As you all know, I have been pretty darn critical of Cronin. I still don't like the 'throw the players under the bus' pressers. But I do believe Cronin has shown that he is willing to look at himself in the mirror, and realize that his choking leash on his players was not working.
As you all know, I have been pretty darn critical of Cronin. I still don't like the 'throw the players under the bus' pressers. But I do believe Cronin has shown that he is willing to look at himself in the mirror, and realize that his choking leash on his players was not working.
Much respect for Cronin's introspection...
Cronin has since done a masterful job of giving his players more freedom which has allowed the team chemistry to skyrocket. The team is carving out an identity on both O and D, and it is looking like poetry in motion. (no more scoring droughts, please).
Also, Trainer Andrews has done an exquisite job in strengthening Mara both physically and mentally. Mara is now a game changer... we now have our rim protector and Mara has opened up the offense in a magnificent manner with his stellar passing and high % buckets. The Mara and Bilo, and Mara and Dailey combos are really hard to beat. If Mara keeps improving, we may just become unstoppable.
I think we have a shot at winning the rest of our games. I love that Michigan State will be in our home and I like our chances, a lot. We just can't lose focus in the loud arenas on the road. Illinois does not look like a top 25 team and while Purdue is very good, I believe we can win - but it will be our toughest road game for sure.
This season could turn out to be beyond our dreams... and a girl can dream, ya know 💙💛 Go Bruins!
Mara and Jaquez are not a good comparison. Jaquez was close to NBA ready after his junior season, but was probably going to be a second round pick and languish in the g league with no opportunity. Mara is not close to NBA ready and likely won't be for maybe even 3 years, but his ceiling is much higher even if his chance of reaching it is lower. He came to UCLA as a potential lottery pick. While everyone overestimated his readiness to play in America, this season shows that potential is still there. If he keeps this up, plenty of NBA franchises are going to be willing to stash him.
While you obviously can't coach height, I just do not see mara going to the G Leagues next year. He'd learn far more if he stayed with Cronin, and I hope he realizes that by staying he will be earning far more when he goes to the bigs in 2 years than if he left next year...
Moses Brown is still bouncing around G League teams. Who knows, Mara may be by the end of his 3rd year a vastly improved very good player. He went from unplayable to a seemingly very valuable asset overnight. But really it was after 1 1/2 years of discipline and coaching. But he had hardly any balance against stronger opponents even in the beginning portion of this year. People seem to think all of the sudden he got playing time and that was all that was needed. The playing time he received in early games this season did not make him worthy of more.
The same can be said for Perry. At times he looks ok, but at other times he's a liability and may cost possessions and possibly the game if he's left out there while not having the confidence to get consistent minutes.
I'm sure many of us wanted Peyton Watson to get more minutes in his brief one year stint. He wasn't good enough to play. All the speculation about playing time is kind of hopefulness rather than knowing anything. I'll give Cronin and his decades of experience the benefit of the doubt over people saying he just needed to give Mara more playing time. He wants to win games and unless it comes down to an ego thing between a player and Cronin, I doubt he'd let a guy ride the bench rather than give him minutes to help the the team win.
Cronin is no fool. Howland won the PAC 12 and only because Jordan Adams went down in the Conference semifinal before Championship game did Ucla lose so easily in the first round vs Minnesota in Howland's last year. Their ranking also suffered because of that injury.
I don't like the public humiliation method and Cronin could have been handled the issues in private and more constructively. I think Cronin's introspection was critical and unlocked the potential of this team.
I mean players playing better also helps. Which the consistently do after Cronin goes full Cronin. You may not like it but it works. Do you think those issues aren't also being discussed in the locker room prior to that?
Harder to justify his method at UCLA if his players weren't highly competitive and successful as they have been under his watch (except for last season's poor roster reload). Results could've been even better if not for key injuries and game-winning shots by their opponents during postseason play.
Speaking of Ben Bolch, he commented on this video which is why it popped up in my feed. This is video I referenced in my other comment. Worth the watch IMO.
