UCLA basketball needed someone to bring them back to reality and they found that player.
He is Lonzo Ball.
What Ball brings to the Bruins basketball program never has been seen in Westwood.
That is saying a lot, considering the players in Bruin history. The 6-foot-6 freshman is a quicker version of Magic Johnson.
In Sunday’s 114-77 victory over Long Beach State. Ball scored 20 points, making 8 of 11 shots. He also had 11 assists.
“A special talent,” said Coach Steve Alford. “He can beat you with his scoring, his assists, he can rebound the ball, and he is a special passer.”
You realize how special he is when Miami Heat president Pat Riley showed up on rainy Sunday night to watch him play. When a reporter ask Ball if he saw Riley, Ball replied, “I hoped he enjoyed the show.”
Although Ball might seem overconfident he makes up for it by sharing the ball. “Personally I just go out there and do what I have to do to make my teammates better,” said Ball. “Nobody plays for himself. We all play for the team.”
Because of Ball and another freshman, TJ Leaf, the Bruins are 4-0. All fans in Westwood are smiling again. Last year the Bruins finished 15-17, and they were 6-12 in the Pac-12.
“They both have a good blend, and they have a high skill set,” Alford said.
Against Long Beach the Bruins made all of the right moves. “This was the best game we have played,” said Alford. “Great energy, great focus. We did some tremendous things offensively. That was the best we have played defensively.”
UCLA’s next home game will be Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 8, against U.C. Riverside at 8 p.m. The No. 16 Bruins play Kentucky on the road, Saturday, Dec. 3, at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
