UCLA Basketball Ex-Player Reeves Nelson On His Way To Lithuania

UCLA Basketball 2011: Reeves Nelson Dismissed From Bruins Basketball Program

The UCLA basketball program has officially dismissed troubled star Reeves Nelson from the team, according to Coach Ben Howland on Friday.

Reeves was UCLA’s top scorer and rebounder last season, and has even graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, but now is no longer with the Bruins basketball program after multiple suspensions and problems with the team.

The 6-foot-9 junior out of Modesto was serving his second suspension of the season when he met with coach Howland after finishing his final exams Friday, which was when coach had to pull the trigger on his difficult decision.

“After much thought and deliberation, I have made the decision to dismiss Reeves Nelson from the UCLA men’s basketball team effective immediately.”

Reeves’ delinquent behavior was the source of both of his suspensions this season, including missing the flight for the Maui Invitational earlier this year. Reeves wound up spending the second half on the pine in his final game for UCLA last Saturday, a 69-59 loss to Texas. Nelson was spotted laughing and pointing to a group of fans at the Sports Arena that were chanting his name, not showing much support for his team along the way.

“It’s definitely a distraction and we don’t need any distractions. It’s tough enough to come together without being distracted. It’s a tough situation with them (the team) because many of them are close friends with Reeves off the floor.”

The 2-5 Bruins take on Penn in its next game on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Honda Center.

For more on UCLA basketball, head over to Bruins Nation.

UCLA Basketball: Reeves Nelson Suspended Indefinitely

Junior power forward Reeves Nelson has been suspended indefinitely by UCLA Bruins head coach Ben Howland, according to Inside UCLA with Jon Gold and a tweet from CBS Sports.

The Bruins returning leading scorer and rebounder has struggled both on and off the court this season. He was suspended indefinitely on Nov. 14 of this season only to be reinstated two days later. He missed only one game. He was also suspended for the first half of the Bruins' win over Chaminade after missing the team flight to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational.

"This continues a trend of very disappointing behavior by Reeves," Howland said in a release. "I personally have worked hard with him to illustrate the importance of the code of conduct for our student-athletes, as well as the ramifications for violating it. I am disappointed that he has continued to fall short of my expectations."

Reeves had shown continued development on the basketball court his first two seasons averaging 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds as a freshman and 13.9 points and 9.1 rebounds as a sophomore. But his production has fallen off drastically this season, as he's only putting up 5.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Reeves Nelson Misses UCLA Basketball Bus And Flight To Maui Invitational

UCLA Bruins power forward Reeves Nelson is probably on a tight leash after he was suspended for one game. Head coach Ben Howland did reinstate the big man.

This latest incident won't help. Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times reports on Nelson's tardiness for another critical Bruins basketball event.

The junior forward took a later flight and missed a players' banquet ahead of UCLA's opener against Chaminade on Monday in the Maui Invitational.

"He understands it doesn't look good," Bruins Coach Ben Howland said Sunday.

Howland disclosed for the first time that Nelson's indefinite suspension, which lasted all of two days, was triggered in part by Nelson's being late to a team meeting Nov. 12, the day after the Bruins lost to Loyola Marymount in their opener.

"To be late to that meeting after we just got beat was really, really inappropriate," Howland said.

It doesn't look too good on the surface. UCLA basketball looks particularly fractured after two games, and now it looks as if Nelson is being held to a different standard as the rest of the team. It could cause misgivings with the rest of the team and further disrupt team chemistry. Howland better be sure he knows what he's doing.

It'll be interesting to see if Nelson returns to action against Chaminade or plays a lot during the Maui Invitational. How he handles this new situation could determine exactly how far the team can improve. The Bruins need to sort their issues out quickly before the season goes off the rails.

To discuss Nelson and UCLA basketball, go to Bruins Nation.

2011 Maui Invitational: Bruins Join Top Teams Under The Hawaiian Sun

The UCLA Bruins had themselves a serious let down game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the opening round of the 2011 Maui Invitational this week, but now must turn their focus to the rest of the talented field in championship round ahead.

Before heading to Hawaii the regional round starts on Nov. 19 at Middle Tennessee State, with the four Mainland Teams playing in a two-day, four-game event. After that the Championship Round will take place in Maui beginning of Nov. 21 with Duke, Georgetown, Kansas, Memphis, Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA and host Chaminade competing for the Wayne Duke Championship Trophy.

