UCLA basketball is just around the corner.
On November 9, the Bruins tip-off a new era, anchored by a renovated Pauley Pavilion and a high-caliber freshman class that includes a surefire 2013 lottery draft pick in Shabazz Muhammad and the most unique point forward in the nation in Kyle Anderson.
There’s a plenitude of things to look forward to in 2012-13. UCLA fans have every reason to think this squad is capable of winning the Pac-12 for the first time since 2007-08, and fans wouldn’t be wrong in assuming the Bruins are Final Four-worthy come March.
With so much to look forward to this upcoming UCLA basketball season, it’s only necessary to find out what everyone’s really looking forward to. With that, here are the top three things to look forward to this season.
1. New Pauley
Pauley Pavilion’s renovation is said to have brought an opulence never before seen in college hoops arenas.
The historic venue lays claim to countless memories, including 11 national titles for UCLA basketball and home of John Wooden, the greatest coach in American sports history at any level.
A lot has changed, including the logo at center court, which replaces this:
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
With this:
Of course, fans who are hardcore traditionalists aren’t so happy about the change, but it’s one that makes sense considering that logo is associated more closely with UCLA athletics than the circle logo.
Meanwhile, the new digs will include a ton of bells and whistles, including improved seating, fancy locker and film rooms, and historical easter eggs and mini-exhibits that pay homage to UCLA’s rich athletic history.
Pauley’s going to be gorgeous, it seems, and fans should be excited to see the final product.