These days it’s clear that UCLA is one of the premier college basketball programs in the country. The Bruins are undoubtedly back in that upper echelon as coach Ben Howland attempts to build a dynasty in Westwood.
But with the new territory comes new sources of anxiety for Bruin fans.
Expectations couldn’t be higher. Usually a trip to the Final Four is the mark of a successful, memorable season in college basketball. For the Bruins to continue their ascension they’ll have to bring home that 12th banner.
The ultracompetitive programs are able to recruit at the highest level each season. That means UCLA will be vying with the other big-time recruiters such as North Carolina every season. Howland lost two California prospects to UNC in the Class of 2006. Those two big men, Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson, could have provided the frontcourt depth UCLA lacked this March.
This year, though, Howland inked Kevin Love, the top big man in the country. Love was North Carolina’s top target, but he chose UCLA. Jrue Holiday, one of the nation’s best guards in the Class of 2008, has North Carolina, Washington and UCLA near the top of his list.
The recent hire of Scott Duncan is clearly a sign that the Bruins are intent on recruiting the nation’s top players. Duncan recruited top players from California while at Oregon, so he should have no trouble convincing them to come to sunny Westwood.
While the top recruiters certainly have the best shot at the national championships, they are forced to make high-risk investments each and every year. It’s understood that the best recruits have the NBA in their sights ““ not four years in school and a college degree. If UCLA is going to sign the most gifted players, the Bruin faithful will have to confront excruciating uncertainty at the end of every season.
There are no indications that Josh Shipp or Darren Collison have decided to declare for the NBA Draft, only Internet rumors and mock drafts. But Shipp and Collison could each test the waters, like Arron Afflalo did last year, with no penalty. The departure of either would be the first time the team has lost multiple starters to the NBA before their graduation under coach Howland.
While this may be new to UCLA, it’s a prevailing trend among the elite of NCAA basketball. UNC lost its top three scorers after winning the title in 2004, and their freshman sixth man, Marvin Williams, was the draft’s second overall pick. It’s that kind of mass exodus that leads to intense recruiting.
The NBA’s new rule, forcing American players to spend at least one year in college or prep school, has only increased the turmoil. Now the very best in college basketball will typically spend just one season in school. The 2007 Player of the Year, Texas freshman Kevin Durant, has already declared for the draft. Fellow freshman Greg Oden took Ohio State to the national championship game, and he may follow Durant to the NBA. If he does, the pair will definitely be the first two taken in the draft.
It’s unfortunate for the fans, but the closest “role model” for these high school standouts is Carmelo Anthony. He won a championship in his only year at Syracuse, was the third pick in the draft, and signed a huge endorsement deal in addition to his rookie contract.
Kevin Love has the talent to spend just one requisite season at UCLA and then be a first-round pick. It’s absurd to have to fret about the end of next season right now, but for the worrisome fans, it’s hard to resist.
The master coaches can always handle the volatility, teach their returning players, and remain competitive. But if the Bruins continue their climb to the top of the college basketball ladder, UCLA fans should get used to this yearly period of early departures.
E-mail Allen at sallen@media.ucla.edu if you’re afraid UCLA will be rebuilding two years from now.