Thanks for sharing--I had also previously posted a link to somebody's YouTube recording of Steven A, Smith's approval of Coach Cronin's public calling-out of his players and coaching staff. Fast-forward in time and we're seeing that the team isn't performing like crap now. No more "soft" and "delusional", and definitely not Howland 2.0, where the coach loses control of the team.
This year I watched what happened with the 4 game losing streak. Here, on YouTube and on other sites. I saw the different takes from a lot of people Jay Bilas, Dan Dakich, and a host of fans or judgemental observers of the situation.
I like Cronin, not the initial hire, I felt we settled, could have done better, buy on hindsight, just like after the 4 game losing streak and the meltdown by Cronin after the Michigan loss. I even wondered if it was a bridge too far. But I think Cronin knew exactly what he was doing. If the team hadn't responded, maybe it would be a different story but it seem to have been the magic elixir this team needed. This video i think if you catch it explains why Dylan struggled this year. Not to judge him and maybe I'm 100% wrong. But something dawned 9n me while watching.
I rewatched the post game press conferences from the Crosstown Brawl, with Cronin, Chris Mack and I read the comments and saw the different takes from Cincinnati and Xavier fans. It's pretty predictable who thought what. But I ve looked up their records and where are they now. Cronin is at UCLA,and Mack is at the The College of Charleston. Not that that should be the only measuring stick. Mack had a few good seasonsat Louisville and some comments referred to Mick being the coach at Cincinnati while Mack moved on to a really good program. Mack was let go after some not so successful seasons.
I just watched this video on Finding the Key Traits of Great Coaches with UCLA's Mick Cronin Youth Inc.
I just watched a very good video on Coaching. Greg Olsen interviews Coach Cronin and it's an eye opener into coaching and what coaching is beyond just winning and losing and all that goes into it.
As you all know, I have been pretty darn critical of Cronin. I still don't like the 'throw the players under the bus' pressers. But I do believe Cronin has shown that he is willing to look at himself in the mirror, and realize that his choking leash on his players was not working.
Much respect for Cronin's introspection...
Cronin has since done a masterful job of giving his players more freedom which has allowed the team chemistry to skyrocket. The team is carving out an identity on both O and D, and it is looking like poetry in motion. (no more scoring droughts, please).
Also, Trainer Andrews has done an exquisite job in strengthening Mara both physically and mentally. Mara is now a game changer... we now have our rim protector and Mara has opened up the offense in a magnificent manner with his stellar passing and high % buckets. The Mara and Bilo, and Mara and Dailey combos are really hard to beat. If Mara keeps improving, we may just become unstoppable.
I think we have a shot at winning the rest of our games. I love that Michigan State will be in our home and I like our chances, a lot. We just can't lose focus in the loud arenas on the road. Illinois does not look like a top 25 team and while Purdue is very good, I believe we can win - but it will be our toughest road game for sure.
This season could turn out to be beyond our dreams... and a girl can dream, ya know 💙💛 Go Bruins!
Mara has been amazing the last few games!
he's playing himself into the G league next year. Enjoy him while he's here.
A phone call from Jamie Jaquez might have him rethink that!
Another year and and a deep run this year and next might gove him the strength and size he needs for the next level.
Mara and Jaquez are not a good comparison. Jaquez was close to NBA ready after his junior season, but was probably going to be a second round pick and languish in the g league with no opportunity. Mara is not close to NBA ready and likely won't be for maybe even 3 years, but his ceiling is much higher even if his chance of reaching it is lower. He came to UCLA as a potential lottery pick. While everyone overestimated his readiness to play in America, this season shows that potential is still there. If he keeps this up, plenty of NBA franchises are going to be willing to stash him.
While you obviously can't coach height, I just do not see mara going to the G Leagues next year. He'd learn far more if he stayed with Cronin, and I hope he realizes that by staying he will be earning far more when he goes to the bigs in 2 years than if he left next year...
Moses Brown is still bouncing around G League teams. Who knows, Mara may be by the end of his 3rd year a vastly improved very good player. He went from unplayable to a seemingly very valuable asset overnight. But really it was after 1 1/2 years of discipline and coaching. But he had hardly any balance against stronger opponents even in the beginning portion of this year. People seem to think all of the sudden he got playing time and that was all that was needed. The playing time he received in early games this season did not make him worthy of more.
