At some point, critics need to take a step back and recognize when a player has done more than enough to shut them up and change their mind. For me, that time is right now for Bryce Alford of UCLA.
The sophomore point guard, who is also the son of head coach Steve Alford, has put together back-to-back strong performances in the NCAA Tournament, this time helping lead the Bruins to the Sweet 16 after barely making the tournament at all.
His 22 points and five assists certainly stand out on the box score, as they would for any player on such a big stage. But what is most impressive about the way Bryce has played is that he’s now getting his shots within the flow of the offense, and many of them come after he’s already gotten players like Tony Parker, Kevon Looney and Norman Powell involved.
This UCLA team has always had weapons, and you can add Isaac Hamilton to the list of players above. What the Bruins always struggled with was defensive intensity, fluid offensive teamwork and consistent effort.
It’s certainly reasonable to think that others on the court started to tune out earlier this season when Bryce was hoisting up any shot that winked at him, but everyone seems to now be invested in their common goal. Should Gonzaga get through Iowa on Sunday, we could have a big-time rematch between UCLA and the ‘Zags.
With the way UCLA is playing right now, it could be upset city once again in Westwood, with the two Alfords marching onto the Elite Eight.
