Seniors bid adieu as only they know how

For the final time in their UCLA careers, seniors Alfred Aboya, Darren Collison and Josh Shipp took to the Pauley Pavilion hardwood on Saturday.

It was an emotional end for the three team leaders, who will be remembered as part of a core group of players who have helped return UCLA’s program to a national power.

“It was a fun way for those three kids to go out in their last game,” coach Ben Howland said. “It really was emotional for me watching those three kids walk out for the last time here. What’ve they’ve accomplished during their tenure is spectacular.”

The litany of records they’ve notched is extensive: three consecutive Final Fours, three Pac-10 Championships, the most NCAA Tournament wins of any current team. On an individual level, Collison and Aboya both set school records by appearing in 138 games. Aboya set a school record by playing in 116 wins. Shipp set the school record by starting 130 times.

Their accomplishments are nothing that will be topped any time soon.

“I’m really proud of them for what they’ve done on the floor and how they’ve conducted themselves off the floor,” Howland said. “They really represent this university the right way.”

Senior James Deifenbach also got a chance to relish his final moments at Pauley. After hearing chants of “We want Diefenbach,” the former UCLA volleyball player came off the bench with about two minutes to play and threw down a layup in traffic. He was part of the pregame ceremonies in which all of the seniors in the program ““ players, trainers and managers ““ were introduced to the crowd and escorted to half court by their parents.

Josh Shipp, a fifth-year senior, has been around the longest of anyone on the roster. He has overcome two hip surgeries and posted his best season in this, his last year. Shipp re-broke his career high in points on Saturday, posting 28 after dropping 27 on Thursday.

The impact of playing in his last home game and having one of the best games of his career wasn’t something that was on his mind immediately following the game.

“I don’t think it’s really hit us yet,” Shipp said. “We were excited to play this game. We knew it was an important game for seeding. But for us, it was a special week. I don’t think the feelings really hit us yet. I think we’ll reminisce later on tonight and the next few days.”

This time last year, Collison did not think he’d still be in Westwood but after spurning the NBA, he has emerged as arguably the best point guard in the country.

“Last year was special to me,” Collison said on Tuesday. “I thought that was going to be it for me.”

Aboya’s legacy will be one defined by his tireless work ethic and his unique decision to come to UCLA from Cameroon. With his parents in the stands for the first time in his life this weekend, Aboya has been savoring his final moments as a Bruin.

“It’s been a terrific experience for me,” Aboya said. “Leaving friends and family behind and coming alone. I didn’t know anything about this when I first left my country. Having people’s support and cheering, just pushing me forward. That’s been the most unbelievable and unforgettable thing that I will carry out with me.”

Aboya talked about how close they’ve become and what they’ve meant to each other.

“It’s our last time around,” Aboya said.

“We don’t know where everyone will end up after this season. We’re just trying to enjoy the last time that we have to spend with each other.”

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *