I’ve never actually polled our readership on this front, but I’d assume the average age of the community here at The Mighty Bruin skews on the older side, so I know there are times when I need to explain the slang of the younger generation. So let me be the first to teach you about the word mid.
mid - Used to insult or degrade an opposing opinion, labeling it as average or poor quality.
When I call the game between UCLA and Arizona State a mid-off, I am referring to the fact that both teams did not play a good game. I would go so far as to say this may have been one of the worst basketball games I’ve ever attended in person. Both teams shot under 40% from the field, with UCLA unable to hit any shots inside the arc while Arizona State could not hit anything outside of it. The Sun Devils shot a ridiculously bad 35.7% from the free throw line, earning the home crowd Fat Sal’s fries three times in a row at one point, while UCLA refused to rebound for a good amount of time. Neither team played good defense, and you could feel the crowd’s attention slowly fade away.
Luckily for UCLA, Arizona State is not very good, and while the Bruins only scored six points in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the Sun Devils were only able to extend their halftime lead to nine points. One of the things I will say about this UCLA team is that it is very much the front-running type, and when things start to go well it can snowball, which is exactly what happened. Sebastian Mack made his first field goal on an open three that he had been passing up all night at the 9:15 mark, and from there, the floodgates opened, as UCLA finished the game on a 22-3 run over the final 8:11 of the game to win 59-47.
If this was Adem Bona’s last game in Pauley Pavilion, then he left the court on a high note. Bona was by far the best player on the court, putting up a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, being a highly efficient 6-8 from the field and 8-8 from the free-throw line. And outside of two quick fouls late in the first half (the second of which was the usual questionable call from our beloved Pac-12 officials) he mostly stayed out of foul trouble, which allowed him to play 33 minutes. It has often been repeated that this UCLA team was only going to go as far as Bona could take it, and this was a good reminder of that fact heading into the Pac-12 Tournament.
Also good? Getting a win, especially in a situation where the team stopped playing afraid and just played basketball. Even outside of the talent deficiencies on the roster, a lot of the past few weeks could be chalked up to a young team that was just afraid of making mistakes, and ultimately making them as a result. The last nine minutes of this game (and the brief burst in the first half where UCLA ran off 15 straight points) featured a team that finally was playing loose and simply shooting the ball when the shot was open, and they were rewarded. That’s not nothing, and while I am still of the opinion that winning the Pac-12 Tournament is a long shot at best, getting a win in this matter could be huge, as the Bruins locked up the #5 seed with a win and get Oregon State in the first round, followed by Oregon next. Those are two winnable games, and while Arizona would be lurking in the semifinals, they just lost to Southern Cal tonight and would likely play them again in the quarterfinals, so anything is possible, which is better than I was feeling after Thursday at the very least.
The rest of this UCLA squad was interesting. Lazar Stefanovic had a generally-solid game, even if his shot was not falling for a good chunk of it. Dylan Andrews had a similar problem, but he looked good and played strong defense on Frankie Collins, and you could forgive him for having a bit of a let down after doing his darndest to carry the team in recent weeks. The two spot was a huge problem for the Bruins all night, with Sebastian Mack looking disinterested in the game of basketball for most of the night and making terrible decisions repeatedly while Will McClendon continued to make a case for not seeing the court again. The four spot was similarly a problem as it has been all season, but I will say Berke Buyuktuncel had his best game in at least a month. It won’t show up on the scoreboard, and I know saying that is a low bar, but he looked engaged on the defensive end which was encouraging.
Finally, before we go, shout outs to the seniors Kenny Nwuba and Logan Cremonesi on senior night. Cremonesi got the start and played a few minutes, which continues to be a nice move by Mick Cronin, while Nwuba played his usual backup minutes for Adem Bona. Nwuba never really developed into a player who could provide good backup post minutes for the Bruins, but he’ll always hold a special place in UCLA lore for his once-a-year ability to turn into prime Hakeem Olajuwon and completely shut down an opposing big, with his play on Hunter Dickinson in the 2021 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight single-handedly ruining Dickinson’s chances of being drafted in the first round for years. Thank you to both players for what they gave to the program.
We’re officially at the point where UCLA is in win-or-go-home territory. Let’s see how this team responds, as it will have major repercussions for the offseason one way or another.
