Before I enrolled at UCLA two years ago, Jordan Farmar was my favorite Bruin basketball player. I was distraught when he opted to go pro following his sophomore season, simply because I was not going to be able to see him play at Pauley Pavilion.
Thankfully, the situation worked itself out once my Los Angeles Lakers selected him in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft. But Farmar’s departure left an empty spot on the UCLA roster ““ a spot which would be filled by another human highlight reel: guard Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook was lightly recruited coming out of high school, unable to dunk until late in his prep career. However, that did not prevent him from becoming a factor once he arrived in Westwood.
During his freshman season, No. 0 was anything but that, evolving into a solid backup to star guards Darren Collison and Arron Afflalo. Slowly, everyone began to recognize his play-making ability and praised his smothering defensive presence.
Just like that, I had found a new player to admire. The intensity of his work ethic and energy on the court provided a spark plug for his teammates and fans.
A knee injury to Collison at the beginning of last season enabled Westbrook to become the full-time starting point guard. While Collison was recovering, Westbrook showed that he could do more than just play defense.
He could maneuver his way into the lane with ease, making the defenders around him look sluggish. He was a reliable recipient of Kevin Love’s bullet-like, full-court passes. As various YouTube clips prove, he convincingly threw down thunderous dunks over the opposition, making fans at Pauley throw up the “W” signal with both hands. The backup had become a fan favorite and national sensation.
In March, he helped lead the Bruins to yet another deep NCAA Tournament run, and reality set in. There was no way he was going to remain a Bruin come next season. Rightfully so, like Farmar two years ago, he elected to bypass his final two years of collegiate eligibility for a chance to play professionally.
His draft stock rocketed in the weeks leading up to the draft, with media pundits praising him at every turn. Westbrook’s decision to declare proved to be the right one. He was drafted fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, making him the first non-freshman to be selected.
His selection could provide some hope for Seattle’s tormented fan base, who are faced with the prospect of the Sonics’ defection to Oklahoma City in the near future. Perhaps Westbrook will provide another piece for a team and a franchise hoping to rebuild itself.
What makes Westbrook refreshing is his attitude. A star on the court, he exudes ease and comedy. He may not remember, but he once tried to steal my burrito at Rendezvous, jokingly boxing me out at the counter just as he would in the paint. Coach Howland would have been proud with his solid fundamentals, even at dinnertime.
When game time comes, Westbrook carries with him an unmatched defensive tenacity, and he has improved mightily since he arrived at UCLA. Once Collison returned from injury, Westbrook unselfishly moved to shooting guard, providing one of the best backcourt tandems in the nation.
Now, as he enters the NBA, along with teammates Love and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, I will keep an eye on the Emerald City, hoping for more jaw-dropping highlights.
From what I’ve witnessed over the last two years, there is no reason for me to believe that his progression will stop. Whether his new team stays at KeyArena in Seattle or leaves for Oklahoma, I’ll be throwing up my “W.”
As long as he doesn’t take another one of my burritos.