UCLA coach ‘surprised’ by Ball leaving
LOS ANGELES — UCLA coach Steve Alford said he was caught by surprise when he learned through media reports that suspended freshman guard Liangelo Ball was leaving the basketball team and withdrawing from school.
“I’m not angry. I try not to get angry,” Alford said Tuesday. “This is a tough business ... It’s about what I can control. Liangelo has been, since coming back (from China), he’s been tremendous as far as (he’s) been to all his classes. He’s gone to all his tutors, all his mentors. He’s done exactly what’s been asked of him. I don’t think it’s angry. I think it’s more surprised if you’re looking for one word, it’s surprised because it’s nothing we saw coming.”
Ball’s father, Lavar Ball, has said he’s withdrawing his son from school so he can prepare to play in the NBA. Liangelo Ball did not play in any of the Bruins’ eight games this season after being suspended indefinitely by UCLA for his involvement in a shoplifting incident during the team’s season-opening trip to China.
Alford said neither Lavar nor Liangelo spoke to him about the decision to quit the team and leave school.
“We just learned through reports yesterday, I think shorty before or after practice” Alford said. “I can’t remember at this point because my whole attention has been on (next opponent) Montana, getting my team ready. Just hearing reports and then our staff reached out to family representation of the Balls, and they said that was their intent.”
Asked if he would reach out to the Ball family, Alford said, no. “Why for? I didn’t make that decision,” he said. “I’m here at Pauley Pavilion every day. If they need to talk to me, they know where to find me.”
Alford did not know if Liangelo Ball had officially withdrawn from UCLA.
“It’s a disappointment there’s an end to that where he didn’t get to be a part of an incredible academic institution, so that’s out. He doesn’t get to be part of what I think is an incredible basketball program with great teammates and coaches that care about him,” Alford said. “So yeah, there’s definitely a disappointment that there’s some finality to that. This young man doesn’t get to participate in either one of those things because I think the academic side and what UCLA has to offer both academically and in basketball is off the charts.”