The sobbing started after Bryce Alford had strolled about a quarter of the way across the Pauley Pavilion court.
One arm around his mother, Tanya, the other waving to the crowd, the UCLA shooting guard briefly looked like he might prevail in an unwinnable battle with his emotions. Then his father and coach, Steve, reached out to slap hands with the senior who was about to play in his final home game Saturday night.
The father held his son in a momentary embrace, patting him on the shoulder as Bryce dipped his head and let his feelings flow.