Gene Block's Emails On Steve Alford - Part 3

From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Mark Gerard
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Absolute Dissatisfaction with Steve Alford remaining coach of UCLA basketball
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 12:48:41 AM
Dear Mr. Guerrero (and Mr. Rebholz and Dean Block),

Without going into a long winded diatribe, please take very seriously my
deepest concern EVER regarding UCLA athletics and the disastrous
potential continued employment of Steve Alford as UCLA basketball coach.
UCLA basketball made me fall in love with UCLA the school as an 8 year
old fan in 1969. My father received his PhD in clinical Psychology at UCLA
in the 50's and my oldest brother graduated from UCLA in 1975. I realized
my dream of going to UCLA in 1978 and I graduated in 1982 Phi Beta
Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, and a Regent Scholar. While there, I went to
virtually every basketball game often sleeping out for several nights for the
best seats to the biggest games.
While in medical school at University of Michigan from 1982-1986, I
watched late night games when televised in the midwest. I returned to
UCLA for my internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Center for
Health Sciences in 1986-1989 and went to many games despite a grueling
schedule in the hospital.
In 1990, I became a season ticket holder and subsequently a WAF donor. I
have traveled to each of the Final Fours since then and could not have
been prouder when we won the championship in 1995. Despite that
feeling, it is not my expectation that we go to the Final Four regularly.
However, I do expect the team to play with tremendous effort, discipline,
defensive intensity, and above all with heart. These qualities are direct
reflections of the team's coach. Sadly, they are not part of this coach's
culture. It is for this reason that I am pleading with you to reverse your
decision and terminate Steve Alford's employment now before permanent
damage has been done to our beloved program. Even during Steve Lavin's
worst years, I never felt compelled to write a letter to the athletic
department.
Unfortunately, the current status of the program is at an all time low and has
become totally unacceptable. The last 3 years the quality of basketball
being played by UCLA has been thoroughly uninspiring and hard to watch.
Alford's 1st year, despite the talent, there were maybe 2 games all year at
Pauley that I could honestly say were entertaining from a basketball
standpoint. It was clear then that the energy at Pauley was dying. Do not
fool yourself with sweet 16 appearances; we know last year we did not
deserve to be in the tourney and got a very favorable draw after the fluke
goaltending call against SMU. I did not view last years team a success on
any level. This year continued to get worse and it is obvious that there is a
toxic state within that caused the players to give up on their coach.
Whether the very real issue of nepotism is at the root of it or the fact Coach
Alford is just an average to mediocre coach, it doesn't matter. All that
matters is that you are not blind to the obvious reality we all see. There are
so many die hard fans who have just tuned out UCLA basketball. When my
friends have listened to my concerns over the last 3 years, they all say that
"IF UCLA HAS LOST YOU, THEY ARE IN BAD SHAPE" as I am one of the
most positive, glass half-full fans you could be.
Do not make a decision to protect the ridiculous contract your department
offered him along with compounding the situation by extending it after year
1 to make the over 10 million dollar buyout valid through April 2017. That
amount will pale in comparison to the long term damage to the brand that is
actively deteriorating as we speak. We will all respect you greatly if you
swallow the pill of a bad hire and move forward swiftly with a change. If
you don't, your legacy will forever be tainted. I know that is not what you
want for UCLA in your heart. Bite the bullet. Terminate Steve Alford now.
Thank you for reading this email.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mark Gerard, M.D.
Coaches Roundtable WAF member
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He is not...
Douglas Mckain
Block, Gene
You are great!
image1.PNG
ATT00001.txt
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Mike
Guerrero, Dan; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Dan Guerrero supports nepotism
Mr Block, Guerrero has allowed the basketball coach to play his son the most minutes in UCLA history after three
years, he allowed his other son to take a position on the staff and also watched the coach hire the son of his agent to
run player development. How is this allowed?
Sent from my iPhone
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ljtdds@
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Fw:
How much more embarrassing can it get? And now a banner flying on campus
asking for his ouster? Time for leadership to step up..............
http://www.bruinsnation.com/2016/3/13/11217854/ncaa-and-nit-tournamentbrackets-show-how-massively-ucla-underachieved
FREE Animations for your email
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From:
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Abraham Ochoa
Block, Gene
Steeeevoooooo
Why is Steve Alford still here? Because Dan G is a big freakin chicken who can't cross the road. Jackass.
Sent from my iPad
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David Gompert
Block, Gene
Men"s Basketball
Dear Dr. Block,

I realize that given your position you have greater issues to deal with than the state of
the Men's Varsity Basketball Team and its head coach. That is probably why you
have an Athletic Director to manage that situation and role for the university. That
said, the importance of the team's success is a critical point of pride for alums and
fans such as myself. Success in both Football and Men's Basketball drives
significant revenue for the institution, as you are well aware. Therefore I implore you
to involve yourself in what has clearly become a disaster. During Coach Alford's
tenure the program's season win totals have steadily declined. In what has to be the
most embarrassing development this year, and Lord knows there are plenty, a win by
a "mid major" against the Bruins had ZERO impact on that team's tournament
resume. In no other era did a win against UCLA not be considered a "signature win"
for that program during a season. That is how far UCLA's impact in the national
consciousness has fallen. A change is absolutely necessary to restore the proud
tradition of UCLA Basketball. Please implore your AD to make the change that all
Bruin Fans so desperately desire and begin our return to national relevance.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
David Gompert
Life Long Bruin Fan
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LoDuca, Paul
Block, Gene
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Chancellor Block:
I believe that there is a misconception that Coach Steve Alford must be replaced by a big
name coach. If Dan Guerrero is holding back, in letting Steve Alford go, because he
doesnt feel he can land a big name replacement then he is missing the whole Bruin
basketball value proposition. Given its natural advantages UCLA is a top ten program
waiting to happen. We just need a someone with really good coaching chops to lead the
way.
I think the best solution is to find the next great coach before everyone else does. Here are
some suggestions:
Bryce Drew, Valparaiso: Hes 119 47 at Valparaiso. Hes 41 years old
Mitch Henderson, Princeton: Hes 96-52. Hes 40 years old
Zach Spicker, Army: Hes 102 111 overall there but 65 - 59 over the last four
years. Coach K was modestly better going 73 59 in 5 years. Spiker is 39 years
old.
Andy Toole, Robert Morris: Hes 120 88 all at RM. He is 35 years old.
The worst decision in the world is to keep the status quo because you are afraid you cant
do better. A leader sees that a change must be made and makes it. Im beginning to feel
that UCLA basketball doesnt only have head coaching problem but also a leadership
vacuum in the ADs office.
Thank you.
Paul LoDuca
Financial Advisor
The Linzmeier Group

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
1901 Main Street | 7th Floor | Irvine, CA 92614

Direct: 949.955.7814 | Toll Free: 800.533.3402 | Fax: 949.833.3542
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Leland Smith
Block, Gene
Bball
Im begging you, please restore UCLA basketball. You know in your heart Alford is not the right coach
for a program like UCLA.
Please
Leland Smith
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John Galloway
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene
Status of the UCLA Athletic Department is in question now
Dear Chancellor Block:
UCLA alumni and world-wide supporters of the school have had their voices heard. Please
understand the state of the Athletic Department is in question. Our school is one of a
kind. Please consider removing Dan Guerrero as Athletic Director immediately. Do this
without reservation, and feel confident doing so. Understand there are countless qualified
individuals with impeccable resumes whod beg for the chance to serve UCLA and all it
stands for.
The time has come for a change. Yesterdays protests have made national news and
have continued to be a topic of conversation today. Please understand this is much bigger
than you may be giving credit for. The status quo clearly is no longer acceptable and the
protests will carry on.
Again, my wife (class of 89) and I are WAF donors and have had 4 UCLA football seats
season seats since 1992.
Regards,
John G. Galloway
Director Information Technology Services
Verbum Dei High School
11100 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 564-6651 ext. 6800
www.verbumdei.us
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Galloway
Status of the UCLA Athletic Department is in question now
UCLA alumni and world-wide supporters of the school have had their voices heard. Please
understand the state of the Athletic Department is in question. Our school is one of a
kind. Please consider removing Dan Guerrero as Athletic Director immediately. Do this
without reservation, and feel confident doing so. Understand there are countless qualified
individuals with impeccable resumes whod beg for the chance to serve UCLA and all it
stands for.
The time has come for a change. Yesterdays protests have made national news and
have continued to be a topic of conversation today. Please understand this is much bigger
than you may be giving credit for. The status quo clearly is no longer acceptable and the
protests will carry on.
Again, my wife (class of 89) and I are WAF donors and have had 4 UCLA football seats
season seats since 1992.
Regards,
John G. Galloway
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 564-6651 ext. 6800
www.verbumdei.us
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Loren Deters
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
The Horse Has Left the Barn
MR. GUERRERO: Steve Alford has lost the respect of his players and the UCLA fan base. Its become
apparent to all including you, Im sure that the UCLA student athletes are not learning the
fundamentals of basketball. UCLA players arrive on campus with enormous raw skill, but theyre not
learning to prepare properly. A new crop of talent next year will not correct this fundamental
problem. You need to act now for the good of the program. Thank you.
Loren A. Deters, Esq.

SAMUELS, GREEN & STEEL, LLP
19800 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 1000
Irvine, California 92612-2433
Phone: 949/263-0004 ext. 329
Facsimile: 949/263-0005
e-mail: loren.deters@sgsattorneys.com
internet: sgsattorneys.com
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From:
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Michael Presser
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
RE: New basketball coach needed
While the right decision is not always an easy one, I find it is usually better to deal with it sooner
rather than later. Better to move on from Steve Alford now rather than 12 months from now. The
culture of the basketball program will not improve next year and the infusion of talent will be
wasted if UCLA retains Steve Alford. The culture cant be changed if the coach and his son both
remain in their current positions. You saw yesterday the result of that dynamic.
Please do what is in the best interest of UCLA and fire Steve Alford!
MIKE PRESSER
PRINCIpAL
George Elkins Mortgage Banking Company

michael.presser@gemb.com
949.752.1662 office
cell
949.752.1667 fax
BRE #01391972
www gemb.com
26180 Enterprise Way, No. 300

Lake Forest, CA 92630
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Greg Patterson
Guerrero, Dan
Men"s Basketball
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 12:10:50 PM
I must say that I am disappointed if the news is true that Steve Alford is being retained as the head
coach at UCLA. I cant pretend to know everything that is going into this decision, but I do know
after three years of watching his team play selfish, me-first basketball that this is no longer the
program that I grew up supporting, nor do I feel that Mr. Alford is an appropriate steward of John
Woodens program.
Greg Patterson
Trace3
Business Operations Manager
gpatterson@trace3.com
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Kennedy Cosgrove
Block, Gene
Alienating your alums
http://kennedy-cosgrove.squarespace.com/blog/2016/3/12/nej1ryucw4qiyjmfh0j78384qo42a3
Sent from my iPhone
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Michael Zank
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: Please Fix it (Men"s Basketball, obviously)
Chancellor Block, Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Rebholz:

After four days and three messages, I'm wondering if the lack of even a cut-and-paste courtesy
reply from the Athletic Department is a really bad indicator of its ability to safely
navigatethis current crisis.
Mr. Guerrero, you can fix this. I can help. Others can help. What, if anything, is going on
behind the scenes to salvage this situation?
Based on the lack of responsiveness thus far, my worstfear that Ucla's response to its current
Athletics and donor crisis has been to do absolutely nothing.Some better, if not
required,actions over the past week (or month, or year) include:
(1) Perform financial and budgetary analysis of how eating Mr. Alford's buyout payment
could be absorbed without any outside funds (hint: it can)
(2) Identify what new contributionswould be immediately available from donors to mitigate
Ucla's standalone liability toward Mr. Alford's buyout (hint: at least some, and that's a great
start).
(2) Quietly reach out to the representatives of successful head coaches at smaller schools and
identify whether they would have interest if there were an opening. If you don't want to do
this, or don't know how, there are dozens of Ucla alumni and donors that can help (hint: fans
don't need a "big name" - just a competent adult who got their coaching opportunities based
on acumen rather thana past as a star player).
(3) Speak with Ucla's counsel about remedies it may have to mitigate Mr. Alford's buyout
clause, and what contractual leverage Ucla may have toward negotiating a settlement that
leaves all parties free and clear going forward.
(4) With Ucla's counsel (or other appropriate representation), approach Mr. Alford's
representatives and begin foundational discussions toward a closeout settlement of his
contract. Trust me, they won't be shocked or insulted. They know he sucks, too.
(5) Most importantly, ENGAGE YOUR DONORS who have skills and expertise to assist and
encourage you. Be willing to listen, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Have any of these things been done? If the answer is "no", you are a very long way from
solving this problem.
Again, please, fix Men's Basketball, repair the relationship with your donors, and stop driving
your former donors to instead spend money on sillythings designed to make you look bad.Be
the hero.
I hope you can tell from my tone that I am trying to be constructive, and want to be helpful. I
can help.Others can help. Call and let's talk.

Best Regards,
Michael Zank
UCLA Anderson 2007
(m)
Executive Vice President and COO
Topaz Systems Inc.
On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 12:02 PM, Michael Zank <mike.zank@
Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Rebholz, and Chancellor Block,
> wrote:
This is my third message (I've received no reply to the other two), and I'm amazed that
young donors walking away from a $50,000 pledge to Athletics (the Football Facility, in
particular) doesn't even merit a placeholder copy-paste response. Maybe your CRM system
is broken?
I'm not sure the three of you understand the level of crisis that Ucla Athletics finds itself in,
or the damage Mr. Guererro has caused to the relationship between Ucla and its donor
community by (1) failing to do and due diligence when hiring a men's basketball coach in
2013, (2) failing to dismiss a failed basketball coach at the end of this season, and (3)
dismissing the pleas of hundreds (thousands?) of members of the Ucla community to fix the
problem, in the most tone-deaf manner possible, by quietly leaking that he was going to
retain Steve Alford just 36 hours after the end of this miserable season in hopes it would
shut us up, rather than really examine or address the multiple issues causing this crisis.
People (me included) really, really, really want to support Ucla and its athletic programs.
We don't want to be stuck in a war with Mr. Guerrerothat we didn't start. Athletics in
particular (for better or worse)providesthe common cultural element that unites all
students, alumni, and fans, and builds the goodwill that eventually matures intodonorship
like that of Mr. Wasserman and Mr. Ostin, and others that have made large gifts to other
departments. The current course of the Athletics administration is destroying this culture,
and making the donor experience miserable. We want to give more, not less. We don't want
to walk away from pledges, but Mr. Guerrero has left us no option.
I'll close with a few suggestions and observations that you may not have considered. It's not
too late for Mr. Guerrero to avoid the perception that he will be the Athletic Director that
killed Ucla Men's Basketball, the crown jewel of the entire department. Fire the alreadyfailed Mr. Alford. Don't further alienate your closest supporters by giving up on Men's
Basketball.
Please consider:
(1) The situation is only going to get worse. The "Fire Alford" movement, in all likelihood,
is just getting started. The entirety of next basketball season, and all the time in between,
will be even uglier if Mr. Alford is retained.
(2) In time, the focus for the failed Hoops program will shift from Mr. Alford to Mr.
Guerrero and Ucla. Right now, Mr. Alford's failures are in the spotlight. It will be bad for
all of us when this shifts to Mr. Guerrero and Ucla, and the question and perception among
the Ucla community and the national mediabecomes "why have THEY failed?"
(3) Mr. Guerrero has two choices: hero or goat. Unfortunately, his service and legacy as
athletic director will, unfairly or not, be cast solely by his response to this crisis. I hope for
his sake he chooses "hero". We wantpeace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and only Mr.
Guerrero can provide them.
As I said before, we want to give more, not less. Please give us a reason to consider Ucla
worthy of support, because on the current course there won't be any Wassermans or Ostins
to support the next Athletic Director.
Best Regards,
Michael Zank
PS - If you perceive thatthis crisis to be too problematic for the current athletics
organization to successfully resolve, I promise there are many capable, professional people
who are happy to volunteer to help out. Please call me if there is anything I can do with my
time or expertise to help fix Ucla Basketball, or assist the Athletics organization in general.
From:
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Alice Tsuyuki
Steve Alford
Gentlemen:
I am a UCLA alumna and a 40+ year diehard UCLA basketball fan. I was also a longtime
basketball season ticket holder until last season, when I finally could no longer stomach what I
was seeing on the court under the leadership of Steve Alford.
His nepotism and his inability to build a solid basketball program with tough defense, sound
fundamentals, and something as basic as playing with heart, have made it hard to even care
about UCLA basketball.
If Steve Alford is retained, I will not be renewing my WAF membership. When Alford is gone, I
will be more than happy to contribute and buy season tickets again.
If you believe that UCLA fans are unreasonable and will only settle for the Coach Ks of the
world, let me assure you that is not true. I believe most fans just want a coach who will teach
a fundamentally sound, tough-minded brand of basketball.
Please do the right thing for UCLA. Dismiss Steve Alford now.
Thank you,
Alice Tsuyuki
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Gilberto Limon
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block
TCU head basketball coaching job open
Tell Alford we'll let him leave without a penalty of $10.5 million. Come
on, Dan, remedy your mistake. Help Alford leave.
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Gilberto Limon
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block
TCU head basketball coaching job open
Tell Alford we'll let him leave without a penalty of $10.5 million. Come
on, Dan, remedy your mistake. Help Alford leave.
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Matthew
Guerrero, Dan
the unfolding basketball drama
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

As you must be aware, the situation surrounding Coach Alford's tenure has not been resolved
in the past day. In fact, it is getting worse, and the UCLA basketball program is being raked
over the coals by the national media. Whatever you think of Jim Rome, he speaks with a loud
voice andcommands a large audience in this field, and he excoriated the program and Coach
Alford on his showtoday. Other national and local media outlets are alsocommenting on the
controversy, and it shows no signs of letting up.
I write to you once more to urge you to act. The men's basketball program is mired in malaise
and mediocrity, and the status quo is not sustainable. No tinkering at the margins (replacing
assistant coaches, public avowals to change or "do better," incoming recruits, etc.) can save it.
The only way to restore order and bring UCLA basketball up to its reasonable potential is to
make a coaching change. Delaying the inevitable will only further ravage the fan base and
cause additional scrutiny and criticism.
Please do the right thing and terminate Coach Alford's employment.
Sincerely,
Matt Henderson
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Trevor Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Please Fire Steve Alford for Gross Nepotism
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

I'm sure you're already aware of this but I just discovered today that previous to this year
Alford had employed as his video coordinator one Kory Barnett, the son of his (Steve's)
agent, Mike Barnett. And this year as we all know Steve appointed his own son Kory Alford
to the position of video coordinator after he graduated from college and needed a job. The
Video Coordinator position became free because Kory Barnett (again, Mike Barnett's, Steve
Alford's agent's, son) was promoted to the position of Director of Player Development and
Scouting.
This is on top of the obscene minutes he, Coach Alford, has allotted to his other son, Bryce, at
the expense of far superior players like Aaron Holiday and Prince Ali this year, and Zach
Lavine his first year. If you want statistical proof of Alford's nepotistic treatment of Bryce,
you can go here: https://medium.com/@68degreesPlz/nep-o-tism-3f118c43af99#.jllzmmnqa.
All of this is to say that Steve Alford has clearly used UCLA men's basketball to promote the
success of his friends and family before the success of the school, the team, and the program,
which has resulted in our fourth losing season since Wooden's retirement, our worst finish in
Pac-12 play in school history, a toxic environment for the players and staff in the program not
named Alford, just so an undeserving Bryce can enter the UCLA record books for minutes
played, scoring, and assists.
Please, stop letting Steve Alford treat UCLA's men's basketball program as his own personal
Mom and Pop store and dismiss him from his position as the head coach of UCLA men's
basketball before the start of this upcoming off-season.
Sincerely,
Trevor Fuller
UCLA Class of 2012
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LaCurtis Sumlin Jr
Chancellor Gene D. Block
Basketball Coach
Please consider the Davidson Coach. He even looks west coast, unlike alford.
From:
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Kim Luk
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA BB
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

UCLA DESERVES BETTER! FIRE ALFORD!
Please the right thing.
Go Bruins!
Kim Luk
1976
Sent from my iPad
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R. Brink
Block, Gene
Please Fire Alford
For innumerable reasons Steve Alford has proven over the past three years that he is not
capable of leading our team. Please admit a mistake and fire Alford now.
Roy Donald Brink
UCLA Engineering 1968, MBA 1992
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Scott Revlin
How long will this continue?
image001.png
image002.png
Gentleman,
I email you all for the fourth time; I have yet to receive a response. I will be ceasing all donations in
any form to UCLA until Steve Alford is dismissed. It pains me to do so, as we are a Bruin family
through and through. We do the 8-clap together each night at my daughters bedtime. But enough
is enough, and I cannot support what the current regime is doing to our proud basketball program.
I hope youll give me the courtesy of a response.
Regards,
Scott Revlin
Class of 1999
Wife Class of 2001 and 2009 (Anderson MBA)
Father Class of 1965
Mother Class of 1968
Aunt Class of 1962
Cousin Class of 1989
Scott Revlin, MA, BCBA

Clinical Manager
STAR of CA
(805) 644-7827 Office
Cell
starofca.com
Connect with STAR of CA:
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Kenji Kumara
Guerrero, Dan
Fans choice for new coach
Scott Drew - Baylor

Cuonzo Martin - Cal
Tad Boyle - Colorado
Archie Miller - Dayton
Fran McCaffery - Iowa
Josh Pastner - Memphis
Jim Larranaga - Miami
Mike Brey - Notre Dame
Lon Kruger - Oklahoma
Randy Bennett - St. Mary's
Billy Kennedy - Texas A&M
Larry Krystkowiak - Utah
Tony Bennett - Virginia
Gregg Marshall - Wichita St.
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Jeffrey Hoover
Change needed!
Dear Chancellor,
It is my request that you handle Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Steve Allford and the situations that have occurred with the
men's basketball program quickly. These two gentlemen are destroying the basketball tradition that UCLA has held
in maintained at such high standards for many years.
When you look at the major money making sports they perform horribly in our unranked most seasons at the end of
the season. Since Dan Guerrero has been the athletic director this is how things usually end up. Now the men's
basketball program has been on a downward spiral and quickly are becoming, if not already, irrelevant.
It is vital that you dismiss both gentleman from their positions and start fresh with more deserving and goal oriented
individuals.
I will no longer support UCLA until this has happened.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Hoover UCLA fan
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Brian Netter
Guerrero Dan; Block Gene; Rebholz Joshua; aaron1050@
Fire Steve Alford!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 6:41:08 AM
- Under Alford, UCLA Basketball has been unranked (AP) 46 of 57 weeks (80.7%) .
- The only PG who surpasses Bryces Minutes/Gm over the last two years is Pooh Richardson.
- Alford won one more pac12 game than mora. Alford played 18 games. Mora played 9.
- In his third year as head coach at UCLA, Alford has posted a 15-17 losing record.
- In his third year as head coach at UCLA, Alford has lost to cross-town rival USC three times, all in blowout fashion.
Brian
On Mar 12, 2016, at 10:39 AM, Brian <bnetter@
> wrote:
Dead Dan Guerrero, Chancellor Block and Josh Rebholz,

Coach Alford is the worst coach I've ever seen. I don't care how many positive stats you throw at me. He is the worst. Anyone who
knows basketball can see it.
I already gave up my Men's basketball tickets before this year and don't plan on coming back until something positive is done (e.g Fire
Alford and replace him with a good coach). I also am highly considering not donating and not keeping my football tickets. I will do
everything in my power to convince my friends of the same thing.
I won't support a program that will make bad decision after bad decision. Why on earth did we sign Alford to the ridiculous guaranteed
contract having a 10 million dollar buyout? Many of the decisions made over the past 3-4 years have made no sense to me. If you want
to run the basketball program to the ground, keep doing what you are doing.
I can go on and on but that's all I have to say...
Please FIRE Alford and restore the basketball program back to prominence.
A Diehard Bruin Fan and Alum,
Brian Netter
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
LoDuca, Paul
Block, Gene
Make UCLA Basketball Great Again
Chancellor Block:
Yesterday, I made the suggestion that UCLA should pursue a young up and coming coach
for the basketball team as opposed to an already elite name. The logic is sound elite
coaches are rare and expensive and to make a move they would need to be available.
Im not sure any of them will be on the move this Spring.
However, the names that I shared are likely all available and would come for less money
than you are paying for Alford. Of the four names provided, I would initially target Bryce
Drew. He has a solid record as a player in both college and the NBA. He was an assistant
at Valparaiso before becoming the head coach. His 5 year winning percentage is .715.
He is on the cusp of greatness and you can get him if you have the courage to act now!
Three years ago the hot coaching candidate was Brad Stevens. We all know that Dan
Guerrero could not close him and broke the hearts of every Bruin fan by settling for
mediocrity in Alford. With the public outcry against Alford, and his blatant nepotism, he is
not viable long term. Why keep someone who you know you should fire now?
Bryce Drew and Valparaiso were 3-0 against Stevens Butler team. Stevens was extremely
complimentary about Drews coaching. Bryce Drew is the real deal and he would come to
UCLA in a heartbeat. Bryce Drew is the solution for UCLA Basketball and hes young
enough to stay here for 25 years.
All it takes is leadership. I urge you to ask Dan Guerrero to lead.
Thank you.
Paul LoDuca
Financial Advisor
The Linzmeier Group



NMLS ID # 1364401
From: LoDuca, Paul (Wealth Mgmt MS)

Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 8:23 AM
To: gblock@conet.ucla.edu
Cc: dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu
Subject: UCLA Basketball
Chancellor Block:
I believe that there is a misconception that Coach Steve Alford must be replaced by a big
name coach. If Dan Guerrero is holding back, in letting Steve Alford go, because he
doesnt feel he can land a big name replacement then he is missing the whole Bruin
basketball value proposition. Given its natural advantages UCLA is a top ten program
waiting to happen. We just need a someone with really good coaching chops to lead the
way.
I think the best solution is to find the next great coach before everyone else does. Here are
some suggestions:
Bryce Drew, Valparaiso: Hes 119 47 at Valparaiso. Hes 41 years old
Mitch Henderson, Princeton: Hes 96-52. Hes 40 years old
Zach Spicker, Army: Hes 102 111 overall there but 65 - 59 over the last four
years. Coach K was modestly better going 73 59 in 5 years. Spiker is 39 years
old.
Andy Toole, Robert Morris: Hes 120 88 all at RM. He is 35 years old.
The worst decision in the world is to keep the status quo because you are afraid you cant
do better. A leader sees that a change must be made and makes it. Im beginning to feel
that UCLA basketball doesnt only have head coaching problem but also a leadership
vacuum in the ADs office.
Thank you.
Paul LoDuca
Financial Advisor
The Linzmeier Group



NMLS ID # 1364401
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
evoape@
Block, Gene
Alford v. U.C.L.A.
Hello, the obvious question to you is: What possessed you to approve giving Alford such an absurd buyout, that obviously goes to no other coach?
And: How many coaches can you point, at other Pac-12 universities that have such an absurd buy-out?
Yours truly, a taxpayer
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Block, Gene
Change needed now!
Dear Mr. Block,

