UCLA Basketball Thread

[nate]

Howland wasn't just fired for losing, he was fired for how he ran the program.  It was in disarray.  So many players left the team, the SI article, etc.

[nate]

Kareem wants the job, and IMO UCLA could certainly do worse.

 

Other than Kevin O'neil I can't think of anyone worse.

 

Kareem was a great Bruin but he is also one of the most egotistical people on the planet.

[RallyMo]

The other thing to remember about UCLA is the fact that it has such a high expectation. It is not a lifetime coaching gig. Stevens or Smart could come here, get to a couple of Sweet 16s maybe a final four over 10 years, then what? The first lull, as what has happened with Howland, results in a firing.

 

These guys (Stevens and Smart) have lifetime jobs at their respective schools if they want them. They already exceeded expectations and can't fail unless they go 3-5 years worth of losing seasons.

 

UCLA is a tough place to get a gig. That said, I will be rooting for Oregon to beat Louisville because I think that's the only way UCLA has a chance at Pitino. Pitino wants the gig, was ready to come here twice, most recently in 2010 when the "Howland should be fired" rumors first started.

 

If that fails, I think they look at Monty and  Romar.

 

A 66 year old that more or less hates recruiting would be perfect for UCLA. With that said, he's do a better job on the court with talent than whoever you end up getting if it's not him. I honestly think Monty might be able to turn around UCLA, and quickly (Cal has the best Pac12 record over the five years he's been our coach), but I don't know that he'd want to take the UCLA job at this point.

 

I'd be absolutely SHOCKED if Monty ended up at UCLA, but I guess anything could happen.

[xboom28x]

From what I hear, Monty turned down the job and pointed Guerrero in the direction of Howland 10 years ago. Maybe he doesn't want the job. But this is the tier of coaches I think UCLA ends up with.

Nate, I know about all that extra stuff that led to Howlands demise. But it doesn't change the level of expectation with any coach brought in here.

[eaterfan]

I know this goes contrary to the belief here but I'd rather see UCLA take a shot with a hot shot assistant or an upstart with some upside than a retread head coach who we know isn't great like Romar.

[RallyMo]

From what I hear, Monty turned down the job and pointed Guerrero in the direction of Howland 10 years ago. Maybe he doesn't want the job. But this is the tier of coaches I think UCLA ends up with.

Nate, I know about all that extra stuff that led to Howlands demise. But it doesn't change the level of expectation with any coach brought in here.

 

I don't think that makes him likely to take the job now.

[nate]

The expectations aren't as high as you think.  Too bad you don't have a Scout subscription because they debunked most of those national media myths about UCLA.  Also it is a top 5 job in the country and they have a ton of money to spend, I think they will get a big name.

 

Actually, it isn't premium content.

 

http://ucla.scout.com/2/1278062.html

[RallyMo]

If it's really a top 5 job, expectations should be ridiculously high.

[mtangelsfan]

I hear Tim Floyd is available.

[halobob]

My expectations are a team that is consistently ranked in the top 25 every year while making a final four once every 4 or 5 years.  Get it done Guerrero!

[xboom28x]

That BRO report is quite homerish. If the rest of the nation perceives the program to be a certain way, than most likely the program is that way.

[nate]

Lol, you have no clue if you think that.  They are far from homerish and they know more about UCLA than anyone in the national media possibly could.

[xboom28x]

I am not calling the site homerish. Just the article. While I agree that it is not as bad as the mainstream media makes it out to be, there are truths to the perception.

[Jay]

I think they will get a big name.

 

So much for that

[Lou]

FWIW Scout reporting that UCLA was never in contact with Smart.

 

We contacted the AD but Smart never spoke with UCLA.  He was never offered anything.

[Lou]

So much for that

 

Why? It's been one week.  Sixteen teams are still playing.

[RallyMo]

Waiting for Coach K to be done.

[Lou]

Smart was never offered the job.

 

Stevens has been offered @ a salary of $3M+

[nate]

Yep, according to IBJ Butler is preparing a counter offer.  This feels like Petersen all over again though.  I hope it isn't.  I guess Stevens grew up a UCLA fan and is a huge Reggie Miller fan.

[RallyMo]

Wow, it will be difficult for him to turn that down. Impressive.

 

re: Petersen - that worked out for you guys anyway, right

[nate]

ESPN reporting that Stevens is staying at Butler

[RallyMo]

Believe nothing until a coach is announced.

[Lou]

espn is reporting....

 

lol

 

i think with Butler changing conferences and getting more $$, Stevens stays there.

[RallyMo]

What does Chip Brown from orangebloods have to say about this?

Nothing short of an introductory press conference should be trusted.

[nate]

I am not saying ESPN is right just that they are reporting it.

 

Nobody else is reporting it though.