To have fun SLAM’s thirtieth anniversary, we’re spotlighting the 30 most influential males’s school groups from our previous 30 years. Stats, information and chips aren’t the principle issue right here, it’s all about their contribution to the sport’s cultural cloth.
For the following 30 days—Monday by way of Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full listing right here. We’ve additionally obtained an unique retro collegiate assortment, out now, that pays homage to every squad’s threads. Store right here.
Elite backcourt, elite bigs. A recipe for fulfillment. Michelin star stage of success. Russell Westbrook. Darren Collison. Kevin Love. Luc Mbah a Moute. 4 League-bound abilities emphatically stormed into the 07-08 season. The consequence? Three-straight common season Pac-10 titles. A 3rd-straight Remaining 4 look. Because the tourney expanded to 64 groups in ‘85, solely 4 groups have achieved such a feat—simply one other day on the workplace for the Bruins.
The Bruins altering of the guard noticed UCLA nice Aaron Afflalo enter the League however welcome a 6-10 tree from the forests of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Kevin Love. The freshman double-double machine shortly cemented his standing as a one-and-done prospect whereas the group’s offense flowed by way of the 17.5 factors per sport scorer. LA native Josh Ship, Alfred Aboya and Lorenzo Mata-Actual have curtailed Ben Howland’s strongest roster.
Love’s dominance within the paint and gentle contact across the basket earned him Pac-10 Participant of the Week after destroying Washington State. Then there was Westbrook, a participant who was as fearless as they arrive. Collison was recognized for his pinpoint capturing accuracy and taking issues into his personal arms when wanted.
The person in command of all of it was Ben Howland, a training prodigy recognized for his disciplined method and defensive experience. Coach Howland wasn’t only a coach however a grasp strategist who knew the way to get one of the best out of his gamers. The Bruins’ protection remained rooted in depth whereas executing offense with out a hint of a turnover.
The Bruins weren’t glad with simply profitable; they had been out to destroy every opponent. And Westbrook let you realize it with each likelihood he might—emphatic screams after highlights, strutting down the courtroom after rim-rocking throw-downs. The primary spherical of the NCAA match proved simply that when UCLA dominated Mississippi Valley, securing a commanding 41-point win over Mississippi Valley. Every sport was the Bruins dominating on all sides of the courtroom.
The true take a look at got here within the Pac-10 championship. UCLA was down for many of the sport towards Stanford. After trailing by way of the primary 20 minutes, the Bruins kicked into gear within the second half and managed to snag a back-and-forth 67-64 win. They saved that very same vitality all through the NCAA Event, breezing by way of till they hit the ultimate 4, the place they fell brief. They by no means backed down, all the time leaving all of it out on the courtroom.
However, amidst all of the fashion and swagger, the Bruins remained targeted on their final purpose: profitable video games. And win, they did. With a formidable win-loss report of 35-4 and a deep run within the NCAA match, they proved to be greater than only a flashy present. They had been a group with coronary heart, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed. Finally, the ‘08 UCLA males’s basketball group made a permanent affect on the collegiate basketball scene.
Pictures through Getty Photos.