UCLA Bruins Tickets

UCLA Bruins Mens Basketball

The UCLA Bruins have had a rough go of it lately. Ben Howland was brought into Pitt to resurrect the once-mighty program, but they've strung together two losing seasons in a row, including an 11-17 record in 2004. Alumni won't take kindly to three consecutive disappointments, so Howland is going to start feeling the pressure Steve Lavin couldn't escape.

Fortunately for Howland, he brings in a great recruiting class, which is necessary due to a weak frontcourt. Michael Fey, Ryan Hollins and Lorenzo Mata have talent and size, but they'll need to replace the rebounding void that Trevor Ariza and T.J. Cummings left after they departed. Their potential says they can do it, but they haven't proven it yet. The strength of the Bruins is in their backcourt. Between point guards Trevor Farmar and Credric Bozeman and shooting guards Josh Shipp, Arron Afflalo and DeAndre Robinson, the backcourt is talented and crowded. Howland should be able to find a workable rotation. Dijon Thompson is going to have to carry this team. A prototypical swingman, he'll have to work to keep the frontcourt and backcourt on the same page, and open up the floor with his slashing ability.

Things have been rough for UCLA, but things are looking up. An NCAA Tournament berth may not be in the cards this year, but stranger things have happened. Howland should be able to buy himself time with the fans, and set himself up for a phenomenal 2006.