Go Bruins!
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This "mid-off" seemed more like a contest over who can play worse and LOSE the game, and the Bruins actually lost that contest! Watching the reactions of frustration and despair from both head coaches during that ugly game provided at least some entertainment. Anyway, good for the Bruins to end up with a victory on their last Pac-12 regular season game ever and to FINALLY break their long losing streak. Hope they build some momentum and avoid an embarrassing flop against the worst team in the Pac-12 on Wednesday. Go Bruins!
A minor note, but Bona has impressed me at the foul line this season. Last year, I’d cringe a bit when he took free throws. This year, he’s been money with pure swishes primarily, clean technique, consistency and confidence at the line. Clearly, this was a focus for him in the off-season and it added another element to his stellar game. Still wish he was a bit more consistent inside, but he’s getting more patient. Hope he returns, but not likely to happen. Nice to see a win in a conference season of streaks, bad to good to bad. 2 wins in confidence tourney could be in the mix, then not so sure, but hopeful. All in all, a frustrating year as a fan. Cronin did the best he could with a patchwork team redo, but did get out coached at times. The team grew and progressed, but losing so many early that could have been won and the offensive droughts for long periods during games made it very tough. We could be a contender next year if Bona returns. If not, Mara could be the wildcard impact player if he works on his shot, positioning and toughens up in the lane. The pieces are there with this young team. Just not sure how the BIG10 move works into that mix.
I don’t think that this same set of players would be a contender 5 months from now. The offensive lulls due to poor game planning and iso ball with players that aren’t capable of that style is going to be a problem next year. Even if bona stays and Dylan gets better on his shot, the team goes through too many 5 minute scoring droughts with this crop of players to be a contender against more consistent teams. Everyone has droughts, but this team has had some really bad ones. I can’t imagine what this look like with bona gone next year as Mara hasn’t demonstrated that he’s good enough to play meaningful minutes offensively or defensively. And let’s be honest, his defense is going to be the ultimate killer for cronin if ucla doesn’t find another capable center. His defense is absolutely atrocious. On a defense first team, Mara is still 3rd off the bench at the end of his first year. That doesn’t bode well for next season
I think there will be some changes. How many leave is unknown. I wouldn't assume that Mara will be gone. None of us know how they feel about the whole package at UCLA. All we see are the basketball games.
From watching numerous games on television (live or taped), my impression is that Bona could really use another year of learning from Coach Cronin. I hope that he realizes that he has great potential but needs to improve on avoiding fouls and improving his shooting near the basket. With another season, he could be a top draft pick and become a very valuable asset for the pros. The team this season has been very frustrating for all UCLA fans. UCLA still has probably the best coach in men's college basketball, and a couple of talented players could bring the team back to the top next season.
“The best coach in men’s college basketball”… sorry, these are the comments that get me all riled up. There’s absolutely no planet where there is enough data to support this statement. That you think that is fine, but it also means that your opinions, just like mine when I spew bs, are completely useless in developing any meaningful conversations
I'd put Cronin top 10, but he's not the best coach in the country. at least not yet. Bona will never be a first round pick. If he comes back or stays all 4 years, he could make his way into the mid 2nd round. His problem is he has no outside shot and is too small to play the 5. He would be best served jumping to the g-league right away so he could potentially develop into an NBA rotation player.
I do! He was totally committed to the hair vibe. IIRC he said in an interview it took hours to get those dyes just right. Loved the Bruin spirit and creativity.
I don't think there's any point in arguing about whether the same group can contend this. They would obviously be better, but the same group is not going to be back. Frankly some of them are going to be asked to leave. This roster needs, and will get, wholesale changes.
Sorry. I thought I had written one of the top coaches. I defer to other experts on Bona's potential. I have a pollicy -- I do not watch mercenaries -- only school kids. I have not watched any NBA game since I was a kid. I accept amendments from those more expert than I am.
Hold it, just hold it, guys. We are bickering with each other - venting may be a better word - over a disastrous season to no particular avail. I was in attendance for both games. The mood was quiet resignation to the fact that nothing happened on the court would even spark any reaction one way or the other among us. We were sometimes chatting to catch up with each other since we last met, talking about our travel plans this coming summer etc. How we harp on each other now makes little difference as to what will transpire during the off season nor the next season. Whatever will be , will be. Tomorrow is another day. Let's deal with it when it comes. When the final buzzer sounded, I was actually relieved that it was over and let missus do the long drive home.
