Where’s Gene Bartow When We Need Him?

Walt Hazzard’s problem is the old Bruin problem: Lack of an adequate center. One of Bill Walton’s sons might be a freshman before UCLA recruits a big man who can play.

Certainly Greg Foster is in the tradition of Gig Sims, Stuart Gray, Brad Wright and Jack Haley. Which is to say, he comes out for introductions, picks up his four or five fouls, shakes his head, showers and goes home. None of these guys ever demonstrated any important center skills like shot-blocking, intimidation, scoring ability, rebounding and outlet passing, floor instincts or mental toughness. They were all projects who didn’t pan out.

CHARLES CHICCOA

West Hollywood