UCLA One and Done

Jordan Farmar's Freshmen Year Ends Early.

After two straight losing seasons, the UCLA basketball program seems to be headed in the right direction lead by newly minted PAC 10 FOY Jordan Farmar and another Top notch recruiting year. The season came to an abrupt end, when Bobby Knight and his Texas Tech squad bounced UCLA on their way to the Sweet 16. Here is a breakdown of this year's team, with an eye towards 2005-2006. Based upon the commitments Ben Howland has already received, it's 2006-07 squad looks like it could be the team that final rescues the program from the legendary Steve Lavin years.

Dijon Thompson (Sr.): Scored points this game but in the end of the day, didn't put the team on his back the way Ronald Ross did for TT. Dijon had a phenomenal senior year, although he didn't maximize what he could have been. Should find a niche at the next level with his smooth offensive game.

Brian Morrison (Sr.): We haven't been happier that UCLA player is graduating in a long time. As far as the TT game, it seemed as though the injury was bothering him as he pulled a Tony from Blue Chips with his defense tonight. Wow, it was horrific. Anyone who tivod the game, take a look at him attempting to stay with their guards in the first half.

Jordan Farmar (Fr.): Love the kid, but he didn't show up and made some brutal decisions in his first NCAA appearance. His turnover when down 4 and missed 27ft 3 when down 6 were critical mistakes. We hope this motivates him to work hard over the summer. Jordan could use 10 pounds of muscle to go along with superb quickness and great court vision.

Arron Afflalo (Fr): Hmmm, our take on him is that he would be the ideal 6 man for the next 4 years. Best defensive player on the team, decent shooter, can finish but not overly athletic as far as getting to and playing above the rim. That being said, laid as big an egg as Farmar did against TT.

Josh Shipp (Fr.): Can we buy stock in Josh Shipp will be top 5 in the Pac 10 in scoring at some point in his career. Dude is just uncanny with his ability to score, esp at important times. We cannot wait to see Josh develop over the next four years, especially when he loses some of his baby fat.

Matt McKinney (So.): Steve Lavin's final f**k you, ran around for a few minutes and did nothing...Standard.

The Michael Fey/ Ryan Hollins experience (Jr/Jr.): Can someone convince Fey that the NBA needs a another 7'1 stiff and have him go pro. It baffles us that Howland gives Fey more time and seemingly respect than Hollins. We watched the game with a few non-ucla fans that hadn't seen the team play much this year and they couldn't fathom that Fey gets more time than Hollins. Hollins actually took advantage of his height advantage and played aggressive. He also made a very heady foul when the game was still tight that saved a break away layup. We think Hollins took the early lead in the battle to be worst starter next season.

Look at for Ryan Wright or Alfred Aboya to come in next season and seize the starting PF spot. Also, the return of Cedric Bozeman should improve the teams defense and ballhandling.