Noticed Lorenzo Mata in the UCLA/Aggies game tonight

[VWolf]

He barely gets any minutes on that team and he is a senior. If I remember correctly, he was pretty close to being a Lobo. You have to think that his career would have been much better served had he decided to head to ABQ. It's great to be on a top 5 team and all, but if you don't get the PT, you don't develop and you don't get noticed.

Anyway, imagine if he had signed with Ritchie McKay's Lobos? Would we have made the dance this season? I think so. His interior defense would have pushed us over the top. However, what if his presence had made the Lobos just good enough to keep McKay on and we missed out on Alford...I shudder to think of that possibility.

[Mark]

Mata plays quite a bit and has started till Loves arrival. Hes a pretty good player and see plenty of time

[wallyhopp]

yep. he was decent the past few years. those are the breaks though. who knows. Rusher can jump in and essentially bench faris. not to say that would be terrible, because that would mean he'd be a helluva player out there but thats life in collge sports.

[ricoLobo]

He barely gets any minutes on that team and he is a senior. If I remember correctly, he was pretty close to being a Lobo. You have to think that his career would have been much better served had he decided to head to ABQ. It's great to be on a top 5 team and all, but if you don't get the PT, you don't develop and you don't get noticed.

Anyway, imagine if he had signed with Ritchie McKay's Lobos? Would we have made the dance this season? I think so. His interior defense would have pushed us over the top. However, what if his presence had made the Lobos just good enough to keep McKay on and we missed out on Alford...I shudder to think of that possibility.

Yeah, and Lorenzo wouldn't have made two trips to the final four, either. Funny thing, that fate.

He'd be perfect for the LOBOS, though. He can't shoot freethrows to save his life.

[Agent]

Ritchie could never seal the deal with the top recruits. Remember Darnell Jackson, Darren Collison, Mike Roll, Harper Kamp etc. All were interested but did not sign.

It will be interesting to see if SA can close the deal with Jeff Taylor. We will have really gone to another level in a hurry if he does.

[loborick]

Yeah, and Lorenzo wouldn't have made two trips to the final four, either. Funny thing, that fate.

He'd be perfect for the LOBOS, though. He can't shoot freethrows to save his life.

It all depends on what he wanted out of college basketball. Did he want to be a role player on an elite team, with no chance to play BB after college. Or did he want to take his game to a program where he would be a feature player? That is a choice many have to make. Some like Domzalski made the choice and you wonder if they ever thought twice.

You can never predict what is going to happen. If UCLA did not land Love, would Mata have been a feature player this year? Who knows. It is all a crap shoot. I don't envy these young men when they have to make such a big decision. But UNM right now gives recruits a very good position to be in. A program that has a huge upside, a major renovation of one of the top venues in the country and a fantastic fan base. C'mon recruits, you can get in early on this and be a part of the development of this program.

[CanisLupis]

He started on last year's Final Four Team. Either program, I don't think he'd play at the next level. He's in Westwood (not a bad place to be) and has played in two (3 on it's way) Final Fours. Not a bad career.

[VWolf]

Yeah, and Lorenzo wouldn't have made two trips to the final four, either. Funny thing, that fate.

He'd be perfect for the LOBOS, though. He can't shoot freethrows to save his life.

Two trips to the final four is nice, but he's not going to get much notice from the NBA when he is playing 6 minutes in the tourney as a senior.

[Yakkacat25]

Yeah, and Lorenzo wouldn't have made two trips to the final four, either. Funny thing, that fate.

He'd be perfect for the LOBOS, though. He can't shoot freethrows to save his life.

Howland really likes Mata. He's an important element to the interior defense that UCLA plays. He may not start but that doesn't take away his worth to UCLA'S defense. He's a major factor.

[Yakkacat25]

It all depends on what he wanted out of college basketball. Did he want to be a role player on an elite team, with no chance to play BB after college. Or did he want to take his game to a program where he would be a feature player? That is a choice many have to make. Some like Domzalski made the choice and you wonder if they ever thought twice.

You can never predict what is going to happen. If UCLA did not land Love, would Mata have been a feature player this year? Who knows. It is all a crap shoot. I don't envy these young men when they have to make such a big decision. But UNM right now gives recruits a very good position to be in. A program that has a huge upside, a major renovation of one of the top venues in the country and a fantastic fan base. C'mon recruits, you can get in early on this and be a part of the development of this program.

