Answers, Part III

Which is more likely to happen: (1) Branden Warner playing for UCLA in the fall?; or (2) Renardo Sydney playing for Mississippi State in the fall?
Neither, but if I had to chose, I'm going with Warner. I don't see Sydney being cleared by the NCAA, and Warner can change his mind.

What's your take on why Branden Warner is apparently no longer interested in UCLA? To me, the obvious answer is he didn't get the grades he needed so he is justifying his decision other ways.
I am told it had nothing to do with grades. I had heard about this long before grades were an issue. He wasn't feeling the love from UCLA that he had felt when he committed. And, don't forget, DeWayne Walker was his main recruiter at UCLA.

Have you ever seen any team on any level implode as quickly as the SUC basketball team? The only one I can remember is the Chicago Bulls after Jordan's final championship.
The one that comes to mind is SMU football. But, that will happen when the death penalty is imposed by the NCAA.

Did Howland get along with Floyd? Any reaction from the UCLA coaching staff on Floyd leaving?
Howland got along with Floyd fine, and respected Floyd's coaching ability. As for reaction from the staff, there wasn't really any. I think they are all curious as to whom the new coach will be, and whether or not the program is sanctioned, but nothing out of the norm.

I noticed Jamie Dixon is coaching the U19. What do you think Gordon learned from Dixon before in injury (and could still learn if he plays more)?
My guess is very little since Gordon was injured in the first set of drills during the first practice session, then flew home the next day.

Re Branden Warner: does he strike you as an honest, forthright type of person, or on the flaky side, for a kid his age? I ask, because his back and forth on UCLA seems puzzling.
I think he is honest, a little immature and little confused. Every once in a while a player goes back and forth on things, and he did this year. I don't think the venom some folks spew at him for his indecision is fair, but that is me.

Which coach or two--from within the realm of realistic possibility--that USC could hire would really cause concern for Howland.
I really don't think any because USC and UCLA are so different in what they do. Floyd was a really good coach, and he brought in (perhaps illegally) very good players, but they recruit different types of kids. And there are enough basketball players in SoCal for it not to be a big issue.

USC seems intent on getting a coach with pro experience...why would that be so important for a college program?
It would give the program visibility, a coach who can sell recruits on knowing what it takes to play in the NBA, and credibility.