Thou Shall Not Cheat

This order must have been left off the 15... err... 10 Commandments... Thanks Mel Brooks.  Oh well, how about the modern interpretation—cheaters never win!  Forget "never say never."  This is the exception.  I'll say it once again: Cheaters Never Win!

They never win because nothing good comes from cheating.  Cheating is the ultimate shortcut in sports and in life.  In sports, cheating occurs because of one feeling:  "I want to win!"  Yes, cheating is a me-me-me sentiment.  It's all about winning for yourself, without playing up to fair competition.  It's about money, jealousy, endorsements (more money), glory, and/or fame.  Even if you value such pursuits, none provides lasting satisfaction for long if you're cheating.  Just ask Bill Belichick and the Patriot’s coaching staff if they're satisfied.

No, don't worry; you're not like The Pat's coach if you've ever cheated in your life.  People make mistakes.  I can't even begin to untangle the academic pressures to cheat that almost all have succumbed to.  Everyone has done some version of "Gameshark" or turned on invincibility during Goldeneye so that you can romp the computer.  Why? Because we all want to win, and when it's taking advantage of a computer we don't give a damn.  When it's a person, it's a different story.  It's a dirty one.

The most obvious and, unfortunately, highly publicized dirty trick is cheating on your spouse.  And yes, even this very personal indiscretion infiltrates the sports world.  See Mr. Woods or Mr. Bryant.  It's probably because we choose to catapult sports stars into "star people" and judge their every move while bombarding them with countless temptations.  Hmmm… that sounds fair.  But they chose to be athletes and must accept such responsibility, right?  First off, a combination of their God-given talents and work ethic allowed them to play a game they love for a career.  We, as fans, chose to put such athletes on this “role model” pedestal.  Why aren’t the teachers of our children (and thus our future) mounted on the same pedestal? Second, do you really expect that people who spend ridiculous amounts of time perfecting a sport at the professional level ALSO be trained to be model citizens, parents, and spouses? Don’t think so.  See Mr. Roethlisberger or Mr. Cabrera.

While I disagree with the fact that athletes’ lives are under the microscope I do agree with society’s simple rules including that whole “not cheating on your spouse rule.”  In case you’ve lived in a hole the past year, Tiger missed this memo.  The man succumbed to the temptations at the expense of his wife and kids.  When he got caught his life went to ruins (rightfully so) and his game went to **** (rightfully so again); a far fall for the man who single-handedly dominated the sport for the past decade!  Karma is a “female dog”, Tiger.  Even if the media weren’t involved, I still believe his conscience would have torn his golf game apart.  It’s too difficult to maintain mental toughness in anything when your entire world is flipped upside down because of your poor mental choices.

My problem with Karma is that it needs to extend beyond the likes of Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant to that other circus—politics.  Like I said, the social pressures sports stars deal with are not reflective of what they are trained to handle.  On the other hand, political figures are supposed to uphold the law.  Ya’ know, the fabric of society that keeps us from tearing each other apart?  Yet, when politicians cheat, they get 1/billionth the amount of attention Tiger gets.  How is that fair?  Isn’t the media setup to expose and discuss issues that affect our lives?  What about the people that mold the rules we all follow?  We cheapen ourselves when we discuss the moral fabric of an athlete over the “educated” and supposed leaders of our country and future.

I’m not just talking about cheating on your wife, but rather cheating on your responsibilities.  Where’s the integrity?  Must be a Calipari-Kiffin democracy.  How about we stop cheating the public and stealing their money for our own gains when we should be doing our job and making this country a better place!  No, it doesn’t mean funding wars and cutting Planned Parenthood.  Nor when the going gets tough should we run away and find the easier solution, a la Pete Carroll.

We must stick to our guns and work with what we got.  However, politics doesn’t function perfectly in its supposed democratic form.  It’s become elitist and, as a result, the uneducated and poor are being exploited.  Too many are deprived from making educated votes (if they vote at all).  I say, until politics turns the corner, sports can be our pillar of support because sports reach EVERYONE (except teenage girls…)!  Let us spotlight the good that sports brings us all, not the bad.  Highlight charities like “Play 60” and “NBA Cares.” Highlight the stories of overcoming hardship such as Donald Driver and the ’09-10 New Orleans Saints.  Highlight what we can achieve with sports, not what we should run from.