I am a lifelong UCLA fan living in Cincinnati, Ohio. It has been very difficult over the last several years to maintain
my level of interest in UCLA programs due to the pitiful performance by many of the teams. Looking at statistics,
since Dan Guerrero has taken over, the nonrevenue programs generally do well but that is ongoing at all times. The
two major revenue sports, football and men's basketball have done very poorly. Most years since Dan Guerrero has
been in place these two programs finish unranked.
Now, you might not think it's that big of a deal but the image of UCLA rides on the coattails of the men's basketball
program. What Dan Guerrero is allowing to happen with current coach Steve Alford is a joke. This is destroying the
program.
It is my request that you evaluate Mr. Guerrero and force him to retire early so that a new AD can be in place to hire
a new coach for men's basketball. This is necessary! Please understand with improved sports programs more money
comes to the school and notoriety! Which then would increase the number of applicants to enroll at UCLA.
Yes, UCLA has an unbelievable academic institute. But the athletics at UCLA are equally impressive. Do not allow
our programs to fall off. You must fire Dan Guerrero and Steve Alford.
On top of all of the things that have happened, please know that having Steve Alford hired and the issue that took
place in Iowa where he supported a rapist, along with asking professors to change grades for players, these are
actions that should warrant dismissal.
Please do the right thing and give UCLA fans hope.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Hoover - UCLA Fan
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Change needed!
Dear Chancellor,
It is my request that you handle Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Steve Allford and the situations that have occurred with the
men's basketball program quickly. These two gentlemen are destroying the basketball tradition that UCLA has held
in maintained at such high standards for many years.
When you look at the major money making sports they perform horribly in our unranked most seasons at the end of
the season. Since Dan Guerrero has been the athletic director this is how things usually end up. Now the men's
basketball program has been on a downward spiral and quickly are becoming, if not already, irrelevant.
It is vital that you dismiss both gentleman from their positions and start fresh with more deserving and goal oriented
individuals.
I will no longer support UCLA until this has happened.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Hoover UCLA fan
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Carrie White-Parrish
Guerrero, Dan
Re: the state of the program
Dear Sirs,
I'm writing to you again to beg you to consider the bigger picture, here, and the larger fan
base. We are not happy. Almost to a man, the university and its fans and donors are not
happy. As an AD, I would expect that you care for the university as a whole, rather than
the ego and feelings of one man, who is coaching our glorious basketball program into a
black hole.
This sort of thing would never be allowed to happen at any of the other blue bloods.
Kentucky? Absolutely not. Duke? Please. North Carolina? Well who can really call them
a blue blood at this point? But UCLA???? We have the longest and most illustrious
basketball history in the country, and, arguably, in the world. How is it possible that we
have been allowed to come to this point, and have to face another year of this
embarrassment, under an AD who claims to love UCLA, simply for Well, what actually
IS the reason here? I don't believe any reason could possibly be good enough.
Please consider your decision carefully. Consider how many alumns, students, fans, and
donors you're alienating, and how deserted Pauley will be next year if we have to endure
another year of Steve Alford. I literally never thought I would say this, but this is worse
than going to school during the Steve Lavin years.
If you truly love UCLA, do the right thing. Please.
______________________________________________
Editorial Director, Publisher

GlassHouse Press
Carrie.white@glasshousepress.com
www.glasshousepress.com
____________________________________________
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From: Carrie White <carrie.white@glasshousepress.com>

Date: Friday, March 4, 2016 7:45 AM
To: <dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu>
Cc: <jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu>, <gblock@conet.ucla.edu>
Subject: the state of the program
Dear Sirs
I grew up on UCLA lore. In fact, I was born to it. Both of my parents went to UCLA, and
were there for the Wooden years. My mother was a tutor to Walton and his gang. My father
hid from the Black Panthers in Royce when they invaded the campus. They lived and breathed
John Wooden, and taught me everything I needed to know about how to get into UCLA
myself. In fact, the common joke is that I was bred to go there.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching Bruin basketball. I remember seeing Reggie
fly. I cheered for what we called the 5 MsTracy Murray, Mitch Butler, Derrick Martin,
Gerald Madkins, Don Maclean. I was pacing outside of my house, listening to my dad and
sisters scream, when Tyus made his layup against Minnesota. And in the end, when it came
down to choosing a college, I went to UCLA for the academics, yes, but because UCLA
basketball ran through my blood like oxygen.
I got there a year after the national championship and was there during the fall into the Lavin
years. I graduated in 2000 and suffered through those embarrassing years of no basketball
identity. I was ecstatic when Howland came on board, and I supported him and his hardnosed style up until the end. I met him several times, and really liked him personally, as
well as his style and passion for UCLA. When Steve Alford arrived, I was disappointed, but
wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the AD had seen something no one else
knew. Maybe he really was the one to bring the program back up. We have all, however, seen
that this is not the case. I dont know whats going on behind the scenes, and I dont know
what the motivations or political agendas are. I dont know how we got to this point.
What I do know is that Ive never been so embarrassed to be a UCLA basketball fan. Ive
never intentionally ignored my TV when theres a game on. Ive NEVER been able to say I
dont care about any of the players on the team. Not even during the Lavin years was I so
disillusioned with our team and what it was doing to our lofty history. I can say without a
doubt that Ill be withholding any and all support financial and otherwise until this
problem within the program is fixed. I absolutely cannot condone contributing to the downfall
of our program, or the man men who are allowing our tradition to be flushed away like
this. Please, for the love of all that is UCLA, fix the problem. Fire Steve Alford and find us a
coach worthy of those four letters.
Class of 2000
______________________________________________

GlassHouse Press
____________________________________________
has disappeared.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Dan Brisket
Steve Alford"s dismissal
Dear UCLA administration,

I am still amazed that you have not acted on firing Steve Alford. I am emailing you 3-4 times a week on behalf of
late father who was a devoted fan and alum. Keeping Alford is the worst possible decision. The nepotism and lack
of player development will force players to begin to look elsewhere. I know of two strongly considering leaving.
The situation is toxic among fans and players. Please act and save UCLA basketball by letting Coach Alford go.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeremy Borden
Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block; Rebholz, Joshua
More support for Alford"s dismissal
This just shouldn't be the case at the university with the most college basketball national titles.
Under Coach Alford, UCLA has been unranked in 47 of his 58 weeks as head coach
which is 81% of the time.
2014-15 UCLA was 12-12 against Power 5 opponents. (A Power 5 opponent is a team
from the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, SEC or Pac 12.)
2015-16 UCLA was 7-16 against Power 5 opponents.
2013-14 UCLA was 1-4 against ranked opponents. (That UCLA team had three first
round picks playing on it.)
2014-15 UCLA was 2-7 against ranked opponents.
While at UCLA, Coach Alford is 6-15 against ranked opponents.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeremy Borden
Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block; Rebholz, Joshua
More support for Alford"s dismissal
This just shouldn't be the case at the university with the most college basketball national titles.
Under Coach Alford, UCLA has been unranked in 47 of his 58 weeks as head coach
which is 81% of the time.
2014-15 UCLA was 12-12 against Power 5 opponents. (A Power 5 opponent is a team
from the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, SEC or Pac 12.)
2015-16 UCLA was 7-16 against Power 5 opponents.
2013-14 UCLA was 1-4 against ranked opponents. (That UCLA team had three first
round picks playing on it.)
While at UCLA, Coach Alford is 6-15 against ranked opponents.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Rossi
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Jim Rome comments on UCLA basketball program
Dear sirs,
The UCLA basketball program is now subject to national ridicule. Please see below for the
comments made by Jim Rome on his national radio show yesterday. The fan base continues to
wonder when the administration will listen to the will of the people.
Yesterday, a plane was flying over Westwood dragging a banner that read
UCLA Deserves Better- Fire Alford Give that pilot a 1-seed. And give whoever
paid him a key to the city.
Thats one of the most iconic flights LA has seen since Howard Hughes landed
on a golf course and Harry Ford crashed into one.
And Id like to say its a low point for UCLA basketball, but I cant. Sure, there
have been some shaky coaching runs over the years. But I dont remember
getting the fly-over treatment after a 6-12 season in conference. And even
thats not your low point. The low point was walking off the floor after losing to
USC by 24 points to complete the first cross-town season sweep since the
1940s. The last time that happened, John Wooden was serving in World War II.
Never mind hiring a plane, the program should have put Steve Alford on one and
flew him out of town.
But give credit to Alford for something his team had 1 more Pac-12 win than
the Bruins football team had. So at least tip the cap for Alf for the re-branding.
Because hes helping turn a classic national basketball program into a football
school.
Sincerely,
Tony Rossi
UCLA Class of 1993
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
patoooo@
Block, Gene
UCLA Basketball
Sir,
Did you see this? This is Nationwide media. We're being laughed at.
from Jim Rome show today:

"Spring Break just started early at UCLA. Ive gotta a feeling on Frat Row in
Westwood, there were some red solo cups raised to the sky out of respect for
the pilot buzzing campus with a FIRE ALFORD banner.
Yesterday, a plane was flying over Westwood dragging a banner that read
UCLA Deserves Better- Fire Alford Give that pilot a 1-seed. And give whoever
paid him a key to the city.
Thats one of the most iconic flights LA has seen since Howard Hughes landed
on a golf course and Harry Ford crashed into one.
And Id like to say its a low point for UCLA basketball, but I cant. Sure, there
have been some shaky coaching runs over the years. But I dont remember
getting the fly-over treatment after a 6-12 season in conference. And even
thats not your low point. The low point was walking off the floor after losing to
USC by 24 points to complete the first cross-town season sweep since the
1940s. The last time that happened, John Wooden was serving in World War II.
Never mind hiring a plane, the program should have put Steve Alford on one and
flew him out of town. Not that I dont respect the hustle of whoever threw down
for that plane. Can you even imagine how much that must have cost in LA? If
you have to break off a half mill to get a 2-bedroom condo, with a shared wall,
its gotta be steep to rent a 2-passenger plane. And yet, whatever it is its a
drop in the bucket compared to what UCLA would have to pay to actually
Whack the Alf.Never mind that puddle jumper, you could buy 3 private jets for
the 10.4 mill Alf would be due if they ran him.Thats the buzzkill in this party.
UCLA wasnt even close to going to March Madness. And Alf isnt going
anywhere.
As much I respect angry UCLA fans throwing down for an aviator, theyd be
better off starting a Kickstarter.
But give credit to Alford for something his team had 1 more Pac-12 win than
the Bruins football team had. So at least tip the cap for Alf for the re-branding.
Because hes helping turn a classic national basketball program into a football
school.
You deserve better than Steve Alford, Bruin fan, but unless you can scratch a
ten million dollar check, youre not going to get it. Never mind that you had
better. And his name is Ben Howland. You believe that: you fired a guy who
took you to three Final Fours in order to hire a guy who just got swept by USC?!
How the hell does that work? Id love to tell you its all going to work out just
fine, Bruin fan. But it wont."
-- Jim Rome
UCLA deserves better!
As long as Steve Alford is coaching UCLA basketball I will never attend another game or give any money
to the UCLA athletic program.
Thank you for your time.
Pat Thompson
50 year die-hard UCLA fan.
if you wish to chat.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew
Guerrero, Dan
Coach Alford must be relieved of his duties
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 12:00:37 PM
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

I am sure by now you are tired of receiving these emails. Believe me, I am tired of sending
them, and I'm sure my fellow Bruin fans are, too. It is a measureof our love of the men's
basketball program and our respect for you to do the right thing that we continue to lobby to
save Bruin hoops from the depths to which it has sunk. At this time of year, when we should
be breaking down our brackets and sizing up the competition (not as a lame double-digit seed
but one with a real chance to make the Final Four), we are instead focused on the change
that must be made. Why? Because Bruin basketball has beenreduced to irrelevance.
Let that sink in. UCLA basketball is nationally irrelevant -- not even worthy of an NIT bid (not
that a proud Bruin program should ever be reduced to playing in the NIT).
Even last year's Sweet 16 team (reminiscent of the days of Steve Lavin, whom you rightfully
fired) was a sign of trouble for the program. UCLA was a controversial choice to even be in
the tournament, and only as an 11 seed. Everyone knew UCLA had no chance of making a
deep run in the tournament, and of course we did not. Mid-majors rightfullycelebrate
Cinderella Sweet 16 runs; basketball royalty does not. But the longer Coach Alford is
retained, the farther away from basketball royalty UCLA becomes.
Every team turns in a bad performance now and then. But that is not what we have here. A
team that was talented enough to beat Kentucky, Gonzaga, and Arizona completely collapsed.
No defense, no fundamentals, no intensity, no pride. They rolled over and got demolished by
USC three times.
Coach Alford lost the team, and lost the program. It cannot be recovered. Rumors of
imminent transfers are swirling around the program. When it is mentioned in the media, the
coverage is not favorable. Taken with the groundswell of fan opposition to Coach Alford's
tenure, transfers clearly telegraph to the outside world that something is rotten in the state
of Westwood.
You know all of this. You also know on some level that there is only one cure for it.
Please relieve Coach Alford of his duties. It is time.
Respectfully,
Matt Henderson
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Scott Revlin
Prince Ali is transferring
image001.png
image002.png
"Weve had our issues with transfers as of late. Im hoping that Steve can come in, bring in quality
players, and hopefully allow them to grow and develop so that they can have a program, that year
in and year out, can compete at a high level." - Dan Guerrero on hiring Steve Alford, March, 2013
Scott Revlin, MA, BCBA

Clinical Manager
STAR of CA
(805) 644-7827 Office
Cell
starofca.com
Connect with STAR of CA:
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kenji Kumara
Guerrero, Dan
Accurate overview of the men"s program and this season
http://mostlyuclahoops.blogspot.com/
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Dan Brisket
Block, Gene
Prince Ali to transfer out due to Alford"s nepotism
Chancellor Block,
Mr. Guerrero and Rebholz,
The entire fabric of the program is in jeopardy. Please fire Coach Alford and end the nepotism and bad situation
overall. More
Players to come. Steve Alford is a disaster.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jon Cohen
Block, Gene
Steve Alford
Continuing to be an embarrassment. If these transfers are true, just more of a joke.

How is this going to be resolved. Another empty year at Pauley and Bryce Alford will damage
the program further.
Chancellor Block and Josh, why does Dan continue to hold all the cards here?
Same man who hired Karl Dorrell (oh my god), Rick Neuheisel and Steve Alford.
Unreal.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kenji Kumara
Block, Gene
Another good read on the program
UCLA Basketball fans are again catching flack for being

unreasonable and demanding. This narrative has raised its
ugly head every time Bruin fans have grown unhappy with the
basketball program overthe last 40 years.And its nonsense.*
Why do people keep insisting that UCLA fans are unrealistic and that the
pressure inherent in the UCLABasketball head coaching position outweighs the
opportunities for success?
RELATED: UCLA Is Not Going To The NCAA Tournament
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The elite tier in the history of this sport consists of five programs:North
Carolina,Duke,Kentucky,Kansas, andUCLA.** None of those other
programs would tolerate aSteve Lavinor aSteve Alford.
None of them would be scoffed at for parting ways with coaches that consistently
underperform and fail to develop talent. No one would tell Kentucky or North
Carolina to be happy with the Sweet Sixteen and the occasional missed
tournament.
Yet this is what UCLA fans keep hearing from college basketball media and
fans. Why?
Begging the Question
CONTENTION AND
was given six years in which
OCCASIONAL DEEP
to approach, not the success
TOURNAMENT RUNS. UCLA
of John Wooden, but of his
FANS ARE ENTITLED
immediate predecessor;
BECAUSE IT WAS ALWAYS
thatBen Howlandwas fired
THUS.
after an
embarrassingSports
Illustratedexpose that detailed his complete lack of control over an increasingly
troubled team. No, UCLA fans are impatient because it was always thus.
Never mind that UCLA fans arent asking for national title contention every year,
but rather conference title contention and occasional deep tournament runs.
UCLA fans are entitled because it was always thus.
The expiration date on this narrative has long passed, but the college basketball
talking heads have turned up their noses so high that they dont notice the
smell.
And it becomes self-fulfilling. If reports are true thatBrad StevensandShaka
Smartboth turned down the UCLA job after Howland was fired because they
didnt think the fans unreasonable expectations would give them a chance to
succeed, then this tiresome conversation is doing real damage to the program.
The Howland Wars

This narrative got an extension after the ugly firing of Ben Howland. The
headline of that decision was and still is that UCLA fired the coach who
brought them to three straight Final Fours. People couldnt (and cant) see past
that.
The debate still rages within the fan base. Had his style of play really hurt
recruiting? Had he really alienated the local prep and AAU pipelines?
WereNikola DragovicandReeves Nelsonreally that out of control? Had
Howland really let the culture get that toxic?
RELATED STORY:UCLA Basketball is Bad but Not Nikola

Dragovic Bad
Thats a good discussion for another time. But the bottom line is that Howland
was fired more for off-court headaches than for a lack of on-court success. It
was never that the 06-08 run wasnt enough, but rather that the man behind
that run seemed to have burnt and/or checked out. UCLA didnt fire 2003-2008
Howland. It fired 2009-2013 Howland.
Regardless of how you feel about that call, the consequences still ring through
coverage of UCLA today. Its lazy, and its unfair, and UCLA fans ought to rebut
it wherever possible, but this narrative isnot going away any time soon.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Tony Rodriguez
The alienation of fans by the UCLA admin is staggering!
image002.png
Dear Sirs,
The lack of a response to the UCLA fan base and alum is disturbing on your part. I attended and
graduated UCLA in 1987. I have donated in excess of $30,000 to the university, and have been a
season ticket holder for both football and basketball off and on since graduating. While I have not
donated as much as others, I nonetheless wear my colors proudly. Now that I am back permanently
in Los Angeles, I am ready to get involved as both a donor and season ticket holder. But none of this
will happen unless Coach Alford is removed as our basketball coach.
I have been talking with other alumni and this will not end until he is removed. We will organize
protests and make life uncomfortable for those involved in his retention. This is not a threat but a
normal right to voice our extreme displeasure to the current situation. We have peaceful but
media driven type protests even at games in Pauley. So far about 56 season ticket holders I know
will be involved.
For the way Coach Alford as alienated players on the team, he deserves the same alienation from
the fans he is the most hated coach in the Los Angeles sport scene. We will not relent nor will we
allow this great recruiting class be wasted by a nepotistic coach.
Please let Steve Alford go and save the UCLA brand. We are not going away!!
Tony Rodriguez
Black Wall International Companies

Managing Director-Global Financing
(310) 351-7221 Direct
Tony.Rodriguez@Blackwallinternational.com
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From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
DM
Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block; Guerrero, Dan
Prince Ali
Any comment on this story?

Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
During the team film session immediately after the Cal game late in the season, CSA began ripping on Ali
both offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of effort, and lack of help D possession after
possession. My source said it was bad. This lead to a emotional confrontation between CSA and Ali
later in the film session during an all-to-often defensive series for Bryce where CSA did not say a word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going on and had to be
removed from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice a supposed shoving match
between Ali and Bryce occurred where Ali was then removed from practice (these details were a bit gray
so I do not know exactly what happened). Bryce was allowed to stay. From that point on Ali was
benched and was actually encouraged by CSA sometime after the Oregon game to start looking
elsewhere.
Source also told me Bryce is so rarely criticized in film study vs. everyone else it makes numerous
players angry.
Take it FWIW... this source is extremely close to a player on the team.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain

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From:
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Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Zank
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua; Emily Zank
Ignoring people that pledge $50,000 to your department is an interesting choice
Four messages, five days, and not a peep in return.

An "out-of-office" reply would at least makesense. Isa gag order in effect? (Also an
interesting choice). Without communication and information, people tend to assume the
worst.
Ihope, for your sake,that rumors that you are trying to meddle in Alford's basketball staff but
retain him as coach through at least 2017 as sort of fantasy "leverage" to reduce his buyout in
the future are false, since:
(1) Replacing one or more assistant coaches will NOT make the basketball team any better
next season, or fix any of the underlying problems causing the terribleness and dysfunction.
So, what's the point?
(2) it indicates you have no intention of solving your basketball problem, since you are
prolonging the cause of its suffering;
(3) it signals that your donors and fans that youknow Alford has failed and should be fired,
but you aren't going to do it until after the next miserable season (if at all);
(4) that Mr. Alford wouldtrade away a portion of $10MM in guaranteed buyout payments in
order to keep a job where he has poisoned the entire ecosystem, has no support from anyone,
and will enter next season on the hottest of hot seats even if you fail to fire him.
(5) it may be distracting you from pursuing other, more productive avenues to solving your
basketball crisis
Fire him now. Make the madness stop. End the civil war. The solution is so obvious, and it is
bizarre that you are resisting it. The firstplayers put in their transfer paperwork today and
more will follow; they've had enough of Alford also.
Please, please, please let someone help you.
Michael Zank
On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 12:02 PM, Michael Zank <mike.zank@

Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Rebholz, and Chancellor Block,
> wrote:
This is my third message (I've received no reply to the other two), and I'm amazed that
young donors walking away from a $50,000 pledge to Athletics (the Football Facility, in
particular) doesn't even merit a placeholder copy-paste response. Maybe your CRM system
is broken?
I'm not sure the three of you understand the level of crisis that Ucla Athletics finds itself in,
or the damage Mr. Guererro has caused to the relationship between Ucla and its donor
community by (1) failing to do and due diligence when hiring a men's basketball coach in
2013, (2) failing to dismiss a failed basketball coach at the end of this season, and (3)
dismissing the pleas of hundreds (thousands?) of members of the Ucla community to fix the
problem, in the most tone-deaf manner possible, by quietly leaking that he was going to
retain Steve Alford just 36 hours after the end of this miserable season in hopes it would
shut us up, rather than really examine or address the multiple issues causing this crisis.
People (me included) really, really, really want to support Ucla and its athletic programs.
We don't want to be stuck in a war with Mr. Guerrerothat we didn't start. Athletics in
particular (for better or worse)providesthe common cultural element that unites all
students, alumni, and fans, and builds the goodwill that eventually matures intodonorship
like that of Mr. Wasserman and Mr. Ostin, and others that have made large gifts to other
departments. The current course of the Athletics administration is destroying this culture,
and making the donor experience miserable. We want to give more, not less. We don't want
to walk away from pledges, but Mr. Guerrero has left us no option.
I'll close with a few suggestions and observations that you may not have considered. It's not
too late for Mr. Guerrero to avoid the perception that he will be the Athletic Director that
killed Ucla Men's Basketball, the crown jewel of the entire department. Fire the alreadyfailed Mr. Alford. Don't further alienate your closest supporters by giving up on Men's
Basketball.
Please consider:
(1) The situation is only going to get worse. The "Fire Alford" movement, in all likelihood,
is just getting started. The entirety of next basketball season, and all the time in between,
will be even uglier if Mr. Alford is retained.
(2) In time, the focus for the failed Hoops program will shift from Mr. Alford to Mr.
Guerrero and Ucla. Right now, Mr. Alford's failures are in the spotlight. It will be bad for
all of us when this shifts to Mr. Guerrero and Ucla, and the question and perception among
the Ucla community and the national mediabecomes "why have THEY failed?"
(3) Mr. Guerrero has two choices: hero or goat. Unfortunately, his service and legacy as
athletic director will, unfairly or not, be cast solely by his response to this crisis. I hope for
his sake he chooses "hero". We wantpeace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and only Mr.
Guerrero can provide them.
As I said before, we want to give more, not less. Please give us a reason to consider Ucla
worthy of support, because on the current course there won't be any Wassermans or Ostins
to support the next Athletic Director.
Best Regards,
Michael Zank
PS - If you perceive thatthis crisis to be too problematic for the current athletics
organization to successfully resolve, I promise there are many capable, professional people
who are happy to volunteer to help out. Please call me if there is anything I can do with my
time or expertise to help fix Ucla Basketball, or assist the Athletics organization in general.
Bryce's defense is atrocious and Hefland gets it.

An important second point is Hefland does not tow the party line talking about Bryce's great assist
to turnover ratio, why? Hefland knows that next year UCLA has a real and elite point guard
option. As the diplomatic intern says:
Lonzo Ball; G; 6-5; Fr.; Might be Alford's most decorated recruit ever. Was the
Naismith high school player of the year.
Ball has to have the ball in his hands. Ball is not good but amazing. Ball is one of those guys the
question is not if he is going to be good but how good is he going to be. There is a reason why
Hefland talks about Bryce's clutchness and lack of defense, not his point guard skills.
The finaltwo players I will highlight:
Isaac Hamilton; G; 6-5; Sr.; Arguably UCLA's most improved player. He was third
in the Pac-12 Conference in scoring and is a capable defender.
Aaron Holiday; PG; 6-1; So.; The team's steals and three-point percentage leader,
Holiday contributed in all facets as a freshman.
Notice that Hefland praised Hamilton's defense and all facets of the game for Holiday. In other
words, if Steve Alford believes the problem is defense thenBryce Alfordmust be benched.
UCLA should look like this next year:
PG: Offense: Ball Defense; Holiday
SG: Offense Holiday Defense Hamilton
SF: Offense Hamilton Defense: Ball
Quick comments on this fantasy. Holiday is a good defender who could be great. Holiday was the
team's leading three shooter as well. Most importantly Holiday is the only guy who can cover a
quick point guard on the opposing team.
Hamilton is a very good shooter but limited as a ball handler (me being diplomatic.) He actually
makes sense as a small forward on offense. Steve Alford felt Hamilton struggled against stronger
threes on defense. That makes Ball the obvious choice to guard the three.
Of course this is a fantasy because Steve Alford won't cut Bryce's minutes let alone bench him. As
the Diplomat says in another article entitled"UCLA's lack of defense, effort and leadership
led to a lost season"with a picture of a sitting Bryce :
However, next season will be a critical one. Reaching the status UCLA craves
contending for Final Fours and national championships requires addressing this
season's shortcomings: defense, effort and leadership.
Most likely, Ball will play point guard, with Bryce Alford shifting to shooting guard
and Isaac Hamilton, the team's leading scorer, staying at small forward.
That would leave Aaron Holiday, who showed talent and toughness as a freshman,
coming off the bench.
Again let's read between the lines on what the Dipolmat says on the problems:
"defense" No other player besides Bryce is criticized by Hefland for his defense.
"effort" Okay Hefland does not say this but part of Bryce's problem is he makes little effort on
defense. He does pick a siting Bryce for the picture to accompany the article.
"leadership" Bryce along withTony Parkeris identified as the leader. Hefland praisesNorman
Powellleadership the year before and is strongly implying that Bryce failed as a leader.
So basically Hefland is diplomatically saying Bryce needs to play less, not be a point guard and gasp
maybe be benched in favor of the good in all facets Holiday.
We all know that Bryce is a lock next year to lead UCLA in minutes and play a lot of point, which is
why we very undiplomatically say "Fire Steve Alford now!"
Go Bruins!
Bryce's defense is atrocious and Hefland gets it.

