The Hits Keep On Coming – UCLA Basketball Is Having A Down Year Due To Several Factors
UCLA Basketball has taken several hits since last summer which has translated to some pretty underwhelming play in head coach Steve Alford‘s second year in charge. A lot of that has to do with Alford’s own handling of his team, but there have also been some factors that have been out of his control. Here is a list of some of the things that have affected the UCLA basketball program and are leading them to have a down year.
Losing Three NBA First Round Draft Picks
January 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard/forward Kyle Anderson (5) moves the ball up court against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
You cannot blame an athlete for wanting to chase their dream, especially if there is a chance to achieve that dream sooner than later. After a successful season last year, Jordan Adams, Kyle Anderson and Zach LaVine had decided it was in their best interest to take their talents from the college ranks to the professional level when they decided to forego their remaining eligibility at UCLA and test the waters of the NBA.
Well as we saw during last June’s NBA Draft, they were not wrong, but that did leave three spots open on UCLA’s roster. Not only did the Bruins have to fill those spots, but also meant they were losing a large percentage of their offensive production, at least form Adams and Anderson. At the time, it did not seem like a big deal, but as we have seen in non-conference play this season, it is really starting to hurt.
Jon Octeus and Jonah Bolden
UCLA Bruins
UCLA got word before the season that they were to be without the talents of two players that were looking to play in Westwood this year. Because of the loss of last season’s point guard Kyle Anderson, Alford was looking to gain some extra help from Colorado State transfer Jon Octeus, a combo guard that had experience playing the 1 spot in his three previous years at CSU. Just before the season, his admission was denied by UCLA, leaving the Bruins without a player that would have helped a thin back court.
The Bruins also got word that five-star commit Jonah Bolden would not be able to play this season due to the fact that he only partially qualified and was denied eligibility by the NCAA. Bolden was part of the Bruin’s Top 20 recruiting class and was looking to get major playing time this year helping out the front court. Though UCLA would still have help from freshman big men Kevon Looney, Thomas Welsh and Gyorgy Goloman, they would have to do with out Bolden’s services, although he expected to play next season.
No Point Guard
Dec 20, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford during the second half at United Center. Kentucky defeats UCLA 83-42. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
It was known that losing Anderson and Octeus was big, but no more than it is now. Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton have been asked to handle PG duties this season and it is not turning out the way Steve Alford might have hoped. There is no organization to the offense and both have little-to-no defensive presence. That combination has made for weak performances, especially against some of the more talented teams they have faced. Though both have been very good at scoring, it has been assumed that they will be great shooting guards when they have some one to run the point. But right now, whether they are trying to do too little or too much, it is not enough.
Wanaah Bail Is Academically Ineligible
UCLA took another hit this weekend when it was revealed that sophomore forward Wanaah Bail was ruled academically ineligible. Because of that, he is out for the rest of the season. Though Bail was not used very much and had little production, it thins out the Bruins roster even more than it was before. That is not exactly what UCLA was hoping for as they head into Pac-12 Conference play which starts Friday with a trip to Colorado.
Norman Powell Injures His Hand Vs Alabama
Dec 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) drives against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kevin Pangos (4) during the game at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
With the Bruins were trying muster up some offense in the first half against Alabama, Norman Powell was trying to do his part. On a fast break in the first half, he went up for a slam dunk, which he has been very proficient at, and was fouled on the play. After the break, Tony Parker was shooting free throws for him while the ESPN commentators had mentioned that Powell might have dislocated his thumb on that play. Thoguh the injury did not keep him out of the game, he did return with his hand taped up. To make it worse, he�was not very productive the rest of the game. Powell, who averages 16.1 points per game, had only scored three the entire game.
If this injury requires more than just being taped up, UCLA is in an even bigger trouble. Even still, a minor injury can throw off his game and decrease his effectiveness from dribbling to shooting to his recently famous dunking ability. This is not what UCLA needs from their second leading scorer.
Let us face it, the Bruins have been downright unlucky this year and it is really starting to show. As the title indicates, the hits just keep on coming for UCLA. Not that the Bruins should phone-in the rest of the season but it looks like not a lot should be expected front his team the rest of the way.