Thoughts on the UCLA hoops win
Just some random observations from the game:
* Whatever UCLA loses in terms of scoring and ball control with Malcolm Lee running the point - and Lee was not himself, taking only seven shots and making one, while scoring just six points - the team needs Tyler Honeycutt in the starting lineup. Honeycutt had 10 boards, including four offensive, and while he showed some awful rookie mistakes, his size and athleticism is just too valuable.
* HOWEVER, despite a few ill-advised passes, Jerime Anderson needs to be lauded for his performance against the Bears. Playing 29 minutes off the bench, Anderson was a scoring threat, chipping in a very important 11 points. He had two huge 3-pointers and helped calm the offense down at times.
* I think this is the game that really teaches Howland that he needs the zone defense, if not to disrupt the other team on offense, but to save UCLA's offensive legs. Michael Roll said a great quote that rings true: "Also, we played zone, and that kind of helped us with the wind-factor. It gives a chance to get back and set up, not as much commotion."
* While free-throw shooting remains a concern - and a big one, with just 57.7 percent for the game - you have to applaud UCLA for hitting 5-of-7 in overtime. Malcolm Lee had four free throws in overtime despite awful cramps.
Drago has to be one of the worst defenders and worst passers I've seen. I know we need his scoring, but damn!
The training staff has to get Lee's cramping problem under control. Too many games he's hobbling around at crunch time.
What is the deal with Lee always getting cramps? Also, shouldn't the zone benefit such terrible on the ball defenders like Drago?
Totally unrelated, but this photo of Brian Price is awesome... http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/photo?slug=e3a0c72e60cd4e5d9ea77d2ca6952237.ucla_price_football__cars101&prov=ap#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cap%3A20050301%3Ancaaf%2Cphoto%2Ce3a0c72e60cd4e5d9ea77d2ca6952237.ucla_price_football__cars101%3A1
Lee and Honeycutt need to start and Anderson can spell Lee coming in off the bench. Honeycutt is already showing his value and will only get better. Anderson makes me too nervous and needs to play less. I feel that he isn't thinking on the court. I also agree that Lee's cramping problem needs attention/a solution ASAP.