It’s our responsibility to demand what is right, not what is wrong.  It is unproductive to showcase the bad aspects of society such as cheating.  It teaches us nothing other than “don’t get caught.”  However, much can be learned from focusing on better acts such as charity and teamwork.  These teach us how to treat one another properly, a much more direct teaching.  In fact, the only reason we choose to focus on “the bad” is because we cheat the system.  We want people “less than ourselves” so we feel better about who we are.  This is cheating!  It doesn’t set us up any better than before.  It’s simply an illusion.  Let us break the habit and promote what is good so that we no longer have to cheat our way through life.

What L.A. Needs: Another Team Sport

NFL

For a San Francisco Bay born-and-bred kid, I have survived the past several years in enemy territory.  I moved to Dodger territory, aka Los Angeles, at seventeen to attend the greatest university in the world--University of California, Los Angeles, better known by the acronym UCLA.  I admit that I may be biased claiming UCLA as the best, but remember: my blog, my rules (muhaha).  However, there is one department where UCLA is, in fact, objectively supreme: Team Sports.  No school has had more NCAA team championship titles than UCLA.  Stanford comes in a close second while dominating the individual titles race.  I'll take that trade because nothing beats team sports.  In the sports arena, the likes of Tiger Woods and Roger Federer command respect because of their individual dominance. On the other hand, team sports create throngs of devoted fans for one reason: to cheer for, and derive infinite joy from, the achievements of teamwork.  Win-Win right?  You get to cheer for your favorite team AND learn how to work well with others... odd concept.  Why not just focus on the individual?

Well, Los Angeles is the current breeding ground for individual spotlighting.  It began, decades ago, with idolizing skilled people such as directors, actors and actresses.  No big problem there.  Now, people idolize the fame caused by embarrassing yourself on a public platform (from sex-tape, to sex scandal, to spousal, and child abuse).  I'm not criticizing the famous, diligent, and talented people, but the "ones" that none of us (in our right mind) would choose to be.  You know who they are.  These "pseudo-celebrities" dominate the Hollywood landscape puking their personalities all-over L.A.  Many see "the joke" and are able to view such people for their true value--entertainment.  Sadly, many others (mostly the uneducated or young) don't understand.  The ones who don't get it watch (on television) on a nightly basis--and yearn for--what they don't understand.  These individuals supply the unfortunate, idolizing pattern of behavior that only exists because two of man's vices: money and fame.  Two perceived "values" that have no intrinsic value.

Since I dropped the whole "med-school-thing" a few years back, I must treat these symptoms the only way I know how: team sports.  I believe Los Angeles needs football (futbol isn’t big enough, yet).  Why? Because I believe team sports are our country's greatest asset.  It's the most open and competitive stage where success is determined by teamwork.  In our country, technology has catapulted team sports into a world of scrutiny.  As a result, we have fair and balanced systems.  While our sports are far from perfect, we continue to make necessary changes to improve sports and promote integrity.  Look at the most trouble areas of our globe and you will find either no team sports or heavily biased ones.  How many stories do you hear of troubled youths’ lives being saved because of sports?  I say we follow Nelson Mandela's lead and let sports pave the way for a better country.  In Hollywood, where it's all about the glory, you need to start big and inject the nation's biggest sport.  Los Angelenos need the ultimate "American" sport to distance them from the overwhelming perception that the individual is greater than the team, which is simply NOT TRUE!

The Lakers, led by the Zen master, Phil Jackson, made a good impression.  Their championship winning teams were based on team cohesiveness and defense. You'd hope people would get the message.  Unfortunately, in basketball it's too easy to mask the team ideal for individual stardom.  It's why the exhibition known as the “NBA All-Star Game” is actually watched (unlike the NFL's/MLB's/NHL's all-star "circus").  "Posterizing" and showboating are light-years ahead in popularity than "taking a charge."  In a sport dominated by individual offensive plays, the media tunnel-visions on the superstar.  In the Laker's recent championship runs, the focus was on Kobe Bryant, Kobe Bryant, and, Kobe Bryant.  It's sad because as great as Kobe was and is, he can't win it by himself.  No one can.  And it's why Lebron hasn't won jack **** yet.

