Weekly Answers, Part 5
1) Do you think that Aaron Hester will be starting the CB over Sheldon Price this Saturday? - Spencer
No, I think his injury was worse than thought and he'll be shut down for the week. I'll learn more today.
2) It seems like Moline is playing more and Coleman is playing less. Are we ever going to get a running game on track? - Gerry4ucla
I'm not exactly sure what is going on with the running game. I don't think the coaches know either. I think they look at a crowded backfield and a below-average offensive line and haven't decided the direction to go with anyone.
3) How do you think Taylor did filling in at RG? Better than Hasaik would have done? - Jungleland
I think Taylor was decent. Looked like he missed a couple blocks, and I saw at least two sacks come in the right side, though I did not distinguish between Maiava/Taylor/Harris.
4) What's the status on Hasaik? Why isn't he playing more? And what's the status on his injury that kept him from traveling to OSU? Do you get the feeling that he is unhappy with his playing time as of late? - Jungleland
The details of the injury have been kept quiet, but have been labeled "personal health issues." I would assume it has something to do with the several skirmishes he's been involved in and trying to work past that. But no, I don't think it has to do with playing time. He's been happy with his playing time.
5) What about the former CU Buffs receiver Josh Smith -- he transferred to UCLA...is he still in the plans to play next year? - Mark P
http://insidesocal.com/ucla/2009/10/quick-chat-with-fb-josh-smith.html
6) In a recent interview on the Scout.com website (http://ucla.scout.com/), Coach Howland specifically cited Reeves Nelson as a possible impact player, because of his physical maturity. Do you have any thoughts on Reeves Nelson? Have you seen him play? - Spencer
Reeves has a good nose around the basketball for the ball in the limited time I've seen him. He also has huge hands, and that's key for rebounding. I don't imagine him being an offensive threat early, although I've seen some decent moves. I just think UCLA's offense is more predicated toward its guards, and he'll learn to work into that.
7) Any thoughts on other possible impact players after seeing practice? - Spencer
Jerime Anderson is going to be good, if he stays healthy. A big if, I know. Malcolm Lee looked efficient running the point and even working off the ball, and I think Tyler Honeycutt is a star. Put 20 pounds on his frame the next couple years, you're looking at an all-Pac 10 guy.
8) When do you think Seattle-area prep star, Josh Smith will announce his decision, this week or during the early signing period? - Spencer
I think he'll wait a little bit, but I'm supposed to talk with him tonight, and I can gauge his decision a little more.
9) Just wondering if you knew where Josh Shipp and Alfred Aboya were playing these days (if anywhere). - Bruintx
From what I understand, Shipp is in Turkey and Aboya is in France.
I have a buddy who has become good friends with Josh over there in Izmir, Turkey.
The big question for me is if Jerime Anderson has improved his ball handling. He had has pocket picked so many times in his limited minutes last year that it became a liability.
Concerning the running game:
I don't see the lack of a clear, definitive direction as a confusion on behalf of the coaches.
I see it more as NOBODY has stepped up and taken over the starting job. None of the players in our "log jammed" backfield have taken it upon themselves to separate from the pack and be a stud.
The coaches are doing the exact right thing. You create competition. You let the PLAYERS decide the outcome of the race, not the coaches. THAT is how stars are developed. THAT is how you find your playmakers.
I guess we just don't have any winners back there right now.
Jon "Provides No Actual Insight" Gold
Hey Tom,
jon.gold@dailynews.com
Email anytime.
Thanks
Jon
Can someone please give me Jon Gold's email address? I can't find it anywhere on the site. Thanks.
i agree Sid...eventually the cream will rise to the top. One of these kids will work harder in the off season. Someone will want it more. Without creating confusion, the coaches have worked in a lot of players this year.
The goal is that we have stud seniors back up by stud juniors with stud sophomores and stud freshman learning in the wings...that is the goal. This is a long term fix, not a patch job.
Players do and will get bigger and better as they get older...that's the natural progression of the game.
Josh is at Bornova Belediye (Turkey)
http://www.eurobasket.com/player.asp?Cntry=TUR&PlayerID=36139
Alfred signed with BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque (France)
http://thehoop.blogspot.com/2009/09/gravelines-added-alfred-aboya.html
Steve