They lost to Washington. They lost to California.
Did they get bored and mail it in?
Or is it an indication of problems that this team has which will sink their chances of making a serious run in the NCAA?
I've never bought into the UCLA as #1 hype.
Just look at the team!
Affalo is a A level player with NBA prospects but he isn't an A+ player who will go high in the first round.
Collison and Shipp are A- players with some skills on top of raw athletic ability will need another year or two in order to be NBA ready.
Mata, Mbah a Moute and Abboya (the sixth man) are B+ players. These guys give a lot by sheer hard work on top of more modest athletic ability and skills. Their NBA prospects are not great. Perhaps second round projects and back-up role players.
Don't get me wrong, on paper, talentwise this team is probably better than 90% of the teams out there.
But how did they get the #1 in the country accolades?
Coach Howland has to be given a lot of credit for creating the "myth" of the #1 Bruins. In reality, it is smoke and mirrors. Howland's defensive schemes usually can cover up the weaknesses of the team (limited team speed and no dominant inside presence) but on their losses they were exposed. And as a fan who listens to the games on the radio, many other teams exploited those factors but they didn't have enough intensity and talent to fully overcome.
Anyway, one can hope the team can heal from aches and pains from the season and most of all, regain the play every possession with passion they have had all too infrequently this season. Hopefully, Howland can come up with the motivational talks to get them going and the Xs and Os to deal with teams that now really believe they can beat the Bruins.
Despite my concerns: GO BRUINS!!
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