Power forward Wanaah Bail to visit UCLA

Steve Alford may finally land a prospect other than his son Bryce.

Save for four-star guard Allerik Freeman’s de-commitment, UCLA’s new head coach has generated little news in 2013 recruiting over his first two months on the job. That could change soon with 6-foot-8 forward Wanaah Bail.

A three-star prospect in 2012, the Bahamas native will officially visit the Bruins on Wednesday and Thursday according to multiple recruiting sites. Listed at 210 pounds, the former Texas Tech signee could immediately provide much-needed depth to the UCLA frontcourt.

Bail had committed to the Red Raiders in 2012, but left after briefly enrolling in summer school. CBS Sports reported that then-head coach Billy Gillispie’s mistreatment of players was the main reason the forward left, but academic issues were also rumored. Texas Tech reportedly released him from his NLI.

ESPN’s scouting report praises the lefty’s athleticism and ability to defend both forward spots, but needs to become a more consistent offensive threat. UCLA assistant Ed Schilling also coached him in the past at adidas Nations.

According to 247Sports’ Jerry Meyer, Bail will visit USC on Friday and Saturday, and Miami next weekend.

Ickyridge Stoop, “I Feel” (feat. Drew Ann Drysdale)

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a music video from Ickyridge Stoop, a band that features former UCLA football players Todd Golper and Andrew Yelich. The song “I Feel” — which features Ann Meyers Drysdale’s daughter, Drew — is decent, and the video is crammed full of UCLA athletes. You can find more info at their official site.

(Bi-)Weekly Q&A — 5/26/13

Q: What is the status on Eddie Vanderdoes and what’s taking so long? Will he have to sit a year?

Eddie Vanderdoes clearly wants to leave Notre Dame, and will likely end up at UCLA eventually. Since he signed a national letter of intent, he can’t play anywhere other than South Bend next season unless Notre Dame releases him. So far, the Irish have not done so. Vanderdoes can also appeal the NLI committee for a release. If that’s successful, he can play immediately anywhere.

If not, he can break his NLI and enroll elsewhere but lose a season of eligibility — ending up with four years to play three once you consider a possible redshirt year. That does not ban him from receiving a scholarship or practicing with his new team.

Q: So are we done with getting recruits or players for next year, or is coach Steve Alford just focusing on the 2014 class. Do we have any news on JUCO transfers?

Unless something unexpected happens, recruiting appears to be done for 2013. Alford said a few weeks ago that JUCO transfers were not a priority.

Q: How is Tony Parker developing? Does it appear he might be able to start at center next year? Continue reading “(Bi-)Weekly Q&A — 5/26/13” »

UCLA draws in-state lineup to Los Angeles Regional

For the fourth straight year, the UCLA baseball team will host an NCAA regional.

The Bruins found out Monday morning they would begin play Friday against San Diego State. The early matchup bodes well for UCLA considering that the Aztecs (31-29, 15-15) made the 64-team postseason field only by winning the Mountain West Tournament. Cal Poly (39-17) and San Diego, which features Kris Bryant and his nation-leading 31 home runs, fill out the rest of the regional lineup.

Should UCLA advance, it could play Cal State Fullerton in the Super Regional. The Titans beat the Bruins 6-3 on May 15, and also won the College World Series in 2004.

All-session tickets ($40-80) can be purchased at UCLABruins.com, but single-game tickets ($8-15) won’t be available until Friday.