Wow, woke up this morning still pumped up from last night's game. I'm really happy for Coach Alford, but especially happy for the kids on the team. They played great, had tremendous energy, never backed down, and were super resilient every time it looked like Kentucky might change the tide. Say what you want about the state of Bruin's basketball and your feelings about the coach, but these kids represent the school. They can't get traded or waived, and for the most part I've never questioned their desire to be better or the effort on the floor. So kudos on the big win.
I realize that last night was only one game (and I think we played about as well as we can), and I know that there will be poor games and stumbles moving forward, but for those who watched the CSUN game (and yes, I know it was only CSUN) you could see some growth, primarily on the offensive side of the ball. Ball movement was much better and the players weren't just standing around. On the defensive end, while I don't think we're ever going to be great as one on one defenders, the team is doing much better rotating and helping out. As some of us have pointed out, team defense sometimes takes time to develop. Rebounding has also gotten better and the guards last night were terrific in this respect. Still, don't get me wrong I never saw that win coming last night, but as Jay Bilas pointed out at the end, hopefully this will give the players some confidence and show what they can do on any given night. The biggest takeaway for me, is that the team has character and are starting to play more and more like a team.
People will still go back to that Monmouth loss, but going by some of their other wins this year it's obvious that Monmouth isn't bad, and also let's remember that Bolden didn't play that night and that Holiday and Ali were playing in their first games and played like freshmen....high school freshmen. Some of the young guys are starting to find their way, Bolden is shaking off some rust, and if Parker can avoid unnecessary fouls then our bigs will be something to reckon with. Welsh has been just amazing (wonder if Coach Alford should get some credit for his development?
). Hopefully, last night will be a springboard moving forward.
I'll finish by tipping my hats to those who have been detractors of the program and Coach Alford for posting positive comments after the game. You can tell these are genuine fans of UCLA and while some of us might disagree on what takes place on the court and in the program, it's obvious that we all want success for the team and were thrilled with last night's W. As for those who are consistent negative posters, but couldn't come on and be happy for the team, well I think your narrative has been completely exposed. You're not fans of UCLA, you're fans of your own opinion, and would rather be right than watch the Bruins beat the #1 team in the country.
Again congrats to the team on a fantastic W!
Go Bruins!
I realize that last night was only one game (and I think we played about as well as we can), and I know that there will be poor games and stumbles moving forward, but for those who watched the CSUN game (and yes, I know it was only CSUN) you could see some growth, primarily on the offensive side of the ball. Ball movement was much better and the players weren't just standing around. On the defensive end, while I don't think we're ever going to be great as one on one defenders, the team is doing much better rotating and helping out. As some of us have pointed out, team defense sometimes takes time to develop. Rebounding has also gotten better and the guards last night were terrific in this respect. Still, don't get me wrong I never saw that win coming last night, but as Jay Bilas pointed out at the end, hopefully this will give the players some confidence and show what they can do on any given night. The biggest takeaway for me, is that the team has character and are starting to play more and more like a team.
People will still go back to that Monmouth loss, but going by some of their other wins this year it's obvious that Monmouth isn't bad, and also let's remember that Bolden didn't play that night and that Holiday and Ali were playing in their first games and played like freshmen....high school freshmen. Some of the young guys are starting to find their way, Bolden is shaking off some rust, and if Parker can avoid unnecessary fouls then our bigs will be something to reckon with. Welsh has been just amazing (wonder if Coach Alford should get some credit for his development?
). Hopefully, last night will be a springboard moving forward.I'll finish by tipping my hats to those who have been detractors of the program and Coach Alford for posting positive comments after the game. You can tell these are genuine fans of UCLA and while some of us might disagree on what takes place on the court and in the program, it's obvious that we all want success for the team and were thrilled with last night's W. As for those who are consistent negative posters, but couldn't come on and be happy for the team, well I think your narrative has been completely exposed. You're not fans of UCLA, you're fans of your own opinion, and would rather be right than watch the Bruins beat the #1 team in the country.
Again congrats to the team on a fantastic W!
Go Bruins!
