MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The question was directed at Lonzo Ball’s teammate, but the UCLA point guard wasn’t about to leave the podium without answering it himself.
“We’ve been shooting half-court shots all year,” Ball said. “That’s his first make.”
Indeed Steve Alford’s first shot in FedExForum this week was all net – from 47 feet.
Maybe now really is his time.
The UCLA coach has made three previous trips to the Sweet 16 in 26 seasons. He is 0-3.
When third-seeded UCLA faces second-seeded Kentucky in the NCAA tournament South regional semifinal on Friday, he’s hoping for a breakthrough.