Mata played quite a bit last year. Whether UCLA landed Love or not Mata still is important to what UCLA likes to do. Mata was part of the Howland's first recruited class which has turned how to be very special. Howland woud've recruited Mata if he didn't he could contribute. Mata is a kid that's tough and really good at altering shots. He can rebound as well. A really good big asset to UCLA.

[Roob]

Howland really likes Mata. He's an important element to the interior defense that UCLA plays. He may not start but that doesn't take away his worth to UCLA'S defense. He's a major factor.

I notice he added "Real" to his surname. Kind of young to get married.

[Yakkacat25]

I notice he added "Real" to his surname. Kind of young to get married.

You notice all the details Roob

[Roob]

You notice all the details Roob

Just keeping it "real" Yakka.

[LoboEddie]

he added "Real" to his last name as a tribute to his mom's maiden name.

I think she may not be in good health.

[Yakkacat25]

Just keeping it "real" Yakka.

[Roob]

he added "Real" to his last name as a tribute to his mom's maiden name.

I think she may not be in good health.

Now there's a guy who catches all the details. Thanks for the insight, Eddie. That's a pretty special thing to do for your mom. Good kid.

[ricoLobo]

Two trips to the final four is nice, but he's not going to get much notice from the NBA when he is playing 6 minutes in the tourney as a senior.

Chances are he wouldn't have gotten a sniff from the Association playing at UNM. He's just not good enough to play at that level. No real offensive game, adequate defender and shot blocker. He hustles and brings 100% effort every night.

The guy grew up in the LA area -- it was always a dream of his to play at UCLA. He followed his dream.

And yes, he did add him mom's surname to his -- I don't believe his dad was ever really in the picture.

Why should UNM fans begrudge him that and say he would have been better off being a LOBO?

[Yakkacat25]

Chances are he wouldn't have gotten a sniff from the Association playing at UNM. He's just not good enough to play at that level. No real offensive game, adequate defender and shot blocker. He hustles and brings 100% effort every night.

The guy grew up in the LA area -- it was always a dream of his to play at UCLA. He followed his dream.

And yes, he did add him mom's surname to his -- I don't believe his dad was ever really in the picture.

Why should UNM fans begrudge him that and say he would have been better off being a LOBO?

Mata doesn't have to be offensively gifted. You're obviously not familiar with Ben Howland:bow My sarcasm is pretty thick He's big on defense and that's what Mata brings. He's more than adequate defender. I've seen him play alot since he's been at UCLA he bothers shots and rebounds well. Howland likes Mata and Coach knows what he wants in players he recruits. I agree. He no one should be be grudge him whatsoever. What does it matter anyways. He's doing well at UCLA. UNM has some good ones coming in next year. There was no question that he was going to play for UCLA...no question at all.

[ricoLobo]

Mata doesn't have to be offensively gifted. You're obviously not familiar with Ben Howland:bow My sarcasm is pretty thick He's big on defense and that's what Mata brings. He's more than adequate defender. I've seen him play alot since he's been at UCLA he bothers shots and rebounds well. Howland likes Mata and Coach knows what he wants in players he recruits. I agree. He no one should be be grudge him whatsoever. What does it matter anyways. He's doing well at UCLA. UNM has some good ones coming in next year. There was no question that he was going to play for UCLA...no question at all.

I've seen nearly every game he's played at UCLA since he was a freshman. I like his defense, but I don't think he's well rounded enough to play in the NBA -- maybe in Europe.

I just hate it when people insinuate that our recruits made a bad decision for not choosing UNM when they have no idea what their personal situation may be. And yes, there was no question that when Howland offered that he was going to be a Bruin.

[Yakkacat25]

I've seen nearly every game he's played at UCLA since he was a freshman. I like his defense, but I don't think he's well rounded enough to play in the NBA -- maybe in Europe.

I just hate it when people insinuate that our recruits made a bad decision for not choosing UNM when they have no idea what their personal situation may be. And yes, there was no question that when Howland offered that he was going to be a Bruin.

I 've seen Mata a lot in person and NBA is very questionable. As for right now he's a pretty good College Player. Lorenzo made a great decision he was born to play for the Bruins and is living out his dream. Kids make decisions what's best for them...many times it's not a knock on a particular program. A very tough choice kids have to make. Coach Howland loves those tough and physical players.

[ThreePointShot]

Two trips to the final four is nice, but he's not going to get much notice from the NBA when he is playing 6 minutes in the tourney as a senior.

I don't see Mata as NBA material. He's a pretty good college player but he doesn't have the all-around game and size to make it in the NBA, in my view.