An important second point is Hefland does not tow the party line talking about Bryce's great assist
to turnover ratio, why? Hefland knows that next year UCLA has a real and elite point guard
option. As the diplomatic intern says:
Lonzo Ball; G; 6-5; Fr.; Might be Alford's most decorated recruit ever. Was the
Naismith high school player of the year.
Ball has to have the ball in his hands. Ball is not good but amazing. Ball is one of those guys the
question is not if he is going to be good but how good is he going to be. There is a reason why
Hefland talks about Bryce's clutchness and lack of defense, not his point guard skills.
The finaltwo players I will highlight:
Isaac Hamilton; G; 6-5; Sr.; Arguably UCLA's most improved player. He was third
in the Pac-12 Conference in scoring and is a capable defender.
Aaron Holiday; PG; 6-1; So.; The team's steals and three-point percentage leader,
Holiday contributed in all facets as a freshman.
Notice that Hefland praised Hamilton's defense and all facets of the game for Holiday. In other
words, if Steve Alford believes the problem is defense thenBryce Alfordmust be benched.
UCLA should look like this next year:
PG: Offense: Ball Defense; Holiday
SG: Offense Holiday Defense Hamilton
SF: Offense Hamilton Defense: Ball
Quick comments on this fantasy. Holiday is a good defender who could be great. Holiday was the
team's leading three shooter as well. Most importantly Holiday is the only guy who can cover a
quick point guard on the opposing team.
Hamilton is a very good shooter but limited as a ball handler (me being diplomatic.) He actually
makes sense as a small forward on offense. Steve Alford felt Hamilton struggled against stronger
threes on defense. That makes Ball the obvious choice to guard the three.
Of course this is a fantasy because Steve Alford won't cut Bryce's minutes let alone bench him. As
the Diplomat says in another article entitled"UCLA's lack of defense, effort and leadership
led to a lost season"with a picture of a sitting Bryce :
However, next season will be a critical one. Reaching the status UCLA craves
contending for Final Fours and national championships requires addressing this
season's shortcomings: defense, effort and leadership.
Most likely, Ball will play point guard, with Bryce Alford shifting to shooting guard
and Isaac Hamilton, the team's leading scorer, staying at small forward.
That would leave Aaron Holiday, who showed talent and toughness as a freshman,
coming off the bench.
Again let's read between the lines on what the Dipolmat says on the problems:
"defense" No other player besides Bryce is criticized by Hefland for his defense.
"effort" Okay Hefland does not say this but part of Bryce's problem is he makes little effort on
defense. He does pick a siting Bryce for the picture to accompany the article.
"leadership" Bryce along withTony Parkeris identified as the leader. Hefland praisesNorman
Powellleadership the year before and is strongly implying that Bryce failed as a leader.
So basically Hefland is diplomatically saying Bryce needs to play less, not be a point guard and gasp
maybe be benched in favor of the good in all facets Holiday.
We all know that Bryce is a lock next year to lead UCLA in minutes and play a lot of point, which is
why we very undiplomatically say "Fire Steve Alford now!"
Go Bruins!
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Trevor Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Please Dismiss Steve Alford
Dear Mr Guerrero,
Asking Coach Alford to change his staff is a vote of no confidence and will not improve the
situation at hand, which is one of gross nepotism and professional negligence. Rearranging
the bystanders (i.e. the coaching staff) to this mess will solve nothing. Steve will still be the
coach and will still be favoring his son over far superior players like Prince Ali, whom I'm
sure you're aware by now is transferring due to mistreatment at the hands of the person who
should have been guiding and teaching him (Steve Alford). If you want to know what I'm
referring to, go here: http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/forums/1735-bro-premiumhoops/14636328-the-truth-behind-this-transfer. Please, if you are considering asking Steve to
make changes to his staff, stop. It will satisfy no one and will solve nothing, because it does
not address the true core of the problem.
Asking Steve for a reduction to the buyout you gave him will also solve nothing, at least from
the point-of-view of all of us dissatisfied with the program. The buyout was an extraordinary
mistake, and extending it after Steve's disappointing first year was an even greater blunder,
but trying to retroactively erase those decisions will, again, not protect the program from
further degradation: Steve will still be coaching; he will still be insisting Bryce play over
thirty-five minutes a game, whether it's for the good of the team or not; he will still be
demanding from other players superb effort while tolerating Bryce's on-court laziness and
selfishness, if not passionately encouraging it; etc.
The only effective course of action available to you is to dismiss Steve Alford from his post.
Anything else is blatant pusillanimity.
To reiterate: please dismiss Steve Alford from his post as the head coach of UCLA men's
basketball. No other action will correct the very steep decline in quality the program is on
right now, and has been on since Steve's first year. No progress can be made if Steve Alford
remains as head coach.
Sincerely,
Trevor Fuller
UCLA Class of 2012
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew
Guerrero, Dan
yet more on Coach Alford
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

If rumors are to believed, not only is Prince Ali transferring from UCLA, he is doing so in large
measure because of the disparate treatment he and other members of the team receive
compared to the coach's son, Bryce Alford.
If this rumor is not true, it must be swiftly and honestlyrebutted.
If this rumor is true, it is a gross indictment of Coach Alford and his program and is, standing
alone, grounds for termination.
I am sure you are sick of Bruin Report Online by now. However, you must also recognize that
it is the leading outlet for UCLA sports fans on the internet, and as such, represents the
collective voice of thousands of fans, many of whom buy the tickets, merchandise, and
concessions that drive UCLA athletic department revenue. We also collectively make untold
dollars in donations to the athletic department (and indeed all departments and programs at
the school). Bruin Report Online is thus the most credible and active voice in the world of
UCLA sports (and, to be clear, they give praise and credit where it is due and are not mere
bomb-throwing, name-calling fanatics as other fan sites might be).
This is Bruin Report Online's assessment of the men's basketball program. It is not an easy
read, but it is a vital one.
http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/story/1652435-the-state-of-the-ucla-basketball-program
One excerpt:
The foundation of the program has rarely been on as shaky ground as this. From a historical
perspective, the last eight years have been pretty close to the nadir for the UCLA program
in the modern, post-Wooden era, and over the last three years, Alford has done little to slow
the slide into mediocrity. Player development has been poor, recruiting has taken an
unnecessary amount of time to get going, and the obvious favoritism shown to his son has
alienated certain players and could help to lead to mass departures this offseason.
The fanbase has also been marginalized and alienated, and it has led to an enormous
groundswell of fan anger over the last several weeks, with a petition to fire Steve Alford
gaining over 1500 signatures and an actual banner flown over the UCLA campus this week
calling for his ouster. Even in the waning days of Lavin and Howland, there wasnt this level
of fan anger at the coach. Its truly unprecedented, and signals nothing good about the
current state of the UCLA basketball program.
This is the sad state of what should be one of the great exemplars of college athletics, the
pinnacle of being an NCAA student athlete. Instead it is a morass of indifference, nepotism,
and irrelevance.
The only means of fixing this is clear. Please dismiss Coach Alford from his position,
immediately. Nothing short of this -- not assistant coaching changes, not promises to "do
better," not meetings or conferences or discussions or memoranda -- will suffice.
Sincerely,
Matt Henderson
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brett Threlkeld
Nepotism in UCLA Basketball
Dear Dr. Block,

As the chancellor of this great public institution, I would like to ask you how the
administration would respond if allegations or evidence of nepotism were identified in, say,
the Math or Life Sciences department? Would the administration take such allegations
seriously, and investigate? If the allegations of nepotism were found to have a basis in fact,
what steps (if any) would the administration take to correct the situation?
Followers of UCLA's basketball program are well aware that such a situation currently exists,
with dramatic negative effect. Why is this situation being ignored, or even tolerated? Why is a
coach allowed to showcase his son, to the detriment of the team, the program and the
university?
Sadly, these are fair questions to ask, given the current state of the UCLA men's basketball
program. I am hopeful that each of you will do the right thing, and hold the men's basketball
program to the same high standards as every other department at UCLA.
Best regards,
Brett Threlkeld
UCLA Class of 1984
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
R. Brink
Block, Gene
PLEASE FIRE ALFORD NOW
UCLA has gone unranked in 46 of the 57 weeks during Alfords tenure.
Anyone that pays any attention to our performance in games during the Alford era can see
how poorly our teams are coached.
Please fire Alford now.
Sincerely, Roy Donald Brink

Engineering class of 68,
Executive MBA class of 92
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Abner Kwon
Block, Gene
UCLA Basketball
Dr. Block:
The below is a must read piece from Bruin Report Online and one that is eerily eye-opening. Thank you for
your time.
It has now been 21 seasons since UCLA won a national championship, and prior to that championship in
1995, it had been 20 seasons. In other words, in 41 seasons since John Wooden retired, UCLA has won a
single national championship. In that same time frame, Kentucky has won four of its eight total titles, Duke
has won all five of its titles, North Carolina has won four of its five, Indiana has won three of its five,
Connecticut has won four, Louisville has won three, Kansas has won two, and the list goes on.
Here's a better way to put it: of the 14 schools who have actually won NCAA basketball championships, UCLA
is tied for 11th for the most since 1975, which puts the Bruins ahead of basketball powerhouses Cincinnati
(last won in 1962), San Francisco (last won in 1956), and Oklahoma State (last won in 1946) and tied with
North Carolina State (last won in 1983).
So, when we're writing a piece about the state of the UCLA basketball program, it's important to understand
what kind of basketball program UCLA actually has. This is not a program that is among the uber-elite in
college basketball -- unfortunately, that categorization is reserved for schools like Kentucky, Duke, North
Carolina, and Kansas these days. UCLA has simply not won enough to get lumped in with those schools at
the top of the mountain.
Of course, UCLA fading from the category of the elite didn't just happen in a vacuum, and it hasn't been a
straight-line fall. There was that brief, awesome up-tick for the first half of Ben Howland's tenure when he
recruited, developed, and coached very well, and UCLA, as a matter of course, went to three straight Final
Fours. If Howland could have sustained that style, and if he'd been wired a little differently, it's actually kind
of easy to imagine that UCLA might have been able to ascend firmly back into that elite category, and pull in
a 12th or 13th banner.
But Howland wasn't able to sustain the success, and UCLA probably waited a year too long to fire him, and
that has long been part of UCLA's problem -- waiting too long to fire a guy. Of course, the more significant
issue has been hiring the wrong guy in the first place, as UCLA did with Steve Lavin after Jim Harrick was
fired. By hiring Lavin, UCLA wasn't able to parlay the 1995 championship into any kind of meaningful,
sustained winning, and Howland's own issues squandered the window that yawned open after the threestraight Final Fours.
Now, as we talked about in the last piece, UCLA has had four losing seasons in the last 14, and has missed
the NCAA Tournament altogether in five of the last 14 years. As far as college basketball goes, that's the
mark of an average-ish high-major program, and certainly not anything close to elite.
The frustrating thing for UCLA fans, though, is that it's obvious UCLA still has the tools to be an elite
program, with a great recruiting base, an unparalleled tradition, soon-to-be very good facilities, and a
location that makes the school attractive to players country-wide. Think about this: it took Lavin, who isn't a
real basketball coach, six whole years to crater the program -- UCLA had enough natural juice that he
managed to go to an Elite Eight in his first season and Sweet 16s in his next five! Howland proved that
UCLA is just a smart, sustained recruiting strategy and a good coach away from being right back in the mix
for Final Fours and national championships.
Now, UCLA has missed the NCAA Tournament again this year after a very bad season that saw the Bruins
finish 15-17. Under Steve Alford, UCLA has become a progressively worse team on both offense and
defense, and the shocking thing this year was the near total lack of effort at times, especially over the last
three or four weeks of the season when UCLA needed to put together a win streak to get an NCAA
Tournament bid. Instead, the team (both coaches and players) folded. It was an awful season to watch,
and, as we wrote last week, it is certainly in the conversation for the worst season UCLA has had since
1948. Alfords first three years, as we talked about last week, were the worst first three years for a coach
since Wilbur Johns, and are comparable to the LAST three years for Walt Hazzard and Ben Howland.
Hows this for a stat: UCLA has gone unranked in 46 of 57 weeks during Alfords tenure. Thats just
irrelevance.
But judging the record and rankings is only a surface-level way to evaluate a program. Below, we're going to
take a look at the significant factors that have played into UCLA being in the state it's in: On-Court Issues,
Favoritism, and Recruiting Problems.
On-Court Issues
UCLA showed a stunning lack of effort on defense this year, and this was easily the worst year for UCLA
under Alford in terms of defensive effort. But what's especially shocking is the sheer lack of defensive
fundamentals you see from the players on the court. After four years, Tony Parker still doesn't know how to
position himself to avoid fouls, and after three years, Bryce Alford, and Isaac Hamilton to a lesser extent,
still don't know to consistently get in a stance and keep their hands up on defense. These aren't even
complex things -- keeping your hands up in a zone defense is something you can teach a group of third
graders.
The lack of fundamentals in the program is obvious from watching any of the games, and from what we've
seen and heard, it stems from a practice culture that is anything but stringent. Howland's practices during
his time in Westwood were the stuff of legend, with players having to spend long hours off-court preparing
for what they'd have to do on the court. They were extremely tough practices with a ton of time spent on
minute attention to detail -- how to space your feet, how to position your hands, the proper angle to bend
your knee in a defensive stance.
Alford's practices are lackadaisical affairs from what we've heard, and from what we've seen. There's little
attention to detail and little time spent on specific tactics for a given opponent. They're also not close to as
rigorous as Howland's practices, which often left players physically exhausted (which was, of course,
sometimes detrimental). When it comes to film work and developing game plans, what we've heard is that
this staff really has a hard time developing effective game plans, and, what's more, has a pronounced
inability to adjust game plans mid-game.
Universally, even if players didn't like him at times, they had a profound respect for Howland's hoops
acumen, and what we've heard over the last three years is that it's pretty much the opposite for the overall
assessment of Alford. The feeling is that there isn't an emphasis on player development, at least not to the
extent there was under Howland, and that's another thing that's pretty obvious watching the team,
especially from a physical perspective, where all of these guys look the same as they did last year.
From a game preparation and motivation standpoint, this year specifically, the players and the coaches
pretty much gave up on the season down the stretch. Again, not to keep comparing things to Howland's
years in Westwood, but when the team would have a losing streak or just not play well for a while,
Howland, who was already a tireless, 16-hour-day type worker, would ratchet up the intensity to an
altogether new level. Practices would be tougher, there would be even more film work, and more often than
not, play would improve.
None of that happened this year. If anything, from what we've gathered, there was actually more of a sense
of the coaches and players going through the motions over the last three weeks in practice and film study.
If giving effort is the basic thing to expect from players, then giving motivation is the basic thing to expect
from coaches, and from what we've heard, both parties failed in those basic jobs.
Its the consensus from several people around the program: this staff just isnt the grinding type. They dont
put in the kind of time that Howland did, and as a general rule, theyre just not putting in that same kind of
effort. Even throwing that out, theres an open question whether this staff has the coaching chops to
compete at the highest level of basketball it certainly hasnt shown up on the court or in practice.
Favoritism
I've actually avoided this subject in most of what I've written about the basketball team, because its an
uncomfortable subject and its not Bryce Alfords fault that his dad plays him so many minutes. That's
probably been an error on my part, because it's obvious now how much of an issue it is and has been for
the team. When Steve Alford was hired, he brought his son Bryce with him to Westwood, and since then, he
has played Bryce too many minutes and given him too many shots every single year that he's been here.
It's not really even up for debate. In 2014, Bryce played 23 minutes per game, almost all of them at point
guard, and that was a misallocation of the ball responsibilities, for one, since Kyle Anderson was a far better
option initiating the offense (Anderson's assist rate that year was a ridiculous 34.1 while Bryce's was a fine,
unspectacular 19.1). Alford played just three fewer minutes per game than Norman Powell, who was a
significantly better offensive and defensive option and should have played more than 25 minutes per game.
Heck, Anderson only played 33 minutes per game, and given that we've seen Alford is more than willing to
play Bryce 36+ minutes per game, Anderson probably should have played a few more as well.
Last year, with only three guards on the roster, Alford was forced to play all three of Bryce, Powell, and
Isaac Hamilton major minutes, but its worth noting that Bryce played the most minutes on the team at
36.3 per game, with Powell notching 34 and Hamilton playing 33. This year, with one more guard in the
rotation, Bryce again played 36.3 minutes per game, followed by Hamilton at 35 and Aaron Holiday at 31.
To give that some context, this year he played a greater percentage of minutes for UCLA than any Pac-12
player is playing for any Pac-12 team. He played a greater percentage of minutes for UCLA than Tyler Ulis is
playing for Kentucky. He played a greater percentage of minutes for UCLA than Buddy Hield is playing for
Oklahoma, and Hield might be the best player in college basketball this year. He played more than
Hamilton, Welsh, and Parker, who all shot the ball better this year and played more defense, and he played
more than Holiday, who was a significantly better defender and only a slightly worse shooter. Bryce has
some obvious assets as a player he doesnt turn the ball over much at all and he shoots threes pretty
well but those two things really do not justify the amount of minutes he gets. This year, he was the
fourth-best shooter among starters but took the second-most shots.
And from what we understand, the players recognize this issue as well. From what weve heard, the players
dont have any specific dislike for Bryce far from it, actually, as most of what we heard indicates hes a
pretty likable guy but theres a real pronounced resentment of the obvious favoritism shown to him by
the coaching staff. There will be film sessions where the defensive issues of certain players will be dissected
ad nauseum, but rarely is there any mention of Bryces defensive issues. There have been a couple of
instances over the last couple of years where weve heard, after one player or another steps up offensively
in a particular game, that the coaching staffs message is that it was a result of the opposing team being so
focused on taking away Bryce.
Theres been enough obvious favoritism in the program that it has contributed to a significant amount of
resentment from the players on the team (and not just this season), so its something that needs to be
mentioned. Whatever we might feel about Bryce playing so many minutes and how it might affect whether
the team wins a certain amount of games, our assessment is nowhere near as important as the assessment
of the players on the team.
UCLA could see at least one player, and possibly more players, leave the program this offseason, and, from
what weve gathered, the obvious favoritism, along with the poor coaching and lack of development, could
be a factor in those decisions.
Recruiting Problems
No one is disputing that UCLA has a good group of players coming in with the 2016 class, and the 2017 class
is certainly shaping up to be a pretty good one as well. But this year's team was built on the strength of the
2013, 2014, and 2015 classes, and it's hard to describe those classes as anything other than a significant
failure.
In the 2013 class, UCLA signed Isaac Hamilton (who had to sit out his first year), Wanaah Bail (who has
transferred, and also who probably shouldn't have been playing at this level anyway), Bryce Alford (the
head coach's son who plays too many minutes), Noah Allen (who probably shouldn't be playing at this
level), and Zach LaVine (who played one year and left for the NBA). You can give them a general pass for
this class, since they didn't have much time to do anything beyond bring in a warm body in Bail and
eventually get Hamilton on the bounce-back from UTEP. Notably, though, they parted ways with Allerik
Freeman, who's a key piece at shooting guard for a pretty good Baylor team this year.
In the 2014 class, UCLA signed Jonah Bolden (who had to sit out his first year), Thomas Welsh, Kevon
Looney (who played one year and left for the NBA), and Gyorgy Goloman (who's a backup, at best, for a
very good team). No, your eyes don't deceive you -- there's not a single guard in that class.
In the 2015 class, UCLA signed Ikenna Okwarabizie (who probably shouldn't be playing at this level), Alex
Olesinski (who's a backup, at best, for a very good team), Prince Ali (who we've heard will likely transfer
after this season), and Aaron Holiday.
In other words, after three years of recruiting, of 13 players UCLA signed, four of those still on the roster are
probably not capable of playing for a very good UCLA team, one has already transferred, at least one of the
remainders is likely to transfer before next season, and two have moved on for the NBA. The 2015 class is
shaping up to be a significant failure, with what looks like two non-contributors and a transfer out of four
players, and that's not even taking into account what Holiday may decide to do (we've heard he's still
uncertain about whether he'll return to UCLA next season). UCLA did not sign a single guard in the 2014
class, which was a failure of pretty extreme magnitude given that UCLA had just three guards on the roster
for 2014-15.
Ultimately, just looking at that group of classes, this isn't the way UCLA recruits when the program is
healthy. We've gone over Steve Alford's recruiting strategy from those couple of years more than enough,
but, to hammer it home, pursuing the uber-elite national recruits all over the country like UCLA did for the
first two summers under Alford was a very bad strategy and not the sort of thing UCLA has historically had
a great deal of success doing. When UCLA has been very good, the Bruins have built their teams around the
great amounts of talent you can find within a 200-mile radius around UCLA. As we wrote at the time, unless
you have a firm connection to a kid across the country, it's usually a waste of time to spend a ton of
recruiting capital recruiting nationally. It just doesn't pay off enough to justify the expense of time and
resources. UCLA spent a ton of time going after guys like Myles Turner, Rashad Vaughn, Justise Winslow,
and more, especially in the 2014 class, and it really inhibited the Bruins' ability to sign local talent. Just look
at USC's roster of athletic, talented shooters and keep in mind that four of those guys from the 2014 and
2015 classes (Jordan McLaughlin, Elijah Stewart, Chimezie Metu, and Bennie Boatwright) wanted to be
Bruins at one time or another. UCLA showed a tremendous amount of hubris in recruiting through the first
two cycles, with Alford thinking that his name coupled with UCLA was enough to recruit with the Dukes and
Kentuckys of the world.
UCLA is leveraging its connections to the Compton Magic, a local AAU program, significantly more over the
next two cycles, which has helped UCLA earn commitments from very talented pieces in Ike Anigbogu, Jalen
Hill, and Jaylen Hands, and landing players like those guys is exactly what UCLA should be doing going
forward, and what UCLA should have done for the last three cycles. This isn't revisionist history -- everyone
who really knew the landscape of UCLA recruiting was telling the staff that they needed to prioritize local
recruiting at the time when UCLA was flying all over the country following the elites. We wrote it several
times here. Landing a Kevon Looney here or there doesn't justify missing out on the McLaughlins and Metus
of the world.
It's also worth noting that, as good as the next two classes are shaping up to be, they're really built on two
things: the coaching staff's relationship with the Compton Magic and the coaching staff's relationship with
Lavar Ball. Every player committed or signed with UCLA in 2016 and beyond is either named "Ball" or a
member of the Compton Magic. Having a partnership with just one AAU program and just one family of
basketball players is probably not a path to sustained long-term success. And its worth noting as well that
one of the few major successes Alfords staff had recruiting nationally in its first two cycles (landing Kevon
Looney) came about largely through the schools relationship with Adidas.
The foundation of the program has rarely been on as shaky ground as this. From a historical perspective, the
last eight years have been pretty close to the nadir for the UCLA program in the modern, post-Wooden era,
and over the last three years, Alford has done little to slow the slide into mediocrity. Player development
has been poor, recruiting has taken an unnecessary amount of time to get going, and the obvious favoritism
shown to his son has alienated certain players and could help to lead to mass departures this offseason.
The fanbase has also been marginalized and alienated, and it has led to an enormous groundswell of fan
anger over the last several weeks, with a petition to fire Steve Alford gaining over 1500 signatures and an
actual banner flown over the UCLA campus this week calling for his ouster. Even in the waning days of Lavin
and Howland, there wasnt this level of fan anger at the coach. Its truly unprecedented, and signals nothing
good about the current state of the UCLA basketball program.
UCLA is a storied program, with the kind of tradition, recruiting base, and name brand to be a very good to
elite college basketball program. As Howland showed just a decade ago, turning the program around and
getting back to elite status at UCLA really only requires a pretty good coach whos dedicated to his craft and
a smart, sustained recruiting approach.
And thats the hope for fans, I suppose: perhaps UCLA will one day have both of those things again.
Respectfully,
Abner Kwon
ARES MANAGEMENT LLC
2000 Avenue of the Stars | 12th Floor | Los Angeles | California | 90067 |US
310.201.4172 voice| 310.432.8736 fax | akwon@aresmgmt.com
www.aresmgmt.com
This message, including any attachments, may include privileged, confidential and/or inside
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From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Guerrero, Dan
Re: the state of the program
As fans and alumni, we thought you guys would be keen to hear these stories coming out
of the basketball program.
"During the team film session immediately after the Cal game late in the season, CSA
began ripping on Ali both offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of effort, and lack
of help D possession after possession. My source said it was bad. This lead to a
emotional confrontation between CSA and Ali later in the film session during an all-tooften defensive series for Bryce where CSA did not say a word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going
on and had to be removed from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice
a supposed shoving match between Ali and Bryce occurred where Ali was then removed
from practice (these details were a bit gray so I do not know exactly what happened).
Bryce was allowed to stay. From that point on Ali was benched and was actually
encouraged by CSA sometime after the Oregon game to start looking elsewhere.
Source also told me Bryce is so rarely criticized in film study vs. everyone else it makes
numerous players angry."
"And from what we understand, the players recognize this issue as well. From what weve
heard, the players dont have any specific dislike for Bryce far from it, actually, as most
of what we heard indicates hes a pretty likable guy but theres a real pronounced
resentment of the obvious favoritism shown to him by the coaching staff. There will be
film sessions where the defensive issues of certain players will be dissected ad nauseum,
but rarely is there any mention of Bryces defensive issues. There have been a couple of
instances over the last couple of years where weve heard, after one player or another steps
up offensively in a particular game, that the coaching staffs message is that it was a result
of the opposing team being so focused on taking away Bryce.
Theres been enough obvious favoritism in the program that it has contributed to a
significant amount of resentment from the players on the team (and not just this season),
so its something that needs to be mentioned. Whatever we might feel about Bryce playing
so many minutes and how it might affect whether the team wins a certain amount of
games, our assessment is nowhere near as important as the assessment of the players on
the team.
UCLA could see at least one player, and possibly more players, leave the program this
offseason, and, from what weve gathered, the obvious favoritism, along with the poor
coaching and lack of development, could be a factor in those decisions."
How difficult is it to see that Coach Alford is not only NOT UCLA material, but is
determined in his goal to showcase his son, rather than coach basketball here?
Please, open your eyes.
______________________________________________

GlassHouse Press
____________________________________________
has disappeared.
From: Carrie White <carrie.white@glasshousepress.com>

Date: Friday, March 4, 2016 7:45 AM
To: <dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu>
Cc: <jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu>, <gblock@conet.ucla.edu>
Subject: the state of the program
Dear Sirs
I grew up on UCLA lore. In fact, I was born to it. Both of my parents went to UCLA, and
were there for the Wooden years. My mother was a tutor to Walton and his gang. My father
hid from the Black Panthers in Royce when they invaded the campus. They lived and breathed
John Wooden, and taught me everything I needed to know about how to get into UCLA
myself. In fact, the common joke is that I was bred to go there.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching Bruin basketball. I remember seeing Reggie
fly. I cheered for what we called the 5 MsTracy Murray, Mitch Butler, Derrick Martin,
Gerald Madkins, Don Maclean. I was pacing outside of my house, listening to my dad and
sisters scream, when Tyus made his layup against Minnesota. And in the end, when it came
down to choosing a college, I went to UCLA for the academics, yes, but because UCLA
basketball ran through my blood like oxygen.
I got there a year after the national championship and was there during the fall into the Lavin
years. I graduated in 2000 and suffered through those embarrassing years of no basketball
identity. I was ecstatic when Howland came on board, and I supported him and his hardnosed style up until the end. I met him several times, and really liked him personally, as
well as his style and passion for UCLA. When Steve Alford arrived, I was disappointed, but
wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the AD had seen something no one else
knew. Maybe he really was the one to bring the program back up. We have all, however, seen
that this is not the case. I dont know whats going on behind the scenes, and I dont know
what the motivations or political agendas are. I dont know how we got to this point.
What I do know is that Ive never been so embarrassed to be a UCLA basketball fan. Ive
never intentionally ignored my TV when theres a game on. Ive NEVER been able to say I
dont care about any of the players on the team. Not even during the Lavin years was I so
disillusioned with our team and what it was doing to our lofty history. I can say without a
doubt that Ill be withholding any and all support financial and otherwise until this
problem within the program is fixed. I absolutely cannot condone contributing to the downfall
of our program, or the man men who are allowing our tradition to be flushed away like
this. Please, for the love of all that is UCLA, fix the problem. Fire Steve Alford and find us a
coach worthy of those four letters.
Class of 2000
______________________________________________

