The Go Joe Bruin UCLA Men’s Basketball Season Preview

Mar 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford addresses the media after practice for the south regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches and Staff

Head Coach – Steve Alford

Assistant Coaches – Duane Broussard, David Grace, Ed Schilling

Director of Scouting/Player Development – Kory Barnett

Director of Operations – Tyus Edney

Director of Basketball Administration – Doug Erickson

Athletic Performance Coach – Wes Long

Alford was essentially on the hot seat before he ever got a chance to sit down in his UCLA coach’s chair as there was very little praise of his hiring outside the UCLA Athletic Department. Because of the storied history UCLA boasts, fans questioned whether Alford can return the Bruins to glory, and we are not just talking Pac-12 Championships.

Before Alford, Ben Howland took the Bruins to three straight Final Fours. Two coaches before him Jim Harrick captured UCLA’s first national title in 20 years. And then there is the greatest of them all, John R. Wooden who won ten championships in his tenure as he not only put UCLA on the college basketball map, but made it the epicenter.

That is a lot for Alford to live up to, but it seems that heading into his third season, things are moving in a positive direction.

Recruiting has been slow going to start but Alford was able to land several top prospects, three of which we finally get to see this season. Guards Aaron Holiday and Prince Ali bring talent to the Bruins front court while Jonah Bolden, now eligible, will finally get to display his skills and is projected to be a starter.

If Alford can get consistency with this team and make the necessary adjustments he needs to as a coach, things should turn out better than okay this season, but that is still a “wait-and-see” situation.

Next: Schedule