We all did, Tamara. At the time I was in school It was said there were 6 (tenure-track) openings per year in the field. So you had to be awesomely good!
ASU led 53-26 in the 1st half, then Nevada won the 2nd half, 47-45, so his team did play slightly better defense after halftime. LOL... So long, chief!
4th straight loss (a blowout one at that) and 5 losses out of the last 7 games for Nevada. Teams that were on the bubble are probably cursing the NCAA selection committee for picking a team that backed its way into the tournament and immediately flopped. Also shows how competitive a lesser Pac-12 team is (ASU had a NET ranking of 66 vs. 37 for Nevada). Still hard to believe he was actually hired to be head coach at UCLA...
You’re not wrong. Already everyone is picking Gonzaga to beat us. We’ll need Bona back to (mostly) full strength, but for some reason, they don’t scare me this year. It’s weird because it seems to be a tough region, but we can be anyone if we execute.
It is also true that this year's Gonzaga is far from the Zags of the past, while our Bruins (full healthy) are better than our Final Four Bruins a few years back :-)
Actually, we are underrated but AZ was highly overrated, as their quick exit showed. I have little faith in SUC doing anything in the dance as well; will try to root for ASU but Hurley is a horse's ass, as has been noted many a time..
I do think there was a lot in ASU's favor in this matchup, from Hurley having familiarity with what Alford wants to do to having three players in their rotation (2 starters) who transferred in from Nevada and had extra motivation to play well.
Indeed - both Nwuba and Etienne (during the first four to Final Four run) have had great moments - it's the consistency that is the worry. If we could have "Bubble Tourney" Etienne or "Elite 8" Nwuba more often than not, we'd all have much lower blood pressure right about now!
I predict that this team will be a "Surprise" to many "pundits" who have clearly moved them to "non-competitive" pile of teams. Many thinking that we go no further than the sweet 16 and lucky to get there. I think they go futher. As a team, they clearly have the talent and depth to compete with anyone. The intangible is "resilience". Jaquez, Campbell, and Singleton have been on teams that have won 7 games in the last two tourneys (Tied for most!). That experience is going to be huge. I also think that the tourney is an event made for the Amari Bailey breakout.
I expect Bona to play light minutes (if any) on Thursday and then only short minutes on Saturday unless they really need him. I expect him to be the "swat monster" during the second weekend.
But how ever far this team gets into the TTTM (the tournament that matters (TM) Mick Cronin), they have earned our respect and appreciation.
Thank you for the wonderful sentiments about the seniors. This team has indeed etched a special place in UCLA lore and my heart. So proud of these guys and their accomplishments. I will truly miss them. Go Bruins!
Good job, Dimitri! Yes we need the full Bona back, I'll be happier with Jaylen, too. I noticed JJ limping in the game against Zona. I hope that was a one-off thing. Amari has made his statement. I hope he can keep on keeping on, this is it, sudden death every game!
I believe one of the main issues will be Jaime’s ability to become an “assist” teammate. In the Arizona game he went 5 of 18 with only 2 assist. Sometimes he tries to do to much & forcing his shots. Often he is double & triple teamed, which is the time to find the open shooter. He’ll get his shots but the more he can find the open shooter, hopefully they’ll make their shot. The defense will have to shift away from Jaime. Hopefully giving him better shot selection.
Or as CMC would say, "Defend. Rebound. Take care of the ball."
Re: Jaylen out, Bona health questionable
I like Cronin's attitude of no excuses and not a handicap, "It's an opportunity!" That is, the freshmen can show what they've been practicing all year. "I've told them I will be needing them in March." OTOH, it must have been a blow to Abramo's confidence that his length, rebounding and shooting weren't called upon with 4 men down in the rotation against Arizona.
Lastly, Cronin and staff must have complete focus for our Bruins to fare well.