The ESPN networks will have complete live  coverage of all 12 Championship Round games, with coverage on ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD and ESPNU HD, with the ESPN and ESPN2 games also streaming live on ESPN3.com. ESPN Radio will be on-site to broadcast the semifinals and championship game as well. 

Complete bracket can be found here. 

Reeves Nelson Returns To UCLA Basketball, Should Travel To Maui Invitational

The UCLA Bruins might finally have their first taste of good news this week, as it appears Reeves Nelson is heading back into action after his troubling suspension. Courtney Jones of Fox Sports West reports that's she's hearing that the Bruins forward will return to practice tomorrow and will travel to Hawaii in the Maui Invitational.

Nelson has been the emotional leader of the Bruins the past two seasons, and if there's anything that's been lacking in their two defeats this season, it's emotional intensity. They need Nelson's energy to really infuse the lackluster defensive efforts of their basketball team in their first two contests. With contests against either Kansas or Georgetown (as well as Texas) forthcoming, UCLA needs that effort to really stay in those games.

UCLA will have to figure out how they play Nelson in this lineup with so many bigs though, or these issues can boil to the surface again. Ben Howland needs to figure out how to use all the talent he's been given in the proper manner or this team is going to find themselves in a deep, deep hole.

To discuss Nelson and UCLA basketball, check out Bruins Nation.

UCLA Basketball: No Pauley Pavilion, No Attendance For Bruins Home Games

Decision On Suspended UCLA Bruin Reeves Nelson Expected Wednesday

UCLA star forward Reeves Nelson did not play on Tuesday night due to a suspension handed out by head coach Ben Howland. It had been rumored that both Nelson and the coaching staff were not happy with each other and his status going forward will not be known until Wednesday afternoon.

The LA Times has the update:

UCLA Coach Ben Howland said after his team's second consecutive loss to open the season that he had met with Nelson and his mother in person on Monday, with Nelson's father on speaker phone, for about 70 minutes to discuss the situation. Howland said he was also scheduled to meet alone with Nelson again Wednesday.

What would Howland need to hear from Nelson to reinstate him on the team?

"Just an understanding that he's got a lot of things that need to improve in terms of coachability, attitude, interacting with his teammates, representing the university the way we expect it to be represented," Howland said. "We'll have a long talk concerning a lot of different issues."

With the program currently in shambles and desperately seeking a chance to get back on track, one has to believe that the head coach and his talented junior forward will be able to work out their differences. For a team picked to win the Pac-12 in 2011-2012, it would be a huge blow to the Bruins if Reeves is not reinstated to the team this year.

For more on Nelson and UCLA, check out Bruins Nation.

UCLA Vs. MTSU: Bruins Outclassed By Mid-Major Blue Raiders

The Bruins can take solace in the fact that they weren't alone. Arizona St. lost to Pepperdine earlier that night, and Stanford struggled with Colorado St. as the Pac 12 had a poor showing against mid-major teams. The loss will still sting as the UCLA Bruins were embarrassed, losing by 20 to the Middle Tenn. St. Blue Raiders. 

There's no upside to this game. The Bruins were completely outplayed in every facet of the game. UCLA allowed the Blue Raiders to shoot at a 71% clip which included 10-11 from behind the three point line. The Blue Raider shooters were continually allowed to take wide open shots and they continually knocked them down. 

UCLA on the other hand shot just 37% from the field, and 20% from behind the arc. UCLA had the more favorable assist to turnover ratio and were great on the offensive glass, but they just couldn't shoot tonight. MTSU ended up with 26 defensive rebounds and 40 points in the paint. UCLA looked confused on offense, and were ultimately outmatched in the paint. 

Joshua Smith was the Bruin's leading scorer with 15 points, only one other Bruin reached double digits. MTSU on the other hand had five players in double digit scoring. UCLA made no move to close the gap in the second half, as the game was out of their grasp before halftime. 

LaRon Dendy ended up with a double double for Mid. Tennessee St. with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Smith was one rebound short of a double double. Bruce Masey had 12 second half points as the Blue Raiders pulled away from the Bruins. Joshua Smith had just four points in the second half. 

