Where Does UCLA Basketball Go From Here? The Bruins Try To Bounce Back Against Alabama
In my last article regarding UCLA Basketball, I wrote that head coach Steve Alford had the team going in the wrong direction. I was not wrong, but I have also been enlightened by you, the reader. First off, thank you for reading and secondly, thank you for your input about my article. Yes it was harsh, but so was looking at that game against Kentucky where the Bruins only scored 7 points in the first half (the lowest in Bruin Basketball history). Though I laid blame on Alford for the direction of this team, it was all for the love of those four letters: U-C-L-A.
Dec 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford during the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Many readers had pointed out that it was not just Alford responsible for that (to use a term in the parlance of our times) epic fail. Many factors have contributed to this. Here are a few:
UCLA Bruins
-Kentucky is a much better team (Men vs. Boys)
-No point guard
-UCLA’s big men being out-matched
-Re-building
-No offensive sets, no defense
These definitely need to be taken into consideration, but right now, it seems as though UCLA is going backwards and that should never have to be an issue for Bruin Basketball.
So where do they go from here? Well the good news is that the only place UCLA has to go is up. The Bruins are not ready to compete against the big time programs though the hope is that they will soon. It is only Alford’s second season and he needs to make a statement going forward and has not yet done that. In the modern culture of sports, it is all about “what have you done for me lately?” Though Alford got UCLA to their first Sweet Sixteen since 2008 last season, that is in the past. Right now, he needs to think about the future.
So onto Alabama.
December 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) moves to the basket against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
This is a game that I whole-heartly believe that the Bruins can win. Last season when the Crimson Tide came to Pauley Pavilion, it was the Tony Parker show. The Bruins big man had his best game since being at UCLA. Not only do I believe that he will have another monster game, but I believe every Bruin that steps on that court in Tuscaloosa will come out on fire.
You do not lose by 39 points in the previous game and take it for granted. Though the Bruins have had trouble starting fast and generally have no defense, UCLA has showed that they are a team that can score at will.
Kevon Looney should be back to form and collect another double-double. Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton had the hot hand late in the Kentucky game and should put up big numbers from behind the arc. As for Norman Powell, well, I would not want to be the Alabama player that has to guard him all game long.
December 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford watches game action against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
But what about Steve Alford? I have always noted that he has done a decent job of making much needed second-half adjustments, which we saw in the games against San Diego, UC Riverside, Gonzaga and even against Kentucky. What needs to happen from now on is being prepared for games and jumping out to a big lead. After Alabama, the Bruins start conference play on the road and have a tough start at Colorado and at Utah. If he can get the Bruins to start strong in the Pac-12, than these non-conference woes will go away. If UCLA does not start strong, than this WILL be a long season.
Yes, I was critical of Alford, but it is only because I want to see him succeed. But then again, what does it really matter what I say? I am a guy behind a computer and he making millions of dollars leading the Bruins. Advantage, Alford. Still, if he continues to underachieve, than he has to go. If he rights this ship and brings more success to UCLA, than he deserves to stay. Plain and simple.
Right now, let us just hope he has a plan to take down Alabama. Go Bruins!