It’s almost wintertime, and we know what that means: basketball season. With no signs of an NBA season in sight, the free throw hungry masses are looking to college basketball to satisfy their balling needs. But sadly, after so much hype and anticipation, the UCLA Men’s Basketball season has gotten off to a rough start.
UCLA has always been a heavy hitter in the world of athletics, so it is no surprise that big things are expected from the team each season. However, the team has already started off with a few minor setbacks. Before the season began, our team was ranked in the top 25 teams in the nation. In just a few short weeks, they have gone to an unranked status after suffering double-digit losses in their first two games. This is the basketball team’s worst start since 2002 and not the ideal way to scare off the competition.
Sure we can blame the loss of our beloved Pauley Pavilion or global warming for the losses, but there are a few more probable explanations for our team’s—ahem—not so satisfactory start. One of the biggest challenges the have faced is that many key players have been doing a lot more sitting than scoring. Senior guard Jerime Anderson sat the first two games out because of offseason misconduct. Junior forward Reeves Nelson missed the second game of the season after being suspended for unbecoming conduct, and sophomore center Anthony Stover also sat out the first two games due to an injury. Though this is a less than perfect way to start a season, all three of these players have been reinstated to play and dominate the court.
Though it seems like all the news surrounding UCLA basketball is bad lately, we’ve had some very good performances from our players on the court as well. Sophomore forwards David and Travis Wear and sophomore center Josh Smith have had some very impressive and high-scoring performances. There is also lots of new talent gracing our court with new guard additions junior De’End Parker and freshman Norman Powell, who have also been giving it their all.
The Bruins will face their next challenge on November 21, when they head to the Maui Invitational to play Chaminade University. If things go well, they could face big teams like Kansas University and Georgetown University. Though critics are already predicting a dismal season for the Bruins, there have only been two games this season. And who doesn’t have an off day or two? So never fear Bruins. It is too early in the season to predict an outcome one way or another, and with such a talented, dedicated and not to mention good-looking team, we can be sure to expect a very exciting season.