Basketball edition looking back on the 2005 season

The 2005 season would see UCLA go on an incredible run to the National Championship. They would be the second seed in the Oakland bracket. The team possessed a really good defense, a staple under Ben Howland. But their offense struggled at times to get buckets when the offense went stagnant. They only scored 67.7 points per game which was 193rd in the nation. While the defense held opponents to only 58.7 points per night which was 10th best in the nation.

They had a group of guys who could play good team basketball but outside of Arron Afflalo there wasn’t a true 1 on 1 player. When offenses go stagnant, it is always nice to have a guy who can create his own offense to get through those lumps. They are bound to happen to every team at some point. That’s why 1 on 1 drills are so common to see how guys can get their own offense. But their defense more than made up for it as they gave other teams fits most nights and frustrated teams playing intense ball.

Surprisingly the team never made it into the top 10 until the conclusion of the title game. They won the Pac-10 tournament leading to their No. 2 seed. They would then have one of the thrillers of all time in the Gonzaga game. In a game that was all but lost the Bruins forced a late turnover leading to a game winning basket and ending Adam Morrison’s college career. UCLA would then upset No. 1 Memphis and cruise by LSU setting the stage against Florida.

UCLA would be humbled in the title game. As Florida was dominant under Billy Donovan and flush with NBA talent. But it was a great season for the Bruins who seemed to be on the cusp of winning that 12th National Title. Howland proved to be the right coach for the job and got the best out of players.