The same can be said for Perry. At times he looks ok, but at other times he's a liability and may cost possessions and possibly the game if he's left out there while not having the confidence to get consistent minutes.
I'm sure many of us wanted Peyton Watson to get more minutes in his brief one year stint. He wasn't good enough to play. All the speculation about playing time is kind of hopefulness rather than knowing anything. I'll give Cronin and his decades of experience the benefit of the doubt over people saying he just needed to give Mara more playing time. He wants to win games and unless it comes down to an ego thing between a player and Cronin, I doubt he'd let a guy ride the bench rather than give him minutes to help the the team win.
Cronin is no fool. Howland won the PAC 12 and only because Jordan Adams went down in the Conference semifinal before Championship game did Ucla lose so easily in the first round vs Minnesota in Howland's last year. Their ranking also suffered because of that injury.
Almost like those pressers have worked though
I don't like the public humiliation method and Cronin could have been handled the issues in private and more constructively. I think Cronin's introspection was critical and unlocked the potential of this team.
I mean players playing better also helps. Which the consistently do after Cronin goes full Cronin. You may not like it but it works. Do you think those issues aren't also being discussed in the locker room prior to that?
We will agree thet players are playing so much better... And hopefully this means a season to remember, in a good way.
it's the best way to hold them accountable. Yelling, screaming, and tough love works.
Funny part with me defending it is that I hate it as a coaching method
Recall last year's L.A. Times article from Ben Bolch on this issue:
https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2024-02-23/mick-cronins-screaming-reputation
Harder to justify his method at UCLA if his players weren't highly competitive and successful as they have been under his watch (except for last season's poor roster reload). Results could've been even better if not for key injuries and game-winning shots by their opponents during postseason play.
Speaking of Ben Bolch, he commented on this video which is why it popped up in my feed. This is video I referenced in my other comment. Worth the watch IMO.
https://youtu.be/YtoXsnmw5yc?si=lKGyTDuMcklljTbx
Thanks for sharing--I had also previously posted a link to somebody's YouTube recording of Steven A, Smith's approval of Coach Cronin's public calling-out of his players and coaching staff. Fast-forward in time and we're seeing that the team isn't performing like crap now. No more "soft" and "delusional", and definitely not Howland 2.0, where the coach loses control of the team.
Go Bruins!
Watched an informative video regarding this. I might have to post it here.
Like your dreams.
Last year I disappeared
https://i.imgur.com/W04q3mm.jpeg
This year I watched what happened with the 4 game losing streak. Here, on YouTube and on other sites. I saw the different takes from a lot of people Jay Bilas, Dan Dakich, and a host of fans or judgemental observers of the situation.
I like Cronin, not the initial hire, I felt we settled, could have done better, buy on hindsight, just like after the 4 game losing streak and the meltdown by Cronin after the Michigan loss. I even wondered if it was a bridge too far. But I think Cronin knew exactly what he was doing. If the team hadn't responded, maybe it would be a different story but it seem to have been the magic elixir this team needed. This video i think if you catch it explains why Dylan struggled this year. Not to judge him and maybe I'm 100% wrong. But something dawned 9n me while watching.
I rewatched the post game press conferences from the Crosstown Brawl, with Cronin, Chris Mack and I read the comments and saw the different takes from Cincinnati and Xavier fans. It's pretty predictable who thought what. But I ve looked up their records and where are they now. Cronin is at UCLA,and Mack is at the The College of Charleston. Not that that should be the only measuring stick. Mack had a few good seasonsat Louisville and some comments referred to Mick being the coach at Cincinnati while Mack moved on to a really good program. Mack was let go after some not so successful seasons.
I just watched this video on Finding the Key Traits of Great Coaches with UCLA's Mick Cronin Youth Inc.
I just watched a very good video on Coaching. Greg Olsen interviews Coach Cronin and it's an eye opener into coaching and what coaching is beyond just winning and losing and all that goes into it.
https://youtu.be/slYwO6Cv7DI?si=V7EqviPILs3ooc--
35 minutes long and it was very good.