For once money is on my side.  There is a wealth of opportunity for football to succeed once again in L.A.  Luckily, steps are already being taken to construct the one giant obstacle--a stadium.  Because the NFL has its panties in a bunch over money, just move a team to Los Angeles.  The differences could be settled right there.  Seriously, the disputed financial differences could be covered by the extra income of hosting a L.A. Super Bowl and having a L.A. NFL franchise.  Sure, you'd have to invest and be patient for your returns, but you know this is a "can't-lose bet."  In an age of overblown media and television, you need the biggest sports under the biggest spotlights.  A financial loss would be a societal gain at the very least.  I'm rooting for the Jacksonville Jaguars to move to L.A.  Their team struggles to fill attendance and a Maurice Jones-Drew and Marcedes Lewis homecoming would be oh-so-sweet.  Yet again, that's me being selfish.  NFL, please just setup a team!

Please don't think that I don't like Los Angeles or its people.  One of my best friends (Millertime shout out) is L.A. bred and a straight shooter despite his Dodger allegiance.  There's just seems to be an overwhelming amount of bad apples in the public eye... It's probably less than many other cities, but because Los Angeles is the television and movie capital of the world I believe a certain responsibility rests there: a responsibility to produce entertainment that spawns values instead of entertainment that exploits people for a quick buck.  I believe another successful sports franchise that emphasizes teamwork will help move towards that unified goal.  Individuality is great and let L.A. be the platform for it to shine, but please, not at the expense of others.  Sports and movie stars are talented, but work hard for their achievements. They too are just people, no better or worse, like everyone else.

Happy Valentine's Day! Let's Pitch and Catch!

MLB

Watch it! Keep those naughty minds in check.  As most of us know, February 14th is the Hallmark, err... I mean holiday of love.  Oddly enough, this love label doesn't always translate into a happy holiday for everyone.  Some people dread this holiday.  They fear being alone, desire companionship, or they're guys! ... Sorry mom, it's just a joke.

However, in 2011, Feb 14th offers its landmark date for a second reason.  What's that you say?  How about those who don't feel the Valentine's day vibe, but stand by their love for sports, especially baseball?  Here ya' go baseball fans! The World Series Champion San Francisco Giants' pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training today.  This marks the end of a joyous offseason, but the beginning of another dream season.  Not all teams are as lucky to have their first day coincide with such a lovely holiday.  I like to think the G-men earned it and hopefully such diligence will continue to reproduce good luck.

There's not much I can say about the Giants' stellar pitching staff and their excellent catcher (Buster Posey) that hasn't already been said.  So, I won't.  I'll simply wish them and the entire team the best of luck (hope for no injuries) as they continue to work, improve, and hopefully bring home more hardware.  Because it is the holiday of love, I need to channel love towards a long-lost love of mine, one that lost his heart in San Francisco (not in a good way)--Barry Zito.

Outside of the Giants' organization, Mr. Zito was my favorite pitcher when he was an ace of the A's.  I have A's fans in the family and I lived closer in proximity to Oakland's stadium than McCovey Cove's.  That is why the Oakland Athletics were always my second favorite team.  (They could have been my numero uno if there had been more Athletic exposure when I was growing up.  You can only love what you experience and local blackouts--or lack of TV coverage--don't help promote love).  The Zito 12-to-6 curveball was love at first sight.  It prompted me to follow the free-spirited, surfer-dude, music loving, knee buckling pitcher as he ascended from the A's Big Three, to Cy Young Winner, to across the Bay in orange and black.  Favorite pitcher on your favorite team is supposed to be a match made in heaven (even with an overpaid contract).

What evolved was nothing of that sort.  My relationship went sour and I joined fellow Giants' fans into what turned into an abusive relationship.  We jeered and had little tolerance for a struggling player because we believed he had not earned his payday.  I read an article about Zito last season when his 5-0 start appeared to signal a turnaround for his disastrous first few years in the City by the Bay.  To me, the story seemed like a practical joke.  Zito himself claimed that a reason for his recent success was that he ceased having people over late at night during the season and stopped letting "people he didn't know" into his house... good sleep and no strangers... Are you kidding me?  I learned these "keys to success" in grade school.  Excuse me, but why the **** is a professional athlete getting paid millions to act more immature than a 5th grader?  Unfortunately, there may have been more substantial reasons because Zito's season began to tank.

