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UCLA Basketball: The iconic center court logo returns to Pauley Pavilion

By Mike Regalado

05 Dec 2001: The UCLA team huddles at center court before the NCAA game against the UC Riverside Highlanders at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, California. UCLA defeated UC Riverside 65-50. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle/Allsport
05 Dec 2001: The UCLA team huddles at center court before the NCAA game against the UC Riverside Highlanders at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, California. UCLA defeated UC Riverside 65-50. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle/Allsport /
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The UCLA Basketball team and Pauley Pavilion are bringing back a classic as the traditional “UCLA” star logo is returning to center court at Nell and John Wooden court.

As UCLA Athletics simply puts it, “IT’S BACK!” That s right ladies and gentlemen, the iconic center court logo that has been synonymous with UCLA Basketball has returned.

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The logo that so many champions have played on (Lew Alcindor, Bill Walton, Jamaal Wilkes, just to name a few) is making its way back to Nell and John Wooden Court.

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Since the inception of Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion in 1965, the center court has donned the simple yet eye-catching logo at center court. A blue ring with two gold stars and gold “UCLA” lettering is, well, iconic.

Part of the change back to the old logo is due to the re-branding that has been spear-headed by Under Armour. Since the apparel company took over for Adidas in July, UA has made a series of changes to uniforms and the imagery. One of those includes losing the “tail” of the “UCLA Bruins” script logo, which is what has been at center court since Pauley opened its doors after renovations in 2012.

With UCLA and UA nixing that logo, something had to replace it. Why not an old classic?

Per UCLABruins.com, Athletic Director Dan Guererro stated, “Over the past several months, our branding initiative has focused on building a clean, cohesive look that continues to promote the most classic parts of the UCLA brand.” Men’s Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford added, “That logo represents so much to our basketball program. It’s a vivid reminder for our guys of all the great UCLA teams, players, coaches and moments that have come before us.”

Women’s Head Coach Cori Close put the cherry on top, “The center logo is an expression of us honoring our past, a past which established the level of excellence that we measure ourselves against. We are always moving forward, seeking excellence, and I’m excited we can do that while honoring those who came before us.”

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Come this fall, Pauley Pavilion returns to its roots and I can guarantee that UCLA Basketball fans are ecstatic. Not a bad move, UCLA. Go Bruins!