I just read an article in this week's Sports Illustrated about the starting point guard at Harvard University.  His name is Jeremy Lin and according to some sources, he has a professional future, possibly the NBA.  Lin has led the Crimson to their best record in years, and they are looking to make the Tournament after decades long absence.  The article intrigued me at first because he could possibly be the first Asian-American to make it to the NBA.  However, after reading a few pages, I saw this paragraph,

"The Kansases and Kentuckys, however, didn't exactly knock down Lin's door. He sent his CV (4.2 GPA, perfect score on his SAT II Math 2C in the ninth grade) and a DVD of highlights—edited by a friend of a friend from church—to all eight Ivies, Stanford, Cal and his dream school, UCLA. Only four schools responded. Out of the Pac-10, Lin recalls, UCLA "wasn't interested," Stanford was "fake interested," and during a visit to Cal a staffer "called me 'Ron.'"

"In hindsight," Santa Clara coach and former Bruins assistant Kerry Keating told the San Francisco Chronicle, "he'd probably be starting for UCLA at point guard."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1165302/3/index.htm

I know there are many stories of guys who want to play for the Bruins, but there are only so many slots on the team.  My hope is that CBH gets back to what he did at first and that is to find the "diamonds in the rough" ala Russell Westbrook, Luc Richard Mbah Moute, and DC.

Can you imagine the amount publicity and fanfare that Jeremy Lin would have received if he went to UCLA?

Go Bruins!

Ben Howland was able to land the best big man in the nation.  David Wharton from the LA Times just reported this:

Washington state prospect Josh Smith, one of the top-rated big men in the nation, has committed to UCLA.

 A 6-9, 270-pound center from Kentwood High, Smith came to the decision about an hour ago, his father said, choosing the Bruins over Washington.

It is simply amazing that Coach Howland keeps on adding great talent to the basketball program.  I've only read incredible reviews about Josh Smith.  To take him away from his home state and from Lorenzo Romar and the University of Washington, it just shows you how great a recruiter CBH is.

Go Bruins!

Hey Guys,

I know a few months back there was some discussion about designing a t-shirt for The Bruins Nation.  There are some guys who made some bootleg shirts for Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, and Alfred Aboya.  They were selling them outside Pauley.  The website is  http://www.collegecrazies.com/

If anyone is interested in designing a logo or something, we can submit it to the guys and they can print the shirts.  I'm kind of leaning towards a t-shirt with Bruins Nation and CRN's quotes "Our Passion Bucket is Overflowing" or "Relentlessly Optimistic!"

I'll be great if we have the shirts prior to football season.  Let me know if you are interested!

Go Bruins!

Bumped. GO BRUINS. - N

FYI, for all the alumni of the blue and gold, this coming Saturday, May 9 is a homecoming of sorts for those who attended the beautiful campus in Westwood.  Festivities begin at 10:30AM on campus. 

via www.ucladay.ucla.edu

There is UCLA Medal Presentation as Chancellor Gene Block and UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero ’74 honor Rachel Robinson AA ’42, corporate leader, activist, professor, nurse, wife, mother and founder, Jackie Robinson Foundation, for her lifetime achievements.

There are several experiences and tours around campus.  The two that peaked my interest:

**Hitting the Court in Pauley with Coach Howland**

"Bruin fans know that the heart of UCLA Athletics beats strongest on the Wooden Court in Pauley Pavilion. Join Coach Ben Howland for a presentation on UCLA Athletics, recruiting prospects, and his game plan for next season. Learn about UCLA’s storied program and impressive athletes, who excel in the classroom as well as on the court."

and

**Where Wooden Walked**

Celebrate the legacy of Coach John Wooden, the most successful coach in college basketball history. From the John and Nell Wooden Center Court in Pauley Pavilion, you'll get a view few ever experience. Listen closely and you will hear and feel the magic of those special years - as well as those that came before and since - while learning more about the man for whom winning never really was the name of the game.

His life, both on and off the court, has been a lesson in what's really important, inspiring successive generations of Bruins. Beyond Pauley, you will also tour close-by student athletic facilities including the Student Activities Center (formerly the Men's Gym), the John Wooden Center, the Intramural Field and the Acosta Athletic Training Center. Don't miss this special salute to the accomplishments of our student athletes - one and all.

Complete your experience on your own with a visit at your leisure to the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, where you can see the display commemorating UCLA’s 100 NCAA Championships.

You can register online to attend these amazing events and join in the fun at UCLA Day.

GO BRUINS!