Since the moment he took the job a little more than three years
ago, coach Ben Howland has preached to his players the importance
of the tradition of UCLA men’s basketball.
One of the most closely followed yet least heralded traditions
is the Bruins’ involvement in the SayNo/ProCity Summer League
at West Los Angeles College.
Every summer, the exhibition league attracts the top collegiate
talent from Southern California, gives incoming UCLA players a
chance to get adjusted to the speed of Division 1 basketball, and
develops their chemistry on the court with their
teammates-to-be.
This summer, Howland and his coaching staff have guided freshmen
James Keefe and Russell Westbrook and sophomore Luc Richard Mbah a
Moute toward the SayNo/ProCity League, which began on Saturday and
runs through Aug. 12.
Keefe, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute are three Bruins confirmed to
be participating in the summer league ““ as compared to the
six Bruins in 2005 ““ but the number of Bruins could still
expand. The league rosters are subject to change from week to week,
giving players an opportunity to compete as often as possible
without a great deal of commitment.
Although Keefe, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute will all be playing
for Sinclair’s Bruins in the 12-team league, Keefe was the
only Bruin to participate in Saturday’s game. The freshmen
will primarily be focusing on conditioning, as they are trying to
prepare for the level of speed and strength required for Pac-10
basketball.
“I am excited to compete in Division I basketball and this
is just a part of me getting used to the speed and quickness at the
next level,” said Keefe, a 6-foot-8-inch power forward out of
Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Assistant coach Kerry Keating recommended the league to him,
noting that it was a chance to play with his teammates long before
the season begins.
“It’s a good way to get a feel for Russell and Luc,
and see what they do on the court,” Keefe said.
“I’m just excited to get going.”
Mbah a Moute will be using the exhibition to expand on his
offense, especially his jump shot. Mbah a Moute and Howland said
repeatedly at press conferences after the season ended that the
Cameroonian will be challenged to become more of a two-way
threat.
The summer league, sponsored by Nike with the message for
children to “say no” to drugs and other illegal
substances, finishes on Aug. 12 with the league championship. All
games are held on the West L.A. College campus.