Monthly Archives: May 2013

Plutko seizes postseason wins record, guides Bruins past Aztecs

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LOS ANGELES — This wasn’t Adam Plutko at his sharpest.

A three-time all-conference selection, his best doesn’t include mishandling a bunt or hitting a batter on a 0-2 count. But the right-handed hurler never broke as he secured his fifth postseason win in a gutsy effort.

His solid, if unspectacular, outing Friday sufficed as he guided UCLA to a regional-opening 5-3 victory over San Diego State. The Bruins have now moved into the winner’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament, with a 6 p.m. matchup against Cal Poly looming Saturday.

Along the way, Plutko became the school’s all-time postseason wins leader — passing former Golden Spikes winner and No. 3 draft pick Trevor Bauer. Continue reading “Plutko seizes postseason wins record, guides Bruins past Aztecs” »

Shabazz Muhammad’s father indicted on federal fraud charges

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At this rate, Ron Holmes probably won’t be in New York for next month’s NBA draft.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Holmes — the father of former UCLA star Shabazz Muhammad — was indicted Thursday on federal bank fraud and conspiracy charges.

Holmes, who also attracted controversy for falsifying his son’s age, is accused fraudulently acquiring mortgages to purchase — and later sell — Las Vegas properties between 2006 and 2009. The U.S. attorney’s office wants $2.5 million from Holmes.

He has pleaded not guilty, is detained as he awaits a detention hearing Friday afternoon.

Holmes isn’t new to this type of crime. The L.A. Times previously revealed that, in 1999, Holmes had pleaded guilty to using false bank statements and tax returns to acquire mortgages. He agreed to use only his birth name as part of his probation release conditions, and was sentenced to six months’ house arrest.

The best move may be for Holmes to cut a deal and pay up, especially with Muhammad on the cusp of an NBA career. The Pac-12 Co-Freshman of the Year, whose age Holmes also falsified, will make at least $1.5 million his first season should he become a lottery pick.

David Berg, Pat Valaika win Pac-12 honors

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David Berg was officially crowned the conference’s best pitcher Wednesday afternoon, but coaches likely kicked themselves sore long before then.

Lightly recruited out of Bishop Amat High, the sidewinder came out of nowhere a year ago to lead the league in ERA (1.46) and set a record for appearances (50). As a sophomore, he became Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year with an even more dominant effort, one that has seen him collect a school-record 18 saves.

A quick run down of some other impressive numbers: a 0.70 ERA, best in the country; 0.78 WHIP, second in the country; 64 innings pitched, only 6.2 behind midweek starter Cody Poteet.

“You can’t really have a year as a reliever than he’s had this year,” coach John Savage said. “You’re talking about innings, hits per innings, walks per nine. You’re talking about strikeouts, saves, wins. He’s done it all. He should be up for not only Pitcher of the Year, but Player of the Year.”

Berg entered the season as a setup man, the position he’ll likely play in the pros, but became the closer when freshman reliever James Kaprielian was injured early in the season. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the 6-foot righty became the third Bruin to win Pitcher of the Year — after Trevor Bauer (2011) and Pete Janicki (1992).

“We wouldn’t be where we are without him,” Savage said.

Pat Valaika also became the first Bruin to win Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, bolstering his first appearance on the all-conference team. The junior committed just five errors in 174 chances, tying the lowest mark for Pac-12 shortstops. He also leads the team in multiple hitting categories, including home runs, RBI and slugging percentage.

Pitchers Nick Vander Tuig and Adam Plutko made the All-Pac-12 team for the second and third time, respectively. Outfielder Brian Carroll and infielder Kevin Kramer earned honorable mentions.

Conference champion Oregon State took the other three major awards: sophomore outfielder Michael Conforto won Player of the Year after leading the league in OBP (.457); pitcher Andrew Moore took Freshman of the Year after notching 12 wins; Pat Casey was named Coach of the Year.

You can see the entire all-conference roster below the jump. Continue reading “David Berg, Pat Valaika win Pac-12 honors” »

Four-star RB Craig Lee to sign Thursday

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UPDATE: According to BruinSportsReport, Craig Lee has not yet been cleared by the NCAA. The letter he is signing Thursday is not an official NLI, just part of a ceremony at Redlands.

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Back on National Signing Day, Jim Mora noted that the 2013 class did not have a running back … yet.

That spot is finally about to be filled, as four-star tailback Craig Lee is set to sign a national letter of intent with UCLA a ceremonial letter on Thursday. The Redlands High star had held off signing earlier because he needed better test results to qualify, but has since scored high enough on the ACT. A NLI can be signed before an athlete becomes eligible.

From the Redlands Daily Facts’ Ed Castro:

“It’s been pretty stressful,” Lee said. “But I had to do it. I did this to myself. I should have done the work from the beginning but it was my fault. I can’t blame anyone but myself.” …

“It feels good,” Lee said. “It’s a big weight off my shoulders. I just feel real happy. I can relax now.”

Lee should be able to play immediately once admitted, and adds some depth to the Bruins’ backfield committee.

TV times set for three UCLA games

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The Pac-12 released an early football TV schedule this morning, setting three game times for UCLA. Here’s what the Bruins’ fall slate looks like now, including an appearance on the new FOX Sports 1 network.

Aug. 31 – Nevada – 7 p.m. (Pac-12 Networks)
Sept. 14 – at Nebraska – TBA
Sept. 21 – New Mexico State – TBA
Oct. 3 – at Utah – 7 p.m., Thursday (FOX Sports 1)
Oct. 12 – California – TBA
Oct. 19 – at Stanford – TBA
Oct. 26 – at Oregon – TBA
Nov. 2 – Colorado – TBA
Nov. 9 – at Arizona – TBA
Nov. 15 – Washington – 6 p.m., Friday (ESPN2)
Nov. 23 – Arizona State – TBA
Nov. 30 – at USC – TBA
Dec. 7 – Pac-12 Championship Game – 4:45/5 p.m. (ABC or ESPN)