Henry and Sea... just take a few monents and see what you think of the following...
I am happy we won. I love UCLA and spent 6 glorious years there as a student, earning both a BA and an MBA. I bleed blue and gold and have enough amazing basketball memories to fill Pauley Pavilion to the rafters...
And you all know my opinions about Cronin. No I do not hate him, but I don't think he is a great coach. Rather I see him as a stubborn enigmatic coach who does not adapt his 'system' to his players.
Here is an article by Colin Sherwin in DraftKings Network that I believe is worth reading. I believe it offers a fair and pretty on point depiction of Cronin...
However, even the above article doesn't explain the following troubling and strange inconsistencies in the way Cronin talks about his team, leaving me wondering who the heck is this guy and how mind boggling it must be for his players to hear a coach contradict himself over and over...
Mismatch 1: Cronin has thrown his players under the proverbial bus many times, accusing them of lacking aptitude and essentially having low IQ and therefore lacking in the ability to develop. Then in an about face, he finally takes 100% of the blame for the season and then follows that by throwing his players under the bus again. 🧐
Mismatch 2: Cronin often states that he doesn't care how his players feel, that he could care less, even stating he didn't care how Will M felt after being ejected with a flagrant 2 (that was a terrible call). Then in an about face he shows great compassion toward his players and especially Will M 🧐
Mismatch 3: Cronin says that freshmen essentially don't have the ability to grow and develop because the season gets tougher as it progresses. Then in an about face he talks about how disappointed he is that the players have not developed. 🧐
Mismatch 4: Cronin often talks about how his team isn't tough and is fragile mentally - he's said this more than once. Then in an about face he states that his players have always been there mentally all year - smdh. 🧐
Mismatch 5: He states he is putting his players through 'tryouts' to determine who will stay on the team. He has also threatened players before this 'tryout' scheme that they would be essentially kicked off the team, and stated that some of the players could care less losing and are out with their girlfriends having fun after a loss. Then in an about face states how he wants the team back and how they are all great kids who will be great players. 🧐
If only the Bruins were shooting 45.1% FG! Currently at 41.5%.
And the article was written too early to include UCLA's 19 point lead over Arizona --> 6 point loss, the SC debacle or other blowouts this year.
Re mismatches
CMC is melting under the pressure of the job and his mistaken evaluation and projection for the team. Season up in smoke, and next year another rebuild upon entry into the B1G.
"They'll be fine?"
Empty recruiting, weak NIL, "stone age, predictable offense" and inflexibility do not portend a good trajectory to me.
Excellent point about Cronin melting under pressure essentially leading to the mismatches... makes much more sense when viewing all in that light (or darkness).
And you nailed it succinctly as always Sea... 'Empty recruiting, weak NIL, "stone age, predictable offense" and inflexibility do not portend a good trajectory to me.'
This article criticized CMC for the SAME limitations 5 years ago! He has not, nor cannot evolve. Draftkings could have copy/pasted and just changed the name of the college.
This article is on point and we are watching history repeat itself. And the run to the Final 4 was largely because JJ was playing at a magical level during that stretch but the season overall was obviously not great. We are stuck in many ways as Cronin did one amazing thing... his buyout is $20 million and who is going to pay that price?
Louisville? And who replaces him? Do you trust Martin Guerrero to make that hire? He needs a year to straighten out his mess (and probably will get 4 more). But his die is cast as is UCLA's fate.
Possibly Louisville - I would imagine their donor pockets are pretty deep and their NIL bucket is full. Whatever the path forward or backward, I believe one thing is certain... Coach Wooden is not smiling 😞
To start with I'm certainly glad we don't go down in history as having lost the final Pac12 regular season football and men's basketball games in history!
That said, regarding this year's team, I said in the game post that I've never seen a team as consistently inconsistent within a game which almost certainly comes from extreme youth and a lack of player-led leadership - which does suggest that more experience for those who stay and are part of the core going forward are likely to advance - thinking here of Mack especially as well as BWill IMHO, but Andrews and Bona if he (hopefully) stays as well. Augmented by the right mix of additions and the coaching we saw that evolved a "first four" team into a #1 seed over time - the future needs not be as bleak as we fear.
