has some pretty good prospects in Prince and Brehaut at QB…what exactly would Marve add to the mix? Do you think he would start or end up as a high profile backup like Mustain at USC?

  • gerry4ucla

    CForce and Osar seem like the odd men out. Has either of them expressed a desire to change positions so they can get on the field?

  • Blue Bruin

    What do you know about Patrick Witt and what would he add to the UCLA QB situation if he comes to Westwood?

  • CAMpie

    Chad Ford of ESPN.com wrote that Holiday is gone because he doesn’t like CBH and his style of coaching. Have you heard the same?

  • wc116

    There’s been a lot of speculation that Holiday does not get along with Howland. In light of this, and with Gordon openly criticizing Howland’s coaching style, is there a rift between the players and coach Howland? Is it only with some players or all?

  • Anonymous

    Is Arron Afflalo really the good guy that he appears to be? Even now that he is in the NBA, I continue to be impressed by his humility and the way he carries himself.

    Thanks, Brian!

  • Blue Bruin

    I’ll be the first to get in line and say UCLA played horribly last Saturday…but nevertheless, is Villanova actually a lot better than anyone thought?

  • Anonymous

    Why do North Carolina players return to finish their careers with Roy Williams and why do UCLA players always seem to jump at the first NBA chance presented?

  • Anonymous

    Should UCLA fans be concerned that Howland may have captured lightning in a bottle with his first few recruiting classes getting guys who fit his style perfectly and that we may not get back to that level?

  • Anonymous

    Do you think Duke’s days of attracting good athletes and making deep tournament runs is over? (Seems like North Carolina stole that aura away…)

  • Anonymous

    Basketball season is over, it’s not even spring football practice yet…surprised to be approaching 150 questions?

  • Anonymous

    Do you think Ben Howland’s boring offense will scare away recruits? We all know the best players have handlers who steer them toward a college that will showcase their individual talents and give them the best chance to get to the next step in their careers (NBA). Have you heard any concern about this from UCLA athletic administrators? Boring basketball could lead to fewer appearances on national TV and a loss of reputation in basketball circles.

  • Anonymous

    There’s a rumor making the rounds that Drew Gordon will sit out next season and transfer. Can you find out if this is true?

  • Warren

    If I remember correctly, Howland never seems to get the 7-foot high-jumping, shot-blocker types. Is it because they aren’t physical enough, or is he unsuccessful in recruiting them?

  • Anonymous

    Gordon was quoted as saying Howland needed to change a few things. The mentality of next year’s team is they don’t work well in the half-court set, they are used to run-and-gun, and they aren’t programmed into slow-grinding it on the court. Did Howland talk to Gordon?