UCLA: Howland Era Continues at Least Seven More Years

Howland Era Continues at Least Seven More Years: UCLA rewarded the quick rebuilding success of coach Ben Howland by giving him a new seven-year contract that will keep Howland on the Bruin sidelines until 2013. In just his third season in Westwood, Howland led the Bruins to the national championship game, where the Bruins lost to Florida. UCLA finished with a 32-7 record, proof that Los Angeles is once again a pre-eminent destination for future recruits. Under living legend John Wooden, the Bruins were the most dominant force in college basketball for much of the 1960s and ’70s. Although no team is likely to achieve that level of success again, the Bruins would be content if Howland can make UCAL a perennial Final Four contender, let alone participant. [7/22/06]