No. 62 Recruit Jonah Bolden commits to UCLA; Future bright for Steve Alford and Bruins
By John Adair
November24, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford watches game action against the Chattanooga Mocs during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
According to Evan Daniels of Scout.com, UCLA and their new head coach Steve Alford have landed another commitment to their 2014 recruiting class. Jonah Bolden became the fourth high school prospect to commit to the Bruins thus far. Other incoming freshman include five-star forward Kevon Looney, Thomas Welsh, and Gyorgy Goloman.
The 6-foot-8 forward Bolden was ranked as the No.62 recruit by Rivals. Originally from Australia, Bolden is now playing his final year at Findley Prep. His playing style has drawn comparisons to versatile forwards such as Nicolas Batum of the Portland Trail Blazers.
In addition to Alford’s first recruiting class, Isaac Hamilton will also make his first appearance in blue and gold next season. Ranked as a top 20 player in the Class of 2013, Hamilton was forced to sit out his entire freshman season after UTEP head coach Tim Floyd refused to let him out of his Letter of Intent.
Current contributors such as Jordan Adams, Zach LaVine, Norman Powell, and Bryce Alford are all likely to return to Los Angeles next season. There is also increasing speculation that Kyle Anderson will return for his junior year despite his father’s declaration that he will turn pro at season’s end.
On paper, UCLA looks to have a top ten caliber team heading into 2014. While it may be extremely premature, it appears that Steve Alford was in fact the correct hire for the Bruins. Regardless of what happens this season, the future looks bright for one of the most storied programs in college hoops history.