Jim Mora says UCLA’s focus issues a byproduct of technology generation

UCLA Coach Jim Mora said Thursday that his team has been focusing on consistency this week, trying to eliminate mental errors as a way to move forward.

No surprises there — as much talent as the Bruins feature, they have been incredibly inconsistent this season. The sense of urgency is increased by this week’s opponent, Arizona, which has one of the most explosive offenses in the country.

“I think every team faces it, and for some reason,we’ve got a rash of it lately,” Mora said. “Fortunately we’ve found a way to win the last couple games and work through it, but a game like this, you just can’t afford to have those things.”

“It’s just impressing upon them that it’s going to take just a little bit more than what they’ve given,” Mora said. “We’ve got to find the next level. When you think you’ve given enough, you have to give a little more. You’re working with young guys that a lot of times, things have come very easy for these kids. Now they’re facing some things that aren’t as easy.”

Mora then began to talk about why his team is having issues focusing, and the conversation took a surprising turn.

“This generation is so easily distracted, because of all the access to the Internet and Facebook and Twitter,” he said. “When we were kids, you had to think about stuff. Nowadays, I don’t know that kids have to think about things for as long as we used to have to. So my point to them is put that stuff away and think about what we’re doing here. Don’t go immediately to a distraction. When we have a practice, think about what happened in the practice instead of going and picking up your photo and looking at the latest Instagram photo. That’s a challenge with this generation.”

Mora also emphasized that his generational observations aren’t just applicable to his team. He’s noticed it with his own children, and said every coach is dealing with the same thing.

So Mora has been forced to adjust. He texts his team throughout the day, sends them videos and inspirational thoughts. It’s not his preference, but it’s a way to keep everyone focused.

“Maybe that’s a way to get in there,” Mora said. “Maybe they’ll sit there and they’ll read it and they’ll comprehend it. Rather than asking them to change into my way, maybe we meet halfway. So I’ve been very active with that.”

Some of the players will embrace the texting system, and some will find it hokey. Mora admits that. But with Arizona coming up, a tough matchup in what is essentially a do-or-die game, he’s still trying to get through.

“I’m still working hard to try and figure out this age group in terms of the competitor,” Mora said. “Heck, I’m trying to figure out my own kids.”

For more Bruin observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook