Considering our extreme lack of depth at the point guard position, I would have thought that CBH would have made a strong run at Gary Franklin, who recently transferred from Cal to Baylor.  At UCLA, he would have been able to join his high school teammates, the Wear twins and TL. I'm concerned with our inability to sign a quality PG and possibly passing up on Franklin. 

Does anyone have any information on why we either were not interested in Franklin or he was not interested in UCLA?

It is pretty depressing to see that half of the Mountain West Conference is better that us. Something is terribly wrong at UCLA and I just don't see it getting any better.

One definition of insane is - someone who does the same thing over and over again and expects a different result. CBH sure seems to fit this definition. Several observations about some of the players on the team have been stated by numerous posters here on BN and also have been further supported by various former coaches and commentators. What other explanation can there be for CBH making the same erroneous coaching decisions repeatedly - he must be Insane. I've supported CBH just like many of us have for the last 6 years, but several of his coaching moves and management just don't make any sense. I'm pissed off because I just can't figure out what the heck he's doing or done with the following:

1. Handling/Planning of JH and the pg situation

2. Recruiting for the past 3 years (especially the fab soph class).

3. Urging of certain players to transfer (RW, CS, possibly DG)

4. Poor evaluation of JA, he has played too many minutes this year. As I and many others have stated before, he has absolutely no guard skills and is a TO machine. When he has the ball, I cringe, waiting for him to make a poor/slow pass, dribble it off his foot, let the defender take it from him, fall down with the ball, have a pass go off his stone-like hands. To add to this, he can't play defense at all, OLE!

5. The minutes given to ND - ridiculuous. He is not even a good shooter. When evaluating a shooter it is important to see how badly he misses his shots. A good shooter's missed shots will be in&out, slighly long, but generally still close to going in. A bad shooter's missed shots, conversely, have a lot of bricks. In most games, several of ND's missed shots are bricks, barely grazing the rim or clanging hard off the rim. Just by evaluating his missed shots, no one with any BBall knowledge could consider ND a good shooter, it's ridiculous!

6. Sticking with M2M defense for such a long time this season.

7. Team unity, morale, intensity, and accountability of his players.

8. Player development.

I would like to give CBH a pass for this year, but because of the multitude of issues wrt the program, I just can't do it. If we just had a lack of talent, but CBH seemed to be making reasonable coaching decisions, then I would let him have his mulligan year. However, it seems that the program has several problems.

Enough is enough!  ND has to be regulated to the bench immediately and play a maximum of 10-15 mins.  If he takes a horrible shot or has a terrible defensive lapse, then he should be pulled and benched for the duration of the game. The first shot of the game by ND deserved a subsequent benching for the game. A lot of us (especially N), have been clamoring for this to occur months ago, but I don;t think it's too late to do so. The case for ND's benching grows stonger by the week. 

Last night during the UW game, Knight and Bilas both seemed perplexed by ND getting so many mins and not being benched for poor play. Bilas specifically chastised ND after making a terrible pass, that was stolen, and lead to a dunk (this was fanshot and linked elsewhere).  However, even more revealing were Knight's comments about ND which should be taken seriously given Knight's extensive basketball and coaching background. He expressed confusion/disbelief that CBH was playing ND after numerous defensive breakdowns and poor shot selection. He even commented that he is a senior playing so poorly. He even noticed that ND is underutilized wrt his inside game. My translation of Knight's comments - WTF are you (CBH) doing wrt ND. Somehow CBH needs to hear the clips of Knight's comments about ND (maybe it will get thru to CBH, coming from a great coach with unsurpassed BB accumen and knowledge).

