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UCLA Basketball: The Alford-to-Indiana Rumors Kick Up Again With Tom Crean’s Termination

By Mike Regalado

March 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana has fired Tom Crean, which means they will be in the hunt for another head coach, and just like last week, the rumor mill is saying UCLA Basketball’s Steve Alford is a leading candidate.

Here we go again. The UCLA Basketball team has not even played their first game in the 2017 NCAA Tournament and some folks are already expecting head coach Steve Alford to head for the exit.

Why is that?

Alford’s alma mater, Indiana, has just fired their head coach, Tom Crean, after nine seasons which was topped with an 11th place finish in the Big Ten after they went 18-16, 7-11.

Related Story: UCLA Basketball: Alford to Indiana Rumors Seem Unlikely

So with Alford out, that must mean Alford is in… right?

Rumors of Alford’s interest arose last Friday after the Bruin’s loss in the Pac-12 semifinals. Go Joe Bruin had committed on rumors based on now deleted tweets from former Scout writer, Justin Albers that stated that “sources” have stated that Alford would have “significantly interest” if the Indiana head coaching position were to become available.

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Well, the position is now available and the internet is once again abuzz with Alford-to-Indiana talk. At least that is what the sentiment is, especially around a certain UCLA “fan” blog. (I am not going to link to them, you know who they are.)

The article basically states that Bruin fans have been “waiting for this day” when Alford would no longer be UCLA’s coach.

NEWS FLASH! Not all Bruin fans dislike Alford just like not all fans like Alford, but after this season, despite what you think of him, he has indeed turned this program around with the help of his entire squad and not just freshmen phenomenal Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf.

Roster management has improved, defense has improved and the veterans have improved. And how about that recruiting trail?

Next: How Does UCLA Make an NCAA Tournament Run?

Now I know this article draws attention to the rumors, but let us keep things in perspective: UCLA Basketball does not need this attention right now. They need to focus on Kent State and the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Save the non-sense for the off-season.