SB Nation User Blog: hicalliber

Suspect in UCLA tennis player attack surrenders

hicalliber — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:28:18 -0000

Suspect in UCLA tennis player attack surrenders

It appears as though this was some kind of group fracas, and the suspect claims he didn't sucker punch Jake Fleming. It's hard to know who to believe in these kinds of things, but the important thing is to hope for a speedy recovery.

Article on SI.com re: Graduate Assistants

hicalliber — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:42:22 -0000

I thought this article was interesting, especially with the recent news that Jon Embree would be joing the staff as a graduate assistant. Alabama (and other programs) are doing the same thing to take advantage of a loophole in the rules. Andy Staples writes:

At Alabama, Groh, who still receives money from Virginia, will take graduate classes and earn a salary comparable to a Starbucks barista. But he'll also be allowed to coach players on the field, and that has coaches and administrators concerned. They worry elite programs are exploiting a position typically used to provide an aspiring coach entry into a competitive field to augment their already substantial coaching braintrusts.

The article goes on to mention several examples of this practice and the general reaction throughout college football, although no mention is made of Jon Embree. If you don't recall, Embree used to be the TE/WR coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, UCLA, and Colorado. I don't really have too much of a problem with this because he seems well qualified as a coach, but it certainly makes me wonder about the merits of Jon being admitted into our graduate school. Obviously, we have some of the most competitive admission standards in the nation so I'd be interested to see his academic credentials. I believe someone else has mentioned this, but it's crazy to think that someone out there will possibly be rejected to a UCLA grad program because of Jon's admission. The entire article is worth a read, and I'd be curious to hear BN's thoughts on the matter.

2nd String the Key to Success?

hicalliber — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:18:08 -0000

Before I begin, I realize this post is a little late after the news of Dean, Johnson, Forcier, and Carter tranferring. My thoughts need time to fester within my thick skull.

Anyways, I've been thinking a lot lately about the aforementioned players. You always hear rumors about certain players and the possibility of tranferring, but I was very surprised to see all of them (with the exception of Forcier) actually decide to do it. That got me thinking about the value of depth on a team. As we have seen from last year's debacle, lack of depth can cause some serious problems. The most obvious example was at the QB position. I'm not saying that with Pat Cowan under center that we would have marched our way to a Pac-10 championship, but I'm fairly certain that we have at least been bowl eligible.

I guess it just baffles me that after a year rife with injuries across the board, we have 4 guys tranferring that would most likely see some decent playing time. I realize that two of those positions (RB, WR) are two of our deepest positions, but I'm pretty sure that DJ would have gotten plenty of targets and a chance to build off of a mediocre sophomore campaign (which probably would have been much better had Cowan not been hurt). Same with Dean...although I think CRN made a mistake by not red-shirting him. Carter seemed like a guy who might get buried, but I feel like that was due to not recovering completely from his knee injury. I'm not sure how changing your uniform can heal a knee injury, but that's not really the point. Forcier makes more sense to transfer because he doesn't really fit our system.

That brings me to my last point...if you look at the most successful programs throughout the country, it is apparent that they have one of several common threads: incredible depth. It's not too hard to bring in a few talented players by promising them starters' playing time. But try convincing a top high school athlete to sit on the bench for 3 years. As much as I hate SUC, they have excelled at this. Why? There are a few reasons:

1. Pete Carroll has shown that college players make their mark in their junior and/or senior seasons (physically, men change quite a bit from age 18-22). One great season is enough to convince most pro personnel to draft on talent alone...see Mark Sanchez.

2. They run a pro-style offense, attracting pro-style talent. Scouts love this.

3. Pete Carroll sells his recruits on the idea that competition brings out the best in players.

It makes me cringe whenever I think about that smug bastard, but it's hard to argue with results. I realize that he's probably a dirty recruiter, but until we see NCAA sanctions it's like it doesn't exist.

I love the way CRN is recruiting and beginning to turn things around, and I think there are a lot of reasons for that. But it scares me when I see talented players leaving the program. I'm glad that CRN doesn't mince words when talking about playing time with players, but I would much rather see those players stick with it and try to compete harder for a starting spot. This will push everyone involved to be a better player and hopfully yield results over time. I'm sure CRN will recruit the types of guys that like to compete, so I'm not too worried. I just thought I would bring this up to see if anyone had any thoughts or comments re: our depth (ie DT and OL look to be trouble spots). I can't wait for the season to start.

Jrue is Gone? Most Likely

hicalliber — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:07:14 -0000

This isn't necessarily official, but Adam Maya of the OC Register is convinced that JH is a top 10 lottery pick...making it incredibly unlikely that JH will be coming back for his sophomore year. As has been discussed before, this is not a surprise at all. While I am no NBA scout, I just don't see what all the fuss is about JH. I loved his passing skills and his defense (sometimes), but he had a terrible jumper and he is not very quick for a PG. I think JH is a good kid, but he has exhibited the behavior of someone who is being puppeted by his "handlers." I also think it's a shame because he could have really blossomed into one of the better college players and secured himself as a true Ben Ball warrior over the next 2-3 years.

