Pyramid Tribute: Skill, Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves - NBA)
Love has basketball in his blood. His father, Stan, played
for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the then Baltimore
Bullets. And from an early age, Kevin served notice that he
possessed that NBA skill as well. He authored a stellar
career at Lake Oswego High School in Oregon, breaking the state
scoring record with 2,628 points and garnering numerous awards,
including being named the 2007 Gatorade National Male Athlete of
the Year.
After graduating from Lake Oswego High School, Love played one
season at UCLA. While in Westwood, he helped lead the Bruins to 35
victories and a Final Four appearance. Like high school, the
awards continued to find Love. He was named Pac-10 Freshman
of the Year and Player of the Year, and was selected to the
Associated Press All-America Team.
In the 2008 NBA Draft, Love was selected fifth by the Memphis
Grizzlies and traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a
multi-player deal that included O.J. Mayo. After his
first two years in the NBA, Love carries averages of 12 points
and 10 rebounds per contest.
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From the day I could pick up a basketball, I was taught that the
fundamental skills of the game were the most important aspect to
learn. Proper shooting technique, ability to make a
two-handed chest pass, rebounding with two hands and
“chinning” the ball, and the proper footwork were all
emphasized at an early age. I was fortunate to have a father
who was a great basketball player in his own right, and understood
that possessing skill in all areas of the game would be more
valuable than anything I would ever be capable of
athletically.
I also had the great fortune to hear Coach Wooden speak many times about the skill level of Lou Alcindor (Kareem) and Bill Walton when they played for him. Both had tremendous footwork around the basket. Alcindor had an ability to handle the basketball and score with both hands around the basket. Walton possessed an uncanny ability - for a big man - to pass.
Coach Wooden always said he would prefer skill over experience if he had to choose. This, of course, was something I came to appreciate since I only spent one season at UCLA. Although experience would have been a great thing to have, skill level was what allowed me to succeed right away at a high level. The ability to execute both “properly and quickly,” as Coach Wooden would say.
Coach Wooden meant so much to me and to my family. My father played against his teams, and he was a big part of the reason I wanted to join the greatest fraternity in all of college basketball at UCLA. I was privileged to play so many games in front of Coach Wooden in Pauley Pavilion during my time at UCLA, and I feel honored to be a part of this tribute to the greatest coach of all time and the most gracious and humble man with whom I have ever come in contact.
- Kevin Love
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