Weekly Answers, Pt. 2
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.
Come on Johnie,
Truthful-Lee speaking.
Give us your insight or projection.
There will be one more transfer from ucla.
Share your opinion.-Truthful-Lee
Some of the players on the team are mid-major types.
Jessie W
I still havent figured out if you are a troll, stupid or both.
Oh BTW have you finished reading up on your Pac-10 transfer rules and have you read up on Andy Katz's Drew Gordon update. At least you can sound like you have some idea of what you are talking about.
Jon, do your homework dude. Most readers on this board know more about the inner-workings of the BB and FB programs WITHOUT the resources and access you have. Moreover, anyone who thinks this comment is uncalled for, can go eff themselves because I gave Jon the benefit of the doubt for the last few months until the blog postings have gotten progressively WORSE and career-driven (ie. podcasts and plugging your other work). This is nonsense, and it's not even about this being a free site, and readers being spoiled. It is the principle. In this economy, there are LOTS of writers who would be KILLING for this job. That isn't to say that Jon doesn't work many hours, but MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THEM! Bottom line is that most of your recent blog posts are FILLER to make it look like you're paying attention to this thing. It isn't about Dohn. The spelling mistakes are proof that you breeze through keeping your readers updated, and it SUCKS because it makes you wonder if a Bruin Alumni with no exerience in Journalism, just a PASSION FOR UCLA ATHLETICS would do a better job with the access you have. You may handle criticism with class, and I credit you for that. However, that doesn't mitigate the fact that you're shitting the bed on this blog lately.
Wishing for more,
Reader who doesn't think pity should play into being complacent with this blog
Hey Drew at 5:05...What's your deal?
Dial it down man. Jon is still getting his feet under him with respect to getting the contacts necessary to get more scoops. If you can't wait for him to gain some ground then quit reading this FREE blog and go pay for something at scout.com or rivals.com Lighten up man!!
Oh, and the podcasts are something NEW and as far as I know, haven't been done on this blog before.
Thankful for the effort,
Reader who doesn't think people who get free stuff should complain like they're entitled to something.