Lavin Now Getting Praise (Sort Of)

He has taught kids how to win, and more importantly, how to lose. He has shown grace, strength, and good humor in the face of adversity. In my opinion, when UCLA fires Steve Lavin at the end of the season, the Bruins will be losing a teacher as fine as John Wooden.

Don Wulffson

Northridge

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Now that the Bruins have finally broken their longest losing streak in 50 years, it’s time to give some credit to this beleaguered squad. Crossing the country to play is never easy, and coming back at the finish when it looked as though they were going to let another one get away deserves a sincere well done.

You’ve got to give Steve Lavin credit for one thing; he has cured Bruin fans of their unrealistic expectations. Most of us will now settle for a team that plays with poise, works hard on defense and makes free throws.

Bill Bradshaw

San Diego

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With Lavin’s departure a foregone conclusion, maybe UCLA basketball can steal a page from their cross-town rival’s football program -- hire an ex-pro coach who might find the college game to his liking (and one who could revive a once-great program).

Three words: Jeff Van Gundy.

Gary Sanders

Redlands