Answers, Part IV

Here is the fourth set of answers:

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?
Of course, it does. Talent develops, and UCLA had youth in Love and Westbrook. Plus, look on the perimeter where Memphis had a big edge. The matchups weren’t good for UCLA, either and they were impacted greatly by Memphis’ size.

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…
Holiday, if he comes back, by a long shot. If he comes back and plays point guard, UCLA will be the favorite to win the Pac-10. If he leaves, UCLA could finish third or fourth.

Is Dominique Johnson looked at as the 1 WR going into spring practice?
I don’t think so. It will have to wait to see how the rotation works out, but his issue remains the same – he needs to compete better on every play.

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)?
I’ll answer your first two questions: relationships are huge because the high school coach can have contact with a player every day, can tip off college coaches about upcoming players and also steer a kid in a certain direction. As far as the relationships in California and compared to USC, how the heck would anyone know that? There’s only a few thousand schools in California, and a few hundred thousand in the nation, so should I break down each school, do it by state or county.

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?
Well, it was present when Jordan Farmar was running the point, and existed when others were filling in for Collison. So, I would think while the players graduate, the system does not.

Was it wrong for me to cry after the nova game? It was more out of sadness than frustration.
ALL HAIL DOHN!!!!!!!!!!
Depends how much money was lost or won on the game.

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?
I’m amazed at all the hating going on toward Howland. The guy went to three straight Final Fours and lost three guys early to the NBA. His offense is an issue in a handful of losses in his UCLA career, so that means he is too controlling and can’t teach offense? Perhaps it is the players. Maybe he needs better players.
Now, if you question was needing to change his system to attract better players, I think that is valid. And when it comes to winning a championship, should I project the next 15 years and say it cannot be done?
If I recall, it took that Wooden fellow a few years before he won his first national title. Now, I’m not comparing Wooden to Howland for those with comprehension issues, but I’m just saying …