By now, most readers here are familiar with Tyler's story. For those that aren't, the Cliff's Notes version is that he is an 8 year-old Bruin who over the last four years has battled repeated bouts of cancer, endured a bone marrow transplant, and last summer, defied doctors' prognostications by surviving what was thought to be an untreatable obstructive lung disease. All of this he has done while demonstrating an indomitable spirit which has inspired many caring people to embrace him with love and affection, including an overwhelming wave of support from our extended Bruin family.

The latest chapter in Tyler's medical saga began when his vision recently became very blurry and was not entirely correctable with glasses. Because of its sudden onset and Tyler's history, we were initially concerned that Tyler had relapsed in his central nervous system. Fortunately, a biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid and a C/T scan ruled out any relapse. Still there was reason for concern. Ultimately, we were referred to doctors at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.

Continue reading this post »

Bumped. - BN Eds.

As LABruin already mentioned, Tyler and I made it out to practice this afternoon.  As always, the team was great with him. Coach Neuheisel allowed Tyler to roam the sidelines, and all of the players took time to give Tyler a little love and make sure things were going well with him. They've really gone above and beyond in making him feel like part of the team. Coach even had Tyler address the team at the end of practice.

The audio is a little rough, but basically, Tyler said that the defense was really fired up at practice today. Coach Neuheisel then asked, "What about the offense?", to which Tyler hesitated and replied, "Hopefully, it was just that the defense was really fired up." Ha..no coachspeak today! I tend to agree with his assessment, as overall, the defense won the day.

Continue reading this post »

With the announcements that Tyler Honeycutt will forego his remaining eligibility and enter the draft and Malcolm Lee will "test the waters," those players become the seventh and potentially eighth players to leave Ben Howland's program early since 2006. Two of those players (Love, Westbrook) had essentially no-brainer decisions, as they were top 5 picks. I would expect any player at any school to leave early if he were projected to be a lottery pick. The four remaining UCLA players who have been drafted (Farmar, Afflalo, Mbah a Moute, Holiday) chose to leave despite the fact that they were not expected to be picked in the lottery. The question then becomes: did these players leave because of dissatisfaction with the program at UCLA or because they were pursuing their dream and wanted to fulfill that dream as early as possible?

The way NBA salaries and rookie contracts are currently structured- where all the big $$ comes in your second contract, rather than your rookie deal-  there is a very strong incentive to enter the draft as early as possible and get that NBA clock ticking.  The difference in initial salary between being drafted 15th overall (1st spot out of the lottery) and 30th overall is roughly 600k per year- a decent chunk of change to you and me, but a mere pittance when you compare it to the 5 yr, $65 mil guaranteed contract that someone like LaMarcus Aldridge was able to sign once his rookie deal was up.

Nevertheless, there remains a certain status, team investment, and increased salary that goes with the designation of being a lottery pick; and so you would hope that some players on the outside looking in might return to school to improve their draft status.  That hasn't been happening at UCLA (note: Darren Collison did stay, but his stock did not improve) and we're all painfully aware of that. However, is this early exodus of players unique to UCLA?

To examine that question, I looked at the NBA drafts from 2006 (when the 19 yr old age limit was imposed) through 2010 to look at underclassmen (for these purposes, an underclassmen is anyone w/ remaining eligibility) who entered the draft despite not being picked in the lottery. (Another note: I am making a somewhat false assumption that players knew with certainty whether or not they would be drafted in the lottery when they declared. Obviously, some players just get bad advice or have an ego that doesn't allow them to believe that they aren't lottery material. Nonetheless, for the sake of simplicity, I'm assuming that those players who ultimately were not drafted in the lottery knew there was a risk of that occurring.)  I then filtered out random schools like Nevada, Ole Miss, Tx A&M etc. to look only at coaches and programs who have either been to a Final Four, or who are known as player friendly coaches who won't mind bending a few rules - or paying some cash- for their guys (Calipari, Tim Floyd). I also kept Mark Few's name in the results because I have heard his name bandied about as hypothetical candidates for the UCLA job if it were ever open.