[VWolf]

Why should UNM fans begrudge him that and say he would have been better off being a LOBO?

How is saying he would have been better off being a Lobo begrudging him? That's my opinion and I don't believe stating it violates the TOS. Too often you see these guys in football and basketball who get stars in their eyes when a top program comes calling. Then senior year comes around and they are not logging many minutes. Sometimes a player is better served going to a smaller program and being a star, than going to a top program and riding the pine.

As for the NBA, I don't see why Mata couldn't make a roster at some point. Reggie Evans and Malik Rose play in the NBA. The thing he really needs to work on is his foul shooting (as someone else mentioned).

Oh and one thing many of you are ignoring is that at UNM he would have likely been able to polish his offensive game. He would have gotten many more offensive touches and likely more attention from coaches trying to get him to improve his game.

The Mata thing was just a "what if" scenario. I think Mata himself would have been better off, and I think the Lobos would have been better off provided Ritchie had still been let go. Obviously you disagree.

[ricoLobo]

How is saying he would have been better off being a Lobo begrudging him? That's my opinion and I don't believe stating it violates the TOS. Too often you see these guys in football and basketball who get stars in their eyes when a top program comes calling. Then senior year comes around and they are not logging many minutes. Sometimes a player is better served going to a smaller program and being a star, than going to a top program and riding the pine.

As for the NBA, I don't see why Mata couldn't make a roster at some point. Reggie Evans and Malik Rose play in the NBA. The thing he really needs to work on is his foul shooting (as someone else mentioned).

Oh and one thing many of you are ignoring is that at UNM he would have likely been able to polish his offensive game. He would have gotten many more offensive touches and likely more attention from coaches trying to get him to improve his game.

The Mata thing was just a "what if" scenario. I think Mata himself would have been better off, and I think the Lobos would have been better off provided Ritchie had still been let go. Obviously you disagree.

That's your opinion, and that's fine.

What I was pointing out was the fact that its well documented that the kid has wanted to be a Bruin forever, and that was the important thing to him, and best served HIS needs when he made his decision. A lot more exciting for an LA kid to start something special with Josh Shipp, Aaron Afflalo, and Jordan Farmar for a proven, NCAA tournament successful coach like Ben Howland, than for a relatively unknown, unproven head man like Ritchie McKay.

It's not like he was averaging 35 minutes a game last year. He averaged 23. His sophomore year it was 14, and freshman season, almost 10. And its not like he was riding the pine, either. He started every game last year, 8 in 05-06, and 1 his freshman year. Pretty similar to Faris - and this was a kid who was more of a stud in high school..

He was a big scorer in high school -- averaged a double double his junior year. But I don't get your statement that UNM coaches would have given him more attention than the UCLA staff to try to improve his game. That makes no sense.

Come on, tell the truth -- if you were in his shoes, what program would YOU have picked?

[PitCrowd]

That's your opinion, and that's fine.

What I was pointing out was the fact that its well documented that the kid has wanted to be a Bruin forever, and that was the important thing to him, and best served HIS needs when he made his decision. A lot more exciting for an LA kid to start something special with Josh Shipp, Aaron Afflalo, and Jordan Farmar for a proven, NCAA tournament successful coach like Ben Howland, than for a relatively unknown, unproven head man like Ritchie McKay.

It's not like he was averaging 35 minutes a game last year. He averaged 23. His sophomore year it was 14, and freshman season, almost 10. And its not like he was riding the pine, either. He started every game last year, 8 in 05-06, and 1 his freshman year. Pretty similar to Faris - and this was a kid who was more of a stud in high school..

He was a big scorer in high school -- averaged a double double his junior year. But I don't get your statement that UNM coaches would have given him more attention than the UCLA staff to try to improve his game. That makes no sense.

Come on, tell the truth -- if you were in his shoes, what program would YOU have picked?

Even being a die hard Lobo fan if UCLA came calling I would find it difficult to say know no. Any 18 year old male would love going for a walk on that campus. ant

[Roob]

That's your opinion, and that's fine.

What I was pointing out was the fact that its well documented that the kid has wanted to be a Bruin forever, and that was the important thing to him, and best served HIS needs when he made his decision. A lot more exciting for an LA kid to start something special with Josh Shipp, Aaron Afflalo, and Jordan Farmar for a proven, NCAA tournament successful coach like Ben Howland, than for a relatively unknown, unproven head man like Ritchie McKay.

It's not like he was averaging 35 minutes a game last year. He averaged 23. His sophomore year it was 14, and freshman season, almost 10. And its not like he was riding the pine, either. He started every game last year, 8 in 05-06, and 1 his freshman year. Pretty similar to Faris - and this was a kid who was more of a stud in high school..

