In Reply to: Re: Congrats to Westbrook for an amazing NBA career..... posted by jerseybruin on August 13, 2026 at 08:15:56
Howland got to three straight FFs, and the first of those came in his third season in Westwood. If that doesn't set him apart from every other UCLA coach not named Wooden, I'm not sure what does.
Also, Ben Howland was an outstanding ambassador for UCLA basketball. He understood the history and legacy of this program, and he also coached at a different UC (Santa Barbara) prior to becoming our HC. Howland had the pedigree and track record and overall merit to be given the UCLA job. This could not be more different from Cronin, who had done absolutely nothing to even deserve consideration for this job. This job effectively fell into his lap when others passed and our AD got desperate. And now, years later, we can plainly see just how unqualified and undeserving Cronin was to get this job.
He and Howland could not be more different, and if you can't see or appreciate the difference, maybe get your eyes (or head) checked.