GlassHouse Press
____________________________________________
has disappeared.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jake Bryan
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; sports@media.ucla.edu
Re: Fire Alford leave Adidas
Perhaps you guys should go see why Prince Ali is going to transfer out... #nepotism
#FireAlford
If you guys think that Bruins Nation, BRO members, etc. are going to stop flying banners and
getting mobile ads going... You're mistaken.
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 11, 2016, at 4:54 PM, Jake Bryan <jakebryan02@
> wrote:
You guys are worthless... Bringing Alford back? I'll stop at nothing now to talk
about what a joke Ucla athletics has become. You are the definition of spineless.
It's the blind leading the blind with your group. Pauley will be empty next year
again, players will declare and transfer and we will still be led by our nepotistic
joke of a coach.
Oh and we all can't wait until you screw up the apparel deal. You'll do the simple
thing and re up with adidas because you guys don't work and lack vision. Adidas
is shit, we look like shit and recruits laugh at adidas.
Keep it up AD brain trust, your legacy has already been sealed. Spineless losers.
Sent from my iPhone
> wrote:
Out of curiosity... Are you guys aware of what Ucla fans think of
adidas? Are you checking Bruin Report Online, Bruins Nation,
Twitter and Facebook UCLA athletic pages?
If you are in touch with those pages and outlets I'm sure you know
how much the fan base hates adidas. Everyone would rather see is
with Nike, Jordan brand or Under Armour. Everyone is scared to
death because they think you won't negotiate and will just take
adidas' desperate money heave at you guys.
I'm begging you, please get something done with Nike, Jordan brand
or Under Armour. Sales will increase, it will be great publicity to
reinvigorate the fan base and recruits will love it.
I'm sending this now because all bruin fans know that you guys just
stopped by adidas hq. A big Ucla kiss up banner can't right the
wrongs that adidas has done. Terrible uniforms and no feeling at all
of being a flagship school. Adidas is and has been a joke. Please
make the right move. Get the fans and recruits pumped. This is your
chance to shine!
Sent from my iPhone
wrote:
To you guys as well...
From: Jake Bryan
<jakebryan02@
>
Date: March 3, 2016 at 11:10:15 AM PST
To: dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu
Subject: Fire Alford leave Adidas
Long time supporter of Ucla athletics, I can't
do it anymore for hoops if Alford is
retained. Done watching, attending,
everything.
I'm also done buying Ucla gear if we can't
figure out a way to go Nike, Jordan Brand
or Under Armour. Adidas is trash, they've
ruined our football uniform and it isn't
popular with high school recruits.
Done...
- Jake
Sent from my iPhone
>
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Galloway
More evidence of a mismanaged Athletic Department
Today, it is reported that the UCLA Athletic Department is asking basketball coach Steve
Alford change his coaching staff members, or accept a lesser buyout from his contract and
keep his staff. You must understand this is not a sufficient solution to this embarrassing
episode. This tactic offered by Dan Guerrero is at a minimum an admission of his own
mismanagement of Alfords unwarranted contract and buyout clause. Its a de-facto mea
culpa. Your problems regarding UCLA athletics have gone far beyond Steve Alfords poor
work performance it now points directly to mismanagement at the Director level.
Please remove Dan Guerrero immediately and begin a talent search for a new Athletic
Director.
My wife (UCLA class of 89) and myself are WAF donors and have held season seats at
UCLA football games since 1992.
Regards,
John G. Galloway
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 564-6651 ext. 6800
www.verbumdei.us
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Lam
Guerrero, Dan
RE: Suspension of UCLA Basketball Support
Dear Mr. Guererro:
I previously wrote to you regarding my concerns about the basketball program. Today, an account
of an incident that occurred behind closed doors has me even more troubled. It seems like the
basketball program under steve alford is on a path that will irreparably harm the basketball program
for years to come. Team morale looks to be at an all time low. I implore you to read the below
account and strongly reconsider your support of coach steve alford.
Sincerely,
John W. Lam
Class of 2001
During the team film session immediately after the Cal game late in the season, CSA began ripping on
Ali both offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of effort, and lack of help D possession after
later in the film session during an all-to-often defensive series for Bryce where CSA did not say a
word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going on and had to
be removed from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice a supposed shoving
match between Ali and Bryce occurred where Ali was then removed from practice (these details were
a bit gray so I do not know exactly what happened). Bryce was allowed to stay. From that point on
Ali was benched and was actually encouraged by CSA sometime after the Oregon game to start
looking elsewhere.
players angry.
Take it FWIW... this source is extremely close to a player on the team...
From: John Lam

Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 10:44 AM
Cc: gblock@conet.ucla.edu; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu
Subject: Suspension of UCLA Basketball Support
Dear Mr. Guerrero:
This email is to inform you that I will be suspending my support for UCLA Basketball until such time
that Coach Steve Alford is no longer the head basketball coach at UCLA. I have watched Coach
Alford manage the team in a manner that has undermined point guard recruiting over the past
three seasons as well as undermined team morale. I will no longer attend games or contribute to
the Wooden Athletic Fund.
Sincerely,
John W. Lam
Class of 2001
John W. Lam, Partner

JLam@agclawfirm.com
Southern California Office:
Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin
13181 Crossroads Pkwy. North
Suite 400 - West Tower
City of Industry, CA 91746
tel 562.699.5500 | fax 562.692.2244
Northern California Office Mailing Address:

PO Box 4016
Yountville, CA 94599
tel707.944.0540 | fax 707.944.0580
Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin represents Cities, Counties, Special Districts Airport, College, School,
Transit, Water and other Public Agencies, Private Corporations and Business Entities
www.agclawfirm.com
Privileged And Confidential Communication.

This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, (a) are protected by the Electronic
Communications Privacy Act (18 USC 2510-2521), (b) may contain confidential and/or legally
privileged information, and (c) are for the sole use of the intended recipient named above. If you have
received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender and delete the electronic message.
Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly
prohibited.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Lam
Guerrero, Dan
RE: Suspension of UCLA Basketball Support
Dear Mr. Guererro:
I previously wrote to you regarding my concerns about the basketball program. Today, an account
of an incident that occurred behind closed doors has me even more troubled. It seems like the
basketball program under steve alford is on a path that will irreparably harm the basketball program
for years to come. Team morale looks to be at an all time low. I implore you to read the below
account and strongly reconsider your support of coach steve alford.
Sincerely,
John W. Lam
Class of 2001
During the team film session immediately after the Cal game late in the season, CSA began ripping on
Ali both offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of effort, and lack of help D possession after
later in the film session during an all-to-often defensive series for Bryce where CSA did not say a
word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going on and had to
be removed from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice a supposed shoving
match between Ali and Bryce occurred where Ali was then removed from practice (these details were
a bit gray so I do not know exactly what happened). Bryce was allowed to stay. From that point on
Ali was benched and was actually encouraged by CSA sometime after the Oregon game to start
looking elsewhere.
players angry.
From: John Lam

Cc: gblock@conet.ucla.edu; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu
Subject: Suspension of UCLA Basketball Support
Dear Mr. Guerrero:
This email is to inform you that I will be suspending my support for UCLA Basketball until such time
that Coach Steve Alford is no longer the head basketball coach at UCLA. I have watched Coach
Alford manage the team in a manner that has undermined point guard recruiting over the past
three seasons as well as undermined team morale. I will no longer attend games or contribute to
the Wooden Athletic Fund.
Sincerely,
John W. Lam
Class of 2001
John W. Lam, Partner

JLam@agclawfirm.com
Southern California Office:
13181 Crossroads Pkwy. North
Suite 400 - West Tower
City of Industry, CA 91746
tel 562.699.5500 | fax 562.692.2244
Northern California Office Mailing Address:

PO Box 4016
Yountville, CA 94599
tel707.944.0540 | fax 707.944.0580
Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin represents Cities, Counties, Special Districts Airport, College, School,
Transit, Water and other Public Agencies, Private Corporations and Business Entities
www.agclawfirm.com
Privileged And Confidential Communication.

This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, (a) are protected by the Electronic
Communications Privacy Act (18 USC 2510-2521), (b) may contain confidential and/or legally
privileged information, and (c) are for the sole use of the intended recipient named above. If you have
received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender and delete the electronic message.
Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly
prohibited.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jaime Goldfarb
Block, Gene
Reports on Status of our Basketball Program
Although not privy to insider information on the inner dealings of our basketball program, unflattering rumors are
emerging regarding the handling of our players by the coaching staff. Are you investigating the allegations as part
of your due diligence in consideration of whether we retain or dismiss Coach Alford?
Jaime Goldfarb
Jaime Goldfarb, Ph.D.
CEO
Goldfarb Educational Consulting
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Alice Tsuyuki
Guerrero, Dan
Steve Alford
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

It is my understanding that Steve Alford has been told to replace his staff with people who are
approved by the Athletic Department. If that is true, it won't be enough to prevent the
further sinking of the once proud basketball program into irrelevance. Steve Alford must be
removed as head coach. With next year being Bryce's senior campaign, his dad will be
guaranteed to feature him even more than he has the last three years. Bryce plays no
defense, and certainly should not be playing the most minutes on the team. This blatant
nepotism will continue to affect team morale and cause players to transfer out (as I have
heard Prince Ali has already filed transfer papers).
Please do the right thing and fire Steve Alford. If you do that, I will renew my WAF
membership and buy season tickets again.
Thank you,
Alice Tsuyuki
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Macdonald
Guerrero, Dan
Stanford vs UCLA Basketball Program
Mr. Guerrero,
It was reported on Monday that Johnny Dawkins was relieved of his duties as
the head coach of the Stanford Basketball program. Although he had some
success earlier in his tenure, his recent performance had taking a decidedly
downward trajectory and the fan base and administration both recognized that
he was not the coach to bring their program sustained success. Although he
coached there for a longer period than Steve Alford at UCLA, Dawkins final
three years and Alford's last three years share an eerie similarity:
Stanford
23-13 overall 10-8 conf sweet 16
24-13 overall 9-9 conf NIT champions
15-15 overall 8-10 conf No postseason
Johnny Dawkins, fired
UCLA
15-17 overall 6-12 conf no postseason
Both programs enjoyed a run to the sweet 16 two years ago, however, it is
apparent in looking at the records that both programs were sinking further
into mediocrity as time went by. While Stanford is not recognized
historically as an elite basketball program, the athletic department made a
decisive move to reverse what was seen as a downward trend. Our program is
in a similar if not more precarious position. Decisive action needs to be
taken to repair our crumbling program. Follow the lead of Stanford and make
the change that is needed to the UCLA basketball program.
Respectfully,
Michael Macdonald
UCLA, class of 2003
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
DM
New assistants are not enough
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

A recent report states that UCLA is requiring Coach Alford to replace his assistants. This will
not do. The problem is Coach Alford, and no amount of shuffling the staff will suffice.
Please remove Alford as coach.
David Madeo
Class of 1992
Current WAF member
Former season ticket holder
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
DM
New assistants are not enough
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

A recent report states that UCLA is requiring Coach Alford to replace his assistants. This will
not do. The problem is Coach Alford, and no amount of shuffling the staff will suffice.
Please remove Alford as coach.
David Madeo
Class of 1992
Current WAF member
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Peter Stevens
New Men"s Hoops Head Coach Needed, Not Just New Assistant Coaches!
Dear Chancellor Block, Mr. Guerrero, and Mr. Rebholz:

The rumored "fix" for UCLA men's basketball of forcing Coach Alford to hire
a brand new staff composed of ex-UCLA players as his assistant coaches
is doomed to fail.
There are no examples in the annals of intercollegiate athletics of a fatally
flawed head coach being saved and reconstituted by new assistant
coaches.
Coach Alford must be jettisoned for a new head coach.
Please focus your energies on a true remedy to this calamity rather than a
ruse. If the proper amount of confidence in Coach Alford existed, he would
be allowed to make his own independent decisions as to staff. But the fact
that UCLA administrators ostensibly cannot trust Coach Alford in this
regard reflectsa need for a new Bruin head coach rather thana need for a
new stable of assistant coaches under a failed head coach.
Thank you. Go Bruins!
Sincerely,
Peter H. Stevens
Pasadena, California
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Greg Patterson
Guerrero, Dan
Disappointed - Mens Basketball
Mr. Guerrero,
I am disappointed that my previous emails have not received a response, but I understand you must
be busy dealing with what has now become somewhat of a calamity in regards to the UCLA mens
basketball program. With long-time fans such as myself in an uproar, coupled with (at least one
possibly more as rumored) transfers out of the program and away from Coach Alford, Im sure you
must be quite busy.
I just wanted to reiterate my displeasure at the thought of retaining Mr. Alford for another season. I
know that there is a lot that would go into a decision such as that, but I feel strongly enough about a
replacement being needed to write to you at this time.
I am what would be considered a very small donor to the WAF ($300/YR) and between Joshs tireless
efforts for our athletic department, and Coach Moras positive trajectory of our football
culture/program, I have felt very good about my contribution to this point. However, I do have a
hard time believing that I would renew my donation for next year absent a head coaching change of
our basketball program (no Coach Alford changing as assistant or two doesnt really do much for
my thoughts on him as a man, and as a coach).
Greg Patterson
Trace3
Business Operations Manager
gpatterson@trace3.com
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brett Threlkeld
New Head Basketball Coach is the Answer, Not New Assistants
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Steve Otera
The State of the UCLA Basketball Program
Gentlemen,
You should read the article linked and cut and pasted below.
Thank you for all you do for UCLA.
Steve Otera
http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/story/1652435-state-ucla-basketball-program
enough to get lumped in with those schools at the top of the mountain.
Of course, UCLA fading from the category of the elite didn't just happen in a vacuum, and it
hasn't been a straight-line fall. There was that brief, awesome up-tick for the first half of Ben
by
Bruin Report Online

at 4:18 PM
Howland's
tenure when Friday
he recruited,
developed, and coached very well, and UCLA, as a matter
of course, went to three straight Final Fours. If Howland could have sustained that style, and if
he'd been wired a little differently, it's actually kind of easy to imagine that UCLA might have
been able to ascend firmly back into that elite category, and pull in a 12th or 13th banner.
But Howland wasn't able to sustain the success, and UCLA probably waited a year too long to fire
him, and that has long been part of UCLA's problem -- waiting too long to fire a guy. Of course,
the more significant issue has been hiring the wrong guy in the first place, as UCLA did with
Steve Lavin after Jim Harrick was fired. By hiring Lavin, UCLA wasn't able to parlay the 1995
championship into any kind of meaningful, sustained winning, and Howland's own issues
squandered the window that yawned open after the three-straight Final Fours.
Now, as we talked about in the last piece, UCLA has had four losing seasons in the last 14, and
has missed the NCAA Tournament altogether in five of the last 14 years. As far as college
basketball goes, that's the mark of an average-ish high-major program, andcertainly not anything
close to elite.
The frustrating thing for UCLA fans, though, is that it's obviousUCLAstillhas the tools to be an
elite program, with a great recruiting base, an unparalleled tradition, soon-to-be very good
facilities, and a location that makes the school attractive to players country-wide. Think about
this: it took Lavin, who isn't a real basketball coach,six whole yearsto crater the program -UCLA had enough natural juice that he managed to go to an Elite Eight in his first season and
Sweet 16s in his next five! Howland proved that UCLA is just a smart, sustained recruiting
strategy and a good coach away from being right back in the mix for Final Fours and national
championships.
Now, UCLA has missed the NCAA Tournament again this year after a very bad seasonthat
sawthe Bruins finish 15-17. Under Steve Alford, UCLA has become a progressively worse team
on both offense and defense, and the shocking thing this year was the near total lack of effort at
times, especially over the last three or four weeks of the season when UCLA needed to put
together a win streak to get an NCAA Tournament bid. Instead, the team (both coaches and
players) folded.It was an awful season to watch, and, as we wrote last week, it is certainly in the
conversation for the worst season UCLA has had since 1948. Alfords first three years, as we
talked about last week, were the worst first three years for a coach since Wilbur Johns, and are
comparable to the LAST three years for Walt Hazzard and Ben Howland.
Hows this for a stat: UCLA has gone unranked in 46 of 57 weeks during Alfords tenure. Thats
of defensive fundamentals you see from the players on the court. After four years,Tony
Parkerstill doesn't know how to position himself to avoid fouls, and after three years,Bryce
Alford, andIsaac Hamiltonto a lesser extent,still don'tknow to consistently get in a stance and
keep theirhands up on defense. These aren't even complex things -- keeping your hands up in a
zone defense is something you can teach a group of third graders.
The lack of fundamentals in the program is obvious from watching any of the games, and from
what we've seen and heard, it stems from a practice culture that is anything but stringent.
Howland's practices during his time in Westwood were the stuff of legend, with players having to
spend long hours off-court preparing for what they'd have to do on the court. They were
extremely tough practices with a ton of time spent on minute attention to detail -- how to
spaceyour feet, how to position your hands, the proper angle to bend your knee in a defensive
stance.
Alford's practices are lackadaisical affairs from what we've heard, and from what we've seen.
There's little attention to detail and little time spent on specific tactics for a given
opponent.They're also not close to as rigorous as Howland's practices, which often left players
physically exhausted (which was, of course, sometimes detrimental). When it comes to film work
and developing game plans, what we've heard is that this staff really has a hard time developing
effective game plans, and, what's more, has a pronounced inability to adjust game plans midgame.
Universally, even if players didn't like him at times, they had a profound respect for Howland's
hoops acumen, and what we've heard over the last three years is that it's pretty much the opposite
for the overall assessment of Alford. The feeling is that there isn't an emphasis on player
development, at least not to the extent there was under Howland, and that's another thing that's
pretty obvious watching the team, especially from a physical perspective, where all of these guys
look the same as they did last year.
From a game preparation and motivation standpoint, this year specifically, the players and the
coaches pretty much gave up on the season down the stretch. Again, not to keep comparing things
to Howland's years in Westwood, but when the team would have a losing streak or just not play
well for a while, Howland, who was already a tireless, 16-hour-day type worker, would ratchet up
the intensity to an altogether new level. Practices would be tougher, there would be even more
film work, and more often than not, play would improve.
None of that happened this year. If anything, from what we've gathered, there was actually more
of a sense of the coaches and players going through the motions over the last three weeks in
practice and film study. If giving effort is the basicthing to expect from players, then giving
motivation is the basicthing to expect from coaches, and from what we've heard, both parties
failed in thosebasicjobs.
its an uncomfortable subject and its not Bryce Alfords fault that his dad plays him so many
minutes. That's probably been an error on my part, because it's obvious now how much of an
issue it is and has been for the team. When Steve Alford was hired, he brought his son Bryce with
him to Westwood, and since then, he has played Brycetoo many minutes and given him too
many shots every single year that he's been here.
It's not really even up for debate. In 2014, Bryceplayed 23 minutes per game, almost all of them
at point guard, and that was a misallocation of the ball responsibilities, for one, sinceKyle
Andersonwas a far better option initiating the offense (Anderson's assist rate that year was a
ridiculous 34.1 while Bryce'swas a fine, unspectacular 19.1). Alford played just three fewer
minutes per game than Norman Powell, who was a significantly better offensive and defensive
option and should have played more than 25 minutes per game. Heck, Anderson only played 33
minutes per game, and given that we've seen Alford is more than willing to play Bryce 36+
minutes per game, Anderson probably should have played a few more as well.
Last year, with only three guards on the roster, Alford was forced to play all three of Bryce,
Powell, and Isaac Hamilton major minutes, but its worth noting that Bryce played the most
minutes on the team at 36.3 per game, with Powell notching 34 and Hamilton playing 33. This
year, with one more guard in the rotation, Bryce again played 36.3 minutes per game, followed
by Hamilton at 35 and Aaron Holiday at 31.
To give that some context, this year he played a greater percentage of minutes for UCLA than any
Pac-12 player is playing for any Pac-12 team. He played a greater percentage of minutes for
UCLA than Tyler Ulis is playing for Kentucky. He played a greater percentage of minutes for
UCLA than Buddy Hield is playing for Oklahoma, and Hield might be the best player in college
basketball this year. He played more than Hamilton, Welsh, and Parker, who all shot the ball
better this year and played more defense, and he played more than Holiday, who was a
significantly better defender and only a slightly worse shooter. Bryce has some obvious assets as
a player he doesnt turn the ball over much at all and he shoots threes pretty well but those
two things really do not justify the amount of minutes he gets. This year, he was the fourth-best
shooter among starters but took the second-most shots.
And from what we understand, the players recognize this issue as well. From what weve heard,
the players dont have any specific dislike for Bryce far from it, actually, as most of what we
heard indicates hes a pretty likable guy but theres a real pronounced resentment of the
obvious favoritism shown to him by the coaching staff. There will be film sessions where the
defensive issues of certain players will be dissected ad nauseum, but rarely is there any mention
of Bryces defensive issues. There have been a couple of instances over the last couple of years
where weve heard, after one player or another steps up offensively in a particular game, that the
coaching staffs message is that it was a result of the opposing team being so focused on taking
Recruiting Problems
No one is disputing that UCLA has a good group of players coming in with the 2016 class, and
the 2017 class is certainly shaping up to be a pretty good one as well. But this year's team was
built on the strength of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 classes, and it's hard to describe those classes as
anything other than a significant failure.
In the 2013 class, UCLA signedIsaac Hamilton(who had to sit out his first year),Wanaah
Bail(who has transferred, and also who probably shouldn't have been playing at this level
anyway),Bryce Alford(the head coach's son who plays too many minutes),Noah Allen(who
probably shouldn't be playing at this level), andZach LaVine(who played one year and left for
the NBA). You can give them a general pass for this class, since they didn't have much time to do
anything beyond bring in a warm body in Bail and eventually get Hamilton on the bounce-back
from UTEP. Notably, though, they parted ways withAllerik Freeman, who's a key piece at
shooting guard for a pretty good Baylor team this year.
In the 2014 class, UCLA signedJonah Bolden(who had to sit out his first year),Thomas
Welsh,Kevon Looney(who played one year and left for the NBA), andGyorgy
Goloman(who's a backup, at best, for a very good team). No, your eyes don't deceive you -there's not a single guard in that class.
In the 2015 class, UCLA signedIkenna Okwarabizie(who probably shouldn't beplaying at this
level),Alex Olesinski(who's a backup, at best, for a very good team),Prince Ali(who we've
heard will likely transfer after this season), andAaron Holiday.
In other words, after three years of recruiting,of 13 players UCLA signed, fourof those still on
the rosterare probably not capable ofplaying for a very good UCLA team, one has already
transferred, at least one of the remainders is likely to transfer before next season, and two have
moved on for the NBA. The 2015 class is shaping up to be a significant failure, with what looks
like two non-contributors and a transfer out of four players, and that's not even taking into
account what Holiday may decide to do (we've heard he's still uncertain about whether he'll
return to UCLA next season). UCLA did not sign a single guard in the 2014 class, which was a
failure of pretty extreme magnitude given that UCLA had just three guards on the roster for201415.
Ultimately, just looking at that group of classes, this isn't the way UCLA recruits when the
program is healthy. We've gone over Steve Alford's recruiting strategy from those couple of
yearsmore than enough, but, to hammer it home, pursuing the uber-elite national recruits all over
the country like UCLA did for the first two summers under Alford was a very bad strategy and
not the sort of thing UCLA has historically had a great deal of success doing. When UCLA has
been very good, the Bruins have built their teams around the great amounts of talent you can find
within a 200-mile radius around UCLA. As we wrote at the time, unless you have a firm
connection to a kid across the country, it's usually a waste of time to spend a ton of recruiting
capital recruiting nationally. It just doesn't pay off enough to justify the expense of time and
resources. UCLA spent a ton of time going after guys likeMyles Turner,Rashad
Vaughn,Justise Winslow, and more, especially in the 2014 class, and it really inhibited the
Bruins' ability to sign local talent. Just look at USC's roster of athletic, talented shooters and keep
in mind that four of those guys from the 2014 and 2015 classes (Jordan McLaughlin,Elijah
Stewart,Chimezie Metu, andBennie Boatwright) wanted to be Bruins at one time or another.
UCLA showed a tremendous amount of hubris in recruiting through the first two cycles, with
Alford thinking that his name coupled with UCLA was enough to recruit with the Dukes and
UCLA is leveragingits connections to the Compton Magic, a local AAU program, significantly
more over the next two cycles, which has helped UCLA earn commitments from very talented
pieces inIke Anigbogu,Jalen Hill, andJaylen Hands,and landing players like those guys is
exactly what UCLA should be doing going forward, and what UCLA should have done for the
last three cycles. This isn't revisionist history -- everyonewho really knew the landscape of
UCLA recruiting was telling the staff that they needed to prioritize local recruiting at the time
when UCLA was flying all over the country following the elites. We wrote it several times here.
Landing aKevon Looneyhere or there doesn't justify missing out on the McLaughlins and
Metus of the world.
It's also worth noting that, as good as the next two classes are shaping up to be, they're really built
on two things: the coaching staff's relationship with the Compton Magic and the coaching staff's
relationship with Lavar Ball.Every player committed or signed with UCLA in 2016 and beyond
is either named "Ball" or a member of the Compton Magic. Having a partnershipwith just one
AAU program and just one family of basketball players is probably not a path to sustained longterm success. And its worth noting as well that one of the few major successes Alfords staff had
recruiting nationally in its first two cycles (landing Kevon Looney) came about largely through
the schools relationship with Adidas.
perspective, the last eight years have been pretty close to the nadir for the UCLA program in the
modern, post-Wooden era, and over the last three years, Alford has done little to slow the slide
into mediocrity. Player development has been poor, recruiting has taken an unnecessary amount
of time to get going, and the obvious favoritism shown to his son has alienated certain players
and could help to lead to mass departures this offseason.

