UCLA vs. Kentucky: Legacies of both schools at stake
By Jamaal Artis
UCLA vs. Kentucky is proving to be one of the most anticipated Sweet Sixteen match-ups we have ever seen.
When the UCLA Bruins take on the Kentucky Wildcats in the Sweet Sixteen the legacies of both schools will be on the line. The winner will continue in their quest to add more titles to their history, the loser will slip further behind.
Much is being made of the matchup between the two teams that combine to have the most NCAA championships at 19. But for the UCLA Bruins even with all their titles, they are now behind Kentucky as the all-time premier program in college basketball.
Yes UCLA has 11 national titles still the most, but the reality is in the 42 years since they collected their 10th title, the Bruins have won 1 title and that was back in 1995.
Meanwhile, in that time Kentucky has won 4 titles, and navigated the “one and done” system of college recruiting to make perennial stops in the Final Four.
More from UCLA
- USC Football: Pac-12 released schedule with Sept. 26 start date
- UCLA Bruins season ends against Cal with a 28-18 loss
- UCLA Football: Staff predictions vs. California Golden Bears
- Staff predictions for the UCLA Bruins vs. the USC Trojans
- USC-UCLA Football: Three reasons it’s the best rivalry
UCLA’s legacy is now where their own coach may leave for his alma mater instead of continuing to build what he has started at Westwood.
Bruins fans may not agree with this assessment but modern college basketball isn’t what it was when John Wooden roamed the sidelines. They can make fun of other programs that hang Final Four banners but the reality is the Bruins haven’t had much to hang to begin with.
If the Bruins truly want to cement their legacy as the premier program in college basketball it will have to start by defeating Kentucky tonight. It’s time to stop resting on the accomplishments of times long ago. Now is the time to start adding new banners.
Bruins fans, John Wooden isn’t walking through the door anymore. Wether you like it or not it’s up to Steve Alford and company to win. Or watch again as Kentucky and John Calipari continue its ascendancy.
Next: Three Dodgers that will Regress in 2017
The Bruins tip off against the Wildcats at 6:39 PST tonight. Coverage can be found on CBS, with the winner moving on to face either UNC or Butler.