Answers, Part XII

Here is the 12th set:

What is the hold up in offering (QB) 2010 prospect Peter Thomas ?
From what I hear, UCLA doesn’t want to offer a quarterback until they see him throw and workout. Look for something, as far as offers go, in the next two months.

What did you think about those intentional, hard Nova fouls? Is all fair in love and war or should UCLA have returned the favor?
If UCLA had a problem with it, it should have showed it can play tough as well. Instead, they fed the notion Pac-10 teams play soft compared to the Big East.

Prediction please: Will Sydney ever play basketball for USC?
Nope.

Pooh Richardson on KLAC radio after the Villanova game called Ben Howland’s offense “pre-historic”. Do you agree?
Not really. It is what it is. He is a defense-first controlling coach, and if the offense is so bad, why did UCLA lead the nation in shooting percentage heading into the tournament, not to mention score the most points in Howland’s tenure at UCLA.

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?
They are looking at a guard (Donte Medder) from Arizona, but it remains to be seen if UCLA can land him. He may decide before UCLA knows if Holiday is leaving.
Your thoughts on a few potential candidates for Pac 10 POY for hoops next year?
Too early to tell with who is leaving and coming back. I would Holiday as one potential guy, but what if Harden comes back?

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?
It’s hard to tell, but I did notice a lot of inconsistencies in the NCAA games UCLA played. Against VCU, a lot of touch fouls were called. That was not the case with the Villanova game.

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?
I wouldn’t be concerned at that. I think UCLA has enough talent in a bad league to finish in the top 3 or 4, and that should be enough to get to the NCAAs. Plus, I think UCLA will always get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to an at-large bid. It’s good for business to have UCLA in the tournament.