To have a good time SLAM’s thirtieth anniversary, we’re spotlighting the 30 most influential males’s school groups from our previous 30 years. Stats, information and chips aren’t the principle issue right here, it’s all about their contribution to the sport’s cultural cloth.
For the following 30 days—Monday by means of Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full listing right here. We’ve additionally received 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 achievement. Michelin star stage of success. Russell Westbrook. Darren Collison. Kevin Love. Luc Mbah a Moute. 4 League-bound skills emphatically stormed into the 07-08 season. The end result? Three-straight common season Pac-10 titles. A 3rd-straight Last 4 look. Because the 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 rapidly cemented his standing as a one-and-done prospect whereas the group’s offense flowed by means of 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 smooth 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 taking pictures accuracy and taking issues into his personal palms when wanted.
The person in command of all of it was Ben Howland, a training prodigy identified for his disciplined strategy and defensive experience. Coach Howland wasn’t only a coach however a grasp strategist who knew how you can get the most effective out of his gamers. The Bruins’ protection remained rooted in depth whereas executing offense with no hint of a turnover.
The Bruins weren’t glad with simply successful; they have been out to destroy every opponent. And Westbrook let it with each likelihood he may—emphatic screams after highlights, strutting down the courtroom after rim-rocking throw-downs. The primary spherical of the NCAA match 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 courtroom.
The true check got here within the Pac-10 championship. UCLA was down for a lot of the recreation in opposition to Stanford. After trailing by means of 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 stored that very same vitality all through the NCAA Match, breezing by means of till they hit the ultimate 4, the place they fell brief. They by no means backed down, at all times leaving all of it out on the courtroom.
However, amidst all of the fashion and swagger, the Bruins remained centered on their final purpose: successful video games. And win, they did. With a formidable win-loss file of 35-4 and a deep run within the NCAA match, they proved to be greater than only a flashy present. They have been a group with coronary heart, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed. Finally, the ‘08 UCLA males’s basketball group made a permanent impression on the collegiate basketball scene.
Photographs through Getty Photographs.
