Jerrold Smith empathizes with defenders who try to slow Lonzo Ball. He knows how frustrating it can be to have Bryce Alford drain a three in your face. Heck, if you include all the Bruins basketball stars, Smith understands how embarrassing it is when Jordin Canada, the stellar point guard for the UCLA women’s team, crosses you over on her way to the rim.
The UCLA men’s and women’s basketball team are in the middle of a tremendous run of success. The men are in the thick of the Pac-12 title race after a big comeback win over Oregon Thursday night, and the women are likely to be a top-16 seed in next month’s NCAA tournament.