Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

First, I’d like to say that I am amazed at the type of analysis that people are able to provide on this site especially with stats and information to back up their points.  This is, however, not that post.  I am an avid follower of BN and rarely fanpost, and rarely comment except for some game threads when I don’t have child responsibility – which seems like it’s less and less often nowadays.  And those comments have sometimes even gotten me in trouble as I am often flippant and sarcastic, but I have to be that way when UCLA leaves me no option – I deflect, it drives my wife crazy too. Anyways, I have not been so upset that I had to vent in a FP, but today is that day, and I thought how could I share my thoughts without substantiated facts…. Well, Miller is my answer…. “I know it when I see it”

Miller as it applies to “taunting on defense or excessive celebration and personal fouls”

It is out and out embarrassing that our defense continues to taunt and have this swagger after one hit or tackle for loss when we are continually down in a game.  I don’t have exact instances to point to, but I have seen it too many times this year already, and in years past as well.  To me, this shows that the players do not see the big picture and fail to see the game a whole product; rather that if they make one play, they can brag and it’s all good.  Well, I hate to burst bubbles, but that type of attitude doesn’t cut it and it needs to stop.  I understand that players need to play with “controlled aggression” but far too often UCLA players have stepped beyond what is acceptable into the absurd and either cost the team in field position with penalties or just plain embarrassed themselves. Confidence and swagger is good; arrogance without justification is just plain stupid.

Miller as it applies to the “culture”

This also ties into the previous point.  We have all heard the soundbytes, “This year is different.” Whether it is in the weight room or re-dedicating ourselves to film or not taking people lightly – nothing changes.  As fans and alums we continue to hear after all the hyperbole, that “yeah, we didn’t have the intensity in the first half….” What have these players ever done that would allow them the excuse to take anyone lightly?  Last I checked, UCLA has been a middling Pac-10 program for some time now, but the players just don’t seem to get it.

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Obviously, the 3 point line is moving back a foot this year for men's basketball.  However, the women will still shoot the 3 from the previous line.  I only bring this up because having multiple lines on the floor 1) Will be confusing for officials (who we know need no help in sucking in the pac) and 2) Aesthetically, it just kind of looks bush-league.

Most schools will have this problem, because the men and women share the same court.  I couldn't even tell you a University that has separate facilities, but I know a few do exist.  Point is, this affects most Universities.  My thought is to have a solid line from the women's line to the men's.  It would be about a foot thick, but it might solve those problems.  On the inner side of the arc, the color could be yellow, with the rest of the solid men's arc in blue.  Anything shot behind the yellow would be the women's line and anything behind the blue would be the men's.  It would eliminate confusion and there would only be one contiguous line.   It would help the classic look of Nell & John Wooden Court; and if we stand for anything at UCLA, it's tradition... any thoughts on how to recommend this?  Is it even a good idea?