While I appreciate the work Zito contributed to a World Series Championship team, he was rightly excluded from the postseason roster.  The divine, salary induced, right of the regular season expired thanks to excellent managing.  Zito struggled with what was solely under his control--his control, more specifically his ability to throw the ball into the targeted strike-zone.  He walked batters left and right and handed away games.  Simply put, he hadn't earned the privilege to pitch for his team in a tough-earned postseason.  I understand that Zito took his demotion like a man, rooting for his team and never complaining.  Finally, a glimpse of maturity from a +$100 million man.

November 3, 2010 aka the Giants' Parade.  In that moment, I took a page out of my Warrior book and "I believed" in a return of Barry Zito.  That day was filled with so much love and adoration for a team accomplishment.  We injected the infinite joy from the Giants World Series win back into our players.  We showed them with great conviction that we love what they do.  I believe an even emotionless Zito must've felt this!  Zito's stoic face portrayed his desire to contribute.  I'm hoping the Parade love sparks the hard work necessary to recapture the amazing talents of a former Cy Young winner.  A sort of "Inception" for one who has now become valued as our 5th starter despite being paid as our #1.  If this parade trick works, and barring injuries, the 2011 Giants will continue their amazing run and silence the critics who still believe Cliff Lee and the rest of the Phillies' pitching staff are unstoppable.  Talk is cheap, so let the best team win.

Sometimes, the "Valentine's Day somberness" can stir up memories of a former lover.  Not one that you yearn to have back someday (like Zito) but one that you mistakenly weep over.  Ya' know, the one where if you had some perspective you would realize that one isn't THE one.  For me, Not-the-one is my first love Mr. Barry Bonds.  I'm not kidding--I skipped a school dance to watch this guy swing the bat in a World Series.  I was googly-eyed and demanded a ring in 2002 so... so... badly!  (darn Rally Monkey!)  When the ring slipped out of my grasp, I held on too tight to Barry.  But now, I need closure.  It'll be tough, but it's time.

Barry B., I'm moving on... No! It's not because I met a rich Barry Z.  It's me, not you.  You were great (as an individual player), but I was young, in love, and blinded by your offensive dominance.  I needed to grow up and open my eyes to defense.  I'm changed now, I value D more than O.  Barry... I need to tell you... there is someone else... there's been several others... it's... the S.F. Giants' TEAM.  They just swept me off my feet.  These "castoffs and misfits" (I despise that nickname) won my heart over and showed me what teamwork and team spirit can do.  It is truly beautiful.  I learned that team love is greater than any individual love.  I'm sorry, but it's true.  I still never forget you Barry! I'll cherish our good moments forever.

Whew, that was rough.  I hope the big guy doesn't take it too hard.  Seriously, we (Giants fans) were infatuated with Bonds.  He seemed untouchable, and was God-like (at the plate) so we built around him.  It brought us close, but no cigar.  When the Giants struggled, we worried about who would protect Bonds and who else would produce besides him.  We coveted one offensive man over the unbeatable defensive zero.  It was silly considering that the "ultimate player" was NOT the ultimate teammate.  Ridiculous clubhouse accommodations and teammate altercations just don't occur around team-first players.  Not until the Giants tasted team success did I realize our false worship.

However, the love spreads this day. So, why not forgive ourselves and spread it to the one who once excited us?  Word on the street is that Bonds wants to become a hitting coach for the Giants.  I say hire the legend once his legal distractions fade.  (I'm crying foul if Bonds gets prison-time when no one else has.)  Anyhow, his sweet swing and brilliant eyes are not a result of alleged steroids.  Those talents are born from Bonds, and such knowledgeable wealth would benefit any baseball hitter.  I hope we give the home-run king a chance in retirement to become the team player he once avoided.  People can change for the better, especially after being properly inspired.  Love ya' 2010 G-men!

Blinded by the Green Light

NBA

Yesterday, Jerry Sloan resigned as Head Basketball Coach of the Utah Jazz.  The currently longest tenured Coach in American professional sports just quit.  Yup, one of the most respected (and defensive-minded) coaches stepped down during the middle of his 23rd season.  This doesn't sound like the third "winningest" coach in NBA history, nor the most loyal (longest to coach for one team in NBA history), nor someone who just signed a contract extension (this season for the next).  Sounds Fishy. Probably is...