Gee, he's done it before, and maybe with the right additions he can do it again.
Nope.
The Tournament is littered with one-time Cinderellas. The Bruins rode the hot hand of an historic performance by JJ (and heroics of JJJ and Jules and Tyger). What in the tea leaves looking ahead, not looking back, reads "success" to you? Praying to strike gold in the portal is hopium, not the recipe. The players aren't coming to a Cronin-coached team. (Rather than repeat myself, see the landscape ahead I've painted under Tamara's mismatches.)
Gee, a coach and a staff that clearly helped non-one-and-done players like Singleton, Bernard, and Clark improve greatly as they gained experience and maturity absolutely can never do that again for anyone else ever.
Nope.
Obviously "past performance is no guarantee of future results" and if the guy on the bench was someone like Alfor or Lav - who demonstrated an inability to have anyone ever improve over many years and different rosters - I'd be more inclined to agree with you. What do I see going forward that gives me belief for a chance for success? As of right now (3/15) a core of Andrews and Bona, more consistency from Mack as he matures, and good rotation pieces like BWill and perhaps Vide also growing under this staff augmented by the type of players that are happy to play at Houston (#343 in pace) or even St.Mary's (#354 in pace) around that core. If that doesn't happen, hey, I might very well be right there with you - but right now we don't know. But I sure feel better than if we did have an empty calories roll the ball out and see what happens guy on the bench like Alfor or Lav...
This "mid-off" seemed more like a contest over who can play worse and LOSE the game, and the Bruins actually lost that contest! Watching the reactions of frustration and despair from both head coaches during that ugly game provided at least some entertainment. Anyway, good for the Bruins to end up with a victory on their last Pac-12 regular season game ever and to FINALLY break their long losing streak. Hope they build some momentum and avoid an embarrassing flop against the worst team in the Pac-12 on Wednesday. Go Bruins!
A minor note, but Bona has impressed me at the foul line this season. Last year, I’d cringe a bit when he took free throws. This year, he’s been money with pure swishes primarily, clean technique, consistency and confidence at the line. Clearly, this was a focus for him in the off-season and it added another element to his stellar game. Still wish he was a bit more consistent inside, but he’s getting more patient. Hope he returns, but not likely to happen. Nice to see a win in a conference season of streaks, bad to good to bad. 2 wins in confidence tourney could be in the mix, then not so sure, but hopeful. All in all, a frustrating year as a fan. Cronin did the best he could with a patchwork team redo, but did get out coached at times. The team grew and progressed, but losing so many early that could have been won and the offensive droughts for long periods during games made it very tough. We could be a contender next year if Bona returns. If not, Mara could be the wildcard impact player if he works on his shot, positioning and toughens up in the lane. The pieces are there with this young team. Just not sure how the BIG10 move works into that mix.
I don’t think that this same set of players would be a contender 5 months from now. The offensive lulls due to poor game planning and iso ball with players that aren’t capable of that style is going to be a problem next year. Even if bona stays and Dylan gets better on his shot, the team goes through too many 5 minute scoring droughts with this crop of players to be a contender against more consistent teams. Everyone has droughts, but this team has had some really bad ones. I can’t imagine what this look like with bona gone next year as Mara hasn’t demonstrated that he’s good enough to play meaningful minutes offensively or defensively. And let’s be honest, his defense is going to be the ultimate killer for cronin if ucla doesn’t find another capable center. His defense is absolutely atrocious. On a defense first team, Mara is still 3rd off the bench at the end of his first year. That doesn’t bode well for next season
I think it's safe to say that Mara won't be back. There's going to be wholesale roster changes.
I think there will be some changes. How many leave is unknown. I wouldn't assume that Mara will be gone. None of us know how they feel about the whole package at UCLA. All we see are the basketball games.
i think with a few of them it's a question of whether they are welcome back on the team.
"playing afraid", well put Dmitri!
