UCLA Basketball 2013 Roster: Players And Season Highlights

The 2013 UCLA Bruins basketball team represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team was coached by Ben Howland, in his tenth and final year as head coach. The Bruins played their home games at Pauley Pavilion and were members of the Pacific-12 Conference. This season marked a significant transition for the program, featuring a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers who aimed to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Let's dive into the specifics of the roster, key players, and season highlights.

The 2013 UCLA Bruins Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2013 UCLA Bruins roster was a blend of talent, experience, and youth. The team featured a number of players who would go on to have successful college and professional careers. Here's a detailed look at the players who made up the squad:

Key Players and Their Contributions

Shabazz Muhammad: Shabazz Muhammad was the crown jewel of the 2013 UCLA Bruins. As a highly-touted freshman, Muhammad brought immense expectations with him. Averaging 17.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, he quickly became the team's leading scorer and a significant offensive threat. His ability to create his own shot and score in various ways made him a challenging matchup for opponents. Despite the team's overall struggles, Muhammad's individual performances often provided a spark and kept the Bruins competitive. His impact was immediate and profound, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the Pac-12.

Kyle Anderson: Kyle Anderson, also known as "Slo-Mo" for his deliberate yet effective playing style, was another crucial component of the 2013 Bruins. Anderson's versatility was his greatest asset; he could handle the ball, rebound, and score from multiple positions. He averaged 9.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, showcasing his all-around abilities. Anderson's court vision and passing skills were particularly valuable in setting up his teammates and facilitating the offense. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make smart decisions made him an indispensable player for Coach Howland. Anderson's contributions extended beyond the stat sheet, providing leadership and stability to a relatively young team.

Jordan Adams: Jordan Adams provided a significant scoring punch for the Bruins, averaging 15.3 points per game. Known for his quickness and scoring ability, Adams was a constant threat to opposing defenses. His knack for getting to the basket and drawing fouls made him a valuable offensive weapon. Adams also contributed defensively, averaging 2.2 steals per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. His energy and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor were vital to the team's success. Adams' scoring prowess and defensive tenacity made him a key player in the Bruins' lineup.

Larry Drew II: Larry Drew II served as the team's primary point guard, providing valuable experience and leadership. As a senior, Drew was responsible for running the offense and making sure the team executed the game plan. He averaged 7.5 points and 7.3 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to both score and facilitate. Drew's assist numbers were particularly impressive, highlighting his passing skills and court vision. His leadership on and off the court was crucial for guiding the younger players and maintaining team cohesion. Drew's steady hand at the point guard position was a stabilizing force for the Bruins throughout the season.

Travis Wear and David Wear: Travis Wear and David Wear, the twin brothers, brought size and experience to the Bruins' frontcourt. Travis averaged 10.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while David contributed 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Their presence in the paint provided the Bruins with rebounding and scoring options inside. The Wear twins were known for their solid play and ability to contribute consistently. Their experience was particularly valuable in a team with several freshmen playing significant minutes. The Wear twins' contributions in the frontcourt were essential to the Bruins' overall performance.

Other Notable Players

• Norman Powell: A young guard who showed flashes of potential, providing energy and athleticism off the bench.
• Shayne Holliday: Contributed with his defensive efforts and hustle plays.
• Tony Parker: A big man who provided depth in the frontcourt.

Season Highlights and Key Games

The 2012-2013 season was a roller coaster for the UCLA Bruins. Despite the talent on the roster, the team faced challenges in achieving consistent success. Here are some of the season's notable highlights and key games:

Early Season Optimism

The season began with high hopes, fueled by the arrival of Shabazz Muhammad and the return of key players. The Bruins started the season strong, winning several non-conference games and showcasing their offensive firepower. Early victories against teams like Indiana State and Cal Poly built confidence and set a positive tone for the year.

Conference Play Struggles

As the season progressed, the Bruins encountered difficulties in Pac-12 conference play. The team struggled with consistency, often alternating between impressive wins and disappointing losses. Games against conference rivals such as Arizona, Oregon, and Stanford proved to be tough challenges, highlighting the team's inconsistencies and defensive vulnerabilities.

Key Game: Upset Victory Over Arizona

One of the season's highlights was an upset victory over the Arizona Wildcats, who were ranked among the top teams in the nation. In a thrilling game at Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins showcased their potential, with Shabazz Muhammad leading the way with a dominant performance. This win provided a significant boost to the team's morale and demonstrated their ability to compete with the best teams in the country.

NCAA Tournament Bid and Disappointment

Despite the ups and downs of the regular season, the Bruins managed to secure a bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, their tournament run was short-lived, as they suffered a first-round loss to Minnesota. This defeat marked a disappointing end to the season and underscored the team's inability to consistently perform at a high level.

Coaching Change

Following the conclusion of the season, UCLA decided to part ways with head coach Ben Howland. After ten seasons at the helm, Howland's tenure came to an end, paving the way for a new era in UCLA basketball. The coaching change signaled a desire for a fresh approach and a renewed focus on building a championship-caliber program.

Individual Player Achievements and Accolades

Despite the team's overall struggles, several players on the 2013 UCLA Bruins roster earned individual recognition for their performances:

• Shabazz Muhammad: Named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and received All-Pac-12 First Team honors.
• Kyle Anderson: Earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention recognition.
• Jordan Adams: Received All-Pac-12 Second Team honors.

These individual accolades highlighted the talent and potential within the Bruins' roster, even as the team faced challenges in achieving collective success.

The Legacy of the 2013 UCLA Bruins

The 2013 UCLA Bruins basketball team represents a transitional period in the program's history. While the team featured several talented players, they were unable to consistently perform at a high level and achieve significant success. The season was marked by inconsistency, coaching changes, and unrealized potential.

Lessons Learned

Despite the disappointments, the 2013 season provided valuable lessons for the players and the program as a whole. The experience of playing together, facing adversity, and competing in high-pressure situations helped the players develop their skills and prepare for future challenges. The coaching change also brought about a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to building a stronger, more cohesive team.

Impact on Future Seasons

The 2013 season played a role in shaping the future of UCLA basketball. The experiences gained by the players, the lessons learned from the coaching change, and the foundation laid during that year all contributed to the program's subsequent development. The arrival of new coaching staff and the recruitment of talented players helped the Bruins return to prominence in the years that followed.

Final Thoughts

The 2013 UCLA Bruins roster was a mix of talent and potential that, unfortunately, didn't fully translate into on-court success. With standout players like Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson, and Jordan Adams, the team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. The season's challenges ultimately led to a coaching change and a new chapter for UCLA basketball. Though the season may be remembered for its disappointments, it also served as a crucial learning experience for the players and a catalyst for future growth. As fans look back, the 2013 Bruins remain a notable part of UCLA's rich basketball history, filled with individual achievements and valuable lessons learned.