MacLean Chooses UCLA, Considers Harrick a Plus

Don MacLean, a center at Simi Valley High School, announced Monday that he has signed a letter of intent to attend UCLA.

Reading from a prepared statement, the 6-foot 10-inch MacLean drew cheers from the estimated 150 in attendance at the Simi Valley gym when he announced his decision.

“After careful evaluation of the positives and negatives and all the essential factors, I have chosen the University of California at Los Angeles,” said MacLean, who signed the letter Sunday at his home in Simi Valley.

MacLean, who averaged 31.5 points and 12.3 rebounds a game and led the Pioneers to the Southern Section 4-A title, chose the Bruins over Georgia Tech. He will probably move to the power forward or small forward position in college.

MacLean’s signing was among the top priorities for newly appointed UCLA Coach Jim Harrick, who replaced Walt Hazzard on April 12. The Bruins were 16-14 and failed to qualify for the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. tournament last season.

“I think he’ll come in and contribute right away,” Harrick said from his office at UCLA.

Bob Hawking, MacLean’s coach at Simi Valley, is one of five candidates for two assistant positions at UCLA, according to Harrick.

MacLean said his choice was affected by the firing of Hazzard and subsequent hiring of Harrick.

“In the criteria for my decision, Coach Harrick coming in was a plus,” he said.