From watching numerous games on television (live or taped), my impression is that Bona could really use another year of learning from Coach Cronin. I hope that he realizes that he has great potential but needs to improve on avoiding fouls and improving his shooting near the basket. With another season, he could be a top draft pick and become a very valuable asset for the pros. The team this season has been very frustrating for all UCLA fans. UCLA still has probably the best coach in men's college basketball, and a couple of talented players could bring the team back to the top next season.
“The best coach in men’s college basketball”… sorry, these are the comments that get me all riled up. There’s absolutely no planet where there is enough data to support this statement. That you think that is fine, but it also means that your opinions, just like mine when I spew bs, are completely useless in developing any meaningful conversations
Of course there is no planet where that is true if you focus only on the most recent season. He's indisputably a great coach.
I'd put Cronin top 10, but he's not the best coach in the country. at least not yet. Bona will never be a first round pick. If he comes back or stays all 4 years, he could make his way into the mid 2nd round. His problem is he has no outside shot and is too small to play the 5. He would be best served jumping to the g-league right away so he could potentially develop into an NBA rotation player.
Do you guys remember Logan Cremonisi’s hair last year during March Madness? It was awesome for a bench player.
I do! He was totally committed to the hair vibe. IIRC he said in an interview it took hours to get those dyes just right. Loved the Bruin spirit and creativity.
CMC Pollyannas: It's a tribute to CMC's coaching acumen that he brought this hapless group to near .500. COY!
Also CMC Pollyannas: This same group can contend next year.
I don't think there's any point in arguing about whether the same group can contend this. They would obviously be better, but the same group is not going to be back. Frankly some of them are going to be asked to leave. This roster needs, and will get, wholesale changes.
Mercifully.
Sorry. I thought I had written one of the top coaches. I defer to other experts on Bona's potential. I have a pollicy -- I do not watch mercenaries -- only school kids. I have not watched any NBA game since I was a kid. I accept amendments from those more expert than I am.
Hold it, just hold it, guys. We are bickering with each other - venting may be a better word - over a disastrous season to no particular avail. I was in attendance for both games. The mood was quiet resignation to the fact that nothing happened on the court would even spark any reaction one way or the other among us. We were sometimes chatting to catch up with each other since we last met, talking about our travel plans this coming summer etc. How we harp on each other now makes little difference as to what will transpire during the off season nor the next season. Whatever will be , will be. Tomorrow is another day. Let's deal with it when it comes. When the final buzzer sounded, I was actually relieved that it was over and let missus do the long drive home.
Henry, you are so right. I apologize to the TMB community, and will try to temper my disappointment of this season.
Henry and Sea... just take a few monents and see what you think of the following...
I am happy we won. I love UCLA and spent 6 glorious years there as a student, earning both a BA and an MBA. I bleed blue and gold and have enough amazing basketball memories to fill Pauley Pavilion to the rafters...
And you all know my opinions about Cronin. No I do not hate him, but I don't think he is a great coach. Rather I see him as a stubborn enigmatic coach who does not adapt his 'system' to his players.
Here is an article by Colin Sherwin in DraftKings Network that I believe is worth reading. I believe it offers a fair and pretty on point depiction of Cronin...
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2024/1/4/24025749/ucla-college-basketball-mick-cronin-head-coach-record-pac-12-standings-recruiting
However, even the above article doesn't explain the following troubling and strange inconsistencies in the way Cronin talks about his team, leaving me wondering who the heck is this guy and how mind boggling it must be for his players to hear a coach contradict himself over and over...
Mismatch 1: Cronin has thrown his players under the proverbial bus many times, accusing them of lacking aptitude and essentially having low IQ and therefore lacking in the ability to develop. Then in an about face, he finally takes 100% of the blame for the season and then follows that by throwing his players under the bus again. 🧐
Mismatch 2: Cronin often states that he doesn't care how his players feel, that he could care less, even stating he didn't care how Will M felt after being ejected with a flagrant 2 (that was a terrible call). Then in an about face he shows great compassion toward his players and especially Will M 🧐
Mismatch 3: Cronin says that freshmen essentially don't have the ability to grow and develop because the season gets tougher as it progresses. Then in an about face he talks about how disappointed he is that the players have not developed. 🧐
Mismatch 4: Cronin often talks about how his team isn't tough and is fragile mentally - he's said this more than once. Then in an about face he states that his players have always been there mentally all year - smdh. 🧐
Mismatch 5: He states he is putting his players through 'tryouts' to determine who will stay on the team. He has also threatened players before this 'tryout' scheme that they would be essentially kicked off the team, and stated that some of the players could care less losing and are out with their girlfriends having fun after a loss. Then in an about face states how he wants the team back and how they are all great kids who will be great players. 🧐
Ouch!
