Oh, No: Bruins Won’t Get Off That Quickly

To Peter Dalis: I watched the UCLA-Kentucky women’s basketball game.

The point guard didn’t foul out. Not one UCLA player fouled out.

The team had great fundamentals from passing, to shooting, to rebounding.

The free-throw percentage was 91.4%.

It was great watching a coach who can coach. Why not assign Coach Kathy Olivier to also coach the men’s basketball team? At least we won’t be outcoached, and it would be a great first step in getting UCLA men’s basketball back on the right track . . . playing a team sport!

STEVE SHAEVEL, Woodland Hills

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The Bruins’ first-round loss didn’t leave much time to make up any good excuses, so let’s just use the old ones:

A. The referees beat us.

B. The defensive coordinator didn’t do his job.

C. There was political discontent on the team.

D. Their hearts weren’t in it because they wanted to be playing in the Fiesta Bowl.

GREG HATFIELD, San Dimas

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After reading all of the comments from the UCLA fans and alumni who think they know more about coaching than Steve Lavin, I’d like to remind the “Whiny Wimps of Westwood” of this important fact: It took John Wooden 10 seasons before winning his first national title. Now shut up and support your team, lest you be mistaken for USC football fans.

DAVID ALLSPAW, Valley Village

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Years after Duke named Mike Krzyzewski coach, many of the Blue Devil fans said they needed a proven, experienced coach. Their athletic director was widely criticized for extending Krzyzewski’s contract after the initial five years.

Duke didn’t need a new coach; some of their fans simply needed a little patience.

The same is true with those who criticize Steve Lavin.

I don’t need to wait for a championship to recognize he is the right coach for UCLA.

STUART WOLPERT, Los Angeles