UCLA sure looked like champion
“Perform at your best when your best is required. Your best is required each day.” — John Wooden.
That’s what UCLA players did in their Final Four game. I’m a proud Bruin fan. UCLA played better than many writers, announcers and oddsmakers ever imagined. Charles Barkley and many others noted it was the best Final Four game they ever saw. The UCLA athletic program won because the Final Four game will inspire future players, students, alumni, coaches and fans, as John Wooden did for us. The players for both teams truly did their best when their best was required, and their efforts will inspire people well beyond athletics.
Frank Barberia Woodland Hills
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College basketball junkies across the U.S. got their fix and plenty more last Saturday night.
The UCLA-Gonzaga game was easily the wildest, most entertaining NCAA game I have watched in my life. It defined March Madness. A roller coaster ride like I have never experienced before. I was glued to my old plasma TV from start to finish sucking on a white towel like Jerry Tarkanian of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.
Scott Marshutz
Dana Point ::
Most Final Four postmortem analyses are emphasizing the storied legacy of incomparable coach John Wooden. So then, why compare him? Mick Cronin’s contribution to UCLA’s basketball present and future is its own story. I was there during UCLA’s championship years and knew Coach Wooden. He, perhaps more than anyone, would want to see today’s light shine on Cronin and his team, casting no shadow from the past. It’s a new day, and I can’t wait for next season.
April Dammann Gualala, Calif.
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Coach Cronin said, “I think it would be great,” referring to hanging a Final Four banner inside Pauley Pavilion alongside their 11 national championship title banners. Please, no way! UCLA goes to the NCAA tournament to win it all. It would tarnish the history of UCLA basketball. Do you think Gonzaga is thinking about hanging a 31-1 banner? Wayne Muramatsu
Cerritos ::
As a longtime Bruins fan, now I know how the Missouri fans felt when Tyus Edney tore their heart out in 1995 on the way to our last championship.
Jonathan Braun Frisco, Texas
Their one problem
What is the thinking of the Dodgers brain trust that keeps Kenley Jansen being used in critical situations? There was a time when that would have been a good move. Those days are a memory. Time to face reality.
Bill Tewksbury Marion, Mont.
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The Dodgers are such a talented team it’s almost scary. Only their loyalty to Kenley Jansen as a closer could be the Achilles’ heel in their well-constructed armor.
Bob Goldstone Corona del Mar ::
Enough dumping on Kenley Jansen!
Wednesday’s loss to Oakland was a team effort. Three measly runs? Thirteen men left on base? Max Muncy meekly throwing to first versus third when the A’s bunted in the top of the ninth? Please.
A closer’s job is to save ballgames, not be a savior to compensate for an overall weak team performance. Cary Brazeman
Los Angeles
Law of the Tiger
I’m happy that Tiger Woods survived his horrible auto accident when he was driving double the speed limit on a winding California road.
I also saw that no criminal charges will be filed. I wonder if the same would be true if the person causing the accident were Ralph Woods, Kenneth Woods or any other Woods not named Tiger. Michael Gesas
Beverly Hills
Quick hits
If football players had walk-up songs like in baseball, the song for Matthew Stafford or Jared Goff should be “Under My Thumb!” Nathan Gleiberman Sherman Oaks
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Bill Self: coach at the University of Kansas. Possible investigations of five Level One infractions for inappropriate benefits and conduct at the university’s men’s basketball program. Price: $54.1 million
Joni Taylor: coach of the University of Georgia women’s basketball program. Price: $4.25 million.
I guess you do get what you pay for these days. Jonathan Goldstein
La Jolla ::
Whenever anyone near me expresses the opinion that “government should be run like a business,” my immediate response is always “Dean Spanos” and the argument ends.
Stephen Thorne Escondido
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