LOS ANGELES (AP)—UCLA coach Ben Howland says sophomore power forward Drew Gordon is no longer on the team.
Howland said Tuesday he came to a mutual agreement to part ways with Gordon, who intends to transfer.
The 6-foot-9 Gordon is the Bruins’ third-leading scorer, averaging 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds while starting all six games. The former Archbishop Mitty High School (San Jose, CA) star apparently clashed a few times in recent months with Howland, who didn’t give a specific reason for Gordon’s departure.
Gordon Dunking in HS
UCLA (2-4) lost three straight games at last weekend’s 76 Classic in Anaheim, losing to Portland, Butler, and Long Beach State.
In a Southern California article about the impact the win would have on Long Beach State recruiting and Coach Dan Monson’s rebuilding effort, the 49′ers AD quoted “any time you beat a team with four McDonald’s All-Americans” it’s a good thing. One has to wonder how UCLA, who is now down one All-American (Gordon played in the Jordan game and has been a regular in the USA Basketball program since he was 16 years of age) could possibly lose to three Mid-Majors in one weekend.
I would be willing to bet that UCLA did not recruit one player from any of the three victorious rosters and that none of UCLA’s starters ever visited or even considered attending Portland, Butler, or LBSU. Thus, beyond recruiting, it would come down to things like developing players, teaching, system, game planning, execution, team play, and leadership…clearly the Bruins nee to re-evaluate some things.
Perhaps they began the evaluation process by looking at their roster but I’m sure Gordon will benefit from the separation as well. He will now have the opportunity to go to a school who will both utilize his abilities and further develop his low post game while red-shirting. He’ll most likely be eligible after the fall quarter next season, depending on where he chooses to go.
The Bruins host top-ranked Kansas on Sunday.
Chris Denker is Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball and can be followed on Twitter @chrisdenker .
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