Advertisement
Sports Now

UCLA basketball: Ben Howland on recruits

By David Wharton
Staff WriterFollow
Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Coach Ben Howland spoke out today about Josh Smith and Tyler Lamb, who signed national letters of intent with UCLA during the early period.

Smith, who ranks among the top big men in the nation, averaged 26.8 points and 13.5 rebounds last season at Kentwood HIgh in Washington. Howland praised the 6-10 center’s ability to play with his back to the basket.

Advertisement

‘He is an outstanding athlete and has good leaping ability and quick feet for his size,’ the coach said. ‘He has a very bright future ahead of him and he’ll make an immediate impact at UCLA.’

Lamb is a 6-4 guard from Santa Ana Mater Dei who averaged 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.3 steals.

‘He’s very athletic and is going to be an outstanding player that can play multiple positions,’ Howland said. ‘He is a very good defensive player and has been a part of one of the best high school programs in the country.’

-- David Wharton

Sports Now
David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Advertisement