Harrick Under Fire: Critics Cite Loss to Cal, Others See Big Picture

So the big knock on Jim Harrick is his lack of recruiting? Let’s see. MacLean, Murray and Martin . . . NBA, NBA and CBA. Two superstars who could have gone anywhere from UNLV but whom Harrick impressed enough to choose UCLA. Butler? Future NBA. And Harrick’s most recent recruits, Edney, Dempsey and Burns? These guys can play a little, too.

The only position Harrick hasn’t recruited and the only thing UCLA needs is a true center with as much talent as these other guys. But don’t blame Harrick for this. No coach since John Wooden has been able to recruit a decent center. Stuart Gray didn’t pan out and Michael Sanders was only 6-foot-6.

JERRY ARBOGAST

Los Angeles