Love, Westbrook entering draft

Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook both announced Thursday afternoon that they are entering the 2008 NBA draft.

Neither will hire an agent at this time, meaning they could potentially return. Westbrook said he might stay if it looks like he will fall below the 20th pick in the draft.

Both intend to earn their degrees, but Love made a very big point about it. He also said he's been having the best year of his life on several levels, and looks forward to giving back to UCLA in the future.

For more on both announcements, here's an article from the sports desk.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute also was expected to disclose his plans Thursday, but has postponed the announcement until Friday or Monday.

In between the announcements, UCLA presented Nikki Caldwell as the new women's basketball coach. When asked if she was ready to take on her first head coaching position, Caldwell said that as an assistant in Tennessee, Pat Summit put her in a unique position to deal with recruits, boosters and even make big calls during games.

Posted by: Adam Rose

Comments

[Lee C.]

Great hire for the women's team! Coming from Connecticut, I was surprised progressive southern California didn't have more women's b-ball fans (and stronger programs). UCLA's taken a great step and I think fans will start to notice in a couple of years!

We'll miss Kevin, but he's done a great job for UCLA and seems to have maximized his experience here. He really looks like he doesn't want to go, doesn't he?

Wish the others would stay, though. Darren's the only one I think is ready, and he could use another year.