Since the moment he took the job a little more than three years ago, coach Ben Howland has preached to his players the importance of the tradition of UCLA men’s basketball.
One of the most closely followed yet least heralded traditions is the Bruins’ involvement in the SayNo/ProCity Summer League at West Los Angeles College.
Every summer, the exhibition league attracts the top collegiate talent from Southern California, gives incoming UCLA players a chance to get adjusted to the speed of Division 1 basketball, and develops their chemistry on the court with their teammates-to-be.
This summer, Howland and his coaching staff have guided freshmen James Keefe and Russell Westbrook and sophomore Luc Richard Mbah a Moute toward the SayNo/ProCity League, which began on Saturday and runs through Aug. 12.
Keefe, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute are three Bruins confirmed to be participating in the summer league – as compared to the six Bruins in 2005 – but the number of Bruins could still expand. The league rosters are subject to change from week to week, giving players an opportunity to compete as often as possible without a great deal of commitment.
Although Keefe, Westbrook and Mbah a Moute will all be playing for Sinclair’s Bruins in the 12-team league, Keefe was the only Bruin to participate in Saturday’s game. The freshmen will primarily be focusing on conditioning, as they are trying to prepare for the level of speed and strength required for Pac-10 basketball.
“I am excited to compete in Division I basketball and this is just a part of me getting used to the speed and quickness at the next level,” said Keefe, a 6-foot-8-inch power forward out of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.
Assistant coach Kerry Keating recommended the league to him, noting that it was a chance to play with his teammates long before the season begins.
“It’s a good way to get a feel for Russell and Luc, and see what they do on the court,” Keefe said. “I’m just excited to get going.”
Mbah a Moute will be using the exhibition to expand on his offense, especially his jump shot. Mbah a Moute and Howland said repeatedly at press conferences after the season ended that the Cameroonian will be challenged to become more of a two-way threat.
The summer league, sponsored by Nike with the message for children to “say no” to drugs and other illegal substances, finishes on Aug. 12 with the league championship. All games are held on the West L.A. College campus.