Any further discussion of this particular issue is merely my opinion (speculation?) and by no means 100% the truth.  The media have attempted to get a more conclusive response to why Sloan resigned.  The best they're are going to get is the current response of "It's time to move on."  That's because Sloan is classy, and despite being thrown under the bus himself, he won't do the same to someone else.  You can't always fight fire with fire.  Sometimes you're so powerless you can only hope it burns itself out.

Time to stop beating around the burning bush.  Pop Quiz: What was my one "hate" in my most recent post? The Superstar Treatment.  In case you're a newcomer, it's when players gain more leverage than the coach.  Usually it's because of the extra zeros attached to the player's paycheck.  Another instance of letting money ruin the sports that we truly love.  Some alternatively defend the Treatment and say the player is more popular to the fans than the coach.  Well, if we went by popularity, then American Idol would epitomize how we should run things.  God help us!  Others argue and claim the player is better than the coach.  This argument is plain stupid.

Everyone knows that two heads are better than one (assuming they work together).  In team sports, the players put in countless energy and time practicing, achieving tip-top shape, and learning how to play the game usually via a playbook.  Who writes the playbook?  The coach (duh!).  Unsurprisingly, countless hours go into that as well.  That playbook serves as the coach's bible and he religiously preaches it to his players so that THE WHOLE TEAM is on the same page.  I'll use algebra to explain what wins championships (other than defense): Teamwork > Individual-work.  Unless you are Peyton Manning and command control of all your troops, you're going to need an eye in the sky to coordinate the show.  In fact, Manning only touches the clouds because of the structure of football allowing for game-breaks.  It is much more difficult to both play and coach with efficiency unless you have ample time to coordinate with everyone.  This is harder to achieve in the more free-flowing team sports like basketball, hockey and soccer.  In these, coordination is best achieved beforehand by listening to one cooperative philosophy.

Unfortunately, the structure of basketball falsely highlights "what works".  Fans, coaches, owners, etc. all observe individual stars dominate a team sport that is limited to five on-court players per team.  When superstar players play in the K-12 or collegiate levels, their individual talents outclass what their competitors are prepared to stop.  As a result, the player and the team benefit.  This leads to inflated heads; sadly many won't deflate until they have washed-out, waking up to the realization that "me-first" doesn't translate to team success.  This life lesson is too often too late, after a forfeited education and thus hopes for an alternate future.

Alternatively, the "successful" juiced-up egos lead into conflicts between coach and player.  While not a new phenomenon, it is novel to see the roles reversed: Individual > Team (aka coach).  Our media and society have idolizes individuals to such a degree that we crown Kings from undeserving men.  If you haven't already done so, read my second-ever post, "No Defense for a King," to understand more clearly what individuals and entire cities sacrifice when they give in to false idols.  I'd hate to see Salt Lake City follow Cleveland's blueprint for downfall, but I'd love to see Jerry Sloan lead another team to a title with a fortified defense.  Leadership comes few and far between, but leads to far more impressive results than misguided shortcuts.  If you believe in the God-gene, think of it instead as a leadership-gene and stop hating.

The Dubs need to play D...

NBA

...If they (or any team) expect to win anything.  That's Dubs, as in Ws, as in Warriors, as in the NBA's Golden State Warriors. University of Washington (excuse me, UDub) fans get it.  (Sidebar--Don't get this blog's web address?  ddubc = DWC = Defense Wins Championships.)  Defense has greater adaptability, which results in sustainability.  Thus, in the NBA, where defenses fly under the radar, the consistent-championship-caliber teams play defense.  See the Spurs, this year's most dominant team and most consistent since "The Big Fundamental," aka Tim Duncan, entered the league almost 14 years ago.  Wonder why those "King"-led Cavs were handled by the Magic in '09?  Because NOTHING is more important than a team's ability to protect the rim.  "Superman" Dwight Howard can block Lebron James, the most thunderous dunker in the league.  Don't forget the most dominant center this generation in Shaquille O'Neal, "Shaq," "The Big Diesel," "Shaqtus," "Kazaam" or whatever-he-wants-to-be-called.  In a professional sport that idolizes individuals, the unstoppable center literally can't be stopped (both on and off the court).  This time I uncharacteristically praise such individual achievements because, like a quarterback's leadership, such individual success directly translates to team success.

