Report: Former academic advisor alleges that UCLA assistant coach asked for grade change

A former UCLA men’s basketball academic coordinator alleges that assistant coach Duane Broussard asked him to try and change a player’s grade.

Will Collier, who worked at UCLA for 16 months before resigning in January, told the Chronicle of Higher Education that Broussard wanted him to approach a professor last December as part of an effort to keep an unnamed Bruin eligible for the rest of the season.

“To insinuate that I would pressure anyone to do something unethical or not follow policy is, quite frankly, insulting and just flat wrong,” Broussard told the Chronicle. He added that he was only trying to maintain “an open line of communication with our academic advisors.”

A UCLA spokesperson said the school stands by Broussard’s comments, as well as other statements from employees refuting Collier’s claims. Continue reading “Report: Former academic advisor alleges that UCLA assistant coach asked for grade change” »

A look at UCLA basketball assistants

Duane Broussard: Broussard, the first to join the new UCLA staff, has on the New Mexico staff even before Steve Alford started there after coaching at Iowa. One of his main responsibilities with the Lobos with advance scouting and game preparation, so his duties under Alford with the Bruins could be similar. Continue reading “A look at UCLA basketball assistants” »

Alford adds Indiana prep coach Ed Schilling to UCLA staff

Steve Alford said during his introductory press conference Tuesday that his UCLA staff would be filled within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Former New Mexico assistant Duane Broussard, whom Alford officially announced while giving his opening statement at Pauley Pavilion, was the first name. According to the Indianapolis Star, former Wright State head coach Ed Schilling is the next, leaving one more open Bruins assistant spot.

“I wasn’t really looking to get back into college coaching,” Schilling told the Star. “I was content with what I was doing. But to be able to coach with one of my best friends and to do it at UCLA was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Continue reading “Alford adds Indiana prep coach Ed Schilling to UCLA staff” »