The fanbase has also been marginalized and alienated, and it has led to an enormous groundswell
of fan anger over the last several weeks, with a petition to fire Steve Alford gaining over 1500
signatures and an actual banner flown over the UCLA campus this week calling for his ouster.
Even in the waning days of Lavin and Howland, there wasnt this level of fan anger at the coach.
Its truly unprecedented, and signals nothing good about the current state of the UCLA basketball
program.
UCLA is a storied program, with the kind of tradition, recruiting base, and name brand to be a
very good to elite college basketball program. As Howland showed just a decade ago, turning the
program around and getting back to elite status at UCLA really only requires a pretty good coach
whos dedicated to his craft and a smart, sustained recruiting approach.
And thats the hope for fans, I suppose: perhaps UCLA will one day have both of those things
again.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
ryan saiyasombat
I can no longer support UCLA basketball
Dear Sir:
I have been a Bruin basketball fan since I can remember. My father personally knew Coach Wooden, and I was
raised with frequent reminders of his wisdom and integrity both on and off the basketball court.
As an adult, I graduated from UCLA (in no small part choosing UCLA due to my longtime love of Bruin athletics)
and became a season ticket holder. I have countless fond memories of exciting times at Pauley Pavillion.
In recent years, I have cancelled by season tickets and ceased to watch my beloved Bruins on television. I feel that
Coach Alford has done immeasurable damage to the UCLA brand with his losing style of basketball along with his
lack of integrity and teaching on and off the court.
I will no longer support UCLA basketball either financially or emotionally until a new head coach is hired. I know
many fans and life-long Bruins that feel the same as I do.
Ryan Saiyasombat
Psychology '98
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Ross heman
Block, Gene
Men"s basketball
I will no longer be a donor or season ticket buyer.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Mallord
Basketball
I have heard a rumor that UCLA AD wants to change some of the

Basketball Assistant Coaches, While allowing the real problem
(Steve Alford) to be retained.
I pray there is no truth to this.
If this is true, please reconsider and realize that the Head
Coach is ultimately responsible for what happens on a team,
and Alford has already admitted he failed.
Is a Coach who knows he is a failure going to shown the door? I
would hope so.
Sincerely,
Tony Mallord (WAF Donor)
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
spartanman21insj .
Guerrero, Dan
New Head Coach Is Answer, Not New Assistants
Dear Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Block, and Mr. Rebholz,

As a diehard fan and supporter of UCLA basketball for over 20 years (along with many UCLA
alums in my family who feel the same), I am very concerned with what is going on with the
program. A recruiting class and a couple new assistants are not the answer to fix UCLA
basketball. All of the signs are there that Steve Alford does not have what it takes to lead
UCLA basketball and help it reach it's potential. There are many candidates out there that can
bring UCLA back. A solid coach who can focus on recruiting the west, teaching defense and
fundamentals, and holding players accountable on and off the court is a recipe for success. It
pains me deeply to see this program underachieve so badly since Alford has been here, and
the display of nepotism with Steve and Bryce is unacceptable. Please make a change before
the program is damaged even further. Now is not the time to wait and hope that all works
out-- the signs are there that a change at the head coaching position is absolutely needed now.
Like the very high percentage of UCLA supporters are agreeing, I cannot continue to support
UCLA basketball with Steve Alford as head coach.
Regards,
Scott Lueke
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
New head coach is the Answer, NOT NEW ASSISTANTS!!!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 15, 2016, at 11:51 AM, Michael Presser <michael.presser@gemb.com> wrote:
While the right decision is not always an easy one, I find it is usually better to deal with
it sooner rather than later. Better to move on from Steve Alford now rather than 12
months from now. The culture of the basketball program will not improve next year
and the infusion of talent will be wasted if UCLA retains Steve Alford. The culture cant
be changed if the coach and his son both remain in their current positions. You saw
yesterday the result of that dynamic.
Please do what is in the best interest of UCLA and fire Steve Alford!
MIKE PRESSER
<image001.jpg>
PRINCIpAL
George Elkins Mortgage Banking Company

949.752.1662 office
cell
949.752.1667 fax
BRE #01391972
www gemb.com
26180 Enterprise Way, No. 300

Lake Forest, CA 92630
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Sent from
Andrew Marroquin
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block
FIRE ALF NOW!
Mail on Android
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Namir Shaba
Guerrero, Dan
NEW COACH, NOT NEW ASSISTANTS!
Dear Sirs,
Forcing a head coach to change assistants is not going to solve anything. This is admitting failure but not having
the guts to make right decision. Steve Alford is not the man for the job. One or two assistants aren't going to
change the foundation Alford has set.... no defense, no effort, road losses, losing basketball nepotism .....
The amount of money in lost season ticket renewals and donations..... not to mention the continued degradation of
the UCLA brand.... is not worth keeping Alford as head coach.
If this continues, the rhetoric is slowly going to change from Fire Steve Alford to Fire Dan Guerrero.
Sincerely
Namir Shaba Class of 2000
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Alan Cox
The State of the UCLA Basketball Program - Ucla - Scout
http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/story/1652435-the-state-of-the-ucla-basketball-program
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
LoDuca, Paul
Block, Gene
Dan Guerrero and the UCLA Basketball Mess
Chancellor Block:
I heard that Dan Guerrero tried to get Coach Alford to replace assistant coaches then
offered to allow Alford to keep his coaches in exchange for a reduced contract buyout.
How does his make sense? Alford is the problem, not his assistants. There is no solution
other than letting Alford go.
I understand that Prince Ali will be transferring. I have been told that at a recent film
session Coach Alford really lit into Ali about his defense. Yet Alford was silent on the film
which clearly showed a lack of effort by Bryce. This prompted Ali to point out the obvious
that Coach Alford has a blind spot for his son and is favoring him to the detriment of the
team. The two (Ali and Bryce) got into a fight at a later practice. How many other players
will leave because of this toxic environment created by Alford?
How an institution such as UCLA can tolerate and enable such blatant nepotism is beyond
me. It is beginning to appear as if Dan Guerrero would rather allow the UCLA Basketball
program to implode than admit his mistake and correct it by letting Steve Alford go.
Hiring Alford was a mistake and giving him such an onerous buyout was even a larger one.
But the biggest error by far is not taking action now to fix the problem.
The time to act is now!
Paul LoDuca
Financial Advisor
The Linzmeier Group



NMLS ID # 1364401
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kim Luk
New Head Coach is the Answer, not New Assistants
Steve Alford is the cancer of our Basketball program. He must be got rid off now, not next year.
Go Bruins!
Kim Luk
1976
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block
New Head Coach Needed! Not assistant coaches!
Dear Sir,
I must emphatically say if you had a clue as to how to run an athletic program you would see that Dan Guerrero is a
horrible athletic director. And Steve Alford is a horrible basketball coach. Do what's right and force this change so
UCLA can get a deserving and better qualified head coach.
If UCLA administration fails to act promptly and shows no care for the athletic programs, especially the men's
basketball program that John Wooden built, you will never have fans, support, financial backing, and more in your
corner.
You should be embarrassed by this failure to act effectively.
UCLA Fan,
Jeffrey Hoover
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Dear Sir,
corner.
UCLA Fan,
Jeffrey Hoover
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Dear Sir,
corner.
UCLA Fan,
Jeffrey Hoover
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Nat Plotts
New Head Coach is Answer, Not New Assistants.
I saw a report that you are telling Alford that he needs to change up his staff. Wow. This just
shows how out of touch the Athletic Department really is. You think changing assistant
coaches will somehow magically get the team more prepared, make Bryce accountable, and
solve the lockeroom problems (Which if some rumors are true, they make the Howland days
look like an elementary school)? Horrible. There is one thing that can be done to fix this
situation and save UCLA basketball, firing Steve Alford. You will not get us fans to stand
down this time, this is truly unacceptable behavior/performance at a school that is considered
to be an elite basketball school. A change must be made. If Alford stays, be prepared for more
banners, more petitions, more emails, more tweets, but they won't only be calling for Alford's
head...DO THE RIGHT THING.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Brad DeJean
Block, Gene
New Head Coach Is Answer, Not New Assistants!
Gentlemen,
Further to my email from last Friday (text copied below), I am dismayed by the rumor that you
may be considering solving the Coach Alford problem by forcing him to replace some
assistants. With due respect, it's too late to rearrange the deck chairs. Saving UCLA
basketball demands that the captain of the sinking ship, Coach Alford, be relieved of his
duties.
We're where we are as a program because Coach Alford has failed at too many critical aspects
of his job. He has misevaluated talent--several players he recruited are not good enough to
play significant minutes on a top-20 team. He has not been able to get the team to play with
requisite effort more than sporadically. He has outwardly favored his son to the detriment of
the team -- no player can respect a coach who sends him to the bench for a single mistake
when another player is allowed to play no matter how many mistakes he makes. He has either
not demanded that his team play defense or not taught them how to play defense. He has
made strategic misevaluations, most notably in our three losses to USC this year, where he
played a large but slow lineup that could not guard USC's quickness no matter how hard they
tried (for two halves out of six where they did seem to try, anyway).
Please heed Coach Wooden's wisdom. Any of it will do: "Success is never final, failure is
never fatal. It's courage that counts." Now is the time for you to show courage by doing what
needs to be done to put UCLA basketball back on the path of success.
Replacing assistants would be nothing more than scapegoating them for their boss's failures.
Please be a rightful steward of our beloved and tradition-rich program, and earn the respect of
fans, students, donors and alums by replacing Coach Alford with someone who will teach and
develop the players, and hold them accountable, and make them into a good team.
It doesn't have to be a big name. Just a high quality, kind person with coaching chops, and
tireless work ethic.
Thank you for your consideration
Brad DeJean
Class of '93, Wooden Athletic Fund - Bruin Bench
***
Mr. Guerrero,
You've probably received hundreds of emails from other concerned alums and donors about the poor showing of our men's
basketball team this year and presenting a litany of reasons why you should fire Coach Alford now. To be sure, I agree with
my fellow alums and donors, signed the petition and hope that he has coached his last game at UCLA. But I won't repeat all
of those reasons, other than to say I found the utter lack of effort of this year's team to bean abomination, a black mark on a
championship brand, and a coach who can't get his players to consistentlytry at defensewill never succeed.
Instead, I'd like to focus on you, and what might be holding you back from deciding to remove Coach Alford. You love
UCLA. You have accomplished great things as athletic director, from the championships to the facilities, thanks to your
program, UCLA has everything it needs to continue to mint championship-level teams and players who will do great things
in the world after they graduate.
You may have a few concerns about firing Coach Alford now, after only three years. The four most obvious reasons not to
fire him are (1) potential media backlash over firing a coach after three years, (2) a costly buyout, (3) keeping together an
excellent incoming recruiting class, and (4) a sense of fairness to him, that he should have 4 years to prove himself,
These are not good reasons to keep a coach. Here's why:
(1)Media. With the media, all will be forgotten when you hire a coach that leads the program to success. Do you remember
Billy Gillespie? It's ok if you don't, few others do. He was fired after two years at UK, including a 22-14 record in his last
season. Replaced by Coach Calipari. Matt Doherty? Unceremoniously fired after 3 seasons. Replaced by Roy Williams. Two
of the 6 blue blood programs acted quickly and decisively and restored their programs to greatness. The guys who were fired
are long forgotten, and no one cares whether they were fired too soon.
(2)Buyout. The buyout is a sunken cost. It was an investment that has not panned out. A smart investor takes his loss, takes
what's left and invests again. The other option is to hope for a turnaround, but the reality is that hope is not a strategy, and can
lead to a total loss. In this case, the big loss would be the destruction of UCLA's basketball brand, one of the 6 blue blood
programs could be forgotten or irrelevant for years if not forever. But you can avoid that by selling now and taking your
lumps. You can probably also negotiate it lower.
(3)Recruiting. The recruiting argument is a red herring. First, those guys have signed NLIs with UCLA, not with Coach
Alford. If you hire a good coach, as I am confident you will do, that coach, together with the leverage the NLI gives us, will
keep them on board. Second, a better coach will bring optimism, which will help recruiting, then he will yield better results
on the court, again aiding recruiting. Third, some of the players from this year's team could leave because they don't like the
direction of the program, which would be a setback that incoming recruits cannot overcome. Fourth, our program recruits
itself. Put the right coach in place, and even if we lost all of the Balls and Leaf, recruits will come. But they will stop coming
to a program that is in disarray and finishing in 10th place. Fifth, we actually owe it to the recruits to give them a coach who
can help them grow as players. Kevin Love chose UCLA in part because he knew Ben Howland would teach him how to
defend. It's not clear whether Coach Alford teaches defense. Based on results, if he does teach defense, he's not good at it.
(4)Fairness. I appreciate your sense of fairness, but to be frank, keeping a coach on principle that "coaches deserve a 4th year
to prove their mettle" should not be part of the calculus. You are the in charge of a great international brand, one that is
synonymous with championships and competitive greatness. Our brand -- UCLA basketball, one of 6 blue blood programs is
in peril. Its peril began under the last few years of Ben Howland (who was a great hire, by the way) and has continued, and
worsened, over the three years of Steve Alford. It is a team that fails to compete, fails to provide anything close to maximum
effort, fails to defend, night after night. You need to protect our brand. Imagine a Fortune 500 board deciding to retain its
CEO after 3 years of mediocre results, trending downward. It's unfathomable, right? Never mind what Soros or Icahn would
do if that happened, even Warren Buffet would oust that board. And if you disagree with my view of fairness, Coach Alford's
buyout is a written agreement as to what would be fair if you were to fire him now.
To summarize, none of the reasons to keep Coach Alford warrant his retention. A bad wine won't get better with an extra year
in the cellar. Please do the right thing for our program. Please remove Coach Alford now and replace him with a coach that
will make UCLA basketball competitive again.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
steve hwang
Steve Alford must be replaced
Dear Dan,
I have been an avid UCLA basketball fan until this year and all my UCLA graduate friends of
15 stopped attending and watching the UCLA basketball games this year. It is really sad that
you would not do anything but let our basketball program to crumble. You are losing more
and more die hard UCLA fans everyday. Please do what is right and let go coach Alford!
We have suffered long enough.
Thank you.
Steve Hwang
Class of 1985 ( representing 15 other UCLA grads!)
Danny Byun 1985
John Choi 1985
Joseph Kwon 1985
Young Ryee 1985
Charles Rim 1984
Frank Noh 1985
Young Park 1985
Michael Kwon 1985
Chan Kim 1985
Edward Ju 1985
Christie Chu 1989
Carole Kim 1985
Bong Chang 1981
Timothy Chang 1987
Christopher Ro 1985
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
David Gordon
Re: Plea From a Passionate Bruin
Mr. Guerrero,
It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them.
To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows
infirmity of character---Dale Turner
In medical training we always discussed that while its important whoyouve done, tsmore
important what you do next
Please admit that you made a mistake by hiring Coach Alford. There is zero change he is
successful over his tenure. He will be fired within the next couple years if you let him stay
now. He is simply not a good coach and is destroying the program from its core. Things will
only get worse. The incoming talent we have next year might make our records slightly better
but it will not change the course.
If you admit your mistake and correct it, UCLA fans will forever hold you in admiration and
respect. If you refuse to see the facts and truth and allow decimation of our program and fan
base to continue, you will carry that burden with you and the scorn of all Bruins forever.
Please make this right. We are depending on you.
Sincerely,
David Gordon
Class of95
On Mar 10, 2016, at 7:59 PM, David Gordon <cygnusdave@
> wrote:
I know many others have written so obviously do not expect a reply. My guess
its questionable whether this gets read at all. While I am not a donor, or a big
name on campus, I feel obligated to write this. My father, James Gordon, who
died in 2014, was not a huge donor, but a lifelong contributor to the athletic
department both financially and with his time. I moved to Denver in 1996 but
prior to that had been to nearly every single UCLA football and basketball home
game since about age 6, along with multiple olympic events each year.
I am simply writing to implore you to relieve Coach Alford of his duties
immediately. I have read many opinions on this matter and have heard from those
that feel his firing is not warranted at this time. The letter Mr. Guerrero wrote in
response to the Restore UCLA Hoops petition echoed some of the arguments Ive
heard from others. I find these excuses completely unacceptable. In fact, I think
if one critically looks at Coachs time at UCLA, its blatantly obvious that our
program is doomed for failure. Obviously our record this season was notably
worse than prior years. However, the on court performance this season really was
not all that different than the prior 2 years. There are themes that have existed
since day 1, Many of us, upon seeing those themes play out, have know for 3
years this coach was doomed for failure. These themes include a complete lack of
emphasis and expectation of any sort of defensive effort, lack of emphasis
(assumedly) and certainly lack of results for any strength and conditioning
program, and the blatant nepotism which has resulted in the complete mis-use and
over estimation of Bryces basketball skills. Again, these issues were obvious
from season 1. That team, despite being eventual Pac-12 tourney champions, also
gave little to no effort on the defensive side. Nepotism was blatant from day 1
where two NBA-level performers were denied time at point guard so Bryce could
get minutes there. From strength and conditioning standpoint, there is almost no
body change in the majority of our players. Furthermore, those players that are
most athletic and who give us the best chance of success, are more commonly
relegated to the bench. These are 3 major issues that stand out to me, that have
been 100% consistent during Coachs entire tenure and are clearly indicative of a
program mentality that has no chance of real success. The other major argument
Ive heard made for keeping Coach is improvement in recruiting. However, when
hearing from actual recruiting experts, our successes in the past 12 months are
simply tied to a single AAU program. In fact, I would argue complete recruiting
mismanagement is another major reason to terminate Coach Alford. It was most
evident when USC is destroying us with local players that would have loved to
come to UCLA would they have been prioritized.
In my view there is absolutely zero justification to retain Coach Alford. His
continued presence will simply further destroy our beloved program and further
alienate our passionate fan base. Since there is an influx of talent coming next
year, it would be near impossible to not some some improvement in our W-L
record. However, I have no doubt the glaring issues that I discussed above will
remain quite prevalent and leave us with a simply mediocre team that is frankly
not at all pleasurable to watch and with a program that we can all clearly see has
no chance for long-term success.
You have a chance to make this right. Please do not fail us.
Sincerely,
David Gordon
Class of 95 and lifelong Bruin
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Kevin Deggelman
Get to the root of the problem, it"s Alford, not his assistants
Each day that goes by, people are unearthing more and more statistics and stories that show
just how far the UCLA program has fallen in recent years.
We all know (yourselves included) that the only remedy for the situation is to start fresh with a
new head coach.
Make it happen!
Kevin Deggelman
UCLA 2012
Wooden Athletic Fund Member
Football Season Ticket Holder
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Trevor Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
I'm sending this just in case you didn't read my last email.
Please dismiss Steve Alford from his post as head coach of UCLA men's basketball, not his
assistants.
Sincerely,
Trevor Fuller
UCLA Class of 2012
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Steve Havas
UCLA Basketball
I can only assume that the rumor that you are asking Coach Alford to change assistants is a
joke. It is the boss that is the issue. The boss that is treating his kid like some sort of
basketball god, while great talent exits (see Ali .. and whomever is next).
You can't actually think that your decision to hire Alford will be justified next year, because of
incoming talent. The freshmen will eventually be good ... but counting on a few freshmen to
bring this team to a credible place is absurd on the face of it.
Hope is not a strategy.
-Steve Havas
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Bill Elkins
RE: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gentlemen,
I hope the rumor circulating that an emphasis has been placed on asking Coach Alford to change his
Assistant coaches is not true. Coach Alford is the problem! It is his leadership that has produced
and cultivated the culture of unsound fundamentals, half stepping player effort, nonexistent player
development and nepotism that has engulfed the UCLA basketball program. Pauley is half full
because the way the team plays is no fun to watch. Has Prince Ali transferred yet? Who the
Assistant Coaches are is a mute consideration. The UCLA basketball program can never reach elite
status with Steve Alford as the Head Coach. Fire Steve Alford immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Bill Elkins [mailto:billelkins461@

]
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 12:10 PM
To: dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu; gblock@conet.ucla.edu
Subject: FW: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]
To: dguerroro@athletics.ucla.com; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.com; gblock@conet.ucla.edu
Subject: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gentlemen,
Im not a season ticket holder but for the past 40 years, three friends and I have attended six mens
basketball games at Pauley each year. This year we attended only one game because the product
on the court was so poor and difficult to watch. Im emailing you to urge the immediate
termination of Steve Alford as head basketball coach at UCLA.
His first year, Coach Alford inherited three first round NBA draft picks. That level of talent, not his
coaching acumen, was largely responsible for the 28 wins. Beginning with his second year it was
crystal clear Alford was at best a mediocre coach. His record of 22 wins last year, 15 wins this year
witnessed by a half full Pauley Pavilion clearly demonstrates a lack of support from the UCLA
basketball community. John Wooden taught us what high quality basketball looks like. In good
conscience, I know you cant believe the product Coach Alford is giving us is anything close to high
quality. The team is fundamentally unsound. The players do not play hard. The games are no fun
to watch. The sinking attendance speaks volumes. I also trust that the disgusting nepotism Coach
Alford consistently shows with his son bothers you just as much as it bothers the UCLA fan base.
Bryce possesses marginal basketball skills. In addition to never being held accountable on the court,
he is on pace to play more minutes than any player in UCLA basketball history and to attempt more
shots per game than any Guard in the storied history of UCLA basketball. This is coaching
malpractice! Is there any real question why there is such a chemistry problem with the team. To
any knowledgeable UCLA basketball fan, it appears that Coach Alfords number one priority is to
showcase his son.
I challenge you to not forget to remember the lesson we painfully learned from the Steve Lavin.
That lesson was not even the most superior recruiting can compensate for mediocre coaching. I
know Coach Alford signed a top recruiting class last November. I know he has verbal commitments
from two highly regarding players for 2017. Steve Alford just like Steve Lavin is at best a mediocre
basketball coach. His record of over two decades speaks for itself. He has never coached a team
past the Sweet 16. At most universities the Sweet 16 is a reasonable goal. The Sweet 16 is Steve
Alfords ceiling. If and when he gets UCLA back to the Sweet 16, the elite coaches he will meet there
will coach circles around him. The basketball program at UCLA is special! Im counting mon you!! I
miss coming to Pauley with my friends, sitting behind to bench and basking in the high quality
basketball being played by the team wearing Blue & Gold. Fire Steve Alford
immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Dorie Iwata
Block, Gene
UCLA should be a place we are all proud of...
instead we've become the laughing stock of the universities in the NCAA. Your priority may not be college
athletics. Stellar academics is certainly one of the ways a school gains a great reputation but you cannot deny the
importance of athletics as part of overall reputation of a great university. We are not Ivy League, a small liberal arts
college, we are one of the premiere universities in the world...in part because we have won 114 NCAA
championships! We should be competing for 115...the 12th in basketball. But this will NEVER happen with Steve
Alford at the reins. He is everything that John Wooden wasn't. A poor coach, a bad teacher and a promotor of "me
first" basketball. If you care about your fanbase and the donors, you must see that keeping Mr. Alford at UCLA is
alienating all who want to maintain the world-class image UCLA should always strive for.
Thank you,
Dorie Iwata
UCLA Class of '71
Sent from my iPad
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David Schaffner
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

Word appears to be getting out that changes in the assistant coaching ranks are being
considered and/or implemented by you and the Athletic Department. I must emphatically state
that this solution to the current situation is utterly unacceptable and insulting and suffices to
be no more than a tiny bandage against the gaping wound that is this basketball program. Do
not think for a second that any move like this will ameliorate my or anyone else in the UCLA
fan base's view of this terrible situation. We need real change and it starts from the very top,
not through a change in Alford's yes men.
Thank you,
David Schaffner
UCLA Bruin
Class of 2006
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Sean Corson
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Transfer #1 is already happening
Prince Ali is leaving. My guess is 1-2 others follow soon after. Can you please take the time
to sit with players and understand how and why this season went south and what is pushing
them towards the door? If asked in a private manner they will confirm that Steve Alford's
coaching and favoritism of his son have resulted in an atmosphere that does not breed
championship (or even mediocre) basketball.
Forcing Alford to make changes to his assistants is not enough. If you do not trust him to hire
the correct assistants, how can you trust him to run this program? Please, fire Steve Alford
immediately and save this once proud program.
Sean Corson
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nefkens
Assistant Coaches are NOT the Problem
Chancellor Block, Mr. Guerrero, and Mr. Rebholz Coach Alford clearly said at his last press conference that the buck
stops with him and he is responsible for the product on the court. His
assistant coaches are not to blame and should not be the fall guy for
his poor coaching. UCLA had an historically bad season last year. Coach
Alford did not adequately prepare the team to consistently compete the
entire season. The few notable victories should be evidence of what the
team was capable of, but did not achieve. Coach Alford was not able to
get the team to perform to its potential. The performance of the team
has declined in each year of his tenure. The product on the court is
simply a product of poorly run practices and poor game preparation. In
addition, Coach Alford has lost his effectiveness because of favoritism
towards his son. It is clear to anyone who has any sort of basketball
background that his son is a very bad defender, yet he plays the most
minutes on the team. His son also has a poor shooting percentage, yet he
took the second most shots on the team this season and last. Because
Coach Alford has not been consistent in making players accountable for
defense and poor performance, he has caused friction on the team that
has resulted in some players tuning him out and others considering
transferring.
UCLA alumni, students, donors, and fans are already disenchanted with
the direction the program has taken. A change is assistant coaches will
result in further alienating the fan base, which in turn will result in
more protests, less home game attendance, and fewer donations. Time,
energy, and money that I would normally apply towards supporting and
following the team will not be applied in anyway that supports retaining
Coach Alford as head coach. I am just one of thousands of fans that care
enough to write letters, sign petitions, and engage in social media
protest. If there are opportunities to financially contribute to to
flying banners, running ads, and other means of public protest, I will
contribute there. I will still make my normal contributions to academic
and research programs.
As alumni, fans, friends, and non-whale donors, we have a voice in the
decision too. Please do what is right for the program. This is an
unfortunate situation that no one wanted. Tough decisions need to be
made to set the program back on course for long term success. The damage
Coach Alford has done will make it virtually impossible for him to
succeed long term at this point. A change in head coach is needed.
Respectfully,
Chuck Nefkens
Son of Prof. Bernard M.K. Nefkens
Dept of Physics 1966-2011
Please note that I am an alumnus of UCSD. I was accepted to UCLA as an
undergraduate but opted to "leave the nest" and go to UCSD instead. I
was born a Bruin and will always be a Bruin. My father helped bring
millions of research dollars to the university. I completed all the

coursework for my CPA license through UCLA extension. I donate to the
Physics Dept and Mary Easton Center.
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Greg
Block, Gene
New head coach needed, not new assistants
Rumors abound that the UCLA athletic department is attempting to force Coach Alford into changing assistant
coaches and allow him to continue indefinitely as head coach. As an avid follower of college basketball for 45
years, I can't think of a single instance where this strategy resulted in anything other than the eventual dismissal of
said coach. The best way to view this is to look at how the most successful coaches continue to be very successful
even though they often lose top assistants to head coaching jobs. Retaining Steve Alford as coach at UCLA is
simply delaying the inevitable to the detriment of the UCLA program.
Greg Scofield - class of 1986
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gabe rothman
Do you really have this low an opinion of your graduates?
Dear Messrs. Guerrero, Block and Rebholz,

I'm not sure if you all realize this, but your alumni, who are graduates of UCLA, actually have
degrees from...you guessed it: none other than UCLA -- one of the preeminent public
universities in the world. If you did realize this salient fact, you would probably also realize
that with such an elite education comes at least a modicum of intelligence, a fact of which you
are all clearly ignorant given your current course of action with respect to the stewardship of
the UCLA Men's Basketball program.
I can't imagine that you truly believe that a change of assistant coaches will be effective in
remedying the systemic and debilitating problems afflicting the basketball program, all of
which start with one Steve Alford. Thus I can only assume that you believe your alumni to be
too naive or perhaps stupid to see through your ever so thinly-veiled attempt to tell us to
pound sand.
What I truly do not understand is your loyalty to a man who has torpedoed the UCLA
basketball program and done so in a manner that shows an utter lack of respect for our proud
traditions.
It's time to own up to the fact that you hired a man who was and is woefully under qualified
for this job, and then gave him an unconscionably one-sided contract for utterly no reason
whatsoever.
Please do the right thing by your alumni and own up to your errors by firing Steve Alford
immediately. No other resolution will be satisfactory.
- Gabriel Rothman (Class of 2000)
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Jeremy West
Nepotism affecting other players
Story about Nepotism:

