I know my post will be very controversial at this juncture early in the season. Let me first start by saying I am or at least used to be a huge Ben Howland supporter. I was extremely jubilant to see him hired after the Lizard was fired. I loved seeing his teams compete with passion and fire. I loved the defensive mindset of the players and that his teams showed good fundamentals of basketball which was completely lacking for many years under Lavin. Even Jim Harrick's teams didn't really show great fundamental basketball at all times despite their offensive abilities. After 3 straight final fours I was ready to anoint him the true successor to the Coach. I figured national championships are inevitable under Howland sooner or later.

But I think it's time for us to start realizing Ben Howland's limitations which has been discussed many times here on BN. Let me list a few after the jump.

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Does anyone understand the reason why we cannot watch UCLA basketball games in High definition on cable television? I live very close to the UCLA campus. I am a cable subscriber and every year I hope that cable company (now Time Warner) to provided Fox Sports Network High definition channel. But even this year, I am told it is not available. I am willing to pay extra for whatever it costs so I can have the option of receiving that channel. In the meantime not only you can watch all meaningless basketball games from the east coast on DSPN in high definition, but also a variety of psuedo sport games such as Lawn Bowling and trout fishing.  
This is one of those reasons I wish PAC 10 had given ESPN a chance to make an offer for the TV coverage, the picture quality on ESPN HD is wonderful.

It is so sad that while we have arguably the #1 rated basketball team in UCLA bruins, we still have to settle for analog broadcast. Please join me in letting Time Warner know that we deserve better, and that as local UCLA fans we demand High definition broadcast of UCLA basktetball games. I am planning on complaining to people in Time Warner starting today, until I can get an explanation from someone in the company.

If you have been following the NBA first round playoff series, you know that former bruin Baron Davis is on fire. He is playing his best basketball of his career and has led the Golden State Warriors in taking a 3-1 series lead. One more win will eliminate the Mavericks from the playoffs. The team also features former bruin Matt Barnes who has also been surprising everyone with his performance all year. Could you imagine what kind of teams we could have had here in Westwood if we had a decent coach who would have utilized the ability and basketball talent of someone like Baron Davis? Instead we had a gas bag like Steve Lavin who squandered Davis' potential and had the team play pickup style street ball. Imagine Ben Howland having a player like Baron  at the point. Wow!
I am hoping for golden state to advance to second round and then go on to win the NBA championship. That will certainly put the spotlight on our former bruins and UCLA as a result. Baron Davis has the potential to be one of the greatest NBA players. Unfortunately he has been plaqued by multiple injuries in his career.
Let's put the whole Bruin Nation Karma behind them  
now that college basketball season is over.  Go bruins, go Baron Davis.