Bryce prepares to say goodbye to Bruins
La Cueva grad Alford one of seven UCLA players who could interest the NBA
LOS ANGELES — UCLA fans will bid farewell to La Cueva graduate Bryce Alford and two other seniors this week during the team’s final home games, all the while wondering how many underclassmen they might never see again.
Lonzo Ball is as good as gone after this season and there’s a high probability that fellow freshman TJ Leaf also will make himself available for the NBA draft based on his potential selection as a lottery pick. Sophomore Aaron Holiday, junior Thomas Welsh and freshman Ike Anigbogu are the other Bruins with remaining eligibility who must decide whether to give the college try another go-round.
But Alford is one of as many as seven UCLA players who could interest NBA teams, according to two NBA scouts who recently spoke with the Los Angeles Times. He and fellow guard Isaac Hamilton had essentially zero buzz before this season but have gained consideration — particularly Alford.
“If you watch some of the highlight films of Bryce, you could very easily say, ‘Why not?’ ” the Eastern Conference scout said. “I mean, he’s done some really nice things. He’s got a great release” on his shot.
The 6-foot-3 guard averages 16.1 points and has moved into the No. 6 slot on UCLA’s all-time scoring list with 1,832 points. His total of 307 3-pointers trails only Jason Kapono (317). Alford’s 45.4-percent clip from beyond the arc is eighth best among Division I players this season. The son of UCLA coach and former New Mexico coach Steve Alford also showed his toughness on Saturday by grabbing six rebounds as the No. 3 Bruins (26-3 overall, 13-3 Pac-12 Conference) defeated No. 7 Arizona 77-72 in Tucson. Afterward, Leaf thought he would show his smarts by putting Alford in his place. “I think Bryce had maybe his career high out of his whole life in rebounds today,” Leaf said with a grin. Alford squirmed a bit and then delivered his final counterpunch of the night. “No, it’s seven,” he said, smiling. “I had six today, I’ve had seven. Don’t shortchange me.”