UCLA basketball is a mess

[sportznut02]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...&sct=hp_t11_a2

[quote]

Quote:

Over the last two months SI spoke with more than a dozen players and staff members from the past four Bruins teams. They portrayed the program as having drifted from the UCLA way as Howland allowed an influx of talented but immature recruits to undermine team discipline and morale. Fistfights broke out among teammates. Several players routinely used alcohol and drugs, sometimes before practice. One player intentionally injured teammates but received no punishment. Such problems are often symptomatic of underachieving teams, and UCLA provides a fascinating case study. The former players and staff members who spoke to SI offer a detailed inside account of how seemingly minor problems, if left unaddressed, can quickly sabotage even a storied program led by one of the nation's most respected coaches. The Bruins' struggles tell a cautionary tale of the risks of recruiting hyped players, the challenges of managing recalcitrant teenagers and the consequences of letting discipline and accountability break down. Most of all, the problems at UCLA underline the precariousness of college basketball success.

[ex carrabba fan]

I didn't realize it would become such a story, and thought that type of thing was common on college teams.

But yeah, these guys didn't give too many damns, seen it with my own eyes. Sad to say.

On the other hand, Howland doesn't seem like the best coach either. Everyone involved needs to get the hell out.

[bigeastbumrush]

I never liked Howland.

If he sat back while Reeves Nelson was injuring multiple players on the team during practice...then the AD needs to do something about Howland.

[WazzuRC]

I always knew Reeves Nelson was a dick.

[sycodmn]

Haven't finished the SI article, but changes need to be made. I realize Howland made a huge, immediate impact, but it seems like that was all about the type of character that first few recruiting classes had. A sad state of affairs.

[SidVish]

Nelson is refuting the claims.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncb/s...tions-misdeeds