A brief chat with Kevin Love

"On and Off the court, UCLA was the best year of my life."

That statement should be reprinted and sent to every single one of our current players and future recruits. Remember that even in this high intensity in which you play basketball, you should always take a step back and realize just what situation you are in. UCLA can be the best 1,2,3, or 4 years to spend your life.

Ummmmmmmmmm sorry but someone has to say it:

If it was that good, why'd you leave??? Oh and why I'm on the subject, since you love UCLA so much, why did you decide to get into shape finally only AFTER you left UCLA. Love you Kevin but I will never get over the effort you gave UCLA VS. the effort you gave when you were chasing $$$$$ right before the NBA draft.

He left because his father wanted him to leave.

I can't stand the way UCLA fans come down on Kevin Love for only being at UCLA one year. Kevin is clearly a good guy and made the best decision for him - which he should have done. Fans who think he should make decisions to benefit the school before his own NBA career are solely mistaken. I'll always be a Kevin Love fan and all UCLA alumni and fans should do the same.

He left because he was a consensus top 5 pick. His stock could not get any higher than that. He left because he accomplished almost everything he could have accomplished at the college level, short of winning a championship.

He got in shape after the season because it was then that he could focus all his time and energy on working out and on basketball. No classes or study to worry about.

He's a true Bruin because he still hangs out on campus and attends games.

Stop hating on KL just because he only stayed one year. If anything, he bleeds more Blue and Gold than some of the local kids. I'm talking about Trevor Ariza and Jrue Holiday. Their prospects weren't even that high. They were clearly talented but not ready for the NBA but still left.

Kevin was still developing and, as such a dominating and smart player, he could get away with a little more body fat in h.s., and in college too even a little. plus once he's pro, he has no other distraction than to train hard, get himself in shape

Seems to me that Kevin Love hasn't even been hinting that he didn't like UCLA, etc.

VB, quit being so technical with other people's words to prove your point. I normally like your posts but that's elementary. His point was that Kevin Love is still involved with UCLA and trys his best to help UCLA in the media at every chance he's given. Lighten up a little bit and support a Bruin player who had some of the sweetest outlet passes at Pauley.

@VB

At least Kevin Love actually attended UCLA for a year, which is more than you can say.

@ VB - KL is more of a Bruin than you'll ever be. Did his dad turn you down when you asked for Beach Boys concert ticket? "Plus he's fat"? You want to tell that to his face? Fat doesn't make him a loser like you!

...and it IS the real VB...I can tell by the TOOL icon.

"I was the d!ckweed wearing suc shirt at UCLA games!"

Wait One Sec!!! Lets try to be honest hear. Can we?

First, I love Kevin Love and I will never disparage his choice for becoming a millionaire.

However dude, the excuse that he had too much on his plate to get into shape for division 1 basketball at UCLA is The Most Ridiculousness Argument anyone has ever made in the history of excuses/arguments. And if you have played sports as a young man or if you've ever turned on a television and watched college athletes compete you would know EVERYBODY else is in shape. EV VER EEE BODY!!! And not just in shape but upwards to world class shape and some are in fact world class athletes. Sorry my fellow fan but Kevin had no excuse at his age and as a student athlete at one of the most prestigious schools and programs on the planet to be out of shape. That's on him and he only changed his ways and got into shape when he was chasing money.

So come on now... I love Kevin and I LOVE UCLA (since birth) but can't we tell the truth on this blog....?

How many centers in college or NBA are ripped? Yeah, I think even he admitted he was a little out of shape at the beginning of the season but he was not fat. To call him fat is not being fair either. You can't be fat and still able to make a bullet chest pass full court. The young man is strong.

The only center at UCLA in recent years that looked like he was in world class athlete shape was Dan Gadzuric. He was ripped. However, was he a better player than Kevin Love?

I am shocked people are arguing for Kevin Love in this regard. This is why issues are not argued fairly and conflict is so hard to resolve. We all stick up for our guy, our party, etc. regardless of reality. Why am I surprised... Shame on me.

Ripped??? How bout we start with being in basketball shape!!!!?!!! How bout that? Is that fair?

I mean are you kidding me guy?

Dan Gadzuric? Really that's your argument. Look at Dan. He was ripped and Kevin was better than he was? DUDE? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I dont have the F'ing words!!!

Michael Fey!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow... there are so many trolls on this blog nowadays. that's just sad.

jon you should tell the devs of this website to require registering and signing in so that comments can be properly reported and regulated.

Mike H:

Good one. HAHAHAHA!!!! Made me laugh.

VB:

Stop being such a fool. Don't hate a great embassador of UCLA. Typical retard opinion on your part, you fat, never was, tryin to live vicariously through 19 year olds douche.

They disrespected Howland how exactly? Like Howland didn't know he was one and done? Oh, I know, because they supposedly thought Howland didn't utilize K Love properly? Like parents aren't critical of coaches ALL over America. Understandable protectionism on Stan's part. Don't spew vomit all over Jon's Blog without substantiation.

I met the kid several times and he's a great warm hearted person. And, I don't use that term loosely. You can tell just the way he interacts with fans, his Grandmother, and his family.

You're creepy. You sound like Robert Dinero in The Fan. If you haven't met the kid, then Shhhh The F up.

Not sure who is directing there comments at who at this point, but if any are at me, I will repeat for the hundredth time; I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE KEVIN LOVE and I LOVE UCLA. I have loved UCLA since birth. I love UCLA over any other team or organization in the sports world. However, my love does not blind me from facts or reason or critical thinking.

1) Kevin Love was not in shape at UCLA

2) Kevin Love only got into shape AFTER his season with UCLA was over and he was getting ready for the NBA draft so he would get drafted as high as possible and make as much money as possible.

