Here’s the latest batch of weekly answers…

1) Sounds like the Mamba LOVED his time at Cal’s jr day. In his interviews i never hear him mention USC yet you feel they are a major threat for his signature. Pullard signing with SC hurts us too, so who do you think he signs with next Feb? – 909BruinI still think he’s USC’s to lose.

2) Why are we thinking about NIT with such bad season? Would NIT dumb enough to have UCLA? – AnonymousWould the NIT, which normally is happy to just get Mountain West Conference retreads, be dumb enough to have UCLA? The NIT would giggle uncontrollably if they landed UCLA, down year or not.

3) How fat has Ben gotten since his playing days at UCLA? – PRBen’s kept in tremendous shape. Me on the other hand…

4) One major issue that comes up when I debate about Pac-10 competition with other conference fans, is the perceived notion that UCLA’s talent goes undeveloped. Sure we have Aron Afflalo and Maurice Jones-Drew doing great things, but there’s this perception that UCLA under-performs even though they have great talent. What do you think is the secret to a player’s growth and development during college? – cerritosbruinThere is no secret. Work hard. Stay focused. Stay committed. Don’t waver. Don’t party too much. Have a singular goal and follow it. For boys in their late teens – yes, boys; they’re not men yet – it’s as simple as that. Well, that and talent.

5) With all the starting spots we have up for grab this off season, how come none of the incoming freshmen are enrolling in early? I think only Yandell is the only one coming early. – 909bruinFirst off, there is the same amount of starting spots opening this year as any other year. Secondly, good for them for wanting to enjoy their last summer of freedom.