To have a good time SLAM’s thirtieth anniversary, we’re spotlighting the 30 most influential males’s faculty groups from our previous 30 years. Stats, data and chips aren’t the primary issue right here, it’s all about their contribution to the sport’s cultural material.
For the subsequent 30 days—Monday by Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full listing right here. We’ve additionally bought an unique retro collegiate assortment, out now, that pays homage to every squad’s threads. Store right here.
Elite backcourt, elite bigs. A recipe for fulfillment. Michelin star stage of success. Russell Westbrook. Darren Collison. Kevin Love. Luc Mbah a Moute. 4 League-bound abilities emphatically stormed into the 07-08 season. The end result? Three-straight common season Pac-10 titles. A 3rd-straight Last 4 look. For the reason that tourney expanded to 64 groups in ‘85, solely 4 groups have achieved such a feat—simply one other day on the workplace for the Bruins.
The Bruins altering of the guard noticed UCLA nice Aaron Afflalo enter the League however welcome a 6-10 tree from the forests of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Kevin Love. The freshman double-double machine shortly cemented his standing as a one-and-done prospect whereas the staff’s offense flowed by the 17.5 factors per recreation scorer. LA native Josh Ship, Alfred Aboya and Lorenzo Mata-Actual have curtailed Ben Howland’s strongest roster.
Love’s dominance within the paint and tender contact across the basket earned him Pac-10 Participant of the Week after destroying Washington State. Then there was Westbrook, a participant who was as fearless as they arrive. Collison was identified for his pinpoint capturing accuracy and taking issues into his personal arms when wanted.
The person accountable for all of it was Ben Howland, a training prodigy identified for his disciplined method and defensive experience. Coach Howland wasn’t only a coach however a grasp strategist who knew how one can get one of the best out of his gamers. The Bruins’ protection remained rooted in depth whereas executing offense with out a hint of a turnover.
The Bruins weren’t happy with simply profitable; they had been out to destroy every opponent. And Westbrook let you already know it with each probability he may—emphatic screams after highlights, strutting down the court docket after rim-rocking throw-downs. The primary spherical of the NCAA event proved simply that when UCLA dominated Mississippi Valley, securing a commanding 41-point win over Mississippi Valley. Every recreation was the Bruins dominating on all sides of the court docket.
The true take a look at got here within the Pac-10 championship. UCLA was down for many of the recreation in opposition to Stanford. After trailing by the primary 20 minutes, the Bruins kicked into gear within the second half and managed to snag a back-and-forth 67-64 win. They saved that very same power all through the NCAA Match, breezing by till they hit the ultimate 4, the place they fell brief. They by no means backed down, all the time leaving all of it out on the court docket.
However, amidst all of the model and swagger, the Bruins remained centered on their final objective: profitable video games. And win, they did. With a powerful win-loss document of 35-4 and a deep run within the NCAA event, they proved to be greater than only a flashy present. They had been a staff with coronary heart, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed. Finally, the ‘08 UCLA males’s basketball staff made an everlasting impression on the collegiate basketball scene.
Pictures through Getty Photographs.