STF Super Awesome Team Previews: #3 UCLA Bruins

#3 UCLA BRUINS


Team: UCLA Bruins

Conference: Pac-10

Last Season Recap: 30-6, Pac-10 Champs, Final Four - Do you think that Ben Howland ever has nightmares of Joakim Noah (I know I do)? If not for the Florida Gators, the Bruins might have been trying for a three peat this season, as the Gators ended the Bruins run in the Final Four once again last season.

Key Players Returning: A remarkable amount of talent returns from a squad that has been to back-to-back Final Fours. Leading the charge is lightning quick PG Darren Collison, who is a preseason All-American. G Josh Shipp is an excellent shooter and defender who’s main concern will be staying healthily. F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute not only has not most complex name in college basketball, but he is athletic wing men and one of the best defenders in the country with an improving offensive game. C Lorenzo Mata is an experienced low-post player with some offense. But the real reason that people are once again thinking National Championships at Pauley is super freshman F Kevin Love, who may be the inside presence needed to push the Bruins over the top.

What's to Love: No team returns as much talent and experience as the Bruins. Not only are four starters returning (PG Darren Collison, G Josh Shipp, F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, C Lorenzo Mata) but all four have two Final Fours under their belts. Honestly, did anyone think that was possible in this jump-to-the-NBA day and age? Add Love to that mix, and this Bruins team could be better than the '06 and '07 teams.

What's Not to Love: The only major issue for this squad is how will they handle the loss of team leader Arron Afflalo. Afflalo was the focal point of the offense last season and the unquestioned team leader, often having the ball in his hands in the closing seconds. Do Collison and Shipp have the guts to take that big shot?

Key Player: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute – Word is that Luc has developed a jumper and is going to be more of an offensive threat this season. This is very, very bad news for the Pac-10 and everyone else. Luc is already the Bruins' best defender, but if he develops an offensive game equal to his athleticism, the Bruins are cutting the nets down in San Antonio.

Best Case: Love is the lowpost threat lacking in the recent years, LRMAM hits that jumper and averages about 14 to 16 a game, Collison lives up to the All-American billing, having a field day with Love in the lowpost, D remains tops in the nation.

Worst Case: New NCAA rule declares that Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer still have another year of eligibility left.

STF Prediction: Close once again, just not enough scoring in the long run…..Pac-10 champs, Final Four.