You may surprise people with an offensive philosophy, but any long-lasting championship-caliber team plays defense, 'nough said!  Yes, Lakers' fans, I know Kobe Bryant is the best finisher in the game, but how can he close unless a foundation of defense gets him within "Black Mamba's" ridiculous range?  While Kobe is the deadliest scorer (offensive balance is crucial), Pau and friends are nonetheless why Hollywood fans were in position to see their biggest star shine since "Shaq Fu" was a teammate.  We witnessed the Giants in the Fall, the Packers in the Winter,  and I expect the next testimony this Spring will be heavily defensive.

Bay Area faithful, brace yourself--the Dubs won't win it all this year (if you thought otherwise, get your head out of the sand )...  It's cool, don't worry, it'll be alright.  We can ride the black and and orange love for a while.  In fact, we should understand the patience it took for our G-men to win it all and put that faith into our other teams.  We were so desperate (12-year playoff drought) the last time we tasted some success (playoffs '07) that we made hasty decisions--trading away our heart and soul in Jason "J-Rich" Richardson for a lottery pick... Anyone know the odds for lotteries?  I can't express my love for J-Rich without digressing.  To understand some, watch this video that my Wisconsin homeboy sent me shortly after the trade: J-Rich Tribute.  I still tear up.  Oh well, since we can't change the past, we can only thank and learn what J-Rich, Don Nelson, and Baron Davis and Co. taught us: "We Believe!"

This time let's not run too far with that belief and, instead, hone it on building a team (not buying one ASAP).  When you live, like I do, in Laker country (or is it Clipper territory?), "a 1st round upset and 2nd round exit" is still a joke.  Consistency and championships are no laughing matter.  As of now, I think Coach Keith Smart is the intelligent choice (no pun intended).  He instills good defense, fundamentals, and is loyal to his players and, more importantly, to the team.  I assume his players believe in him too and, while we still got that feeling, I say we roll with it.  I hate it when teams jettison a coach to appease some superstar player that believes he's better than the whole.  Maybe it's because that "superstar" makes "mo' money" than the leader of the team.  Hope you're taking notes kids...

As a loyal fan, I cannot support articles like today's front page of the Chronicle's Sports Section, the one beginning with the word "Crashing."  This article discussed a lackluster performance for the Warriors in their loss the night before.  I understand this may be true, but what bothers me was how the focus wasn't just on this game--it stated how this loss erases their past few games where they played excellent ball and excellent defense.  Huh?  Like I said, you can't change the past.  Those wins still count in the 'W' column.  Stop focusing on our failures!  Instead, check out the other article, written by the same author and buried four pages deep in the six page section.  This one highlights how the Dubs' effort almost closed the gap from their 1st quarter performance, specifically their defensive effort (my man!).  While this article delves into the past as well, it instead shows how previous experience allowed the team to make successful defensive adjustments.  How odd to discuss building on your foundation rather than tearing it down... It's tough to convince your fans that there is hope for progress when you highlight two steps backward on the front page and bury the one step forward near the much bigger (and unrelated) headline about the "largest-losing-streak-ever."

Furthermore, let's stop knocking on our backcourt (that's the two guard spots).  Everyone says Ellis and Curry can't play together, they can't play D, they're too short, too weak, etc.  Bullocks!  They are one of the most productive backcourt duos in the league and they always perform more than their fare share on the offensive end to balance their defensive inequalities.  With more coaching, they will start to pick people off like "The Answer."  Some Kobe-esque plays are simply un-guardable and we gotta live with that.  While you can't teach height, you can teach that even the best guards in the league don't shoot a high percentage.  It's all about protecting the hoop (that's why behemoths play the positions close to the basket).  As for guards, "size doesn't matter" and I hope Dubs' fans understand that simple proposition before we trade another Warrior only to see him blossom for his next team.