CBH has poorly developed and utilized ND. ND has a decent inside game and it seems like he was never encouraged or demanded to develop this part of his game. ND is a pretty big guy and his wide body naturally creates space allowing him to get pretty good looks inside. On offense, using ND inside more often and then occasionally letting him go out to the perimeter to stretch the defense would IMO create a much more effective and efficient offense. Also, pump faking the 3 pointer and dribbling inside for a shorter jumper would allow him to be more effective.  IMO this speaks to very poor coaching by CBH in ND's development on offense and to make matters worse it is self evident that ND has not learned anything from CBH on defense. Doubly poor coaching and I would say inexcusable for a high caliber coach. Obviously, it is too late for ND and now he should be a bench player. I have lost some respect for CBH ability to develop his players. He has received a lot of credit for developing his previous players (JF,AA,LRMAM, LMR, DC, RW,); however, he should also be held accountable for the lack of development of his players (JK,ND,JH and the entire soph class).

CBH needs to take control of his team and it starts with benching ND. The only explanation for him not doing so would be extreme guilt in not properly developing ND over 4 years.

There have been many comments in various threads about the Memphis game. I'm starting to get over this loss, but it's hard - I'm probably still a week a way.  I took parts of this from a comment I wrote previously.

1. We should not have gone zone! The main reason is that WE DON'T PRACTICE IT as far as I know. To institute a defense at that point when you don't practice it would not be wise. We are a man to man club and we double the post, we practice this and usually do it well. If CBH actually practiced zone or derivations of (box and one, triangle and 2, etc) then yes, consider it. USC used the triangle and 2 effectively on Memphis earlier in the year. I can explain the different zone defenses for anyone if you'd like.  We shouldn't use what we don't practice so it really was not an option. Would you want a corporate lawyer to defend you in a criminal case. Would you want a pediatrician to treat your mother?
2. We are defensive club, and I firmly believe (from CBH philosophy) that our best defensive match-ups and team should be on the floor. DC was a matchup liability and he should have played limited minutes (unless Memphis had a sub in that DC could match up with).  This defensive liability was clear early on. DC guarding Rose also forced another poor matchup with RW on CDR. RW gives up 4 inches in that battle and CDR easily took advantage of it. So really having DC out there gave us 2 poor match-ups and unfortunately they were on the only real scorers for Memphis.

a. RW on Rose
b. Luc on CDR
c. JS on Anderson
d. KL on Dorsey
e. Other of 3 bigs on Dozier
f. could swap matchups on d and e.

Everyone prior to the game wanted a grind it out "unwatchable" game - that would give us the best chance to win. The only way to do this was to have the above match-ups and DC out. A lot of people seem to be worried about our offense with DC out, that is not our priority. The way I see it, JS would be forced to do more in this scenario and hopefully would have stepped up. With DC out, we would still have JS, RW, and KL to give us some offense. Also with the bigger line-up I'd hope for more garbage buckets. Regardless, limiting Rose and CDR should have been our main goal.

Bottom line - we needed a dirty, defensive game.  Please comment either way.

Bumped from the diaries. Slightly reformatted to include more amazing shots from bluejoe. If you are in San Jose, find a way to get your a$$es into HP pavillion. GO BRUINS. -N

I just went down to HP pavilion and bought 3 tickets from the ticket office. I got upper level, but center court (section 215) 6 rows back - pretty good seats. If you live near San Jose and really want to go, I would call 408-287-7070 for info - however, they may not have much information on if there are tix available. It's best to go there in person and ask. I was amazed to score these seats $76 each. They were only taking cash though - there is an ATM next to the box office.

I'm obviously ecstatic about getting these seats and I only waited 30 mins in line (which was pretty short). There are tickets that are occassionally being turned in to the box office and then are put up for sale. I really would encourage you to keep checking at HP Pavilion the hours are 9:30-5. If you have a friend you could split up the ticket checking duty.

There isn't much time left, but I could not let myself miss seeing this game live and it's in my home town.

Photo: thank you bluejoe! (N)

Two goliath basketball programs will Duke (pun is intended) out and leave nothing on the floor.