UCLA VS. MTSU: Bruins Struggling With Blue Raiders

Still reeling from their loss to the Loyola Marymount Lions, the UCLA Bruins have had a difficult time shaking the Middle Tenn. St. Blue Raiders, and go into halftime trailing 40-32. Joshua Smith is tied for the game's high scorer leading UCLA with 11 points. MTSU also has an 11 point scorer in LaRon Dendy.

More impressive is MTSU's 70% shooting percentage from the field. UCLA will have to find a way to cool the hot hands of the Blue Raiders in the second half. The story for UCLA has been one of cold hands. The Bruins are shooting just 37% from the field and are 1-7 from behind the arc. 

Attendance at the Sports Arena is paltry at best, and the fans there have the be wondering what is happening to their team. Mid. Tennessee is the best the Sun Belt has to offer, but UCLA were the pre-season favorites to win the Pac 12. Now the Bruins are looking at their second straight loss to a mid-major school. 

It's hard to pinpoint where UCLA is going wrong. Their shooting is cold, but they're also dominating the offensive boards. UCLA have 12 offensive rebounds, while MTSU has just 3. Part of that is MTSU having barely any missed shots. Usually a high amount of low percentage shots shows a lack of paint presence, but that isn't the case. UCLA needs to figure out the Blue Raiders fast, as this game is trending away from their grasp. 

UCLA Vs. MTSU: Reeves Nelson Suspended Going Into Maui Invitational

The UCLA Bruins will tip off against the Middle Tenn. St. Blue Raiders at the Los Angeles Sports Arena tonight at 8:00 pm PST. The game is part of the opening round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational, matching up teams from the Island group with teams from the Mainland group. As part of the Island group, UCLA will move on to the tournament in Maui no matter the outcome of this game. 

That's good news for the Bruins, who have started their basketball season hitting sour notes. Things were pretty bad losing to the Loyola Marymount Lions 69-58 to open the season at the Sports Arena. They got worse in the days following, as Ben Howland announced he had suspended junior forward Reeves Nelson indefinitely due to attitude issue that have surfaced during the past few weeks. 

While MTSU may not roll off the tongue easily, they are not to be taken lightly. Last year's Sun Belt champions are on a two game win streak to begin the season, featuring a win over Austin Peay (who take on the #23 California Golden Bears tonight) and then a win over LMU two days after LMU beat UCLA for the first time since the second World War. MTSU will host the Mainland group in a two day tournament at the Murphy Center before the Island group has their tournament in Maui. 

This is the first ever meeting between UCLA and MTSU. In fact, MTSU only has played three games against current Pac 12 teams going 0-1 against Oregon State and 1-1 against Colorado. The only connection between these two teams is MTSU assistant coach Monte Towe who was on the 1974 NC State team that knocked the Bruins out of the tourney and a shot at their eight consecutive national title. 

Senior guard Jerime Anderson has served his suspension and will be available. Sophmore center Anthony Stover returned to limited practice this week, but will not be available. Reeves Nelson is set to have his status reevaluated later in the week. 

SI Cover Jinx Hits UCLA Basketball And Reeves Nelson

UCLA Basketball News: Reeves Nelson Suspended Indefinitely By Ben Howland

It looks like the situation is only getting worse in Westwood. UCLA has already suspended Jerime Anderson this season and lost in embarrassing fashion at home. Now it appears one of the hardest workers on their team will be sitting out for a significant period of time, as Reeves Nelson was disciplined for his on-court conduct. Peter Yoon of ESPN Los Angeles with the report.

UCLA Bruins basketball coach Ben Howland has suspended junior forward Reeves Nelson indefinitely because of attitude issues that have surfaced during the past several weeks, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Nelson did not show up for practice Monday, when the two were supposed to meet face to face, but Howland spoke to Nelson on the phone. The length of the suspension will be determined when the two meet face to face, but Nelson is not expected to attend UCLA's game against Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports later confirmed the story.

It's not hard to see why Nelson would be moping on what looks like one of the most talented frontcourts in the nation. UCLA has a lot of players juggling around at one position (David Wear, Travis Wear and Brendan Lane can all play the four where Nelson is usually situated), so he often has to play in different spots on the floor. And Nelson has always struggled to be consistent because of his emotional swings.

Still, UCLA needs Nelson to snap out of it soon. The Bruins don't have many players remaining from last year's NCAA tournament squad, and their bid to win the Pac-12 could erode in a hurry if these new Bruins don't learn how to play with the same drive Nelson often shows.