After all was said and done, here are the underclassmen from those programs who entered the draft from 2006-2010 and were not drafted in the lottery:

  Totaling the number of non-lottery early entrants by coach we get:

(4) - Calipari, Ben Howland

(3) - Thad Matta, Rick Barnes, Billy Donovan, Tim Floyd

(2) - Jim Calhoun, Bill Self, Roy Williams

(1) - Tom Izzo, Coach K, Shaka Smart, Boeheim, Jamie Dixon, Jay Wright, others

Some initial thoughts:

Coach Calipari has the reputation of being the equivalent of an AAU post-doc, so to see his name at the top of the list isn't very surprising.

Nobody has had more non-lottery players leave early than Coach Howland, however he finds himself in the immediate company of Thad Matta, Rick Barnes, and Billy Donovan- none of whom have reputations as coaches that drive players away.

Coach K has done a great job retaining players, as only one player who wasn't lottery material has left his program early since 2006 (Gerald Henderson also left early in '09, however he was selected 12th overall).

With the lone exception of Jim Larranaga, every coach who has been to a Final Four since 2006 has had at least one player leave his program early. (Brad Stevens is not on the list above because his one player, Gordon Hayward was drafted 9th overall).

Ultimately, my opinion is that while Coach Howland has his faults, I don't see him as driving players away to the draft. Rather, I think it is the players' drive to be in the NBA that motivates them to declare early, and it is Ben Howland's tutelage that provides the framework for making that a reality.

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

The Dribble for the Cure festivities took place on Sunday at UCLA.  The men's and women's basketball team, marching band, spirit squad, and many individuals whose lives had been touched by pediatric cancer all took part in the festivities, and it was quite a day of celebration, remembrance, and dedication. 

For me, it was mostly a day of giving thanks.  I am so thankful that I was able to spend the day with Tyler, friends and my extended Bruin family together; so thankful for all of the researchers who keep searching for answers each day; and so thankful for people like you, who show both incredible compassion and support for people who are going through rough times and incredible generosity in your donations which make further research possible.

Continue reading this post »

UPDATE (N): Well this is becoming an amazing story. We had set a goal for raising $2,000 dollar for Tyler earlier this afternoon. In little less than 5 hours we have now blown past this goal. So why don't we dig a little deeper and make this even more special. If you haven't chipped in, any way can you step up and help us get past $4,000? The power of this community and the words - "Bruin Family" - is pretty clear. Let's take another step and make an emphatic statement for our own Gutty Little Bruin. GO BRUINS -N

Bumped. Tyler is our own very special Bruin.  If you consider yourself a member of this community, we really hope you can step and show your support by donating through this worthy cause. I can't think of a better example to show what the words "Bruin Family" mean to everyone who loves those four letters. GO BRUINS. -N

It's been far too long since I've given everyone an update on my son, Tyler.  Most of you know him as this guy:

uclavswsu-3 (via insomniacslounge)

The reason I haven't been around here much lately is because unfortunately, for most of the summer, his days were spent more often than not like this:

IV start (via insomniacslounge)

And to be completely honest, this was one of his better days.

Tyler received a bone marrow transplant a little over a year ago, and he has been met with complication after complication since that time.  And back in July, it seemed as if one of those complications, graft versus host disease of the lungs, was going to claim his life.  His lungs were filled with and surrounded by fluid, and breathing was only possible with pressurized oxygen.  He was in ICU and his doctors only gave him a 3% chance of survival.  But Tyler has been one to defy the odds his entire life, and this time was no different.  He battled through his lung episode, getting a little bit stronger each day, until ultimately, his lungs were clear and he was once again breathing on his own.

"Always battling" has been a theme around our household for awhile now.  Well, battling is what his parents call it.  For Tyler, it's just been "living."  The amazing thing about Tyler is that he will always enjoy each day to its fullest.  On some days, that just means joking around with family, doctors, and nurses in his hospital room.  On other days, like earlier this month when an incredibly generous alumnus heard Tyler's story and hooked him up with some VIP tickets, it means watching his Bruins play football from the alumni suite in the Rose Bowl:

press box (via insomniacslounge)

It hasn't been the easiest journey, but throughout it all, he has been an inspiring example of strength and determination, and a reminder of the importance of making the most out of the time we are given. 

