Looks like the Steve Alford program hasn't gone quite as well as UCLA A.D. Dan Guerrero had hoped: the LA Times ran an article Guerrero found so negativethat he felt obliged to respond with a statement:
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"It is unfortunate that Chris Foster's Los Angeles Times article on UCLA men's basketball Coach Steve Alford focuses only on issues and opinions from long ago and ignores what he has accomplished since arriving at UCLA. In addition to assembling a phenomenal coaching staff, every student-athlete chose to remain a Bruin and play for Steve. I should also note that despite an exclusive interview with Chancellor Gene Block on the subject of Coach Alford, Foster failed to mention any part of the interview, including the chancellor's repeated and unequivocal support for Coach Alford and his firm belief that Steve is committed to being a Bruin and embracing the values of Coach John Wooden. Finally, contrary to the impression left by the story, Steve has been warmly welcomed by the Bruin family and the Los Angeles community. We are all excited to have Steve as our coach and are looking forward to the new season. Go Bruins!"
Look, hiring a great staff is obviously key and keeping his inherited players a major plus, but that's sort of what you expect, isn't it? It's not a lot to brag about - which might be part of the problem.