This game was a greatly needed and well-deserved victory for our BRUINS. The best part is that we earned this win. There were no phantom penalties, instant replay debacles, or controversial turnovers that gave us the W. SUC can't whine or make any legitimate excuses for their loss - they were flat out beaten. This makes the vicory that much sweeter (and no NC game for SUC). The mass media with all their comments about how UCLA had no chance whatsoever - and could only stay in the game if we played perfectly and SC totally collapsed (e.g. a slew of turnovers) can all now take their heads out of SUC asses and now lick our nuts. We did not play perfectly (holding penalty for a saftey) and SUC did not completely collapse - we just outplayed them (esp on the defense) and legitamitely won.

Important/Key performances:

1. PC (that's Cowan - not pom-pom) hanging tough, getting the job done with his feet. This guy took some huge (some illegal) hits while trying to get his team some well needed yards and the TD early in the game. Not the most gifted passer, but has a lot of courage and gives the team everything he's got. KD nice choice in giving PC the nod over BO. Let the QBs fight it out in the off-season for the starting position.
2. Tremendous effort from Bruce Davis and Hickman on the tenacious pass rush and bottling up the run. The defense as whole played well but the D-line deserves much of the credit. Also great comment by Davis on the CorStreit idiots at EastSPN - way to make your point in a classy, Bruin manner.
3. Eric McNeal - what a great individual effort to seal the victory. He jumped high to tip that pass and immediately turned to dive for the INT after his tip. I've watched that play a million times and I still have no idea how he knew where that ball was going after his tip - if he hesitates after his deflection, he doesn't make the INT.

I want us to play something that resembles Defense. I'm tired (even going back to the Toledo days) of watching pathetic defensive performances. I'm sick of all the missed tackles year in and year out. Anytime the opposing team is on offense, I'm expecting them to break off a big run. Our run defense (which is typically the worst part) has been atroscious in the last 10 years. I'm just sick and tired of it.

What else could go wrong for SC?
A summary of the last month:

1. Sanchez with an alleged sexual assault.
   
2. Reggie Bush with the housing scandal (with more negative findings daily - may be yahoo sports will be correct in this story).
   
3. LenDale with his weight issues and lack of conditioning and work ethic.
   
4. Matt Leinart stock seems to be dropping - lack of arm stregth and questions raised about him performing well because of the talent around him and the offensive system rather than true ability. He's being compared to Ken Dorsey and Steve Walsh.
   

I would have liked to see the frontline of AA2, RH, and Luc (with Mata in relief). AA2 on Halford, Luc on Brewer, and RH on Noah. For the backcourt JF on Green (with DC for relief) and AA on Humphrey (with Ced for relief). Brewer is too long for AA, but AA would have locked down Humphreys. Only RH would need help on Noah and I think all the other defenders would shut down their guys. This would have given use the best size match-up. Just some thoughts. In the end, I couldn't be more proud of our team and can't wait till next year.

I'm surprised all the analysts and commentators were able to bring themselves to watch such a boring and ugly UCLA team. A big FUCK YOU to those idiots! Was that win over LSU ugly too - or were they not able to watch this ugly team's play. What comes out of their ass makes more sense than that out of their mouths. Again, a big Fuck you to all the assalysts at EastSPN and other MNM outlets. I'm sick of these assholes - and Billy Packer you can rest now that undeserving GM is out and btw it's Aboya not Aboooya and Farmar not Farmer - you'd think the jacknut would get it right by now - fucking idiot.

Go Bruins - 5 down and 1 to go for #12

Duke Athletics shows it's class (or lack there of) again. Not only do they have Kurse K coacking their bball team, but their LaCrosse team has just been implicated in a huge scandal. Members of the LaCrosse team allegedly hired 2 black strippers for a house party. One of the strippers claims to have been raped and strangled by multiple members of the team. There were also several racial slurs used as well per the victims and according to neighbors. The AD has suspended the team until further investigation is completed. This is alarming and disturbing on so many levels. I can't imagine any scrupulous high profile recruit in any sport wanting to be part of Duke athletics. Dukie V, what do you have to say? The link can be found at http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2387151