Continue reading this post »

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

There definitely appear to be some mixed reviews from the last night's game vs Stanford.  The people who went to the game seemed to view it far more favorably than those that watched on tv.  I think ultimately, the reason for the optimistic view from those in attendance is because, for once this year, the crowd was actually really into the game (at least down the stretch).  There was a lot more energy in the arena and I think the players responded to it.  Hopefully, the crowd will continue to show some enthusiasm for the final three home games of the season.  (Quick aside: I don't want to hear any more 'blue-hair'/geezer excuses for the lack of energy in Pauley.  I've caught a few Arizona home games on tv this season, and that crowd really gets behind their teams..and that's an arena full of retirees.)

Anyway, I was very pleased with the overall effort our team showed.  There were many opportunities for this team to fold and they refused to do so.  Everyone that played contributed in some way, and when we actually ran our sets, we were a very efficient scoring machine (only 5 turnovers and great production in the paint).  No, it certainly wasn't a vision of perfection, but it did look like progress; and it to me, it looks like we're developing an identity that will bode well for the future.  B D already whetted our appetite with some of his great pics from the game.  Here are a few shots from my seats last night:

Continue reading this post »

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

There were certainly quite a few reasons for joy this weekend at Pauley.  We saw a team come together and play with heart and trust in each other.  We saw a coach adapt to his personnel and not allow what they cannot do interfere with what they can do.  And on a personal note, I'm happy to report that the WSU game also marked the first pac-10 game that my son Tyler was able to attend this season:

As a quick background for those who aren't familiar:  my seven year-old son Tyler has been battling cancer for almost three years now.  His latest relapse necessitated a bone marrow transplant this past fall.  Through it all, our family has been fortunate enough to be surrounded with an overwhelming amount of care and support, not least of which came from many within the Bruin family.  Tyler is a diehard fan of all things UCLA and for months has been asking his doctor when he could attend some games again.  Unfortunately, Tyler's had to deal with some lingering effects from the transplant which have limited him physically, however he started to show some noticeable improvement over the last few weeks and appears to have finally (fingers crossed) turned a corner on his road to recovery.  As a result, at his last doctor's appointment, his doctor gleefully told him that he was no longer restricted from either crowds or activities.  Of course, the first thing he wanted to do was go to a UCLA game!

Since it was a special occasion, I bought some front row baseline seats.  This turned out to be a great decision because he was immediately visible to the adviser of the spirit squad, Mollie, and she was so excited to see him again that she gave him the royal treatment.

Continue reading this post »

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

According to WBIR, the local NBC affiliate in Knoxville, Lane Kiffin has already committed a secondary violation while recruiting a player to U$C:

Volquest.com is reporting that the former Vols football coach picked up a recruit from the airport in a limo.

Kiffin committed six secondary violations while at Tennessee.

I went over to Volquest.com to look for details, but so far, all I can find is a message board report (subscription required) from an administrator on the board which reads:

Word is that Kiffin has already committed a secondary violation at USC by picking up a prospect at the airport in a limo.

No more details than that. 

What I find really amusing isn't so much that Kiffin is already (allegedly) breaking NCAA rules.  That was just a matter of time (10 whole days-- way to go, Lane!).  What's more noteworthy to me is that an NBC affiliate would run with the story based solely on a vague message board posting.  It illustrates just how angry Tenn fans are and their zeal to see Kiffin go down in flames.

Continue reading this post »

ESPN just broke into coverage to report that Lane Kiffin will leave Tennessee to become the new head coach at USC.  He will also take dad Monty with him.

Personally, I'm thrilled with the news.  Lane and SC are perfect for each other.  In his one year at UT, Kiffin has already been guilty of minor infractions within the program.  I'm sure it will be a matter of time before he does the same at SC.

Also, I'm very happy for Tenn fans.  They deserved so much better than Lane Kiffin.  Now the administration will have another chance to get their coaching search right.

If this comes to fruition (ESPN has been wrong before afterall), this should certainly add some fuel to the fire of the rivalry.  Lane Kiffin does not shy away from the media or verbal sparring.  I'm sure we'll get some fun sound bites out of him.  He'll just have to be sure not to mention his career record against Neuheisel as a head coach, which currently stands at 0-1.