All great teams play under a philosophy (even if you rely on a star) maintained by the head honcho (No, not the owner, but the head coach).  A personnel swap or upgrade may be in the future, but only after we accept the "Smart System" and the powers-to-be figure out which cavities need filling.  Right now our starting guards are too sweet (in a good way).  David Lee is our future power-forward and with less injuries (and less tooth impaling) he's our main scorer down low.  We robbed the bank in signing Dorell Wright.  Barring a superstar free-agent or drafted small-forward taking his spot, he's our perimeter shooter.  Worst case scenario: with that contract, an elite 6th man.  The oh-so-important center position is tough.  We are financially committed to Andris Biedrins (3+ years on his huge contract).  Luckily for us, our coach knows that too and has spent his time wisely on Biedrin's development (even leaving his family for 3 weeks this offseason to spend time in Biedrins home country of Latvia).  Unfortunately, he fouls more than the Italian national futbol team (except he gets whistled).  And when you are getting paid to play basketball, you must make your free-throws (or at least practice enough so your fundamentals look decent)!  Because all that is the case, a complimentary defensive back-up center (or necessary starter) is our biggest need.  Let's go general manager! Hey, maybe we'll get lucky in the lottery this time.  Either way, let us Believe once again, but this time, I'm rooting for consistency instead of quick riches.

Bru'in our Future

NCAAM

Wednesday, February 2nd, was "national signing day" for high school football recruits, a supposed future unveils on this day.  I will not discuss my distaste for this circus.  Instead, focus shall be on the "other" reason 2/2 was circled in our Bruin calendars: USC Trojans @ Pauley Pavilion.  How un-Amerrrican of me to choose college basketball over college football during the college basketball season!  Anyways, UCLA took care of business (woohoo!) on our beloved Wooden home court and the next UCLA match-up was introduced.  St. John's @ UCLA.  Steve Lavin vs. Ben Howland.  The last UCLA coach vs. the current UCLA coach.  Call me crazy for assuming that Lavin v. Howland will be the case everyone (aka media) will judge.  Either way, I am here to play some preemptive defense for Coach Howland.

You can't talk UCLA basketball or coaching without thinking John Wooden.  Wooden himself would say not to compare yourself with the past.  Case closed.  I wish...  "They" will compare stats.  It always starts with stats.  Wins and Losses.  Why?  Because stats imply the results that everyone believes is the end-all.  Again, an anti-Wooden philosophy.  Mr. Wooden would stress the importance of how you got to winning, not just that you won.  Stat comparisons incite conclusions with only part-information.  More makeshift comparisons lead "the mob of fans" to second-guessing our Coach and question whether he is fit for the job (see last year).  
 
We cannot live in the past (Lavin ain't coming back), and must proceed as fans of our team instead of critics.  However, learning from the past so as to not make the same mistakes is key.  While I'm not studied enough to judge properly Lavin's tenure, I do believe his termination was too hasty and possibly a mistake after one sub-par season.  I know we have high standards, especially at traditionally successful programs, but we must adapt to what society has given us--the overwhelming desire to grab cold hard cash.  It's why college athletes leave early for the Pros.  Universities are supposed to be viewed as institutions for higher learning, yet we publicize how it would be "stupid" for students to stay in school, risk injury and miss out on million$.  It's the ugly truth.  (Trust me, Andrew Luck made the right decision to stay in school.  Even if he gets hurt, he will have a degree from Stanford and have a good chance of surpassing the average NFL lifespan of 50 something.)  Lavin was a casualty of the tragic trend for college athletes to jump ship.

Can you blame players like Baron Davis for deciding to leave early? No, that's his call. And you won't either after you see his UCLA highlights (and pre-injury reel): Baron Davis UCLA.  However, this has been a recent trend and we judge and criticize faster than we adapt.  The NBA saw too many high school "ballers" skip college and wash-out.  Not everyone is Lebron James or Kobe Bryant.  Too many were getting ill-advised perspectives to chase the money.  So, the NBA instituted an age-limit rule that basically forced basketball stars to try college for at least a year.  This rule has good intentions to guide young men on the right path, but it threw the college coaching system under the bus.  The John Caliparis are getting credit for scooping up NBA-ready athletes to bring temporary success and quick cash to their programs.  Such high recruiting pressures results in unethical and, consequently, illegal moves.  Of course, you could always leave your school (let them take the punishment) and you could get paid elsewhere (for example: Derrick Rose, Reggie Bush and their respective coaches).  Whatever happened to the idea of leading by example?