To discuss the tumultuous state of UCLA hoops, head to Bruins Nation.

UCLA Basketball: Reeves Nelson Quitting The Bruins?

Hard to believe a week ago that the UCLA Bruins were considered the premier favorite to capture the Pac-12 title. A devastating loss in their first game to Loyola Marymount has left UCLA stumbling backward and trying to regroup as a team.

But it doesn't look like they're coming together as a team yet. Because it looks as if Reeves Nelson is in trouble of his own. Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times has more.

UCLA Coach Ben Howland said he would meet with junior forward Reeves Nelson on Monday afternoon to discuss a variety of issues, and Nelson's status on the team remained unclear.

Asked what the meeting was about, Howland said, "Just his behavior after the game [against Loyola Marymount], for example, walking off the court the other day, a number of things of that nature."

...

Asked whether he had spoken to Nelson about his status, [Joshua] Smith appeared to indicate that Nelson was thinking of quitting the team.

"I’ve talked to him, but there’s not really any information to tell me where he’s leaning," Smith said. "I want him to stay."

Nelson has been considered as one of the hardest-workers on Howland's squad. His discontent and uncertainty could stem from his curious role in a frontcourt loaded with talented players. With Joshua Smith, Brendan Lane and the Wear twins all in the rotation, Nelson has been forced to play a lot out of position on the court and hasn't been able to play at his natural spot at power forward.

The Bruins definitely need Nelson to help set the tone for this team, and they can't have him start thinking second thoughts about being a part of this UCLA squad. They need hard-workers and grinders to bang down low and make the big plays to keep the Bruins on track to contend for the Pac-12 conference crown. Losing Nelson would be another harsh strike against Howland.

To discuss the status of Nelson and Bruins basketball, head to Bruins Nation.

UCLA Vs. Loyola Marymount: Bruins Center Joshua Smith Unimpressed With LMU Despite Defeat

UCLA Vs. LMU: Bruins Lose College Basketball Season Opener 69-58

The UCLA Bruins had a rude awakening in their home away from home Friday night, losing their college basketball regular season opener to the Loyola Marymount Lions, 69-58. Ashley Hamilton led the Lions with 23 points, and made both of his three-point attempts. Anthony Ireland scored 21 points, had five rebounds and five assists in the win for LMU.

The loss for UCLA was the first for the Bruins against Loyola Marymount since a 40-34 defeat in the 1941-1942 season. The Bruins are now 15-3 all-time against the Lions.

Reeves Nelson and David Wear each scored 13 points to lead UCLA, who shot just 38.1% from the field during the game. Three pointers tell the story, as LMU had 10 of 15 shots from distance compared to just two for 16 by UCLA.

The Bruins next play Tuesday night against Middle Tennessee State at the Sports Arena in the opener of the Maui-on-Mainland tournament.

For more UCLA basketball news, be sure to read Bruins Nation.

UCLA Vs. Loyola Marymount College Basketball: Game Time, TV, Broadcast Info, History & More

The UCLA Bruins open their 93rd season of college basketball on Friday night, hosting the Loyola Marymount Lions at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, the temporary home for the Bruins this season while Pauley Pavilion gets renovated. Here are the relevant details for the season opener:

• Schools: UCLA Bruins, Loyola Marymount Lions
  
• Game Time: 7:36 p.m. PST tip-off
• Location: Los Angeles Sports Arena
• Television: Fox Sports West; Joel Meyers, Don MacLean, and Courtney Jones are on the call
• Radio: KLAC 570 AM and Sirius channel 138; Chris Roberts and Tracy Murray are on the call
  
• Rankings: The Bruins are ranked No. 17 in the AP poll and No. 20 in the ESPN / USA Today Coaches Poll. It is the highest-ranked team faced by LMU in a season opener since facing UNLV on November 15, 1989.
• History: UCLA is 15-2 all-time against LMU, and has won their last 12 meetings. The last time the Lions beat the Bruins was a 40-34 triumph in the 1941-1942 season. UCLA won their last meeting 75-44 at Pauley Pavilion on December 17, 2008.
  

For more UCLA basketball news, be sure to read Bruins Nation.

UCLA Opens College Basketball Season Friday Night Against LMU At Sports Arena

UCLA is 15-2 all-time against Loyola Marymount, and has won each of their last 12 meetings. The last loss for UCLA against LMU was in the 1941-1942 season.