1) Why is Drew Gordon transferring? – Anonymous
Gordon is transferring because he and Howland essentially agreed to disagree. I’ve heard that Gordon was negative in the locker room, and his negativity was souring the other players.
2) Are other BB players thinking of transferring out? There is a rumor about some of the young guys being unhappy. – Anonymous
From everything they’ve said on the record, no. But I’m sure many are frustrated with this young season.
3) Now that Drew Gordon is no longer with the program, what’s the substitution pattern and how many minutes do you think players who play the 4 and 5 spots? – Spencer
I’d imagine Dragovic getting around 30, Nelson around 22-24, Lane around 16, Keefe to get around 20 and Bobo to get more of a look.
4) In the coming year (or two) is the football team’s defense going to fall apart just as the offense starts to come together? – UCLABZ
I don’t believe so. The loss of experienced linebackers, a dynamite cornerback and the possible loss of a superstar defensive tackle withstanding, the Bruins return some big playmakers. Ayers is a stud, so is More. Datone Jones, when gap-conscious, can be a force. I think UCLA will drop a little, but not hugely.
5) So, what do you think about the Drew Gordon transfer? – Spencer
It was a matter of two stubborn men, one in a position of authority over the other.
6) With all of these top recruiting classes in basketball is it too much to ask for better results right now?… or are the bumps and bruises this year going to payoff in the coming years? – UCLABZ
In my opinion, option two.
7) Please give us the “Inside UCLA” info on the Drew Gordon, Ben Howland player-coach relationship. Why is Gordon not happy? – Anonymous
Gordon wasn’t happy because he felt stifled in the system and made it pretty clear. Howland is unhappy because Gordon was continually abrasive.
8) So what’s a realistic finish in the Pac-10 for the Bruin basketball team now. I assume Gordon wouldn’t be playing anymore. – Steve
No higher than seventh, ahead of Stanford, USC and maybe Oregon State.
9) Scout is reporting that 3 redshirt juniors are leaving the football program…is this to free up some scholarships or is there something else going on? Strange timing, by the way, given that there may still be a bowl game… – Mike H class of 90
I was told by a source that there was a somewhat mutual decision, although it was quite clear that the impetus came from the UCLA end.
10) How will Drew Gordon transferring change the current recruiting situation? – BruinBurd
I think UCLA will make a move for another big man, though Nelson and Smith will present a formidable duo.