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| Associated Press/Eric Gay |
Was
Ben Howland that bad of a coach, or has UCLA lost its luster of being a top
coaching job to have in college basketball? In 10 seasons, he gathered 233 victories and
107 defeats, made the NCAA Tournament seven times, and added three trips to the
Final Fours from 2006-08. What other college
coach can say that, not many!
I
think being at a glamorous university such as UCLA takes a coach with a big
personality. I’m not sure Ben Howland
had that type of personality but, he clearly had the coaching skills to make
the Bruins competitive while he was there. So I’m not buying these rumors about having
the red hot, young Virginia Commonwealth University coach Shaka Smart or the consistent
Brad Stevens of Butler possibly going west to be the next UCLA coach. Those guys are making their own strong
tradition at VCU and Butler respectfully. I don’t think they need or fit UCLA
star-studded world.
That’s
the problem with basketball programs, football too for that matter, when they become
larger than life. Not to mention that
high profile college basketball stars expect everything when they arrive and
mean more than the coach.
So
it’s reported that UCLA will give Howland a $3.2 million buyout so they can
search for his replacement. I would like
to know why UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero really fired Howland. My guess
is Howland lost the recruiting ability to keep local California kids, or he couldn't get back to the Final Four and battle for a National Championship.
I’m
not sure who will be the next coach for the Bruins since they’re not knocking
at my door I wish whoever it will be good-luck because the late John Wooden isn't walking through Pauley Pavilion doors.
Until next time, live out your DREAMS with some
Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will
have Success.
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