Sorry, if you read it before, I should have posted it in a new diary.
   1. Fuck Lavin - That guy must be burning up inside. As a front, he may try to act like a UCLA supporter, but thru some comments and body language it's clear he does not want UCLA to succeed, especially so early after his firing. I would respect the guy at least a little if he would come out and admit that he was over his head coaching the bruins during his painfully long tenure.
   2. RH is playing BH bball - it took some time but he's bought into the program just at the right time for the bruins. What I mean by BH bball is playing hard defense, with energy and with class (picking up pubestache). He provided much of the early offense against Memphis as he did against the Zags while his teammates were struggling on the offensive end - the only thing he couldn't do was hit free throws last night. In the BH mold I bet he will go back to Pauley and practice his FT this week on his own volition.
   3. What the hell does the MNM know - they can't pick the best teams, they don't understand nor appreciate the importance of defense even though 2 of the top teams at the next level, spurs and pistons play exceptional defense. These guys are a bunch of idiots that go along with the hype instead of really knowing the sports they are reporting about. My buddy is doing well in our pool b/c he picked LSU going to the NC game (b/c he listened to BH - who said LSU was a great team before the tourney). Listen to BH and those that know what they are talking about, not these numbnuts in the MNM. My buddy will lose the pool though b/c UCLA will beat LSU.
   4. LSU will be a tough matchup - TT is an unbelievable frosh talent that I think many of us are overlooking so far. He plays BH type of ball (too bad he's not a bruin, would fit in perfectly). He's athletic and plays great defense and blocks multiple shots even on one play, he's a great rebounder, and is a high riser - he d5oes it all without being flashy. I think Davis is good too with some decent low post moves, but I think TT is at least an equal worry to us.

Go Bruins - 4 down and 2 to go for #12

I've been in London since the day the tourney started. I've watched all the bruin games online (thanks CBS). With the time change the games ussually start between midnight and 3 am. Since only the first 3 rounds are available online, I found an alternative venue.  The Sports Cafe an awesome sports bar that shows a lot of american sports - they have over 100 TVs. The game started at midnight here and ended just before 3am (luckily this place is open really late). If ever in London and need to catch a game, I suggest going here and having a few pints of Guinness (and those pints tasted even better  watching the Bruins win). I'm headed back home to San Jose on tuesday so will be back for the final four in the states.
Go Bruins - 4 down and 2 to go for #12

BH's bball IQ is astonishing. He seems to know everything. Before the tourney, he mentioned that LSU  was the most dangerous team (not Duke, Memphis, Zags, etc) and look where LSU is now. I'm sorry, but I don't know anyone else who thought LSU was that good before the tourney started (yet we all know this now).  Also, after the Zags win, he said that the Zags were the best team the bruins had played (not Memphis, WV, UW) - I thought that would've been BB material for Memphis going into the game, but he was right again. The Zags gave us a run for our money and looked a hell of a lot better than Memphis. This guy is way too smart. We say AA and the bruins have ice water in their veins, well they get it from BH.
Go Bruins - 4 down 2 to go!

Fellins No More
The play of RH this year has been remarkable, especially the second half of the season.  Without him, I don't think we get that win at Cal and the outright Pac-10 championship. The Bama game would have been tough without him as well.  RH is shooting over 70% since the disaster at SC (mostly dunks). The guy has stepped up his play with good defense and gives us a presence inside. He's playing with energy and heart in his senior year. I don't think it's fair to lump him with Fey (to create Fellins) anymore. Fey has done nothing for the team this year - I don't think it's all his fault though - he just doesn't have the athleticism or energy to play with this Bruin squad. So I'm calling for the death of Fellins and the emergence of RH as his own entity - sorry MF you're now on your own. We will need RH to continue his consistent and high level of play for any hope at the final four (or better yet banner #12).
Go Bruins - 2 down and 4 to go for #12

