TUCSON, Ariz. “”mdash; Count former Bruin coach Steve Lavin among
the members of the national media who have been impressed with
UCLA’s quick start so far in conference play.
Lavin, now a college basketball analyst for ABC Sports, called
his first UCLA game on Saturday since he was fired after the 2003
season. He said afterward that he believes the Bruins will earn an
NCAA bid this year.
“This was a statement game for UCLA,” Lavin said
after the Wildcats eked out a 76-73 victory over the Bruins.
“They can get to 20 wins. This past week demonstrated that
they can compete with the best programs in the Pac-10 and the rest
of the country.”
It could have been an uncomfortable broadcast for Lavin, who has
been a scapegoat for the deterioration of the Bruin program after
piloting the team to an 11-19 record in 2002-2003, the worst season
for a UCLA team in 53 years.
Yet Lavin, who coached many of the current Bruin players during
his seven-year tenure, deflected any of the awkwardness with his
slick charm.
Midway through the broadcast, Lavin described his experience
attending UCLA’s 95-86 victory over No. 12 Washington earlier
this month.
“It was my first time back in Pauley (Pavilion) since they
gave me my pink slip,” he said.
Lavin, who greeted several of his former players with a
handshake and a warm smile, said he was most impressed with the way
UCLA coach Ben Howland has adapted to the Pac-10’s fast-paced
tempo.
“I give him credit for adjusting his style to his
personnel and really getting out and running,” Lavin
said.
“The biggest difference this year is the emphasis on
pushing the ball in transition. It shows some flexibility on
Howland’s part.”
Having studied UCLA’s last three games closely, Lavin
doesn’t envy the Pac-10 coaches who have to prepare to face
the Bruins this season.
“They would be a very dangerous club in the
postseason,” he said. “Nobody’s going to want to
play them.”
With reports from Colin Yuhl, Bruin Sports senior
staff.