Those are undeniable facts. Ask anyone who knows anything about sports or the program at UCLA will all tell you that. The funny thing is this isn't even a big secret rather common knowledge except to people on this blog apparently.

Therefore it is in my opinion that a kid at that age who plays a division 1 sport for an upper tier university such as UCLA has no excuse to be out of shape. If you want to debate me on something debate me on that because that is all I am saying. He should have been in shape and their is no excuse for not being in shape. That's it. Can I say it any clearer? Not that he was or wasn't out of shape or if he's a good ambassador or a good kid or nice, etc.

Now tell me (argue) how hard it is at 18, 19 and to be at a major university, going to classes and playing division 1 sports and be in shape too. GO:

99 out of 100 of you would have left too, if someone were dangling millions in front of your nose when you were 19. Think about it: Rather than working at the student store on campus or waiting tables at the local restaurant (like you and I did), you have someone telling you that you can do what you love, and basically be SET FOR LIFE even if you only play for a few years.

Don't blame the one-and-done uber kids. Blame the silly system that allows it. The kids are simply doing what nearly any of us would do.

I'm glad KLove is a member of the Bruin family.

Now, let's beat Kansas!...wait, uh, let me restate that: Let's only lose to Kansas by 10!

So what if love wasnt in all world ahspe at UCLA? he totally dominated everyone he played except when he was hurt thsoe couple of games. He was a great college player and it wasnt his fault we lost in the final 4, it was the fact that we couldnt contain their two explosive gaurds at the same time, Westbrook could get one but Collision was too small to cover the other. I dont understand what youre complaining about

Kevin Love came to play every minute of every game he was on the court. He gave it his best working in system that was not optimal for him and he did it with grace and sportsmanship. Today, he is still supporting UCLA basketball with his public statements.

Could he have gotten himself in better shape while at UCLA? Maybe. But people who complain that he left after a year can't also complain about the quality of his conditioning during the year he gave us.

These detractors of KL are just insane! He is a great ambassador for UCLA. Always speaks well of it. He helped put the program on the national stage like the greats before him if not only for his marketability. Even if he was out of shape, he left everything on the floor when he played! I was at the Texas A&M game where we were outplayed and almost got ousted from the tourney, but Kevin Love single handedly brought us back to win that game. Pure heart in that game when the rest of the squad was subpar. That game cemented my support of KL because the kid played tough, physically and mentally. He brings a lot more attributes to the game, that our current squad is missing. As for his decision to go to the NBA, who wouldn't and hasn't? Moute, Farmar, Afflalo, Westbrook, all left as soon as their stock allowed them to. It was in a pursuit of their bigger dream.

chiefmojorissin:

Retarded, if you "LOVE" UCLA so much, then maybe you shouldn't be so uber critical of one of the best Freshman players in UCLA and Pac-10 history. Watching the Center play at UCLA before he came and after he left should make you more appreciative of him and cognizant of that fact. He was a STUD.

However, I will humor you by debating you on your "shape" contention.

1) "Kevin Love was not in shape at UCLA"

Freaken BS, how many people in ANY sport step onto campus their Freshman year in College shape, especially Centers? He dominated in HS, he was in good enough shape to do so. He came to UCLA and their was an obvious step up in conditioning required, especially to play Ben Ball. Even in his supposed "bad shape" as you call it, he was talented enough to contribute and lead from the get. When he got to campus he quickly worked his tail off to get in better shape, which he clearly did. If being being out of shape means winning Pac-10 Player of the year, well, I'll gladly take that EVERY year.

2) "Kevin Love only got into shape AFTER his season with UCLA was over and he was getting ready for the NBA draft so he would get drafted as high as possible and make as much money as possible."

Freaken BS, he got into better shape as the season went on and worked hard at it. After it was apparent that he had a good shot to go in the Top 10 in the draft and had enough time to do so, he decided to focus on his perceived weakness. Like somebody who is considered a bad FT shooter or a a bad shooter. This is an asinine view and comment on your behalf. He worked 8 hours a day or more leading up to the draft to get in better shape. That's what professional do. They up their game for the big leagues. Like a Med or Law student getting ready to go into the work force and interview. You brush up on your skills, don't you?
Additionally, when was he supposed to find the 8+ hours a day to get into that shape, that you claim he should have been in? He had 2-3 hrs. of daily BB practice, a full day of classes, and probably 3-4 hrs. of study time. May I remind you that he made the Dean's list his 1st Quarter? This is the reason that most players make noticeable progress in size and conditioning from their Freshman to Soph years. They have more time in the Spring and Summer to get into better shape. Look at Farmar, Afflalo, Aboya, Collison, Shipp, Luc, Mata, Westbrook, and on and on, from Fresh to Soph years. K Love didn't have that luxury.

Instead of hating, why not support and congratulate a GREAT Bruin on his dedication and ability to improve? BTW, I don't remember anybody complaining about Shaq being so out of shape, etc. and he's a Pro. You know why? Because he was SO freaken dominant that nobody cared. He dominated at his size and played well enough to be a Hall of Famer. The Lakers only complained and used it as an excuse to sell trading Shaq to the LA fans, after they had already decided to go with Kobe and unload him.

WTF, does it matter anyway? Do you think K Love would have single handedly won us more games if he was in "better shape". You think we would have won a NC? If not, then WTF do you care? Grow up and move on.

I'm sorry but that's simply not true. None of it.

Put your beliefs aside and try to reach out to other people who may be close to the program or are sports fans but not UCLA fans. I think their opinions may shock you all back to reality. I swear to all of you on this board, that people outside of this blog believe this to be common knowledge and really not even up for debate.

Just humor me and ask someone else what they think who is not on here. Try it...