Howland ON: Part 2
On the fans' high expectations with two prominent recruiting classes:
"Most players that we recruit are going to be highly regarded. Those are the kinds of kids we attract. But kids still have to learn. Expectations are so high based on what someone is saying out of high school. But there are things to learn that you haven't even seen before. Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook weren't ranked in the top 100 players in the country, but yet they were really fine basketball players."
On recruiting more "system" players than top recruits:
"We've recruited both. Kevin Love and Jrue Holiday were the No. 1 ranked players in their classes, Josh Smith is top 10. It just varies. I don't necessarily think because you're ranked 1 or ranked 100 it means that much. You have to show up and perform, be coachable and listen. It's about improving every day, every week as an individual and a team."
On the team's poor shooting:
"In the first game, we really were rushed. We shot very poorly in that game. Part of it is we have to cut down on taking so many threes. We have to do a good job about taking good shots. We have to do a good job of being more patient, taking high-percentage shots. Sometimes that is a three by the right guy. Couple of times early, Nikola missed wide-open shots that normally he'll knock down. He started slow last year, too. He didn't shoot it well in non-conference. I'm hoping he gets it going here."
"...be coachable and listen." Hmmmmmm, a not-too-subtle hint at why Gordon is leaving?
I find it interesting that Gordon's father now states that UCLA is not the type of program for his son's athleticism.
Has it changed so drastically from 2 years ago when he came on board?
This is a classic parent blaming the coach for the son's lack of playing time, while not accepting the responsibiloity of the kid having a swollen ego.
Mr. Gordon should get together with the father of the UCLA football fullback with no playing time who blamed the coaches.
Damn, as the 3rd string fullback in the UCLA offensive scheme the father and son should look elsewhere for plying time --- perhaps a D2 school!
Anonymous,
You seem to be buying the 'rationale' of a 19 yerar old kid about a coach who has high expectations for discipline!
I'd suggest that the evaluation of Howland's handling players would be more balanced by hearing from past players (pros or otherwise) who have lived through the program.
Truthful-Lee...is there another transfer announcment.
There has been more discussions with Ben and Truthfull-Lee.
Any word on the decision??
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Any truth to the rumor that Ben refused to sign the exception waiver?
Drew would only sit out one year and would be ready for UofA ,by this time next year. Prior to PAC10 play.
If BEN did this, it is UNACCEPTABLE.
UofA admin should do something about it.
It is a principal thing.
Why should "BEN" do that? Why is it "UNACCEPTABLE"? Isn't the rule there for a reason? Isn't Gordon on scholarship until the end of the quarter? Why is it fair for him to sponge off UCLA and not have to spend at least a year sponging off another school before he can compete for them?
THAT'S a principle thing.
Let's see.... UCLA goes to 3 Final Fours in a row playing a particular style of ball. In college, it's a coaches' game. Kids fit into the program, particularly a successful one. Coaches adapt and play on the strengths and try to mask the weaknesses of each year's team, but basic philosophies on how to play offense and defense remain the same.
Gordon bought into the program. The fact that he is not as talented as those front court players he succeeded is not Howland's fault. I bet if they ran the same offense and won, he and his dad would be as happy as clams.
Jessie W - Wow you should stop embarassing yourself. If you feel the need to post just log in as anonymous.