If only the Bruins were shooting 45.1% FG! Currently at 41.5%.
And the article was written too early to include UCLA's 19 point lead over Arizona --> 6 point loss, the SC debacle or other blowouts this year.
Re mismatches
CMC is melting under the pressure of the job and his mistaken evaluation and projection for the team. Season up in smoke, and next year another rebuild upon entry into the B1G.
"They'll be fine?"
Empty recruiting, weak NIL, "stone age, predictable offense" and inflexibility do not portend a good trajectory to me.
Excellent point about Cronin melting under pressure essentially leading to the mismatches... makes much more sense when viewing all in that light (or darkness).
And you nailed it succinctly as always Sea... 'Empty recruiting, weak NIL, "stone age, predictable offense" and inflexibility do not portend a good trajectory to me.'
💙💛
This article criticized CMC for the SAME limitations 5 years ago! He has not, nor cannot evolve. Draftkings could have copy/pasted and just changed the name of the college.
https://cincyontheprowl.com/2019/03/14/relatively-low-ceiling-high-floor-mick-cronin/
This article is on point and we are watching history repeat itself. And the run to the Final 4 was largely because JJ was playing at a magical level during that stretch but the season overall was obviously not great. We are stuck in many ways as Cronin did one amazing thing... his buyout is $20 million and who is going to pay that price?
Louisville? And who replaces him? Do you trust Martin Guerrero to make that hire? He needs a year to straighten out his mess (and probably will get 4 more). But his die is cast as is UCLA's fate.
Possibly Louisville - I would imagine their donor pockets are pretty deep and their NIL bucket is full. Whatever the path forward or backward, I believe one thing is certain... Coach Wooden is not smiling 😞
To start with I'm certainly glad we don't go down in history as having lost the final Pac12 regular season football and men's basketball games in history!
That said, regarding this year's team, I said in the game post that I've never seen a team as consistently inconsistent within a game which almost certainly comes from extreme youth and a lack of player-led leadership - which does suggest that more experience for those who stay and are part of the core going forward are likely to advance - thinking here of Mack especially as well as BWill IMHO, but Andrews and Bona if he (hopefully) stays as well. Augmented by the right mix of additions and the coaching we saw that evolved a "first four" team into a #1 seed over time - the future needs not be as bleak as we fear.
Gee, he's done it before, and maybe with the right additions he can do it again.
Nope.
The Tournament is littered with one-time Cinderellas. The Bruins rode the hot hand of an historic performance by JJ (and heroics of JJJ and Jules and Tyger). What in the tea leaves looking ahead, not looking back, reads "success" to you? Praying to strike gold in the portal is hopium, not the recipe. The players aren't coming to a Cronin-coached team. (Rather than repeat myself, see the landscape ahead I've painted under Tamara's mismatches.)
Gee, a coach and a staff that clearly helped non-one-and-done players like Singleton, Bernard, and Clark improve greatly as they gained experience and maturity absolutely can never do that again for anyone else ever.
Nope.
Obviously "past performance is no guarantee of future results" and if the guy on the bench was someone like Alfor or Lav - who demonstrated an inability to have anyone ever improve over many years and different rosters - I'd be more inclined to agree with you. What do I see going forward that gives me belief for a chance for success? As of right now (3/15) a core of Andrews and Bona, more consistency from Mack as he matures, and good rotation pieces like BWill and perhaps Vide also growing under this staff augmented by the type of players that are happy to play at Houston (#343 in pace) or even St.Mary's (#354 in pace) around that core. If that doesn't happen, hey, I might very well be right there with you - but right now we don't know. But I sure feel better than if we did have an empty calories roll the ball out and see what happens guy on the bench like Alfor or Lav...
Go BRUINS
Thanks, C98. I'm not convinced, but you score major points for Coach Empty Calories. Also, aspiring to be St. Mary's is not palatable.