Lavin’s ‘Fans’ Getting Their Goodbyes Ready

The first thing the next UCLA basketball coach should do when he is hired is legally change his name to John Wooden. That way, at the very least, he’ll never have to worry about UCLA fans criticizing him for not being John Wooden.

Joseph R. Carlucci

Cerritos

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Far from mastering any style of play, Steve Lavin doesn’t even understand the need for it. He’s like some poor old geezer behind the wheel of his ancient Packard, making tiny, endless adjustments as he zigzags down a dead-end road.

He has made the rounds of all the coaching clinics, mastered the jargon, and learned nothing. He has studied at the feet of all the old coaches to whom he has ingratiated himself, and learned nothing. He has steeped himself in all kinds of motivational gimmicks, yet his slack, unfocused teams obviously tune him out. Like the worst leaders, he deludes himself with eccentric personnel decisions and by playing too many favorites of mediocre ability. Thus Farnham becomes Hines becomes Walcott.

Because his players have already bailed him out so many times, Bruin fans won’t believe he’s gone until Dan Guerrero stands up and says so. But things have changed. Pauley is beginning to look like the Sports Arena. Bruin fans have voted with their wallets. Lavin is damaged goods, irredeemable. The recruiting pipeline has slowed to a trickle as even high school jocks can see through him. Not even another unlikely Sweet 16 will deny Bruin fans their long-delayed deliverance.

Charles Chiccoa

Reseda

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The fans clearly don’t see any compelling reason for Steve Lavin to stay through the season. The players clearly don’t see any compelling reason for Lavin to stay.

But Steve-16 decides he owes it to us all to tough it out. Steve, it’s OK. Really. No, really. It’s OK. Go ahead. We forgive you if you want to leave early, (say, before the entire program goes down in flames).

I know Dick Vitale told you to stay, but, hey, he’s Dick Vitale. What does he know about anything at UCLA? If you need help packing, feel free to give me a call.

Tony Siracusa

Pasadena

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T.J. Simers wants to hire out as the defense lawyer for Steve Lavin, grad student basketball coach at once-mighty UCLA. There is a saying that applies here: If the blind shall lead the blind, the two shall fall into a ditch.

Robert Greenfield

Goleta

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I’ve never thought that Steve Lavin belonged as UCLA basketball coach. He may have been a great recruiter, but he approached the head job as being the pal and buddy of the players instead of being the coach and leader.

The fact that the former administration was willing to settle for mediocrity has hurt the program. AD Guerrero is showing that he wants success and a strong program.

I think that UCLA would not be hurt by hiring Pat Douglass of UC Irvine (Guerrero’s former school). Look at Douglass’ success at Irvine and at Division II Cal State Bakersfield. He is a strong motivator, disciplinarian, and knows the game of basketball.

UCLA needs a strong coach, not one who is a pal and buddy of the boys.

Fred Olague

Bakersfield

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Answer: Sleeping, eating out, reading the newspaper, answering the phone, opening the mail, seeing the neighbors, and watching the Bruins win basketball games.

Question: What daily activities will Steve Lavin enjoy again after resigning as coach at UCLA?

Dave De Heras

Santa Barbara

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I have discovered that Steve Lavin and Gov. Gray Davis have a lot in common. Both are overpaid state employees. One can’t balance the budget and the other can’t run a balanced offense. Both still have their jobs, even though everyone wants them out.

And, through it all, neither one has a hair out of place.

Bob Arranaga

Los Angeles

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It’s refreshing to see a basketball team from Westwood playing basketball with enthusiasm, intensity and heart.

Good luck to the UCLA women’s basketball team the rest of the season.

Aaron Benzenbower

San Pedro

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I can understand UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero’s reluctance to fire Steve Lavin during the season. After all, the last time UCLA made an in-season coaching change, the Bruins ended up with ... Steve Lavin.

Patrick Mallon

San Luis Obispo