The truth behind this transfer...
12:50 PMLast edited1:38 PMby
RobBruinIceCream
During the team film session

immediately after the Cal game late in the
season, CSA began ripping on Ali both offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of
effort, and lack of help D possession after possession. My source said it was bad. This lead
to a emotional confrontation between CSA and Ali later in the film session during an all-tooften defensive series for Bryce where CSA did not say a word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going on
and had to be removed from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice a
supposed shoving match between Ali and Bryce occurred where Ali was then removed from
practice (these details were a bit gray so I do not know exactly what happened). Bryce was
allowed to stay. From that point on Ali was benched and was actually encouraged by CSA
sometime after the Oregon game to start looking elsewhere.
numerous players angry.
Listen - For those asking I do not have hard evidence and specific proof of any of this. If I did
I would gladly drive up to the AD office and meet with Block and DG personally
immediately! This is what I was told from a source extremely close to a player on the team. I
will not release the identity of the player out of respect..
Just to let you know what is really happening Behind the scenes
at UCLA. GREAT example of nepotism and how it has cancered our basketball team.
Jeremy West
Sent from my iPhone
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Michael Cummings
Block, Gene
Please Fire Steve Alford
Mr. Block,
We've never met, but in the last few days I know you have been deluged with emails about
firing the UCLA basketball coach. While I have never done this, I feel the need to add my
voice to the chorus.
Since I came to campus and since I graduated I have been a die hard UCLA fan. To show my
dedication, when I was deployed to Afghanistan, it means that I woke up at 3am to watch the
2008 Final Four. In Iraq, I woke up at a similar time to watch UCLA play Texas. I've been to
a game every year even when I lived around the country.
This season may be the low point in UCLA basketball. I didn't attend a game this year and
missed more games on TV than I ever have. If Alford is the coach next year, I won't attend
again or watch any.
-Respectfully,
Michael Cummings
OnViolence.com
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Frank Damon
Guerrero, Dan
New Head Coach Is Necessary , Not New Assistants!
Dear Mr. Guerrero:

In case you havent seen it, I am attaching an article entitled The State of the UCLA
Basketball Program by David Woods which was published today. It is not necessary for me
to reiterate the things mentioned in it as it speaks for itself. I urge all of you to read it
carefully, as I believe it succinctly states woeful state of UCLA basketball.
The UCLA basketball program is in a free fall spiral and in shambles. The foundation has
crumbled and the fan base is vanishing. Before you know it, team members may even leave
the program. What was once a storied and marvelous program has now fallen into a dark
abyss of horrible mediocrity. It has become irrelevant.
I have read that the Athletic Department is contemplating asking Coach Alford to replace
some of his assistants. I truly hope that this is incorrect information and the correct
information is that you have asked Coach Alford to leave UCLA. He, along with the entire
basketball program, is truly an embarrassment to our internationally renown university. It
makes no sense under any scenario why UCLA keeps him as head basketball coach. It is an
insult to those of us who have graduated from UCLA, have contributed money and time over
the years and who revere it.
Please take immediate action and relieve Steve Alford as basketball coach and hire someone
we can respect and who can once again truly represent UCLA in the positive way it so
deserves.
Thank you.
Frank Damon
Class of 1965
WAF donor
Chancellors Society-Lifetime Member
The State of the UCLA Basketball Program

DAVID WOODS
1:41 PM
Mar. 16 -- UCLA's basketball program has rarely

been on as shaky ground as it is right now...
It has now been 21 seasons since UCLA won a national
championship,and prior to that championship in 1995,

it had been 20 seasons. In other words, in 41 seasons
since John Wooden retired, UCLA has won a single
national championship. In that same time frame,
Kentucky has won four of its eight total titles, Duke has
won all five of its titles, North Carolina has won four
of its five, Indiana has won three of itsfive,
Connecticut has won four, Louisville has won three,
Kansas has won two, and the list goes on.
Here's a better way to put it: of the 14 schools who have
actually won NCAA basketball championships, UCLA
is tied for 11th for the most since 1975, which puts the
Bruins ahead of basketball powerhouses Cincinnati (last
won in 1962), San Francisco (last won in 1956), and
Oklahoma State (last won in 1946) and tied with North
Carolina State (last won in 1983).
So, when we're writing a piece about the state of the
UCLA basketball program, it's important to understand
what kind of basketball program UCLA actually has.
This is not a program that is among the uber-elite in
college basketball -- unfortunately, that categorization
is reserved for schools like Kentucky, Duke, North
Carolina, and Kansas these days. UCLA has simply not
won enough to get lumped in with those schools at the
top of the mountain.
Of course, UCLA fading from the category of the elite
didn't just happen in a vacuum, and it hasn't been a

straight-line fall. There was that brief, awesome up-tick
for the first half of Ben Howland's tenure when he
recruited, developed, and coached very well, and
UCLA, as a matter of course, went to three straight
Final Fours. If Howland could have sustained that style,
and if he'd been wired a little differently, it's actually
kind of easy to imagine that UCLA might have been
able to ascend firmly back into that elite category, and
pull in a 12th or 13th banner.
But Howland wasn't able to sustain the success, and
UCLA probably waited a year too long to fire him, and
that has long been part of UCLA's problem -- waiting
too long to fire a guy. Of course, the more significant
issue has been hiring the wrong guy in the first place, as
UCLA did with Steve Lavin after Jim Harrick was
fired. By hiring Lavin, UCLA wasn't able to parlay the
1995 championship into any kind of meaningful,
sustained winning, and Howland's own issues
squandered the window that yawned open after the
three-straight Final Fours.
Now, as we talked about in the last piece, UCLA has
had four losing seasons in the last 14, and has missed
the NCAA Tournament altogether in five of the last 14
years. As far as college basketball goes, that's the mark
of an average-ish high-major program, andcertainly not
anything close to elite.
The frustrating thing for UCLA fans, though, is that it's

obviousUCLAstillhas the tools to be an elite program,
with a great recruiting base, an unparalleled tradition,
soon-to-be very good facilities, and a location that
makes the school attractive to players country-wide.
Think about this: it took Lavin, who isn't a real
basketball coach,six whole yearsto crater the program
-- UCLA had enough natural juice that he managed to
go to an Elite Eight in his first season and Sweet 16s in
his next five! Howland proved that UCLA is just a
smart, sustained recruiting strategy and a good coach
away from being right back in the mix for Final Fours
and national championships.
Now, UCLA has missed the NCAA Tournament again
this year after a very bad seasonthat sawthe Bruins
finish 15-17. Under Steve Alford, UCLA has become a
progressively worse team on both offense and defense,
and the shocking thing this year was the near total lack
of effort at times, especially over the last three or four
weeks of the season when UCLA needed to put
together a win streak to get an NCAA Tournament bid.
Instead, the team (both coaches and players) folded.It
was an awful season to watch, and, as we wrote last
week, it is certainly in the conversation for the worst
season UCLA has had since 1948. Alfords first three
years, as we talked about last week, were the worst first
three years for a coach since Wilbur Johns, and are
comparable to the LAST three years for Walt Hazzard

and Ben Howland.
Hows this for a stat: UCLA has gone unranked in 46 of
57 weeks during Alfords tenure. Thats just
irrelevance.
But judging the record and rankings is only a surfacelevel way to evaluate a program. Below, we're going to
take a look at the significant factors that have played
into UCLA being in the state it's in: On-Court Issues,
Favoritism, and Recruiting Problems.
On-Court Issues
UCLA showed a stunning lack of effort on defense this
year, and this was easily the worst year for UCLA
under Alford in terms of defensive effort. But what's
especially shocking is thesheer lack of defensive
fundamentals you see from the players on the court.
After four years,Tony Parkerstill doesn't know how
to position himself to avoid fouls, and after three years,
Bryce Alford, andIsaac Hamiltonto a lesser extent,
still don'tknow to consistently get in a stance and keep
theirhands up on defense. These aren't even complex
things -- keeping your hands up in a zone defense is
something you can teach a group of third graders.
The lack of fundamentals in the program is obvious
from watching any of the games, and from what we've
seen and heard, it stems from a practice culture that is
anything but stringent. Howland's practices during his
time in Westwood were the stuff of legend, with players

having to spend long hours off-court preparing for
what they'd have to do on the court. They were
extremely tough practices with a ton of time spent on
minute attention to detail -- how to spaceyour feet, how
to position your hands, the proper angle to bend your
knee in a defensive stance.
Alford's practices are lackadaisical affairs from what
we've heard, and from what we've seen. There's little
attention to detail and little time spent on specific
tactics for a given opponent.They're also not close to as
rigorous as Howland's practices, which often left
players physically exhausted (which was, of course,
sometimes detrimental). When it comes to film work
and developing game plans, what we've heard is that
this staff really has a hard time developing effective
game plans, and, what's more, has a pronounced
inability to adjust game plans mid-game.
Universally, even if players didn't like him at times,
they had a profound respect for Howland's hoops
acumen, and what we've heard over the last three years
is that it's pretty much the opposite for the overall
assessment of Alford. The feeling is that there isn't an
emphasis on player development, at least not to the
extent there was under Howland, and that's another
thing that's pretty obvious watching the team, especially
from a physical perspective, where all of these guys

From a game preparation and motivation standpoint,
this year specifically, the players and the coaches pretty
much gave up on the season down the stretch. Again,
not to keep comparing things to Howland's years in
Westwood, but when the team would have a losing
streak or just not play well for a while, Howland, who
was already a tireless, 16-hour-day type worker, would
ratchet up the intensity to an altogether new level.
Practices would be tougher, there would be even more
film work, and more often than not, play would
improve.
None of that happened this year. If anything, from what
we've gathered, there was actually more of a sense of
the coaches and players going through the motions over
the last three weeks in practice and film study. If
giving effort is the basicthing to expect from players,
then giving motivation is the basicthing to expect from
coaches, and from what we've heard, both parties failed
in thosebasicjobs.
Its the consensus from several people around the
program: this staff just isnt the grinding type. They
dont put in the kind of time that Howland did, and as a
general rule, theyre just not putting in that same kind
of effort. Even throwing that out, theres an open
question whether this staff has the coaching chops to
compete at the highest level of basketball it certainly
hasnt shown up on the court or in practice.

Favoritism
I've actually avoided this subject in most of what I've
written about the basketball team, because its an
uncomfortable subject and its not Bryce Alfords fault
that his dad plays him so many minutes. That's probably
been an error on my part, because it's obvious now how
much of an issue it is and has been for the team. When
Steve Alford was hired, he brought his son Bryce with
him to Westwood, and since then, he has played Bryce
too many minutes and given him too many shots every
single year that he's been here.
It's not really even up for debate. In 2014, Bryceplayed
23 minutes per game, almost all of them at point guard,
and that was a misallocation of the ball responsibilities,
for one, sinceKyle Andersonwas a far better option
initiating the offense (Anderson's assist rate that year
was a ridiculous 34.1 while Bryce'swas a fine,
unspectacular 19.1). Alford played just three fewer
minutes per game than Norman Powell, who was a
significantly better offensive and defensive option and
should have played more than 25 minutes per game.
Heck, Anderson only played 33 minutes per game, and
given that we've seen Alford is more than willing to
play Bryce 36+ minutes per game, Anderson probably
should have played a few more as well.
Last year, with only three guards on the roster, Alford

was forced to play all three of Bryce, Powell, and Isaac
Hamilton major minutes, but its worth noting that
Bryce played the most minutes on the team at 36.3 per
game, with Powell notching 34 and Hamilton playing
33. This year, with one more guard in the rotation,
Bryce again played 36.3 minutes per game, followed by
Hamilton at 35 and Aaron Holiday at 31.
To give that some context, this year he played a greater
percentage of minutes for UCLA than any Pac-12
player is playing for any Pac-12 team. He played a
greater percentage of minutes for UCLA than Tyler
Ulis is playing for Kentucky. He played a greater
percentage of minutes for UCLA than Buddy Hield is
playing for Oklahoma, and Hield might be the best
player in college basketball this year. He played more
than Hamilton, Welsh, and Parker, who all shot the ball
better this year and played more defense, and he played
more than Holiday, who was a significantly better
defender and only a slightly worse shooter. Bryce has
some obvious assets as a player he doesnt turn the
ball over much at all and he shoots threes pretty well
but those two things really do not justify the amount of
minutes he gets. This year, he was the fourth-best
And from what we understand, the players recognize
this issue as well. From what weve heard, the players
dont have any specific dislike for Bryce far from it,
actually, as most of what we heard indicates hes a
pretty likable guy but theres a real pronounced
resentment of the obvious favoritism shown to him by
the coaching staff. There will be film sessions where
the defensive issues of certain players will be dissected
ad nauseum, but rarely is there any mention of Bryces
defensive issues. There have been a couple of instances
over the last couple of years where weve heard, after
one player or another steps up offensively in a
particular game, that the coaching staffs message is
that it was a result of the opposing team being so
focused on taking away Bryce.
Theres been enough obvious favoritism in the program
that it has contributed to a significant amount of
resentment from the players on the team (and not just
this season), so its something that needs to be
mentioned. Whatever we might feel about Bryce
playing so many minutes and how it might affect
whether the team wins a certain amount of games, our
assessment is nowhere near as important as the
assessment of the players on the team.
UCLA could see at least one player, and possibly more
players, leave the program this offseason, and, from
what weve gathered, the obvious favoritism, along
with the poor coaching and lack of development, could
be a factor in those decisions.
Recruiting Problems
No one is disputing that UCLA has a good group of
players coming in with the 2016 class, and the 2017
class is certainly shaping up to be a pretty good one as
well. But this year's team was built on the strength of
the 2013, 2014, and 2015 classes, and it's hard to
describe those classes as anything other than a
significant failure.
In the 2013 class, UCLA signedIsaac Hamilton(who
had to sit out his first year),Wanaah Bail(who has
transferred, and also who probably shouldn't have been
playing at this level anyway),Bryce Alford(the head
coach's son who plays too many minutes),Noah Allen
(who probably shouldn't be playing at this level), and
Zach LaVine(who played one year and left for the
NBA). You can give them a general pass for this class,
since they didn't have much time to do anything beyond
bring in a warm body in Bail and eventually get
Hamilton on the bounce-back from UTEP. Notably,
though, they parted ways withAllerik Freeman, who's
a key piece at shooting guard for a pretty good Baylor
team this year.
In the 2014 class, UCLA signedJonah Bolden(who
had to sit out his first year),Thomas Welsh,Kevon
Looney(who played one year and left for the NBA),
andGyorgy Goloman(who's a backup, at best, for a
very good team). No, your eyes don't deceive you --
there's not a single guard in that class.

In the 2015 class, UCLA signedIkenna Okwarabizie
(who probably shouldn't beplaying at this level),Alex
Olesinski(who's a backup, at best, for a very good
team),Prince Ali(who we've heard will likely transfer
after this season), andAaron Holiday.
In other words, after three years of recruiting,of 13
players UCLA signed, fourof those still on the roster
are probably not capable ofplaying for a very good
UCLA team, one has already transferred, at least one of
the remainders is likely to transfer before next season,
and two have moved on for the NBA. The 2015 class is
shaping up to be a significant failure, with what looks
like two non-contributors and a transfer out of four
players, and that's not even taking into account what
Holiday may decide to do (we've heard he's still
uncertain about whether he'll return to UCLA next
season). UCLA did not sign a single guard in the 2014
class, which was a failure of pretty extreme magnitude
given that UCLA had just three guards on the roster for
2014-15.
Ultimately, just looking at that group of classes, this
isn't the way UCLA recruits when the program is
healthy. We've gone over Steve Alford's recruiting
strategy from those couple of yearsmore than enough,
but, to hammer it home, pursuing the uber-elite national
recruits all over the country like UCLA did for the first
two summers under Alford was a very bad strategy and

not the sort of thing UCLA has historically had a great
deal of success doing. When UCLA has been very
good, the Bruins have built their teams around the great
amounts of talent you can find within a 200-mile radius
around UCLA. As we wrote at the time, unless you
have a firm connection to a kid across the country, it's
usually a waste of time to spend a ton of recruiting
capital recruiting nationally. It just doesn't pay off
enough to justify the expense of time and resources.
UCLA spent a ton of time going after guys likeMyles
Turner,Rashad Vaughn,Justise Winslow, and more,
especially in the 2014 class, and it really inhibited the
Bruins' ability to sign local talent. Just look at USC's
roster of athletic, talented shooters and keep in mind
that four of those guys from the 2014 and 2015 classes
(Jordan McLaughlin,Elijah Stewart,Chimezie
Metu, andBennie Boatwright) wanted to be Bruins at
one time or another. UCLA showed a tremendous
amount of hubris in recruiting through the first two
cycles, with Alford thinking that his name coupled with
UCLA was enough to recruit with the Dukes and
UCLA is leveragingits connections to the Compton
Magic, a local AAU program, significantly more over
the next two cycles, which has helped UCLA earn
commitments from very talented pieces inIke
Anigbogu,Jalen Hill, andJaylen Hands,and landing

players like those guys is exactly what UCLA should be
doing going forward, and what UCLA should have
done for the last three cycles. This isn't revisionist
history -- everyonewho really knew the landscape of
UCLA recruiting was telling the staff that they needed
to prioritize local recruiting at the time when UCLA
was flying all over the country following the elites. We
wrote it several times here. Landing aKevon Looney
here or there doesn't justify missing out on the
McLaughlins and Metus of the world.
It's also worth noting that, as good as the next two
classes are shaping up to be, they're really built on two
things: the coaching staff's relationship with the
Compton Magic and the coaching staff's relationship
with Lavar Ball.Every player committed or signed with
UCLA in 2016 and beyond is either named "Ball" or a
member of the Compton Magic. Having a partnership
with just one AAU program and just one family of
basketball players is probably not a path to sustained
long-term success. And its worth noting as well that
one of the few major successes Alfords staff had
recruiting nationally in its first two cycles (landing
Kevon Looney) came about largely through the
schools relationship with Adidas.
The foundation of the program has rarely been on as
shaky ground as this. From a historical perspective, the

last eight years have been pretty close to the nadir for
the UCLA program in the modern, post-Wooden era,
and over the last three years, Alford has done little to
slow the slide into mediocrity. Player development has
been poor, recruiting has taken an unnecessary amount
of time to get going, and the obvious favoritism shown
to his son has alienated certain players and could help
to lead to mass departures this offseason.
The fanbase has also been marginalized and alienated,
and it has led to an enormous groundswell of fan anger
over the last several weeks, with a petition to fire Steve
Alford gaining over 1500 signatures and an actual
banner flown over the UCLA campus this week calling
for his ouster. Even in the waning days of Lavin and
Howland, there wasnt this level of fan anger at the
coach. Its truly unprecedented, and signals nothing
good about the current state of the UCLA basketball
program.
UCLA is a storied program, with the kind of tradition,
recruiting base, and name brand to be a very good to
elite college basketball program. As Howland showed
just a decade ago, turning the program around and
getting back to elite status at UCLA really only requires
a pretty good coach whos dedicated to his craft and a
smart, sustained recruiting approach.
And thats the hope for fans, I suppose: perhaps UCLA

will one day have both of those things again.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Block, Gene
Dear Chancellor Block,

The reports that are coming out to the extent of how Steve Alford handled the team is flat out unacceptable and this
man should be removed from his position at once. It is obvious that there has been no one there to protect the
players and the schools best interests and prevent this man from his own agenda which has directly pushed this
great program to an all time low. The answer is not to give him new assistants but to remove him at once. We will
see transfers from this team due to his poor leadership and lack of accountability and fairness. This wonderful
institution and storied program doesn't need a new splashy hire but a solid up and coming coach that can actually
coach the game rather that just being a name but a fraud underneath like Alford. Please act now so we can get
things back moving in the right direction. All the recruits will stay on, they all chose the school and not the coach.
Best regards,
Mike Mendoza
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 14, 2016, at 1:50 PM, Mike <mikemen2425@
> wrote:
>
> Hello Chancellor Block,
> It is in my opinion overall the Athletic Department has done an excellent job through tough times to get things
done within the Administration and have the sports programs in a great position, all except basketball. I do feel that
Steve Alford doesn't understand the importance and honor it is to be the Head Basketball Coach at UCLA. He has
used this platform to showcase his son and with doing this there is no accountability and stability in the program.
Steve Alford doesn't understand the importance that UCLA basketball is to many people beyond, donors, students
and alumni. Please this is the time to act and restore our great tradition by removing Steve Alford and replacing
him with someone that will understand the value of the position and remove the nepotism factor plaguing this
storied program.
>
> Sincerely
> Mike Mendoza
>
> Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
ALAN WINTERS
Hello...
Over the past 3 years I have gone from season ticket holder to occasional TV viewing to no
TV viewing whatsoever.
Coach Steve Alford and the program are on a clear, downward trajectory. This is not a
progress doesnt come in a straight line scenario. This is worse than the Lavin years, and
Lavin as we all know today is a media personality, not a coach.
I will buy season tickets again when Alford is deservedly replaced. I cant stand the nepotism
(Bryce Alford would be, at best, the 10th man on most PAC 12 teams), awful game
preparation, poor in-game coaching, no interest in defense, lack of effort/motivation amongst
many players. This all falls on the head coach. And Alford, unlike Jim Mora, represents the
university horribly.
Changing one or even two assistants wont make a difference at all. The fish rots from the
head.
Do we really need to wait another one, two or three years for this debacle to end?
Read this article - totally fact-based. Not a pleasant read, but sometimes the truth needs to see
the light of day.
http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/story/1652435-the-state-of-the-ucla-basketballprogram
Regards,
Alan Winters
Former Long-time UCLA Basketball Season Ticket Holder
UCLA Anderson MBA Class of '81
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brian Iriye
Coach Alford
Thursday, March 17, 2016 6:32:35 AM
To All,
Respectfully again I must state my ongoing dissatisfaction with the current status of retaining
coach Alford. Apparently yesterday Prince Ali submitted his transfer papers and there is a
perception among players of uneven discipline due to the appearance of nepotism.
The results under coach Alford have been dismal for a UCLA coach with a recent report calling
it the worst season possibly since 1948. The coach is a top 20 paid coach and has been out of
the top 20 polls 80% of the time while at one of the top programs in college basketball
history.
The average termination in the US in the workforce is 6-18 months after the employer
believes the person cannot do the job. This fits this situation well. The evidence is clear. The
current recruiting class will stay due to the power of UCLA, not coach Alford. In addition, to
see us beat 3 times by USC by a team full of players that wanted to come to UCLA but were
not wanted by this coaching staff. A change in assistants will bring nothing. Further
continuation of his employment will poison the fanbase. Pauley will become even more
empty and the financial implications of this will continue and a generation of fans is being
lost.
Please fire coach Alford now.
Sincerely,
Brian Iriye, MD
Class of 85
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reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
he'd been wired a little differently, it's actually kind of easy to imagine that UCLA might have
been able to ascend firmly back into that elite category, and pull in a 12th or 13th banner.
But Howland wasn't able to sustain the success, and UCLA probably waited a year too long to fire
him, and that has long been part of UCLA's problem -- waiting too long to fire a guy. Of course,
the more significant issue has been hiring the wrong guy in the first place, as UCLA did with
Steve Lavin after Jim Harrick was fired. By hiring Lavin, UCLA wasn't able to parlay the 1995
championship into any kind of meaningful, sustained winning, and Howland's own issues
squandered the window that yawned open after the three-straight Final Fours.
Now, as we talked about in the last piece, UCLA has had four losing seasons in the last 14, and
has missed the NCAA Tournament altogether in five of the last 14 years. As far as college
basketball goes, that's the mark of an average-ish high-major program, andcertainly not anything
close to elite.
The frustrating thing for UCLA fans, though, is that it's obviousUCLAstillhas the tools to be an
elite program, with a great recruiting base, an unparalleled tradition, soon-to-be very good
facilities, and a location that makes the school attractive to players country-wide. Think about
this: it took Lavin, who isn't a real basketball coach,six whole yearsto crater the program -UCLA had enough natural juice that he managed to go to an Elite Eight in his first season and
Sweet 16s in his next five! Howland proved that UCLA is just a smart, sustained recruiting
strategy and a good coach away from being right back in the mix for Final Fours and national
championships.
Now, UCLA has missed the NCAA Tournament again this year after a very bad seasonthat
sawthe Bruins finish 15-17. Under Steve Alford, UCLA has become a progressively worse team
on both offense and defense, and the shocking thing this year was the near total lack of effort at
times, especially over the last three or four weeks of the season when UCLA needed to put
together a win streak to get an NCAA Tournament bid. Instead, the team (both coaches and
players) folded.It was an awful season to watch, and, as we wrote last week, it is certainly in the
conversation for the worst season UCLA has had since 1948. Alfords first three years, as we
talked about last week, were the worst first three years for a coach since Wilbur Johns, and are
comparable to the LAST three years for Walt Hazzard and Ben Howland.
Hows this for a stat: UCLA has gone unranked in 46 of 57 weeks during Alfords tenure. Thats
justirrelevance.
But judging the record and rankings is only a surface-level way to evaluate a program. Below,
we're going to take a look at the significant factors that have played into UCLA being in the state
it's in: On-Court Issues,Favoritism, and Recruiting Problems.
The lack of fundamentals in the program is obvious from watching any of the games, and from
what we've seen and heard, it stems from a practice culture that is anything but stringent.
Howland's practices during his time in Westwood were the stuff of legend, with players having to
spend long hours off-court preparing for what they'd have to do on the court. They were
extremely tough practices with a ton of time spent on minute attention to detail -- how to
spaceyour feet, how to position your hands, the proper angle to bend your knee in a defensive
stance.
Alford's practices are lackadaisical affairs from what we've heard, and from what we've seen.
There's little attention to detail and little time spent on specific tactics for a given
opponent.They're also not close to as rigorous as Howland's practices, which often left players
physically exhausted (which was, of course, sometimes detrimental). When it comes to film work
and developing game plans, what we've heard is that this staff really has a hard time developing
effective game plans, and, what's more, has a pronounced inability to adjust game plans midgame.
Universally, even if players didn't like him at times, they had a profound respect for Howland's
hoops acumen, and what we've heard over the last three years is that it's pretty much the opposite
for the overall assessment of Alford. The feeling is that there isn't an emphasis on player
development, at least not to the extent there was under Howland, and that's another thing that's
pretty obvious watching the team, especially from a physical perspective, where all of these guys
From a game preparation and motivation standpoint, this year specifically, the players and the
coaches pretty much gave up on the season down the stretch. Again, not to keep comparing things
to Howland's years in Westwood, but when the team would have a losing streak or just not play
well for a while, Howland, who was already a tireless, 16-hour-day type worker, would ratchet up
the intensity to an altogether new level. Practices would be tougher, there would be even more
film work, and more often than not, play would improve.
None of that happened this year. If anything, from what we've gathered, there was actually more
of a sense of the coaches and players going through the motions over the last three weeks in
practice and film study. If giving effort is the basicthing to expect from players, then giving
motivation is the basicthing to expect from coaches, and from what we've heard, both parties
failed in thosebasicjobs.
Its the consensus from several people around the program: this staff just isnt the grinding type.
They dont put in the kind of time that Howland did, and as a general rule, theyre just not putting
in that same kind of effort. Even throwing that out, theres an open question whether this staff has
the coaching chops to compete at the highest level of basketball it certainly hasnt shown up
on the court or in practice.
It's not really even up for debate. In 2014, Bryceplayed 23 minutes per game, almost all of them
at point guard, and that was a misallocation of the ball responsibilities, for one, sinceKyle
Andersonwas a far better option initiating the offense (Anderson's assist rate that year was a
ridiculous 34.1 while Bryce'swas a fine, unspectacular 19.1). Alford played just three fewer
minutes per game than Norman Powell, who was a significantly better offensive and defensive
option and should have played more than 25 minutes per game. Heck, Anderson only played 33
minutes per game, and given that we've seen Alford is more than willing to play Bryce 36+
minutes per game, Anderson probably should have played a few more as well.
Last year, with only three guards on the roster, Alford was forced to play all three of Bryce,
Powell, and Isaac Hamilton major minutes, but its worth noting that Bryce played the most
minutes on the team at 36.3 per game, with Powell notching 34 and Hamilton playing 33. This
year, with one more guard in the rotation, Bryce again played 36.3 minutes per game, followed
by Hamilton at 35 and Aaron Holiday at 31.
To give that some context, this year he played a greater percentage of minutes for UCLA than any
Pac-12 player is playing for any Pac-12 team. He played a greater percentage of minutes for
UCLA than Tyler Ulis is playing for Kentucky. He played a greater percentage of minutes for
UCLA than Buddy Hield is playing for Oklahoma, and Hield might be the best player in college
basketball this year. He played more than Hamilton, Welsh, and Parker, who all shot the ball
better this year and played more defense, and he played more than Holiday, who was a
significantly better defender and only a slightly worse shooter. Bryce has some obvious assets as
a player he doesnt turn the ball over much at all and he shoots threes pretty well but those
two things really do not justify the amount of minutes he gets. This year, he was the fourth-best
And from what we understand, the players recognize this issue as well. From what weve heard,
the players dont have any specific dislike for Bryce far from it, actually, as most of what we
heard indicates hes a pretty likable guy but theres a real pronounced resentment of the
obvious favoritism shown to him by the coaching staff. There will be film sessions where the
defensive issues of certain players will be dissected ad nauseum, but rarely is there any mention
of Bryces defensive issues. There have been a couple of instances over the last couple of years
where weve heard, after one player or another steps up offensively in a particular game, that the
coaching staffs message is that it was a result of the opposing team being so focused on taking
away Bryce.
Theres been enough obvious favoritism in the program that it has contributed to a significant
amount of resentment from the players on the team (and not just this season), so its something
that needs to be mentioned. Whatever we might feel about Bryce playing so many minutes and
how it might affect whether the team wins a certain amount of games, our assessment is nowhere
built on the strength of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 classes, and it's hard to describe those classes as
anything other than a significant failure.
In the 2013 class, UCLA signedIsaac Hamilton(who had to sit out his first year),Wanaah
Bail(who has transferred, and also who probably shouldn't have been playing at this level
anyway),Bryce Alford(the head coach's son who plays too many minutes),Noah Allen(who
probably shouldn't be playing at this level), andZach LaVine(who played one year and left for
the NBA). You can give them a general pass for this class, since they didn't have much time to do
anything beyond bring in a warm body in Bail and eventually get Hamilton on the bounce-back
from UTEP. Notably, though, they parted ways withAllerik Freeman, who's a key piece at
shooting guard for a pretty good Baylor team this year.
In the 2014 class, UCLA signedJonah Bolden(who had to sit out his first year),Thomas
Welsh,Kevon Looney(who played one year and left for the NBA), andGyorgy
Goloman(who's a backup, at best, for a very good team). No, your eyes don't deceive you -there's not a single guard in that class.
In the 2015 class, UCLA signedIkenna Okwarabizie(who probably shouldn't beplaying at this
level),Alex Olesinski(who's a backup, at best, for a very good team),Prince Ali(who we've
heard will likely transfer after this season), andAaron Holiday.
In other words, after three years of recruiting,of 13 players UCLA signed, fourof those still on
the rosterare probably not capable ofplaying for a very good UCLA team, one has already
transferred, at least one of the remainders is likely to transfer before next season, and two have
moved on for the NBA. The 2015 class is shaping up to be a significant failure, with what looks
like two non-contributors and a transfer out of four players, and that's not even taking into
account what Holiday may decide to do (we've heard he's still uncertain about whether he'll
return to UCLA next season). UCLA did not sign a single guard in the 2014 class, which was a
failure of pretty extreme magnitude given that UCLA had just three guards on the roster for201415.
Ultimately, just looking at that group of classes, this isn't the way UCLA recruits when the
program is healthy. We've gone over Steve Alford's recruiting strategy from those couple of
yearsmore than enough, but, to hammer it home, pursuing the uber-elite national recruits all over
the country like UCLA did for the first two summers under Alford was a very bad strategy and
not the sort of thing UCLA has historically had a great deal of success doing. When UCLA has
been very good, the Bruins have built their teams around the great amounts of talent you can find
within a 200-mile radius around UCLA. As we wrote at the time, unless you have a firm
connection to a kid across the country, it's usually a waste of time to spend a ton of recruiting
capital recruiting nationally. It just doesn't pay off enough to justify the expense of time and
resources. UCLA spent a ton of time going after guys likeMyles Turner,Rashad
Vaughn,Justise Winslow, and more, especially in the 2014 class, and it really inhibited the
Bruins' ability to sign local talent. Just look at USC's roster of athletic, talented shooters and keep
in mind that four of those guys from the 2014 and 2015 classes (Jordan McLaughlin,Elijah
Stewart,Chimezie Metu, andBennie Boatwright) wanted to be Bruins at one time or another.
UCLA showed a tremendous amount of hubris in recruiting through the first two cycles, with
Alford thinking that his name coupled with UCLA was enough to recruit with the Dukes and
UCLA is leveragingits connections to the Compton Magic, a local AAU program, significantly
more over the next two cycles, which has helped UCLA earn commitments from very talented
pieces inIke Anigbogu,Jalen Hill, andJaylen Hands,and landing players like those guys is
exactly what UCLA should be doing going forward, and what UCLA should have done for the
last three cycles. This isn't revisionist history -- everyonewho really knew the landscape of
UCLA recruiting was telling the staff that they needed to prioritize local recruiting at the time
when UCLA was flying all over the country following the elites. We wrote it several times here.
Landing aKevon Looneyhere or there doesn't justify missing out on the McLaughlins and
Metus of the world.
It's also worth noting that, as good as the next two classes are shaping up to be, they're really built
on two things: the coaching staff's relationship with the Compton Magic and the coaching staff's
relationship with Lavar Ball.Every player committed or signed with UCLA in 2016 and beyond
is either named "Ball" or a member of the Compton Magic. Having a partnershipwith just one
AAU program and just one family of basketball players is probably not a path to sustained longterm success. And its worth noting as well that one of the few major successes Alfords staff had
recruiting nationally in its first two cycles (landing Kevon Looney) came about largely through
the schools relationship with Adidas.
perspective, the last eight years have been pretty close to the nadir for the UCLA program in the
modern, post-Wooden era, and over the last three years, Alford has done little to slow the slide
into mediocrity. Player development has been poor, recruiting has taken an unnecessary amount
of time to get going, and the obvious favoritism shown to his son has alienated certain players
and could help to lead to mass departures this offseason.
The fanbase has also been marginalized and alienated, and it has led to an enormous groundswell
of fan anger over the last several weeks, with a petition to fire Steve Alford gaining over 1500
signatures and an actual banner flown over the UCLA campus this week calling for his ouster.
Even in the waning days of Lavin and Howland, there wasnt this level of fan anger at the coach.
Its truly unprecedented, and signals nothing good about the current state of the UCLA basketball
program.
UCLA is a storied program, with the kind of tradition, recruiting base, and name brand to be a
very good to elite college basketball program. As Howland showed just a decade ago, turning the
program around and getting back to elite status at UCLA really only requires a pretty good coach
whos dedicated to his craft and a smart, sustained recruiting approach.
And thats the hope for fans, I suppose: perhaps UCLA will one day have both of those things
again.
On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 12:35 PM, Josh Kaplan <jkaplan21@