He was a big scorer in high school -- averaged a double double his junior year. But I don't get your statement that UNM coaches would have given him more attention than the UCLA staff to try to improve his game. That makes no sense.

Come on, tell the truth -- if you were in his shoes, what program would YOU have picked?

I agree with both of you. (I support Hilary, Obama, and McCain, btw). UCLA was his choice all along - you can't fault him for following his dream. On ther other hand, Vwolf's point is well taken. That is, if he had wanted to develop his full potential, it's very likely that Mata would have gotten more offensive touches/repititions in practice and in game conditions at UNM. At UCLA he was probably the last option in their offensive set. He was needed for his defense and rebounding. At UNM, as the starting center, he would have been a focal point in the offense the past couple of years, getting many of the touches that Faris has received over the past couple of years. We have needed inside scoring the past couple of years.

[VWolf]

That's your opinion, and that's fine.

What I was pointing out was the fact that its well documented that the kid has wanted to be a Bruin forever, and that was the important thing to him, and best served HIS needs when he made his decision. A lot more exciting for an LA kid to start something special with Josh Shipp, Aaron Afflalo, and Jordan Farmar for a proven, NCAA tournament successful coach like Ben Howland, than for a relatively unknown, unproven head man like Ritchie McKay.

It's not like he was averaging 35 minutes a game last year. He averaged 23. His sophomore year it was 14, and freshman season, almost 10. And its not like he was riding the pine, either. He started every game last year, 8 in 05-06, and 1 his freshman year. Pretty similar to Faris - and this was a kid who was more of a stud in high school..

He was a big scorer in high school -- averaged a double double his junior year. But I don't get your statement that UNM coaches would have given him more attention than the UCLA staff to try to improve his game. That makes no sense.

Come on, tell the truth -- if you were in his shoes, what program would YOU have picked?

You left out the fact that he is averaging 16 minutes his senior year and that he played just 6 in the tourney game the other night. He is now a bench player, hence the "riding the pine" comment.

At UNM he would have been called upon to hone his offensive game. They just didn't need him for that at UCLA (too many other scoring options). His offensive game appears to have atrophied or at least not improved at UCLA, and I am of the opinion that as a Lobo that wouldn't have been the case. He probably would have been option 2 or 3 for scoring on most possessions, not option 5 as he was at UCLA (even when he was a starter). That would have forced him to develop that part of his game. Do you understand that comment now?

If I was in his shoes, I would have picked UCLA if I wanted to stay close to home and wanted to be a role player for the top college program of all time, or I would have picked UNM if I wanted to be a star in college, log the minutes, and give myself the best shot at the next level.

[ricoLobo]

You left out the fact that he is averaging 16 minutes his senior year and that he played just 6 in the tourney game the other night. He is now a bench player, hence the "riding the pine" comment.

At UNM he would have been called upon to hone his offensive game. They just didn't need him for that at UCLA (too many other scoring options). His offensive game appears to have atrophied or at least not improved at UCLA, and I am of the opinion that as a Lobo that wouldn't have been the case. He probably would have been option 2 or 3 for scoring on most possessions, not option 5 as he was at UCLA (even when he was a starter). That would have forced him to develop that part of his game. Do you understand that comment now?

If I was in his shoes, I would have picked UCLA if I wanted to stay close to home and wanted to be a role player for the top college program of all time, or I would have picked UNM if I wanted to be a star in college, log the minutes, and give myself the best shot at the next level.

We agree to disagree. Sorry, didn't mean to leave out his minutes this year; thought it was an agreed upon point.

You can't tell me five years ago when he signed with UCLA that he knew a freshman sensation like Kevin Love was coming to play for the Bruins, so how can you think that he knew at the time if he picked UNM, he would become a star?

Call it semantics, but starting every game for UCLA as a junior and playing 23 minutes a game doesn't make you a role player, IMO. I equate riding the pine to something players like a David Kanyinda, Kellen Walter, or Sean Imadiyi did last year UNM.

Yes, his role was smaller this year because of the aforementioned Mr. Love, but do you remember he was also missed at least two whole games and had limited minutes in a couple of others because of a concussion he suffered during the middle of the PAC 10 season.

There are no guarantees he would been able to achieve either stardom or the next level at UNM, either, even if you believe it to be so. That's why I find it hard to criticize the decision he made to attend UCLA and pass on UNM without being in his shoes.