I am grateful that we were able to pull out a tough win over Bama. However, just because we won doesn't mean that the officiating (or lack there of) should be ignored or that the wrong calls weren't that wrong just because we pulled out the W.  The refs really need to be held accountable for their calls. It is unreasonable to get every call right, but to make horrible calls is egregious. I'm sure we'd be talking about this more if Bama hit the 3 ball at the end and we'd lost. The refs really need to concentrate and get most of the calls right especially in the last 10-12 mins of the game because possessions really become a premium at that point. The 3 lousy calls in the last game came in this time frame and is unacceptable. The first one AA drives down the lane and throws up a 6 footer that was an airball - well it was an airball because he got raked across the arm with about 8 mins to go. Then 2 mins later JF drives down the lane and is called for a charge giving him his third foul - what a bullshit call. That clearly was a blocking foul and I can't understand WTF the refs saw. Farmer picked up his 4th foul a min later going for a loose ball. The commenators picked up on the previous two shit ass calls. The last call was on DC "fouling" Steele with a minute to go. Come on he didn' hit his arm he did probably bump him slightly with his butt after the release - to call that in a tight game giving the other team 3 free throws is horseshit. I can understand if he hit him on the arm or even the wrist, but come on. To be fair there may have been some marginal calls going against Bama, but they weren't as WTF as the calls against us.  With bout 11 mins to go a charge was called against Steele when Mata stepped in - he may have been a bit late, but that was a tough call to make and you can see how it could go either way. The refs need to review their mistakes and in some way be held accountable for them and if there are outlier refs who seem to botch a lot of calls - fire them.
Anyway - it's time to move on to the Zags.
Go Bruins - 2 down and 4 to go for #12

I think we're a lock on the 3 seed, especially given the way we breezed thru the Pac-10 tourney (no game was ever in doubt, not even close!) I think we have a shot at a 2 seed, but I would much rather get a 3 seed and stay in the West (where the first 4 potential games would be in Cali) rather than a 2 seed somewhere else. As mentioned previously, the 2 to 3 difference is less important than a 3 to 4 seed difference. Another reason why I favor a 3 seed (assuming it's in the West) over a 2 seed (elsewhere) is the underdog mentality that would favor our young team. I guess another possibility would be for us to get a 4 seed (I really would be surprised - if we do it would have to be out West). I don't know what's better, a 4 seed in the West or a 3 seed elsewhere. The only way I'd prefer the 4 seed in the West is if the Zags are the 1 seed in the West. Give me your thoughts.

I've been watching the other conference tourneys on EastSPN - they simply ignore the PAC-10 and UCLA. How about at least mentioning the thumping we gave O St or the spanking the Mildcats got (where the margin was 12 points, but the game never in doubt). The Bruins are on a role, closing out the regular season championship on the road and just cruising thru the Pac-10 tourney. At least acknowledge it - well I guess thouse douche bags would need to actually watch a Pac-10 game to do so. Let's hope the Bruins make a deeeeep run and hopfully the Pac-10 field can have a good showing so that all the analysts and announcers will have to do some extra HW and learn about the PAC-10 teams because they haven't to this point - make those MFs work.
GO BRUINS (2006 outright PAC-10 champs)!!

From the diaries. - N

JF and AA continue to amaze me with not only their play, but with their character. They know what to say and what to do, on and off the court. Both of them are playing some great ball this year, yet they are smart enough to realize that they are not ready for the jump to the next level. Unlike many of Lavin's under-acheiving recruits (largely because of nonexistent coaching and lack of discipline), these kids are realistic and not egotistical about their development and talent - BH probably desrves some credit for this. Jordan will continue to dish out those amazing dimes (I think he leads the Pac-10), play with no fear, and improve his free throw shooting and consistently hit from behind the arc. AA will continue to play shut-down D, hit his foul shots, play with no fear, and improve the outside jumper and slashes to the hole. Both of these kids are fearless, but they do need another year at Pauley.

We need a strong showing this week in No-Cal. An outright Pac-10 championship would mean a lot more to the selection committee that a tie. Bruin Pride!