Gentlemen,
> wrote:
Please see the link below. Whether you think it is time to let Steve go or not, this can't be a
good thing for UCLA sports.
https://twitter.com/ewcorpuz/status/709434171995717632
-Josh Kaplan
UCLA Undergraduate Class of 2000
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Huang, Gary
AD; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA"s National Brand
Dr. Block,
I would like to provide a different perspective from all the emails you have been receiving about
Coach Alford and the Athletics Department.
I dont live in California. I live in New York City. The UCLA name and brand is less relevant here but
still highly respected. That respect, however, is clearly declining. UCLAs overall brand and
reputation is directly correlated to our performance in basketball and football. Simply put, people in
NYC dont care about our US News academic ranking, but they will notice when we struggle in major
sports and they will notice when our program is in turmoil. The typical college sports fan at my
workplace takes pity on me because it is well known to even them that Coach Alford is an immoral,
nepotistic, and incompetent coach. We must remain cognizant of the fact that Coach Alford is not
only a coach of our team but a representative of UCLA and of UCLAs brand. He has been tarnishing
how others view our university and our program, and this is unacceptable.
I am not making any recommendations or suggestions regarding Coach Alford and/or our athletics
department. However, please consider how the nation and the world views our University and how
the lack of change at the top may lead to further ramifications for our reputation and brand.
Best,
Gary Huang
UCLA 08
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Mitchell Austin
Guerrero, Dan
Re: Removal of Coach Steve Alford
Mr. Guerrero,
I'm writing, again, to urge you to terminate UCLA's relationship with Coach Alford
immediately.
Requesting that Coach Alford hire new assistants will not resolve the problems surrounding
his stewardship of the UCLA basketball program. Every day that Coach Alford is retained
inflicts more damage upon the reputation and health of the program. This is most recently
evidenced by the rumors that Prince Ali will be transferring (as a result of his limited playing
time due to Bryce's unprecedented minutes).
Please act now. There is still time to find a replacement for the upcoming season.
Sincerely,
Mitchell Austin (UCLA B.A. 2008, UCLA J.D. 2013)
On Mar 11, 2016, at 4:08 PM, Mitchell Austin <mitchellaustin@
> wrote:
Mr. Guerrero,
I've seen the latest news reports that indicate that UCLA plans to retain Coach
Alford. I hope this is entirely false.
The UCLA Men's Basketball Program is not owned by a few of the biggest
donors. Especially those donors who were involved with the hiring of Coach
Alford and may feel that their reputation is at stake if Alford is fired.
Rather, the UCLA Men's Basketball Program is owned by all of the fans, alumni
and others who hold the Program close to our hearts.
Please perform your duties as AD and listen to the fanbase. We have spoken
loudly and clearly and will continue to do until Coach Alford is fired.
Sincerely,
On Mar 10, 2016, at 10:50 AM, Mitchell Austin <mitchellaustin@
wrote:
Messrs. Guerrero, Block and Rebholz,
I am writing to urge you to immediately remove Coach Steve Alford
as the Mens Basketball Head Coach. While, as Mr. Guerrero has
>
noted, progress does not always proceed forward in a straight line, it

also does not proceed backward in a straight line. This would be
regress which is what has occurred in Coach Alfords second and
third seasons at UCLA.
In his first year, Coach Alford finished with an overall record of 28-9,
a Pac-12 season record of 12-6 and a Sweet 16 loss. In his second
year, Coach Alford finished with an overall record of 22-14, a Pac12 season record of 11-7 for a 4thplace finish and a Sweet 16 loss. In
his third year, Coach Alford currently has an overall record of 15-17,
a Pac-12 season record of 6-12 for a 10thplace finish and no NCAA
tournament bid. The facts are clear; Coach Alfords program has
regressed, not progressed.
This regression is the result of a number of Coach Alfords failures.
He has failed to develop players that have remained in his program.
He was unable to recruit positions of need in his first and second
years. He has a blind spot for his son, Bryce. His teams lack an
identity. Most significantly to me as a Bruin fan is that Coach
Alford appears to lack a passion for UCLA Basketball. While he
may be passionate about the game of basketball, he does not appear
to respect the history of the UCLA Basketball Program.
Please immediately remove Coach Alford.
Sincerely,
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Truth about Steve Alford"s nepotism
During the team film session immediately after the Cal game late in the season, CSA began ripping on Ali both
offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of effort, and lack of help D possession after possession. My source
said it was bad. This lead to a emotional confrontation between CSA and Ali later in the film session during an allto-often defensive series for Bryce where CSA did not say a word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going on and had to be removed
from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice a supposed shoving match between Ali and Bryce
occurred where Ali was then removed from practice (these details were a bit gray so I do not know exactly what
happened). Bryce was allowed to stay. From that point on Ali was benched and was actually encouraged by CSA
Source also told me Bryce is so rarely criticized in film study vs. everyone else it makes numerous players angry.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
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Mike
Devastating article about UCLA basketball
http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/story/1652435-state-ucla-basketball-program
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
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apollo1987@
on behalf of Kyle Noble
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Restore UCLA Basketball Now
Chancellor Block, Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Rebholz,

First, I'd like to thank you for your hard work supporting UCLA and making it the great
institution that is is today. I wear my blue and gold with pride every day and I have you in
part to thank for that. Your work in retaining Coach Mora despite multiple suitors for his
services has kept the football program on a great upward trajectory and I am proud of that.
However, the current state of the basketball program is something of which I cannot be proud.
I used to make time in my day to watch the Bruins play, stop anything I was doing so I could
support the team for those 2-3 hours twice a week. I attended almost every home game as a
student in the band and many more even after I moved back to San Diego.This season,
however, I barely watched, only casually following on social media or checking a score while
busy with something else.
It was apparent early on in the year that the team had inconsistent effort, poor discipline, and
poor game preparation. It's hard not to be motivated when Kentucky and Arizona are in town.
My main concern however is the blatant nepotism and disrespect the Alford's are allowing to
continue within the program. I admit I'm not in the locker room so I don't know the truth, but
when more than one respected media source is reporting it it's hard to ignore. Coach Alford's
preferential treatment of his sons has created a lack of accountability, lack of discipline, and a
lack of trust within the program. Not to mention the early departures that are rumored to be
continuing this offseason.
Coach Alford may have achieved 2 Sweet 16s and a great incoming recruiting class for next
year, but I strongly believe that UCLA has natural advantages thanks to it's location and
prestige that any coach with an ability to maintain relationships with local high schools and a
plan can recruit at UCLA. As for the Sweet 16s, it was pretty fortunate that we got double
digit seeds in the round of 32 both times.
The Alfords must be let go immediately and not be given another chance to disrespect this
university. Why not give a new coach an opportunity with a great group of players to show
that proper accountability and coaching can make a difference?
I have always been a donor to UCLA since my graduation in 2009, and I have proudly donated
to the football facility, the Pauley renovation, the engineering school, and the WAF.
However, I cannot continue to support the Alford regime. My donations will have to change
and go towards areas of the school and athletic program that I believe represent the school
with pride.
I truly hope the athletic department does not let this 3 year downward tumble of UCLA
basketball continue. This is not going to blow over. A temporary band-aid of a good
recruiting class or assistant coach changes will not fix the problem of the head coach's
disrespect for the program that Coach Wooden built. Change must come soon.
Thank you for your time and Go Bruins
Respectfully,
Kyle Noble
UCLA B.S. '09 M.S. '11
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Cc:
Subject:
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Mark D. Hurwitz
Guerrero, Dan
Real change, not just shuffling of assistants, is needed before we can pay for season tickets again
Dear Mr. Guerrero:

The start of the NCAA Tournament is a painful reminder of the unacceptable state of our
men's basketball program. While it was enjoyable to watch our top incoming recruits play
each other in the state high school playoffs on Tuesday, we were both (1) bothered that we
looked forward to that game more than to the Pac-12 Tournament and (2) concerned that the
new talent we will be adding next season will be wasted by inadequate coaching, instruction
and guidance.
Not that UCLA should have to look to Southern Cal as a measuring stick, but it was appalling
to see our team, in three games, not even compete against the crosstown rival, several of
whose players wanted to be Bruins. Considering the relative states of our program and theirs
three years ago, it is inexcusable for our Bruins to fall so far short of being the best team in
LA, let alone the Pac-12, the West or the country.
When we received our season ticket renewal we noticed that as an apparent result of the
declining interest in our team, our seats no longer require a Wooden Athletic Fund donation.
Not only are we not going to renew our donation until we have a new head coach worthy of
the opportunity to lead the program that Coach Wooden built, but we are not prepared to pay
for next season's seats, even at the reduced price.
We are not spoiled fans and do not have unreasonable expectations. During my seven years
on campus as an undergraduate and post-graduate student in the 1980s, I experienced some of
the lowest points of the modern era of UCLA basketball, with only a single win in the NCAA
Tournament (over Central Michigan) in an eight-year span from 1981 through 1988. But we
cannot recall ever feeling such pessimism about the future of the program. And this is not
being fed by rumors--it's the result of what we've seen and the unmistakably disturbing trends.
We need change now.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mark Hurwitz (1987, 1990)
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Patrick
Nepotism is Deplorable
"During the team film session immediately after the Cal game late in the season, CSA began
ripping on Ali both offensively and defensively for bad shots, lack of effort, and lack of help D
possession after possession. My source said it was bad. This lead to a emotional
confrontation between CSA and Ali later in the film session during an all-to-often defensive
series for Bryce where CSA did not say a word.
Prince Ali flat out called Bryce and CSA out in front of the entire team for what is going on and
had to be removed from the film session by an assistant coach. At the next practice a
supposed shoving match between Ali and Bryce occurred where Ali was then removed from
practice (these details were a bit gray so I do not know exactly what happened). Bryce was
allowed to stay. From that point on Ali was benched and was actually encouraged by CSA
numerous players angry.
Take it FWIW... this source is extremely close to a player on the team..."
Coach Alford and his nepotistic ways are tearing this team apart. Ali is probably transferring.
Is this the kind of culture you want for UCLA basketball?
UCLA DESERVES BETTER. FIRE ALFORD!!
From:
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Cc:
Subject:
Date:
LoDuca, Paul
Block, Gene
National Media and the Steve Alford Mess
Chancellor Block:
The groundswell of protest against Steve Alford is getting stronger. The longer it continues
the more likely it is that national media outlets will pick up the story and run with it.
From a sports perspective the story is damaging enough: storied basketball program,
mediocre coach, nepotism and the ADs role in the whole mess. Im sure George
Dohrman, of Sports Illustrated, cant wait to get his hands on this one.
Worse, what if this story is picked up by real news organizations that want to look at
nepotism from a UCLA institutional perspective? After all if UCLA is condoning a coach,
who is all about promoting his son at the expense of the team, then what else is being
permitted? What if every faculty member and administrator had to defend the hiring of a
spouse or family member to the detriment of other qualified candidates? Im not saying
this is rampant at UCLA but Im not nave enough to believe it hasnt happened. In any
event such a story would be damning to the university in terms of negative coverage and
the expense of responding to countless inquiries.
Why is this administration willing to risk so much to protect a coach that should never have
been hired in the first place? What aspect of cut your losses is so hard to understand?
Paul LoDuca
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kirk Crawford
Block, Gene
Basketball Program
Dear Dr. Block:

Please work with Mr. Guerrero to replace Mr. Alford with a qualified head coach.
Nepotism and total disregard for the tradition of excellence of the basketball program
by the head coach are grounds for his termination. I realize that your responsibilities
are vast and varied and go far beyond athletics. However, the basketball program at
UCLA is sacred to many and does much for the "UCLA brand". Please take the
necessary action.
Kirk Crawford
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jonathan Lee
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Mens Basketball: Coach Alford Must Go
Dear Sirs,
It was reported yesterday by Bruin Report Online, that the Athletic Department made recent
attempts to force changes to Coach Alford's staff, or accept a lower buyout terms. I can only
imagine that the sole reason for having done so, was in order to try and placate the masses. I
think it is important for the three of you to realize that the UCLA fanbase is a sophisticated
bunch, and we are united in our opinion that unless Coach Alford is removed, our anger will
not dissipate, we will not attend games, and probably more importantly, we will withhold our
donations.
Please do the right thing and terminate Coach Alford's contract immediately.
Your Friend,
Jonathan Lee Esq.
-Law Offices of Jonathan Lee
90 New Montgomery St., Suite 1250
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA
t: (415) 685-0813
f: (415) 738-0492
Internal Revenue Service Circular 230 Disclosure: In compliance with IRS

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From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew Crytzer
Guerrero, Dan
Re: UCLA Men"s Basketball - Change Needed
Hello Mr. Guerrero,

It has been a few days, so I thought I would check in to see if you are close to
dismissing Steve Alford?
I understand that you might have brought up the idea of changing the assistant
coaches, but retaining coach Alford.
If you think the assistant coaches are that bad and Steve Alford hired them, then it is
best to just dismiss them all (including Steve Alford).
Sincerely,
Matthew Crytzer
From: Matthew Crytzer <mdcrytzer@
>
To: "dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu" <dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu>
Cc: "gblock@conet.ucla.edu" <gblock@conet.ucla.edu>; "jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu"
<jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu>
Subject: UCLA Men's Basketball - Change Needed
Hello Mr. Guerrero,

Since no official announcement has been made, I thought I would try one more time
to convince you that Steve Alford needs to be dismissed right away.
1) The terrible way he handled the Pierre Pierce incident.
2) The way he favors his son, Bryce, over other players.
3) Due to the nepotism, he has caused unhappiness with the other members of the
team. This will likely lead to transfers.
4) He has the lowest winning percentage of any UCLA men's basketball coach since
the Wilbur Johns.
5) He lost to USC three times in one season.
6) His record this season was 15-17.
7) Attendance is low and UCLA is losing donations.
We would like to bring our young children to a basketball game at Pauley Pavilion, but
we won't feel comfortable doing that until Steve Alford is dismissed.
Please terminate Steve Alford's contract immediately.

Sincerely,
Matthew Crytzer

>
Cc: "gblock@conet.ucla.edu" <gblock@conet.ucla.edu>;
"jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu" <jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu>
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2016 9:09 AM
Subject: Re: UCLA Men's Basketball - Change Needed
Hello Mr. Guerrero,
I just heard that you decided to retain Steve Alford for next season.
As you can imagine, this is supremely disappointing.
It saddens me that I won't be able to pass along UCLA basketball to our kids, like my
mother and father did with me.
Good luck with your program.
Sincerely,
Matthew Crytzer

>
Cc: "gblock@conet.ucla.edu" <gblock@conet.ucla.edu>;
"jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu" <jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 11:27 AM
Subject: UCLA Men's Basketball - Change Needed
Hello Mr. Guerrero,
My wife and I graduated from UCLA in 1997. While students at UCLA, we attended
many men's basketball games. We have very fond memories of these times.
After graduating, we still attended a few games each year, and I watched every other
game on TV.
We were both disappointed when Steve Alford was hired as the coach to replace Ben
Howland. We decided to give him a chance, but unfortunately, our fears have been
realized.
UCLA records for the past three years have steadily declined:
28-9
22-14
15-17
This season, we were blown out three times by bitter rival USC (in basketball...).
We have stopped attending games and sadly, I don't even watch them on TV any
longer. We won't be attending games or watching them on TV until a new head
coach is hired.
Please don't look to the 2016 recruiting class as the savior. It is fool's gold. They
won't be able to overcome the eventual transfers, the bad chemistry (Coach Alford
featuring his son), and Coach Alford's lack of coaching acumen.
Please don't fear the national media backlash at replacing a coach after three
seasons. Regardless of when a coaching change is made in UCLA mens
basketball, the media will always say that it is due to UCLA's unreasonably high
expectations. No championships in 20 years and missing the tournament 5 out of
the last 14 seasons... Does that say "High Expectations" to you?
Please don't worry about the curiously high buyout clause for Steve Alford. UCLA
fans will return as soon as the coaching change is made, and the revenue from the
increased attendance will help offset the cost of the buyout.
Please don't wait.

The time is now.
Sincerely,
Matthew Crytzer
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Cliff Sakata
Block, Gene
UCLA Basketball
Hi Mr. Block,
Some of my earliest and fondest memories as a child was watching UCLA basketball on TV. I was enamored with
UCLA, not for the education or the international renown, but for the basketball team. It was my dream to make it
into UCLA and I did and experienced the national championship winning season in 1995.
I watched UCLA basketball religiously. I would schedule my day around watching UCLA basketball and in recent
years, I would be sure to record the game. Steve Alford has been the worst UCLA basketball coach since I've been
a UCLA. He doesn't inspire confidence or passion. I am sure you've heard all the reasons why many in the UCLA
community are against him as a coach and I am not going to bore you with the details.
Let me just say that I no longer watch UCLA basketball. I no longer attend games and I no longer watch the games
on TV. I feel bad for the kids, but I feel apathetic towards the program. Alford made me not care about UCLA
basketball, which is the worst possible thing I can say about any coach. UCLA basketball needs new leadership.
Please ask Dan Guerrero to replace Alford as the basketball coach.
Sincerely,
Cliff
Clifford Sakata
Attorney At Law
www.KSVISALAW.com
4909 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92123
(t) 858-874-0711
(f) 858-874-0775
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prohibited. If you receive this email in error please immediately notify me at (858) 874-0711 and permanently
delete the original copy and any copy of any e-mail, and any printout thereof. Further information about the firm, a
list of the Partners and their professional qualifications will be provided upon request.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Andy Wing
Done as Bruins Basketball Fan
Dear Dan,
I have been a die-hard Bruins basketball fan since 1990. Been through good and bad, and
some mediocre in between, but I have remained faithful and loyal until now.
I am done as UCLA Basketball fan and have quit following the team since 2015. It was brutal
and embarrassing watching my be-loved Bruins playing the ways it had this whole season;
lack of effort and focuses at times; horrendous and stubbornness coaching, and playing
without "SPIRIT" and "HEART". It's just not the brand of basketball representing UCLA
basketball.
Dear Dan, enough is enough. It's time to make the right choice by firing CSA. We will all stand
behind you when you make the RIGHT choice by firing CSA.
Sincerely,
Andy W.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Alex Zalkin
Block, Gene
Please do the right thing and fire Coach Alford
Thursday, March 17, 2016 12:00:21 PM
Chancellor Block,
The current state of our men's basketball program is an embarrassment. New rumors are surfacing suggesting that players are
transferring due to blatant favoritism displayed by Coach Alford towards his son, Bryce. Further, the rumors suggesting that
Mr. Guerroro is negotiating with Coach Alford to force him to hire a new staff are particularly disturbing. This will do
nothing to alleviate the toxic environment created by Coach Alford. Every UCLA supported knows that the only way to
begin to rehabilitiate our program is to terminate Coach Alford.
Please do the right thing and fire Coach Alford.
Best,
Alex Zalkin
Class of 2006
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Dan Guerrero"s foxhole
Dan is a person not interested in doing what is right, but in saving himself. He's a bad guy, he
is not willing to protect the institution that is UCLA basketball but more willing to save his
lazy as hell (he never vetted Alford) bureaucratic ass. He's a selfish guy putting himself over
UCLA basketball.
Gene, thanks for taking the time to be there and, again, for all your support during this
difficult time, Guerrero said in the April 19 email. Often when things go smoothly (which
they generally do), we forget that there may come a time when we all need to be in the
foxhole together. Believe me, I never want to be in there again"
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Trevor Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Need New Head Basketball Coach, Not New Assistants!
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

I'd just like to point you to this article to see how we, the fan base, are feeling right now:
http://kennedycosgrove.squarespace.com/blog/2016/3/12/nej1ryucw4qiyjmfh0j78384qo42a3.
Please, dismiss Steve Alford from his post as head coach of UCLA men's basketball. New
assistants will not solve the problem, and none of us will be fooled into thinking they will.
Sincerely,
Trevor Fuller
UCLA Class of 2012
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kennedy Cosgrove
Alford must be dismissed
This is a blight upon our beloved university.