Congratulations to Jaime and Tyger for their selection to the AP All- American team. Jamie was the top vote getter on the 2nd Team and Tyger was honorable mention. Well deserved. Now Jaylen is one of four finalists for D Plaer of Year and JJ is a semi finalists for Player of Year. Couldn’t happen to two more deserving young men. I have a good feeling about this tournament. I think we are ready to “put it all togethef”. If we play to our capability we are rough to stop AKA 2nd half of Oregon game. Go Bruins. I can’t wait to cheer our guys on to victory.
I love this team, whether they go out round one or go all the way. Love the spirit, mentality and culture of UCLA right now and really give credit to Coach Cronin. I’d like to see it translate into some more recruiting, but couldn’t be more proud to be a Bruin.
I probably expect to go to the sweet 16, but not the final four - but that’s just a gut check. It really feels like any given result on any given day. If we can execute, I like our mental toughness, what Cronin describes as ‘knowing how to win’, but we can’t slack off for a quarter or half and expect to come back at this level.
We’re certainly not the trendy pick, so I hope we can turn the disrespect into motivation. There are quite a few teams getting picked for simply for their brand in recent years, not their current play.
I’m hoping Jaylen is recovering well and can join the team on the sideline. It must be crushing to be out, but maybe he can bring some inspiration. I’ve really enjoyed watching him play and develop, certainly my favourite player this season.
I’ve also really enjoyed the Mighty Bruin crew and the comments here. Everyone is passionate without being jerks, and there’s well informed analysis and opinions with civil debates. It’s great to hear the perspectives of Bruins from different eras and having a community to share the highs and lows.
For all the season of doubting and ambivalence from the media and their superficial narratives with no context and the myopic East Coast ignorance and that moron Lunardi's disrespect and all the various sources who never gave these kids their due respect, here is our chance to show the country what this team is all about. I hope that carry just a little chip on their shoulders, then get down to their trademark D and go to work. With Clark and a healthy Bona, we would have had an outstanding shot at #12, but it's still a wide open tourney this year and anything is possible, and I'm excited to see what these kids can do. LFG, Bruins!!
I want you to know how much I appreciate your commentary on Bruin sports. Wish I could afford to contribute but barely surviving on social security. Please keep up your excellent work.
Jack Metcalf, Class of '61 and captain of Ucla's football team.
That was actually something I forgot to talk about in the article and will probably discuss after the tournament is over.
We actually had an influx of new free subscribers last week which was awesome and I'm also definitely going to have Imposter Syndrome over it for a bit as I try to chase that high again, but I wanted to let everyone know that we still have no intention of ever turning this into a subscription-only website. I am forever thankful to the people who want to contribute monetarily, but this isn't mine or Joe's day job; we do this for love of the game, nothing more.
Same here, this fellow senior alumnus is very grateful for the articles, insights, and opportunity to join in the online Bruin commentary with everyone. I don't use any of the social media stuff like Twitter, Facebook, etc. So, whenever UCLA does win #12, I will no longer be waiting forever, and my account will be terminated (but not my fan support!). Hope this is their year to do it. BTW, I love Princeton! Payback delivered to the Mildcats--so long, chief! Go Bruins!
One upside of being the last game of the day - Mick can point to the upsets as a reminder not to take any team lightly. Double digit seeds will play like they got nothing to lose, every game is house money. That’s how we played when we made the final four and that’s how UNC-Asheville will play. Gotta come out focused and stay focused all game long
GMTA, Tamara, good evening!
We all did, Tamara. At the time I was in school It was said there were 6 (tenure-track) openings per year in the field. So you had to be awesomely good!
Not that good. I was a theoretical physicist but found I liked designing and making things, like spacecraft and radars.
UCLA fight fight fight!
A serious can of whupa$$
This first half is the apotheosis of the alfrau experience - enjoy Nevada!
Alfor (no D) was asked what he said to his team during halftime and he told them they needed to play defense. I literally burst out laughing.
ASU led 53-26 in the 1st half, then Nevada won the 2nd half, 47-45, so his team did play slightly better defense after halftime. LOL... So long, chief!
LOL. Maybe ASU started to tun out of gas and got tired of hitting 75% from the field!
