At Tuesday’s press conference Arron Afflalo calmly explained his decision to leave school for the NBA. He was confident and articulate as he demonstrated his love and appreciation for UCLA, and he thanked the community for all of its support.
UCLA fans should be the ones thanking Afflalo, whether they agree with his decision or not.
Afflalo was the first recruit Ben Howland signed as UCLA coach. The program’s meteoric rise can be traced to that recruiting class of 2004, which included Afflalo, current Laker Jordan Farmar, junior Lorenzo Mata and redshirt sophomore Josh Shipp. When Afflalo arrived, UCLA had missed the tournament two years in a row; he’s leaving after guiding the team to two straight Final Fours.
Those players were recruited with the understanding that the NBA was their dream. Last year it was Farmar’s time to go, and he was selected in the first round and has found a home with the Lakers. Afflalo wisely declared, gauged his draft stock, and returned to UCLA for a junior season.
This year, Afflalo became one of the Bruin greats. He was UCLA’s first consensus All-American since Ed O’Bannon in 1995. He was the Pac-10 Player of the Year and the Bruins’ top scorer. UCLA won 30 games, and basketball was alive in Westwood for four great months.
Clearly Afflalo has proven himself as a Bruin on and off the court. After three years he is just a few classes away from graduating and still wants to be a UCLA alumnus.
But after the emotions settled and the tears dried up from this year’s loss to Florida, Afflalo had to make the smart choice, the best one for him and his family, to leave the school he has grown to love.
Howland is certain that Afflalo will be a first-round pick. It’s obvious that he would be very attractive to teams selecting at the end of the first round. If Howland is right, Afflalo will be earning no less than $700,000 next season.
But it’s not just the money. Afflalo has fully developed as a player and person in Westwood. He has gained the physical strength to confront the rigorous NBA schedule. He has cultivated a jump shot and defensive game that are NBA-ready. Afflalo has put in all the work and now has the opportunity to realize his ultimate dream. And after all he has done for UCLA, he has earned the right to make the decision that is best for him.
While his departure puts added pressure on the Bruins to keep Shipp and sophomore Darren Collison around, the team is still in Howland’s capable hands. It will welcome top recruit Kevin Love next season and will rely on underclassmen to maintain the success it has enjoyed throughout Afflalo’s career. UCLA fans need not panic; the Bruins are positioned for a long run as one of the nation’s top teams.
Fans who criticize the decision should remember that having players like Afflalo in the NBA helps the program recruit and adds to its formidable prestige. He is the type of competitor that could reverse preposterous complaints that Howland doesn’t develop NBA stars.
Moreover, Afflalo made the decision carefully and thoughtfully. He consulted only his parents and coach; he didn’t ask for advice from any agents that could have steered him in the wrong direction. His coaches were glowing Tuesday when he made the announcement; Howland praised him endlessly and was enthused throughout. Two of his teammates, sophomore Michael Roll and redshirt sophomore Deandre Robinson, were there to offer support. Afflalo’s father stood at the back of the room with a proud smile.
It was the core Afflalo relied upon in this decision that he called his family: his parents, coaches and teammates. Even in his decision to leave, he should be embraced and supported as a part of the UCLA family. He may no longer be a part of the basketball team, but Afflalo will always be a Bruin.
E-mail Allen at sallen@media.ucla.edu.