Weekly Answers, Part 2
1) So I asked Dohn this and now I ask you...Are you a Star Wars man or a Star Trek man??? - mbruck
Hope not to burst your bubble, but...neither. Saw half of one Star Wars and never Star Trek.
2) What specific skill issues are keeping Jamison Morgan from earning playing time? Is it attitude, effort, lack of defensive skills, or what? What specifically does he need to improve? - anonymous
From what I've hear, because I haven't seen a ton of him this year for obvious reasons, he might just lack that killer instinct to survive at this level. I don't think it's necessarily a lack of effort, perhaps just a lack of that fire that burns in all great players. That said, athletically I've heard he's highly skilled, and if he can figure out the other aspect of it, he could contribute.
3) Is Crissman good enough that Brehaut can red-shirt 1 of the next 3 years? - UCLAVES
I'm not so sure that's the plan. I think Neuheisel and Chow want that open competition for a few years, and if Brehaut can handle it, he'll stay.
4) Please settle a bet. My friend thinks posters who complain that you don't post 24/7 are needy little bedwetters. I disagree. I just think they're ungrateful jerks who feel entitled to constant free info from you, though they pay nothing for the service. Who's right? - Sleepy LaBeef
I think they're neither. I think Brian Dohn set the standard very high, and I appreciate the care and passion. I think given a few years to build sources and get to know the team and program better, I can match that standard.
5) Totally unrelated to UCLA sports, but what do you think of people who ask you questions about Star Wars vs. Star Trek? - spedjones
Hey man, whatever you like, you like. I care more about Jeopardy than most people care about their own family. Guess that's just my thing. That and oldies music.
6) What's your prediction of the score of the big game? Do we have a prayer if SC keeps it on the ground? - tom962
A prayer, yes. UCLA won't be blown out without monumental mistakes, and if they prevent those mistakes there is enough talent to take the Trojans on. However, they'll need to play near mistake-free football. That said, so will USC, which has been prone to turnovers.
7) Why Bobo is not playing? In training camp, Howland said that Bobo was likely to start, that he had a great summer, and was in much better physcial shape. Although only playing mop-up minutes, last year he had one of the highest scoring/minutes played on the team. - Bruin1970
See: #2
8) I would also like to preface this question with my unwavering support of Ben Howland, but: What is up with the crazy ways/times that CBH uses his timeouts?!? Many times he calls them early in a half, sometimes even after our own made baskets, and I've even seen him call almost back to back timeouts, but the one thing that DRIVES ME CRAZY is he rarely has a timeout left with under 3 minutes left in the game. Now, I know he stresses defense and his coaching style/personality *demands* him to manage the game, but is there a way to get him to save just ONE timeout for end of game situations??
*ahem* (rant over) rephrased question: What is Ben Howland's philosophy on using timeouts? Can he make a conscious effort to save at least one timeout for the final minute? - RobM
I think it can be summed up like this: Howland is a "teaching" coach, and he uses timeouts often to break something down for his team. Strategically, it might not be the absolute best philosophy, but I also believe it pays dividends during the game and season.
9) If they are as good as advertised can Pullard or Shirley can either come in and start at MLB over Golper, Sloan...etc.? - Anonymous
From the looks of Pullard, yes. He just looks ready to play college ball. Carries himself well, good size, obvious talent. But linebacker is a complex position, and Sloan, Westgate and Golper are all looking pretty good.
10) Since we lost Mobley and might lose Brian Price...what's our Plan B for DT's next year or are we screwed? - anonymous
Uko and Heimuli are still in the mix, and the guys there - including the underrated David Carter - are pretty good.
"Please settle a bet. My friend thinks posters who complain that you don't post 24/7 are needy little bedwetters. I disagree. I just think they're ungrateful jerks who feel entitled to constant free info from you, though they pay nothing for the service. Who's right? - Sleepy LaBeef"
LMAO...Dude, you watch entirely way too much Lifetime. Dumbest question ever.
So you like Jeopardy. Do you prefer being called a Trebeker or Trebekie?
Un confirmed report, was the burin bear defaced!?!?!
anyoen near campus that can confirm!?!?
regarding the timeouts
howland calls timeouts at times in which he sees as a possible turning point in the game. if he feels he can out coach the opposing coach in that situation and turn the tide of the game in ucla's favor, he will call a time out. thus deeming it unnecessary to have timeouts at the end of the game.
The bruin was defaced. The report has been confirmed. Jon start a new thread ASAP!
Yes, cardinal and gold paint splashed on the bear!,
How does this happen, especially when $UC shrink wraps the trojan boy and guards it 24/7 so we cant get at it
apparently it's true. wtf?!?!
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/They-Got-the-Bear-73644197.html
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-bruin-vandalized,0,1880110.story
Let me guess, the OL was responsible for its protection
UCLA KNEW THIS WAS A POSSIBILITY FOR THE BEAR! HOW COULD THEY LET THIS HAPPEN!
"...a few years"?? A few years?? Oh, the Humanity! (actually you're doing a great job)
Jon,
You're doing a really good job;more objective than some of the prior Bruin beat reporters.U$C painted our bear,let's paint their team!
Hi, Jon.
Would it be possible to format the question and answer differently to make it easier to read (especially on the longer posts)?
Thanks!