Dec. 28, 2010
As we come to the end of 2010, here's a quick look at some of UCLA's alumni in various professional sports.
UCLA leads all schools with 14 alums in the National Basketball Association. Two of those alums - Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love - also played for the U.S. National team in this summer's World Championships.
Westbrook, one of the top young guards in the NBA, is currently averaging 22.4 points for Oklahoma City and ranks 13th in the league. He also ranks ninth with 8.1 assists per contest.
Love leads the league in rebounding, and his average of 15.5 boards is higher than the No. 2 rebounder by over two rebounds per game. He also ranks 20th in scoring at 20.6 for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jrue Holiday ranks 19th in the league in assists, averaging 6.3, for the Philadelphia 76ers. He is also averaging 13.8 points per contest.
Darren Collison is averaging 13.1 points and 4.1 assists for the Indiana Pacers. Arron Afflalo is averaging 12.6 points and shooting 51.0% for the Denver Nuggets. Trevor Ariza is averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds for New Orleans.
Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars has established himself as one of the best running backs in the National Football League. Despite missing last Sunday's game (knee), he ranks fourth in the league in rushing with 1,324 yards and his average of 94.6 yards per game ranks second. He was selected to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday.
Tight end Marcedes Lewis has enjoyed a breakout year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has made a career-high nine touchdown receptions, tying him for No. 10 in the NFL in that category. On the year, he has made 54 receptions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday.
Cornerback Alterraun Verner is one of the top rookies in the NFL. He has started 11 of 15 games for the Tennessee Titans and has made 91 tackles. He has been in double figures in each of the last three games. He has also made three interceptions and has broken up 11 other passes.
In major league baseball, Chase Utley hit .275 with 16 homers and 65 runs batted in in just 115 games and helped the Phillies reach the NLCS. Pitcher Casey Janssen was 5-2 with a 3.67 ERA for Toronto, and Troy Glaus hit 16 homers and drove in 71 runs while hitting .240 for the Atlanta Braves.
In women's basketball, Noelle Quinn averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds for the Los Angeles Sparks.
In men's soccer, UCLA once again had the largest contingent of players in the MLS. Kevin Hartman of FC Dallas set a league record for lowest goals-against average and Marvell Wynne helped Colorado win the league championship. Three Bruins (team captain Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein and Benny Feilhaber) started at the World Cup and helped the U.S. advance to the Round of 16.
In women's soccer, Lauren Cheney continued her fine play for the U.S. National team and was one of several Bruins playing in the WPS.
In men's golf, Corey Pavin served as U.S. Ryder Cup captain and also won over $1.7 million between the PGA and Champions Tours, while Tom Pernice, Jr. took home $1.5 between the two tours. John Merrick also had a successful year. Kevin Chappell finished ninth on the Nationwide Tour and earned his 2011 PGA Tour card.
In women's golf, Mariajo Uribe earned over $100,000 as an LPGA rookie while Giulia Sergas and Jane Park also ranked among the Top 85 money winners on the tour. In December, Tiffany Joh earned Category 16 status for the 2011 tour, while Sydnee Michaels and Hannah Jun earned conditional status.
In men's tennis, Marcin Matkowski and Mark Knowles continue to be ranked in the Top 10 in doubles.
Meb Keflezighi fifnished fifth at the 2010 Boston Marathon (he won the New York City Marathon in 2009). In addition, there are a host of former Bruins that competed in track and field in the Diamond League Series, as well as numerous Bruins playing overseas in various sports.
These are just some of the Bruin alums enjoying successful careers in professional athletics.