I will always think of JH the way I think of Ariza...he is always a Bruin to me, but not a BRUIN. I guess that's the danger you run when you bring in 5 star recruits. But it just makes me appreciate DC that much more...my favorite college player of all time. Period.

Even More OT: Campus Memories

hicalliber — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:38:06 -0000

Pardon the lengthy post, but the pending demolition of the Bomb Shelter (ironic, no?) got me thinking about my time on campus. I graduated in 2006, and have since moved on to bigger, but not necessarily better things. Rarely a day goes by that I don't think back to my time at UCLA and wish that I could do it all over again. And I don't mean that in a negative way. Oh sure, I certainly would have changed a few things (like hit the books a little harder). But to relive it all over again...wouldn't that be nice? And while I'm only 3 years removed from my college years, they feel a million miles away. That's why being a part of Bruins Nation is so awesome. I love hearing all the stories about our sports teams from other students, alumni, and fans. It brings me back to those days, if only in spirit.

That being said, let me share a memory that was jogged by the Bomb Shelter demolition...it all starts with a piece of crap eatery called Puzzles. The food sucked, the seating sucked, it was smaller than a bathroom stall, and your order could take hours. But it had one redeeming quality...it closed at 2AM. This was a veritable gold mine for college students, who have the sleeping habits of Alaskan vampires. Puzzles was like that really old baseball glove from Little League...you just couldn't bring yourself to throw it away, no matter how beat up it got. The laces were destroyed, the leather was stiff from years of sweat, and it still had that fading wording on the outside that wasn't quite legible...but you're pretty sure it spelled your last name at one point. Even so, was there another glove that you could trust? It fit you just right, and felt like an extension of your hand. That's what Puzzles was like for me...an extension of my figurative, college hand.

A typical visit to Puzzles was generally prefaced with a long night of drinking...as a matter of fact, I don't think they let you in unless you blew at least a .15 BAC. The other thing that sucked about Puzzles was that you couldn't pay cash. Meal plan only, kids. This presented a serious problem for me. Being the genius that I believed myself to be, I figured I could outsmart the system and save myself some money. I had the cheap ass meal plan (11 meals/week) because I figured the dining halls were an all-you-can-eat buffet, so I would just mash through as much food as I could in each sitting. Not a pretty sight for the uninitiated. This fact generally led me to beg my friends for a swipe on their card at Puzzles because I couldn't afford to waste one of my precious gorgings on a late night burger. Over time, my friends got tired of giving me free meals...so they put me on my own special "payment plan." However, these payments were not of the standard variety. I usually had to do something ridiculous to earn a meal. For example: chug a half gallon of milk, then run a mile. Good times. Eventually I got fed up with such chicanery and offered to give them cash for food, straight up. Everyone's a winner...my friends got some extra cash and I saved myself the humiliation of streaking across Drake stadium. You'd be surprised at how fast you can run without the extra weight of clothing...especially when UCLA PD is hot on your trail (for the record, one of my buddies did this...not me).

Now I am a boring "professional," and excitement comes in the form of wine and cheese parties, political discussions, and Van Damme Fridays. I miss college...so feel free to share your memories and stories, however off topic they may be.

CBH snubbed...by Jason King. Huge surprise.

hicalliber — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:58:12 -0000

Jason King, who we all remember from his ridiculous comments regarding our freshman class, has struck again. This article highlights the "Kings of the Clipboard," apparently the best coaches in college basketball this year. Unbelievably, CBH was left off the list. Really? Jason, do you honestly believe that there are 25 coches who have done a better job than CBH? Here is what Jason had to say about John Calipari (a complete knucklehead, by the way):

John Calipari, Memphis – Kept Conference USA winning streak alive despite losing three players from last year’s team to the NBA draft.

Wow. John Calipari lost THREE players to the NBA draft, yet they are still the best team in Conference USA. It sure sounds like a familiar story...where have I heard a story like that? Hmmmm...oh, maybe that's because CBH did the same damn thing in a conference that is much more competitive. Yes, I realize that we have no chance of winning the Pac-10 (outright), but even the fishwrap has acknowledged the job that CBH has done. And that is saying something.

But King definitely takes the cake with this one:

Russ Pennell, Arizona – Considering he was working as a radio color commentator a year ago, Pennell couldn’t have done a better job of holding the Wildcats’ program together. Arizona is a dangerous team.

By "holding the Wildcats' program together," do you mean that Pennell manages to lose just about every close game they are in? That they foul when they are up by one with 4 seconds to play (twice! LOL)? That they play ZERO defense? Well coached teams don't do those things. Not only that, but Pennell hasn't even bothered to play the younger players because he knows he is gone next year. Why build for the future when there is none? But hey, at least Jason Queen thinks he's the shit.

