Keefe out for season
Just got word from UCLA that senior forward James Keefe is out for the season, and will have season-ending surgery on his shoulder in the next two weeks.
Keefe did travel to Washington for the Bruins weekend swing, but was ruled out earlier this week. Upon a doctor's recommendation, he will have the surgery.
Keefe is planning to meet with a surgeon on Monday after UCLA returns.
He was averaging 2.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 20 games, including 13 starts.
A sad ending for a former McDonald's All-American, but perhaps inevitable given his shoulder problems.
Ugh...I guess its more PT for the freshman.
Yeah, he had a pretty nice campaign as a true freshman and then came back too quickly the next year, following shoulder surgery, giving up a probable redshirt year for the good of the team/program. He wasn't overrated, it's just kinda hard to develop when you can't raise your arm over your shoulder. But "he didn't do anything for the program." And we wonder why our fans have the reputation of being spoiled.
thanks for everything Keefe...it all about effort and you showed guts and grit in coming back so many times. a true Gutty Bruin.
In an age where a lot of highly touted kids like him would have complained or bailed on the program, I appreciate that he stuck it out and contributed to Final Four teams.
Any chance at all at a medical redshirt???????
He deserves one. If you guys remember he burned his redshirt late in one season because our front line was thin. He's a good guy. A team guy. Bummer to see him go out like this.
You can't blame Keefe for being highly rated. He played hard, and gave up a redshirt year to help the team.
Its a shame that he has to end his career like this...as UCLA could use more players that have his team first attitude.
James Keefe represents the finest aspects of UCLA's athletic program. In a time when universities are brought before the NCAA infractions committee because their student athletes allegedly accept envelopes full of money, here is a young man who simply wanted to play the game, and sacrificed himself for the benefit of his team. James Keefe willingly gave up his medical redshirt when the men's basketball team needed him.
My only hope as a two time alumnus and die hard bruin fan for the last 30 years is that we continue to recruit young people with the character of James Keefe, and coaches who have the intelligence to recruit them. Anyone who would discredit James Keefe for not living up to the fans inflated expectations needs to switch their loyalties to the school across town.
I extend my humble thanks to Mr. Keefe for representing UCLA honorably and upholding the standards of our athletic program.
John Wogec, BS, MPH, DO
UCLA '84, '87