Weekly Answers, Pt. 3

1) Even though he has made some big shots and blocked many, Honeycutt turns the ball over A LOT and takes some bad shots. Sometimes it seems that he takes away as many possessions from the Bruins as he helps. With the Wear twins coming in and another year of experience for some of the frontcourt players, would the team be that much worse off if he left for the NBA? - Warren
I think that's a gross overgeneralization of his detriments, saying that he takes as much away as he helps. I think he's played tired and loose the last couple months of the season, and I think he's a bit worn out, but when he's on, there's no more talented player on UCLA. He's played too many minutes all season long - that's been Ben Howland's biggest downfall this season, in my opinion - and he definitely should be held more accountable for his miscues. But to say UCLA wouldn't be worse off if he left is too strong, I think.

2) Thanks for all your hard work, Jon. What is your overall impression of the UCLA fanbase? As a loyal alum, I am frustrated with the lack of support we show our players, coaches and administration when things don't go 100% perfectly. The folks over at BruinsNation, for example, seem to be a particularly negative, and vocal, group. Are they the best representation of our fanbase? Other than here, of course, where else should we be looking for good information and insights? Lastly, is is it different or better at other high profile athletic universities? Thanks - Anonymous
You sure you want me to answer this?!? On a serious note, the biggest issue I have with the UCLA fanbase is a lack of perspective of the current states of both programs, and the rush to judgment when things aren't going well. Take, for example, last night's game against Michigan State. The Bruins did not do anything they haven't done all season long, and yet you would've thought the Hindenberg crashed directly into Joshua Smith's left ankle and the Bruins had to forfeit. Maybe I'm numb to it at this point because I've seen it so, so, so many times this year, but I expected a Spartan run, and it seemed as if those in the chat and those on the message boards did not.
Regarding Bruinsnation, I have had a very good relationship with those guys for a long time, and I think the only issue, like I said, is just a rush to judgment. On the whole, though, the folks over there are one of the better collections of non-media writers that I've read. Aside from some clear hyperbole, I think it's pretty good.
Where else should you be looking for good information? Honestly, that's one thing I've been most confused about since I took over for The Legend. Was he really the ONLY source, or just the BEST source? I can understand how Dohn was the best source - he really was a seasoned, experienced beat writer with a rolodex in the 1000s - but I have to think that those who read this blog also read other UCLA writing. If not, then, wow, I must really suck. I think Tracy Pierson at BRO is fantastic at what he does, as is Rick Kimbrel at Rivals. Also, two very nice guys. Brandon Huffman is one of my best friends in the business, and I've only known him since covering UCLA. Blair Angulo and Peter Yoon with ESPNLA have made that site a must-read for me, and Ben Bolch with the LA Times covers UCLA hoops with a great analytical perspective that sometimes I lack. I've read some great stuff from Scott Reid and Adam Maya with the OC Register, and they really balance each other out. And when Ramona Shelburne, another one of my best friends, comes out to cover UCLA, I'm always pissed, because I know she'll find an angle I missed and write the hell out of it. Overall, I think UCLA has some really good coverage out there. Except me, of course.

3) Prediction time. Who do you think starts at the 3 next year? How do you see the breakdown of the minutes? - Spencer
First hunch, I think Tyler Lamb grows into that role, though I need to see De'End Parker play. Also, look for some creative management with the Wears and Reeves Nelson and Brendan Lane. I would not be altogether shocked to see essentially two power forwards and Joshua Smith on the court at the same time. But it's way too early and way too fluid a situation to make an adequate judgment.

4) Will Anthony Jefferson and Iuta Tepa be given medical redshirts for last year? Jefferson played in less than 30% of the games and Tepa despite my vigilant following of the program fell completely off of the radar. And do you in a realistically see any of the young corners (Jefferson, Sermons, McDonald) passing Price or Hester? - Ryan
Both Jefferson and Tepa - and LB Jared Koster - received medical redshirts for last season. I'm hearing a ton of hype on Tevin McDonald lately, and he's someone I really want to watch in practice. With a new defensive coordinator, I think just about every position will be up for grabs to some extent, but I can see Hester and Price coming out with a balls-to-the-wall attitude and reclaiming the positions.

5) What have you heard about our new JC commit De'End Parker? Are we looking for him to play some PG? Can he? Can you do an interview with him soon? Additionally, why haven't we offered DeAndre Daniels? Are there off the court issues? Is he looking like a Prep School candidate? - BruinFaithful
I believe I was actually the first to interview him - here and here - and I really like the kid's attitude and personality. Haven't seen enough of him on the court to know what he can really do at this level, but he certainly tore up the JC circuit. Regarding Daniels, how many post players does UCLA need?