UCLA looked a little different to a few notable alumni Thursday.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden, Sacramento Kings small forward Matt Barnes and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Akeem Ayers all got a chance to revisit Westwood when UCLA hosted the Kids’ Choice Sports Awards for the third consecutive year.
“It’s strange. It’s been 20 years, give or take, since I was here,” Ogden said. “Still beautiful, but it’s different. … A lot of the things have changed, but it’s still the same, though. That’s the good thing about UCLA.”
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson hosted for the second straight year, doling out awards such as King of Swag, Queen of Swag and Don’t Try This at Home.
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant received the Legend Award, as well as a helping of gold slime. Other stars on hand included singer Ciara, Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia.
Ogden took note of the construction of the Wasserman Football Center, while Barnes noticed some upgrades to his former home arena.
“Pauley (Pavilion) looks amazing,” Barnes said. “I wish it was that nice when I played here. But it’s good to be here and hang out and have a good time.”
These athletes didn’t just attend for themselves, though. All three cited their children as reasons to come back to campus.
“I was talking to my kids, being 7 years old, telling them daddy was back here 15, 16 years ago,” Barnes said. “I didn’t go to the ESPY yesterday just to save myself to go out here with them to the Kids’ Choice Awards – just to see the kids smile.”
Ogden added, “It’s so funny, I’m bringing my son back to my college. But, you know, he was fired up to come here. And I was fired to come make him happy.”
For Ayers, the trip back to campus was emblematic of an even bigger homecoming.
The linebacker played high school football at Verbum Dei High School in Watts before playing three years at UCLA. He found out that he would get to call Los Angeles home for a third time in January, when it was announced that the Rams were moving back to the Southland.
“I’m happy to be back home, and when I found out the award show was here I was even more happy,” Ayers said. “I loved playing here in Los Angeles at the Rose Bowl. I just love being back home. Being able to have my friends and family come to the game whenever. That’s a good feeling.”
When it came to calling the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum home, however, Ayers wasn’t as excited. He last played at the Coliseum to take on USC in 2009 – a 28-7 loss.
“That’s gonna suck,” Ayers said. “Luckily I’m gonna be like, you know, this is the Los Angeles Rams’ field. It’s not the Trojans’, it’s the Los Angeles Rams’.”