4th straight loss (a blowout one at that) and 5 losses out of the last 7 games for Nevada. Teams that were on the bubble are probably cursing the NCAA selection committee for picking a team that backed its way into the tournament and immediately flopped. Also shows how competitive a lesser Pac-12 team is (ASU had a NET ranking of 66 vs. 37 for Nevada). Still hard to believe he was actually hired to be head coach at UCLA...
You’re not wrong. Already everyone is picking Gonzaga to beat us. We’ll need Bona back to (mostly) full strength, but for some reason, they don’t scare me this year. It’s weird because it seems to be a tough region, but we can be anyone if we execute.
It is also true that this year's Gonzaga is far from the Zags of the past, while our Bruins (full healthy) are better than our Final Four Bruins a few years back :-)
Actually, we are underrated but AZ was highly overrated, as their quick exit showed. I have little faith in SUC doing anything in the dance as well; will try to root for ASU but Hurley is a horse's ass, as has been noted many a time..
Never ;-)
I do think there was a lot in ASU's favor in this matchup, from Hurley having familiarity with what Alford wants to do to having three players in their rotation (2 starters) who transferred in from Nevada and had extra motivation to play well.
It also shows just how pathetic Salford is as a coach. Obviously, you mentioned this, but it always bears repeating.
True, after all Nwuba became a Bruin legend for ruining Hunter Dickinson's career in that Elite Eight game.
Indeed - both Nwuba and Etienne (during the first four to Final Four run) have had great moments - it's the consistency that is the worry. If we could have "Bubble Tourney" Etienne or "Elite 8" Nwuba more often than not, we'd all have much lower blood pressure right about now!
Go Bruins!
That would be sooo suweet, Clio!
Kenny really brought it that night!
I predict that this team will be a "Surprise" to many "pundits" who have clearly moved them to "non-competitive" pile of teams. Many thinking that we go no further than the sweet 16 and lucky to get there. I think they go futher. As a team, they clearly have the talent and depth to compete with anyone. The intangible is "resilience". Jaquez, Campbell, and Singleton have been on teams that have won 7 games in the last two tourneys (Tied for most!). That experience is going to be huge. I also think that the tourney is an event made for the Amari Bailey breakout.
I expect Bona to play light minutes (if any) on Thursday and then only short minutes on Saturday unless they really need him. I expect him to be the "swat monster" during the second weekend.
But how ever far this team gets into the TTTM (the tournament that matters (TM) Mick Cronin), they have earned our respect and appreciation.
Go Bruins! Finish what you started!
Thank you for the wonderful sentiments about the seniors. This team has indeed etched a special place in UCLA lore and my heart. So proud of these guys and their accomplishments. I will truly miss them. Go Bruins!
Good job, Dimitri! Yes we need the full Bona back, I'll be happier with Jaylen, too. I noticed JJ limping in the game against Zona. I hope that was a one-off thing. Amari has made his statement. I hope he can keep on keeping on, this is it, sudden death every game!
I believe one of the main issues will be Jaime’s ability to become an “assist” teammate. In the Arizona game he went 5 of 18 with only 2 assist. Sometimes he tries to do to much & forcing his shots. Often he is double & triple teamed, which is the time to find the open shooter. He’ll get his shots but the more he can find the open shooter, hopefully they’ll make their shot. The defense will have to shift away from Jaime. Hopefully giving him better shot selection.
Go Bruins!
Yeah, teams plan for Jaime. Tygrr, too, has forced a lot of poor shots. We need our outside shots to start dropping!
Cliche time:
One game at a time.
Respect your opponent.
Come out swinging.
Don't let off the gas.
Play 40 minutes.
Or as CMC would say, "Defend. Rebound. Take care of the ball."
Re: Jaylen out, Bona health questionable
I like Cronin's attitude of no excuses and not a handicap, "It's an opportunity!" That is, the freshmen can show what they've been practicing all year. "I've told them I will be needing them in March." OTOH, it must have been a blow to Abramo's confidence that his length, rebounding and shooting weren't called upon with 4 men down in the rotation against Arizona.
Lastly, Cronin and staff must have complete focus for our Bruins to fare well.
Go Bruins!
Congratulations to Jaime and Tyger for their selection to the AP All- American team. Jamie was the top vote getter on the 2nd Team and Tyger was honorable mention. Well deserved. Now Jaylen is one of four finalists for D Plaer of Year and JJ is a semi finalists for Player of Year. Couldn’t happen to two more deserving young men. I have a good feeling about this tournament. I think we are ready to “put it all togethef”. If we play to our capability we are rough to stop AKA 2nd half of Oregon game. Go Bruins. I can’t wait to cheer our guys on to victory.
Final Thoughts before the madness starts;
I love this team, whether they go out round one or go all the way. Love the spirit, mentality and culture of UCLA right now and really give credit to Coach Cronin. I’d like to see it translate into some more recruiting, but couldn’t be more proud to be a Bruin.
I probably expect to go to the sweet 16, but not the final four - but that’s just a gut check. It really feels like any given result on any given day. If we can execute, I like our mental toughness, what Cronin describes as ‘knowing how to win’, but we can’t slack off for a quarter or half and expect to come back at this level.
We’re certainly not the trendy pick, so I hope we can turn the disrespect into motivation. There are quite a few teams getting picked for simply for their brand in recent years, not their current play.
I’m hoping Jaylen is recovering well and can join the team on the sideline. It must be crushing to be out, but maybe he can bring some inspiration. I’ve really enjoyed watching him play and develop, certainly my favourite player this season.
I’ve also really enjoyed the Mighty Bruin crew and the comments here. Everyone is passionate without being jerks, and there’s well informed analysis and opinions with civil debates. It’s great to hear the perspectives of Bruins from different eras and having a community to share the highs and lows.
For all the season of doubting and ambivalence from the media and their superficial narratives with no context and the myopic East Coast ignorance and that moron Lunardi's disrespect and all the various sources who never gave these kids their due respect, here is our chance to show the country what this team is all about. I hope that carry just a little chip on their shoulders, then get down to their trademark D and go to work. With Clark and a healthy Bona, we would have had an outstanding shot at #12, but it's still a wide open tourney this year and anything is possible, and I'm excited to see what these kids can do. LFG, Bruins!!
I want you to know how much I appreciate your commentary on Bruin sports. Wish I could afford to contribute but barely surviving on social security. Please keep up your excellent work.
Jack Metcalf, Class of '61 and captain of Ucla's football team.
That was actually something I forgot to talk about in the article and will probably discuss after the tournament is over.
We actually had an influx of new free subscribers last week which was awesome and I'm also definitely going to have Imposter Syndrome over it for a bit as I try to chase that high again, but I wanted to let everyone know that we still have no intention of ever turning this into a subscription-only website. I am forever thankful to the people who want to contribute monetarily, but this isn't mine or Joe's day job; we do this for love of the game, nothing more.
Thank you for all your hard work, for all of us, especially for all of us free subscribers.
Same here, this fellow senior alumnus is very grateful for the articles, insights, and opportunity to join in the online Bruin commentary with everyone. I don't use any of the social media stuff like Twitter, Facebook, etc. So, whenever UCLA does win #12, I will no longer be waiting forever, and my account will be terminated (but not my fan support!). Hope this is their year to do it. BTW, I love Princeton! Payback delivered to the Mildcats--so long, chief! Go Bruins!
Thank you, Dimitri and Joe, this is a homey place.
Zona got beat by Princeton 59-55.
Suck it! Arizona. (Princeton 59, Arizona 55).
over-rated! clap! clap! clap-clap-clap!
AZ never shoulda been a 2 seed smdh
Hope the fans that yelled at Cronin's dad are hating life rn
The ever dangerous 2 v 15 seed upset. Bruins beware.
One upside of being the last game of the day - Mick can point to the upsets as a reminder not to take any team lightly. Double digit seeds will play like they got nothing to lose, every game is house money. That’s how we played when we made the final four and that’s how UNC-Asheville will play. Gotta come out focused and stay focused all game long