Bill Plaschke: Meet UCLA’s most beloved player. He’s a walk-on who has made one basket in four years
LOS ANGELES — The chant first appeared at Pauley Pavilion two weeks ago, in UCLA’s season opener against Cal State Bakersfield, sweeping down from the student section like a prayer.
“We want Rus-sell! We want Rus-sell!”
The Bruin basketball team is filled with some of the sport’s most colorful players, prominent personalities who have captured the city with breathtaking shots.
The chant is for a kid who has made one basket in four years.
“We want Rus-sell! We want Rus-sell.”
The celebrated Bruins basketball team is led by celebrity athletes participating with full scholarships and marketing deals and a real chance at big NBA money.
The chant is for the kid who is paying to play.
“We want Rus-sell! We want Rus-sell.”
And thus, in this year’s Bruins basketball bible, the last shall be loudest.
Arguably the most beloved player on one