Every UCLA alum I've spoken to--and they have been many--is disgusted and demoralized and,
frankly, angry, at our athletic department and by extension our university as a whole.
Please get Dan Guerrero to do the right thing and dismiss Alford.
The damage that this is doing is real, and ongoing.
Respectfully,
Kennedy Cosgrove, MD
Class of 1992
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kennedy Cosgrove
Alford must be dismissed
This is a blight upon our beloved university.

Every UCLA alum I've spoken to--and they have been many--is disgusted and demoralized and,
frankly, angry, at our athletic department and by extension our university as a whole.
Please get Dan Guerrero to do the right thing and dismiss Alford.
The damage that this is doing is real, and ongoing.
Respectfully,
Kennedy Cosgrove, MD
Class of 1992
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Mendoza
Block, Gene
UCLA basketball
UCLA has been ranked 19% of the time during Steve Alford's three-year tenure.
Compare that to the last three years of these programs:
Providence -- 25%
Xavier -- 31%
Baylor -- 73%
Utah -- 54%
Absolutely pathetic, it's time for a change!
Mike Mendoza
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kim Luk
Save our BB Team
There is a rumor that many key players on the BB team are not happy with Alford because of nepotism and want to
transfer to other schools.
Please talk to each members of the team and all assistant coaches to find out the situation. If the rumor is in fact
true, please fire Alford now before players transferring to other schools.
Thanks,
Kim Luk
1976
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Dan Brisket
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Sad to see the state of UCLA... Please fire Alford
Today it really hits home when I see teams with less talent but better coaching. Please fire Coach Alford.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
James Krug
Block, Gene
Agents son hired by Alford
In addition to the below I just learned that Steve Alford also has hired his agents son as part of the
UCLA basketball program. This is shameful that a public university would allow this behavior and
not open jobs up to the most qualified candidates- not Steve Alfords AGENTS child. Plus he hires is
son as delineated below.
I really think that this type of behavior needs to be stopped and reprimanded and is indicative of a
program riddled with nepotism.
I would greatly appreciate a response.
Sincerely,
James Krug
From: James Krug [mailto:jamesbaileykrug@

Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2016 4:43 PM
To: 'gblock@conet.ucla.edu'
Subject: Appearance of Nepotism
With the decision to bring back Steve Alford I think you have heard from both Bruin fans and many in
the media their displeasure.
As you are no doubt aware much of the vitriol comes from the perception, right or wrong , of
nepotism. Whether Bryce Alford deserves the playing time he receives is subject to good faith
arguments on both sides.
However, when Coach Alford hires his son Cory as the video coordinator the line is clearly crossed.
UCLA is a public institution. I am sure there are hundreds of former UCLA students who would
desperately want that job and I assume many would be much more qualified. Maybe Cory is the
next Steven Spielberg as a video coordinator. However, no one can argue that the only reason he
got the job is because his father is the coach. For a public institution to allow such a hire just fuels
the fire and to me is just wrong.
I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
James Krug
Lifelong Bruin Fan and Co- Sports Editor, UCLA Daily Bruin, 1975
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Rossi
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Disturbing reports regarding nepotism
Gentlemen,
There are disturbing reports regarding how nepotism has created tension and discord within the
men's basketball program. The environment and culture that has been created in the program by
Coach Alford are not conducive to playing winning basketball. Nepotism should not be tolerated
at a place like UCLA.
Steve Alford has taken advantage of UCLA. He is not the coach that you thought he was when he
was hired. The presence of his son on the roster has made him a completely different coach
from his tenure at New Mexico. He does not deserve your loyalty. Please take decisive action
and remove him as head coach.
Sincerely,
Tony Rossi
UCLA Class of 1993
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Chai, Andrew U. MD, FACC

How to alienate your fan base
http://kennedy-cosgrove.squarespace.com/blog/2016/3/12/nej1ryucw4qiyjmfh0j78384qo42a3
"This message is intended for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed and may
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From:
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Subject:
Date:
David & Amy Madeo

We"re not going anywhere
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

The NCAA Mens Tournament started today, and UCLA is nowhere to be found. Fans who
are disgusted with Alford are not going anywhere. The only way to fix this intolerable
situation is remove Alford. I personally know 12 current WAF members who will not be
renewing if Alford remains as coach.
Please do the right thing and protect UCLAs reputation and legacy.
David Madeo
Class of 1992
Current WAF member
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
David & Amy Madeo

UCLA is synonymous with nepotism, thanks to Alford
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

Alfords starting point guard is his son, a 3-star who was not highly recruited. He plays more
minutes than anyone in UCLA history, while playing zero defense and shooting at one of the
poorest rates of any UCLA point guard ever.
Alfords assistant is his other son.
Another assistant is the son of Alfords agent.
Do you honestly not see a problem here?
Alford has made UCLA synonymous with nepotism, and it is embarrassing.
David Madeo
Class of 1992
Current WAF member
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jaime Goldfarb
Block, Gene
Another Metric for Consideration
Continuing my life earlier thread on metrics to be used in evaluating our coach's performance I have seen recent
reports regarding our relative NCAA rankings; specifically our time sitting in the top 25 falls below that of
Providence, Xavier, Baylor and Utah over Coach Alford's three year tenure at UCLA; no one of whom I believe
you would agree should have a higher performing program than UCLA. Again, I ask has this been taken into
consideration on the decision whether to dismiss or retain Coach Alford. As the data mounts it would seem the case
for retention is completely untenable.
Regards. Jaime Goldfarb
Providence -- 25%
Xavier -- 31%
Baylor -- 73%
Utah -- 54%
Jaime Goldfarb, Ph.D.
CEO
Goldfarb Educational Consulting
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
rawley valverde
Coach Alford must go today!!!
Please read 'The State of the UCLA Basketball Program' on the front page of Bruin Report
Online.
It's a terribly distressing and accurate account of the one-time crown jewel of mens college
basketball.
Get us a new coach gang!!! We've got some great young talent coming in next year- the
right coach could start us on the path back to the promised land.
Respectfully,
Rawley Valverde
Class of '83
Go Bruins!!!
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Namir Shaba
Guerrero, Dan
NCAA Tourney and No UCLA
Dear Sirs,
I am sitting here watching all these teams playing in the best sporting event in the world. But UCLA is sitting at
home. How is this possible.
Steve Alford makes a Top 20 national salary with a 10 million dollar buyout. You would think that would put
UCLA in the top 25 rankings regularly. Instead we have a team in dissarray, players transfering, no defense and a
coach who is oblivious and blinded by his son.
Please fire Alford now. This is your job. You cannot let this go on.
Sincerely,
Namir Shaba class of 2000
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Dylan N. Dewey
Guerrero, Dan
Recent Report and Accountability
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

I am appalled about the recent report that you are planning on retaining Steve Alford despite the groundbreaking
swell of support to fire him from the UCLA fan base. Can you please provide a legitimate explanation rather than
that unduly influential donors are willing to offer him another chance? He must go now! I would, at the minimum,
appreciate a response as this is the second e-mail I have sent. As UCLA fans and alumni, we demand accountability
for the most successful athletic program of all time.
Sincerely,
Class of 2011
Dylan N. Dewey
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew
Guerrero, Dan
replace Coach Alford
Dear Mr. Guerrero,

As the eyes of American sports fans turn to one of the greatest sporting events in the world,
the NCAA men's basketball tournament, UCLA fans across the globe are left morose and
forlorn. For the Bruins are not in the tournament this year, and nor did they deserve to be.
And while some would claim this is an aberration for Coach Alford's program, the plain truth is
that last year's bid was a lucky (and controversial) one. Indeed, as each year of Coach Alford's
tenure has seen fewer wins and more losses, perhaps this season should be considered
predictive of the future. Moreover, in the three years Coach Alford has overseen UCLA
basketball, the team has been nationally ranked only 19% of the time -- less than one fifth.
In that same stretch, these schools (none of them basketball powerhouses, let alone
royalty)have been ranked forthe following percentages:
Providence -- 25%
Xavier -- 31%
Baylor -- 73%
Utah -- 54%
These statistics speak for themselves.
Please take the only appropriate course of action and dismiss Coach Alford.
Sincerely,
Matt Henderson
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Dear Sir,
corner.
UCLA Fan,
Jeffrey Hoover
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Dear Sir,
corner.
UCLA Fan,
Jeffrey Hoover
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kenji Kumara
Guerrero, Dan
Really bad coaching attitude
Normally I don't post premium BRO stuff because you're not supposed to but since
they're posting it all over the internet right now I will post it.
A guy yesterday posted a rumor he got from a "friend" close to the team. He says
after the Cal game during the film meeting CSA called out Prince Ali more than
once for bad shots(0-2) and bad defense. It was bad enough that Ali felt picked on.
Later during the same film session, there was a sequence where Bryce took a bad
shot and played no defense, and CSA didn't say a thing.
At that point Ali effectively called CSA out, you went off on me a few minutes ago
but now when it's your son, you don't say a thing. They apparently exchanged
words, it got heated, and Ali had to be removed from the film study. He of course
played less than 5 minutes in each of his last 3 games.
No idea if true, but remember, Cal was the game where late in the game Bryce
effectively watched Jabari Bird hit the nail in the coffin jumper right in front of him
because he appeared to not know what defense we were in. CSA called timeout and
Bryce walked to the bench with Shilling yelling at him and him throwing his hands
up and clearly saying "not my man" twice. The other 4 Bruins appeared to be in a
zone, the shooter was right there but Bryce ignored him.
So my guess is that was the sequence that led to Ali calling out CSA in the film
session if that rumor is true.
Apparently the end result of all this was a meeting with CSA and Ali where he was
told he should look for another program he's not part of UCLA's plans. Now to be
clear, the guy who posted the film argument rumor did NOT say Ali was told to
transfer, taht came from someone else and has been backed up by others but who
knows.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Julian Mintz
Re: UCLA Basketball
Gentlemen,
This is a follow up note to my original two emails from last week to express my displeasure
with the state of the basketball program. The current state is unacceptable, and it needs to
change. And guessing by your silence for the 9 days after the season ended, you deep down
know that this is true.
Recent reports on fan sites, specifically Bruin Report Online (who has a sterling reputation in
being right about happenings inside the program, both the good and bad), have exposed some
half hearted attempts at rectifying the situation. Those reported solutions not only fail to
recognize the true source of the problem, but are frankly insulting to us fans who have been
so loyal to Coach Wooden's program.
Issues such as nepotism from our head basketball coach, especially when it's so plain for even
the casual fan to see, are a disgrace to the program and a black eye for the university. It's flat
out embarrassing to tell people I support UCLA Basketball.
Please do the right thing and restore our program to respectability.
Best,
Julian Mintz
Class of 2006
On Wed, Mar 9, 2016 at 8:52 PM, Julian Mintz <jemintz@
Mr. Block, Mr Guerrero, and Mr Rebholz,
> wrote:
I'm writing to express my displeasure and concern with the state of our basketball program
and it's current leadership.
I won't belabor the various facts and opinions about our program that lead to this concern - I
know many other fellow fans will already be doing that.
But it's important that you know that I'm among the many that won't be participating in the
UCLA Basketball experience - an experience that has meant so much to me since I was a
young kid - until big changes are made that show that you guys care half as much as we
fans do.
I started attending games when I was 7. Some of my fondest sports memories happened with
my family and friends in Pauley.
I remember in '95, I was 10 years old and had a basketball game of my own during the
Missouri game in the tournament. A large group of players, coaches, and parents had
gathered around a small TV in the corner of the gym in the games final minutes, and
exploded with joy when Tyus made his famous layup. I remember that for probably the
only time in my childhood playing days, I could have cared less about the game that I was
in, and still to this day am sad that I didn't get to experience that moment with the rest of the
UCLA community.
I was a Senior at UCLA during Coach Howland's first Final Four run. I attended all 6
tournament games with friends that year; those 3 weekends make up some of my fondest
memories as a student in Westwood.
UCLA basketball was a big part of my life as a kid, and while it's importance in my life has
decreased as I've gotten older and real priorities have set in, it still holds a special place in
my heart. I have two young kids now, and I always dreamed that they'd get to experience
the glory of a rocking Pauley Pavilion with their dad. As it stands today, I wonder when that
moment will finally come, if it ever comes.
I get that sustained excellence in college hoops is hard. I don't expect UCLA to win at the
highest levels at all times. Us UCLA fans get a bad rap for our unrealistic expectations, but
that's a fallacy. All we want is a product on the floor that we can be proud of, one that
reflects the tenets of the University that it represents: smart, tough, resilient, and honest.
It's my and many other Bruin fans opinion that the current leadership of the program, and
the subsequent product put on the floor, does not reflect those tenets. Specifically, I'm
concerned that the leadership doesn't have the best interests of the program at heart. That
alone is enough to walk away from Bruin basketball until a change is made. But combined
with the inarguably mediocre basketball coaching skills (.500 record at the high major
level), and you have a recipe for disaster (see: overall season record; Pac12 record; results
vs USC).
I'm in a great place in my life. I have two wonderful kids, a loving and supportive wife, and
an already successful career with a really promising future. I don't NEED basketball to
make me happy liked I did as a kid. But I've always dreamed of having season tickets; of
sharing them with friends; of taking my two kids and my dad to games to watch my Alma
Mater; and of my kids one day growing up to love Coach Wooden's program and the
University that it represents. I stayed at arms distance after the questionable head coaching
hire 3 years ago, and have only increased my distance after seeing the results. Until changes
are made, we'll all be staying away from Pauley and UCLA broadcasts.
Thanks for your time.
Respectfully,
Julian Mintz
Class of 2006
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Bill Elkins
RE: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gentlemen,
I cant imagine that anyone with a truly high basketball IQ would argue that Sean Miller is an elite
basketball coach. Hes an excellent recruiter who can coach just okay enough. Arizona has more
talent than Wichita State but Greg Mitchell coached circles around Sean Miller. Its so refreshing to
see players implement an excellent coachs tight well designed game plan by playing smart,
disciplined, efficient hard nose basketball for an entire 40 minutes to become all that team is
capable of becoming on the court. This is why UCLA basketball will never regain elite status under
the leadership of Steve Alford. Elite coaches will send limos for the Bruins as long as Alford is the
coach. The fact USC lost tonight in no way changed the fact that the trajectory of their basketball
program is so much higher than ours. That is disgustingly sad and totally unacceptable.

]
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 5:49 PM
Subject: RE: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gentlemen,
I hope the rumor circulating that an emphasis has been placed on asking Coach Alford to change his
Assistant coaches is not true. Coach Alford is the problem! It is his leadership that has produced
and cultivated the culture of unsound fundamentals, half stepping player effort, nonexistent player
development and nepotism that has engulfed the UCLA basketball program. Pauley is half full
because the way the team plays is no fun to watch. Has Prince Ali transferred yet? Who the
Assistant Coaches are is a mute consideration. The UCLA basketball program can never reach elite
status with Steve Alford as the Head Coach. Fire Steve Alford immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2016 12:10 PM
Subject: FW: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]
To: dguerroro@athletics.ucla.com; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.com; gblock@conet.ucla.edu
Subject: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gentlemen,

Im not a season ticket holder but for the past 40 years, three friends and I have attended six mens
basketball games at Pauley each year. This year we attended only one game because the product
on the court was so poor and difficult to watch. Im emailing you to urge the immediate
termination of Steve Alford as head basketball coach at UCLA.
His first year, Coach Alford inherited three first round NBA draft picks. That level of talent, not his
coaching acumen, was largely responsible for the 28 wins. Beginning with his second year it was
crystal clear Alford was at best a mediocre coach. His record of 22 wins last year, 15 wins this year
witnessed by a half full Pauley Pavilion clearly demonstrates a lack of support from the UCLA
basketball community. John Wooden taught us what high quality basketball looks like. In good
conscience, I know you cant believe the product Coach Alford is giving us is anything close to high
quality. The team is fundamentally unsound. The players do not play hard. The games are no fun
to watch. The sinking attendance speaks volumes. I also trust that the disgusting nepotism Coach
Alford consistently shows with his son bothers you just as much as it bothers the UCLA fan base.
Bryce possesses marginal basketball skills. In addition to never being held accountable on the court,
he is on pace to play more minutes than any player in UCLA basketball history and to attempt more
shots per game than any Guard in the storied history of UCLA basketball. This is coaching
malpractice! Is there any real question why there is such a chemistry problem with the team. To
any knowledgeable UCLA basketball fan, it appears that Coach Alfords number one priority is to
showcase his son.
I challenge you to not forget to remember the lesson we painfully learned from the Steve Lavin.
That lesson was not even the most superior recruiting can compensate for mediocre coaching. I
know Coach Alford signed a top recruiting class last November. I know he has verbal commitments
from two highly regarding players for 2017. Steve Alford just like Steve Lavin is at best a mediocre
basketball coach. His record of over two decades speaks for itself. He has never coached a team
past the Sweet 16. At most universities the Sweet 16 is a reasonable goal. The Sweet 16 is Steve
Alfords ceiling. If and when he gets UCLA back to the Sweet 16, the elite coaches he will meet there
will coach circles around him. The basketball program at UCLA is special! Im counting mon you!! I
miss coming to Pauley with my friends, sitting behind to bench and basking in the high quality
basketball being played by the team wearing Blue & Gold. Fire Steve Alford
immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Vu Duong
Block, Gene
New Direction for UCLA Athletics
Friday, March 18, 2016 3:55:38 AM
Dear Chancellor.
I am sure you are very busy and thank you for your time that you daily put into the University.
I am writing because it is so frustrating to see the UCLA Basketball and other sports aspire to apathy and not even
mediocrity under the direction of the Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. Granted he has done some good things in
fundraising, I would think a more competent athletic director could do better. As PRO scouts evaluate talent, you
have to look at the overall ceiling of the talent as well. The weaknesses in anticipating and preparation for coaching
hires is appalling. The fact that he allows a very poor culture of leadership to stay is APPALLING. The current
state of NEPOTISM and poor CULTURE that does not represent UCLA Basketball is too much to stomach. If the
University that I love and try to represent with the best intentions on a daily basis ignores the pleas of alumni and
fans because of the lack of accountability and repeated lack of preparation then expect things to become more
public. Any donations that I would otherwise donate to UCLA will then go towards banners and ads exposing some
of these truths. This is not something that I want to do but I will. I have the money to do it as well.
Do you think our alumni, Bob Myers, regrets firing Mack Jackson for Steve Kerr? Sometimes you have to ask what
you want out of a leader and see a higher ceiling.
Thanks for your time. Go Bruins!
Vu Duong MD
Class of 1997
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew Ansoorian
Leadership Reflection
Friday, March 18, 2016 6:11:10 AM
Ask yourself, what will your replacement(s) think about your leadership decisions during this
crisis?
Ten years from now will you wish you handled things differently?
If your best friend was going through a similar situation at work what suggestions would you
give him or her?
What does your choice in communication strategy say about your leadership character?
"See the genius in every student and teach to set that genius free" Adapted from Michelangelo
Andrew Ansoorian, SPHR
Executive Director of Human Resources
Harrisonburg City Public Schools
Cell #
aansoorian@harrisonburg.k12.va.us
Careers@HCPS
Check us out on LinkedIn....HCPSonLinkedIn
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
LoDuca, Paul
Block, Gene
I read Dan Guerrero"s online plea last night
Friday, March 18, 2016 8:40:36 AM
Chancellor Block:
Through an intermediary, Dan Guerrero floated two proposals for the readers of Bruin
Report Online to review.
One option was to relieve Alford now, but this was offered with the understanding that the
AD is not prepared to make a new basketball coaching hire and as such the AD shouldnt
be held responsible if the new hire isnt the right one. The second option was to give Alford
another year and put in place a professional search group to find the right coach it was
also mentioned that even then he might not get it the new hire right but the odds would be
better.
I sat back in my chair after reading this and felt completely disheartened. Why is
everything that this AD does framed with built in excuses? Why does he find it so hard to
lead? How could the AD not have a short list of coaches in his back pocket for either of
the two revenue generating sports at UCLA (basketball and football)? How could the AD
not realize, as early as Alfords first year here, that he was not the solution and that a
replacement would be needed sooner than later?
How is keeping the most divisive coach in UCLA history even an option? How is blatant
nepotism tolerated at one of the finest academic institutions in the world? How is
mediocrity tolerated and rewarded by being allowed to continue?
Here, Ill save you twelve months and millions of dollars in professional search fees:
1. Reach out to Bryce Drew, currently the coach at Valparaiso University, to verify his
interest
2. Vet Drew from here to eternity (Im sure hes clean but do your due diligence)
3. Fire Steve Alford
4. Hire Bryce Drew
The crime isnt in acknowledging the mistake its in when you ignore it and dont take steps
to correct it.
I urge you to ask Dan Guerrero to lead.
Thank you
Paul LoDuca
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Dan Guerrero trying to destroy UCLA
Friday, March 18, 2016 9:21:03 AM
----------------------------------------The AD is currently encountering something he hasn't yet in his tenure at UCLA. Maybe 50-0 compares, I don't
know, but he is up against relentless, overwhelming, unified opposition to his position. There isn't going to be a
quitting of the storm absent firing Alford. All of these attempts to stem the tide only prolong and intensity the
storm.
Doc Barry talk about the nuclear option. That's pretty much what he's doing by prolonging this.
Steve Alford at UCLA is untenable in practice, and unacceptable to the fans and donors who buy the tickets and
make the donations and go to the games and buy UCLA merchandise and do the 8-clap.
It's entirely up to Guerrreo when this ends. It's entirely up to Guerrreo if this turns into a war with his one fan-base.
It's entirely up to Guerrero if the fan-base pivots (as it is already starting to) and comes after him.
There is no option #2.
Fire Alford and then work prudently with the fan-base to find an acceptable successor.
That's it.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Fire Alford! Save UCLA Basketball!
Friday, March 18, 2016 9:23:23 AM
Dear Sir,
corner.
UCLA Fan,
Jeffrey Hoover
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Galloway
Changes Needed in Athletic Department
Friday, March 18, 2016 11:02:15 AM
Im writing to you again to please consider accelerating a change in leadership in the UCLA
Athletic Department. The poor management is evident, and recent mis-steps involving
basketball coach Steve Alford, his own poor performance, and Dan Guerreros terribly
crafted buy-out clause for Alford, has caused great dissent around the UCLA community.
National press has not been kind to the school, further damaging its leadership
reputation. A letter and email campaign continues, and many fans and supporter are now
receiving canned email responses. This is yet another indication of indignation and
dismissal of how UCLA supporters and donors to the school feel about this growing
problem.
The school is risking losing further monetary support as well. Many have backed-out of
donations and/or their season seats. Lastly, I want to remind to that my wife (class of 1989)
and I and our family has purchased season seats for UCLA football since 1992.
Regards,
John G. Galloway
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 564-6651 ext. 6800
www.verbumdei.us
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
michael mccaffrey
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Fire Steve Alford Now!
Friday, March 18, 2016 12:22:32 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
In my two decades as a UCLA fan, and a proud graduate, I have never been as
disillusioned and angry at the Athletic Department as I am now.
Steve Alford has been a horrible coach and lousy fit to lead UCLA Basketball. I am
not going to recite all the various reasons here, as I know you have received many
passionate emails out lining Mr. Alford's failures. But come on, the lack of discipline,
lack of defense and the blatant favoritism towards his son? Are you blind?
Success may not be linear, to quote you, but the death spiral of UCLA Basketball
obvious to any knowledgeable follower of UCLA Basketball.
Why wait a year to fire him? Do it now!
And for the record, you should have never given that hick Alford such a rich buyout.
What the hell were you thinking?
I will not watch or attend another UCLA Basketball game as long as Mr. Alford is
coach. Nor will we contribute to the WAF or purchase and UCLA gear or products.
Nor will my family of 3 generations of UCLA graduates. If Mr. Alford is not removed
as coach, I will cancel my season Football tickets when they are due for payment
July 1st.
This is your legacy Dan. You are in danger of being remembered as the man who
alienated the UCLA fan base and destroyed UCLA Basketball. IF you don't fire Alford
- YOU SHOULD BE FIRED!
Michael McCaffrey Class of 2012
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Dan Guerrero is a scumbag
Friday, March 18, 2016 7:01:23 PM
Who is cheating UCLA...he's a disgusting bureaucrat who I would love to spit in his face if I saw him but gets inside
his foxhole. He's a piece of human refuse who is the biggest disgrace in UCLA history. He's a scumbag pure and
simple.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Alex Mokover
New Beginning
Friday, March 18, 2016 11:02:15 PM
Chancellor Block,
It is absolutely insane that Steve Alford is still the coach at UCLA. The arena is half empty for
all but the biggest games, nobody on campus feels any closeness to the coach, the team went
6-12 in what the NCAA tournament has proven to be a weak league, and Lonzo Ball is
playing to larger crowds in high school than he will see at UCLA.
If Mr. Guerrero will not make the change that everybody knows must be made, then you must
remove Mr. Guerrero. I am 28 years old and UCLA has won one basketball championship
and zero Rose bowls in my lifetime. This is not remotely acceptable, and for once, the buck
must stop at Mr. Guerrero. If he will not fire Coach Alford, then you must fire him.
Best,
Alex Mokover
Season Ticket #9448

Gene Block's Emails On Steve Alford - Part 3

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Gene Block's Emails On Steve Alford - Part 3

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From:

Dear Mr. Guerrero (and Mr. Rebholz and Dean Block),

FREE Animations for your email

Dear Dr. Block,

The Linzmeier Group

1901 Main Street | 7th Floor | Irvine, CA 92614

CA Insurance Lic # OK44700

Important Notice to Recipients:

Dear Chancellor Block:

Dear Chancellor Block:

Loren A. Deters, Esq.

George Elkins Mortgage Banking Company

26180 Enterprise Way, No. 300

Sent from my iPhone

Chancellor Block, Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Rebholz:

can help.Others can help. Call and let's talk.

Dear Mr. Guerrero,

Dear Mr. Guerrero,

Dear Mr. Guerrero,

I hope youll give me the courtesy of a response.

Scott Revlin, MA, BCBA

Connect with STAR of CA:

Scott Drew - Baylor

Dead Dan Guerrero, Chancellor Block and Josh Rebholz,

All it takes is leadership. I urge you to ask Dan Guerrero to lead.

The Linzmeier Group

1901 Main Street | 7th Floor | Irvine, CA 92614

CA Insurance Lic # OK44700

From: LoDuca, Paul (Wealth Mgmt MS)

The Linzmeier Group

1901 Main Street | 7th Floor | Irvine, CA 92614

CA Insurance Lic # OK44700

Important Notice to Recipients:

Dear Mr. Block,

Editorial Director, Publisher

From: Carrie White <carrie.white@glasshousepress.com>

Editorial Director, Publisher

Dear UCLA administration,

from Jim Rome show today:

UCLA deserves better!

Dear Mr. Guerrero,

Scott Revlin, MA, BCBA

Connect with STAR of CA:

Sent from my iPhone

Continuing to be an embarrassment. If these transfers are true, just more of a joke.

UCLA Basketball fans are again catching flack for being

Begging the Question

The Howland Wars

RELATED STORY:UCLA Basketball is Bad but Not Nikola

Black Wall International Companies

Any comment on this story?

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain

Four messages, five days, and not a peep in return.

On Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 12:02 PM, Michael Zank <mike.zank@

Bryce's defense is atrocious and Hefland gets it.

Bryce's defense is atrocious and Hefland gets it.

Dear Mr. Guerrero,

Dear Dr. Block,

UCLA has gone unranked in 46 of the 57 weeks during Alfords tenure.

Please fire Alford now.

Sincerely, Roy Donald Brink

Editorial Director, Publisher