Donahue and Lavin, Separated at Birth?

With UCLA’s success in Arizona last weekend, I can’t shake the feeling that the administration has hired the basketball equivalent of Terry Donahue. Like Donahue, Steve Lavin looks like a coach, says the right things, works hard, works for the right price, is young enough to coach for 20 years before facing burnout, and began his career with an upset victory in Arizona.

Donahue-like success (an occasional good year weighed against overall mediocrity) is not likely to be tolerated by the alumni, however.

Jim Harrick was fortunate in that he followed the destabilizing effect of five coaches in 13 years. With Harrick, the alumni were relatively patient, allowing him seven years to win a title. I’m guessing that if Lavin doesn’t win a title before the end of his current contract, the alumni will be banging on Peter Dalis’ door just like they used to do J.D. Morgan’s.

JERRY NAMBA

Santa Maria

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Now that Coach Lavin has the job at UCLA, I’d suggest the following:

1. Remove all personal names from the backs of uniforms (Source: Bob Knight).

2. Cut six inches off all ridiculous uniform bloomers. The team will run faster (ask any jockey).

3. Stop all player interviews with the media (John Thompson).

Now all that’s left is winning.

RON GREENBERG

Woodland Hills

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The proper positioning for Mike Downey’s “I don’t think Lavin can do it, but I’m not sure” article would have been in the business section, alongside the hedge funds.

WESLEY WELLMAN

Santa Monica

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Let’s put this whole Steve Lavin controversy in the proper perspective. If he’s OK with John Wooden, he’s OK with me.

RICHARD W. ADAMS

Long Beach