Before I get too carried away, time to channel my rage against greed into praise for one of my favorite coaches.  Howland is an excellent college coach.  One of the best defensive minds.  My freshman year buddy once told me "college is where you learn to play defense."  He was right.  In high school, these teens outmatch almost everyone that they don't need to focus on being coached (or maybe their high school coach isn't equipped to).  And who wants to learn when you're a teenager who "thinks" you're on top of the world?  The NBA is the best of the best, and unless you are a machine like Lebron James, you need coaching, especially on the fundamentals.  That's where Wooden painted his masterpiece and where Howland is doing his best impression.

Howland has gotten the best out of his cards.  Three consecutive final fours were built beautifully.  I'm glad Wooden got to see these teams.  They played solid team D, worked together, stayed disciplined, and exceeded expectations.  Each team got better as the year progressed, playing its best ball for the title run and each final four knock-out was reasonable.  Florida (2 times) was simply stacked: arguably one of the best college teams ever, who rocked two current top-10 NBA centers.  Memphis beat UCLA by the Derrick Rose factor and that win has since been forfeited.  Even though UCLA didn't win it all, Howland and his young men did their best.  Well done.

Howland then got punished for his success.  He brought in a "heralded" recruiting class.  This fabulous freshmen class had all the talent in the world.  Dangerous.  Their egos were through the roof and it resulted in UCLA's recent downfall.  They didn't believe in their coach and UCLA tanked.  Talent can't take you everywhere.  You need to earn it, not be born with it.  Good coaches don't stay down and neither will Howland.

UCLA's team is getting better each game and I'm excited for the future.  My college roommate (former Bruins sports writer) told me to watch out for next year.  We got all the pieces lining up: Reeves Nelson, arguably the hardest worker since Arron Afflalo; Tyler Honeycutt, an NBA-body who in a different system would be showcased and an early departure; Joshua Smith, a beastly freshman, who is only slowed by his lack of collegiate coaching and trainers; Malcolm Lee and Jerime Anderson, holdovers from "that recruiting class" who refused to quit; and our new point guard Lazeric "Zeek" Jones, a junior college transfer who has worked hard to overcome his lack of high school exposure because he backed up who? Derrick Rose.  Our General in the backcourt has got the right feeling: "I felt like I wasn't a true Bruin, until I beat USC."  LOVE it!  Don't forget the rest of our team like Tyler Lamb, Anthony Stover and the Wear Twin Towers.

Even if we don't succeed next year, I guarantee you Howland grooms his players (like Wooden) to succeed.  Howland has consistently produced excellent NBA players in Afflalo, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Darren Collison, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook.  They all succeed because they play great defense, work hard, and have excellent fundamentals.  I believe his most successful player will be one who won't ever make the NBA, Alfred Aboya.  He never had the best physical tools, but he worked hard on and off the court (attending graduate school his senior season).  I hope Aboya reaches his dream to become President of his native Cameroon.

There are still overwhelmingly successful players in the NBA who won't play defense.  This may be good enough for them and the casual fan, but I want to see the best in people.  It's tough to learn the basics unless you learn them properly and early.  Let college coaches teach higher education and stop trying to turn them into NBA puppets.  Monta Ellis would be Allen Iverson if he learned D and Amare Stoudemire could have been the best power forward in the league right now if he learned defense (both skipped college).

Judging a college coach should be more than about the wins and losses, especially at UCLA!  A college coach should be judged on one criterion: how he or she coaches the young men and women.  Sports exist because people love to play and through this love you can learn great values.  Everyone feels warmed by the stories of impoverished kids turning their life around through sports (see the Packers' Donald Driver's story this Super Bowl weekend).  Sports is the one tool society has blessed us with that pierces through all our hatred, biases, and economical disadvantages to bring joy to so many.  Unfortunately, in recent decades we have lost this belief.  We have become blinded by our greed for money.  Think about any kid who dreams of a world series homer, an NBA finals game-winner, a Super Bowl touchdown, or a World Cup goal.  That dream is beautiful and amazing.  It's not because of the endorsements that follow or the fat pay-check from your next free-agent signing.  It's because everyone dreams to do what they love.