Another interesting snub on this list is Jamie Dixon at Pittsburgh (only the #1 team in the country!). Could it be a conspiracy against Howland and his disciples? I'm starting to think that the Queen has a reverse hard on for UCLA.

Pat Forde's take on USC, Sidney

hicalliber — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:03:29 -0000

Pat Forde's Minutes on ESPN.com has an interesting take (for the MSM) on USC...because he actually criticizes them! I thought the galactic media empire of ESPN, Disney, and USC would prevent such a thing from happening, but I guess I'm wrong. First, he mentions package deals in college basketball with respect to USC:

In addition to the loss, neither of the Hacketts nor Floyd was especially pleased with an ESPN "Outside The Lines" report Sunday on package deals in college basketball -- the practice of bringing in a family member or other influential figure so the team can sign a player. Floyd strongly defended Hackett's credentials, though The Minutes has always wondered how an assistant strength coach had such a prominent seat on the bench for games.

And let's not forget how classy they are:

Meanwhile, the L.A. Daily News reported that eyewitnesses saw Hackett and fellow guard Dwight Lewis (34) get into a shoving match on the court 20 minutes after the game, and the altercation was broken up by security.

And finally, re: Renardo Sidney's press conference for his verbal comittment:

Even if it's a one-year forced marriage, the Sidneys did not scrimp on ostentation at the announcement. According to Times writer Eric Sondheimer, this was "such an elaborate production that it made quarterback Jimmy Clausen showing up to his news conference three years ago in a Hummer limousine to announce Notre Dame look amateurish."

Sondheimer described the scene: "... [Thirteen] tables set up in the gym, complete with rose centerpieces, immaculate tablecloths, folding chairs covered with white linen, red and gold balloons and a catered meal of chicken and ribs for more than 100 family and friends ... "

LOL. No wonder CBH stopped recruiting this (alleged) idiot. He's a "me first" guy who would not mesh very well with our current roster. Not to mention he is a one and done kind of guy. I'm still not sure how I feel about those kind of players, but I can't help but feel that they hurt more than help a team (rare exceptions include Carmelo Anthony).

And while we're on the subject of one and dones, I thought KL was a great player but I believe he impeded the progress of Alfred Aboya. Can you imagine if PAA had another year of real experience under his belt, even at the 4 (his natural position)? He is finally living up to his potential because he is getting the chance to start. Really, this is his freshman year as far as I'm concerned. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather fill my team with talented players who are comitted to the program and a solid education. Disclaimer: I don't blame any player for bouncing to the NBA early...I'd do the same thing.

Good Recruiting Q&A on UCLA vs. USC

hicalliber — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:34:46 -0000

Good Recruiting Q&A on UCLA vs. USC

The pundits agree...we are making up ground in recruiting (one recruit at a time). We still have a ways to go, but at least the media sees the positive signs.

Stanley Hasiak Gives Verbal To Cal...Crap

hicalliber — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:28:30 -0000

Stanley Hasiak Gives Verbal To Cal...Crap

I'm pretty upset about this loss...we need big uglies.

Lendale White - Class, Class, Class!

hicalliber — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:15:10 -0000

I'm not sure if anyone else out there was watching the Steelers/Titans game yesterday, but I thought this was a pretty classless move by Lendale White (henceforth referred to as "The Truffle Shuffler." ) and his crony, Keith Bulluck. As reported by ESPN:

Long after Tennessee dismantled Pittsburgh to clinch the top seed in the AFC, Titans coach Jeff Fisher finally saw the tape of players LenDale White and Keith Bulluck stomping on the Steelers' signature symbol, the Terrible Towel.

Apparently, Bill Cowher was none too pleased about the lack of respect shown by the USC "alum" towards his former organization:

"That looks like a pregame talk the night before to me," Cowher said, his eyes lighting up and his voice rising. "If [we'd] meet in the postseason, I know what I'm pulling out the night before the game."

Cowher admonished White by saying, "You've got to learn. ... I wouldn't do this, I wouldn't go there," and said Bulluck should know better because "you are a veteran, Bulluck."

As we all know, The Truffle Shuffler is a complete and utter dolt. Not only is he incredibly overrated as a tailback, but it's pretty obvious that he doesn't take his conditioning seriously...despite being paid millions of dollars by the Titans.

And don't even get me started on the other USC flops on the offensive side of the ball in the NFL (ie Matt Leinart, Mike Williams, Reggie Bush, etc.). Whether it be their excessive partying, legal troubles, or lack of sportsmanship...USC alums have shown over and over again that they are low quality individuals who are not worthy of representing any respectable franchise.

And before any USC trolls begin arguing that Reggie Bush isn't a flop, just look at his stats vs. his salary and draft position. The dude averages 3.7 yards per carry, hardly impressive numbers...and I'm pretty sure that the whole "Reggie Bush is a decoy that makes his teammates around him better" argument is dead in the water. See Pierre Thomas, an undrafted throw-away tailback who is lighting it up in New Orleans. Do you think the Saints would like to have that #2 pick back?

Rant over.