News Summary
Former UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland is enjoying his retirement in Santa Barbara. He cherishes strong ties with UCLA, attending games and supporting current coach Mick Cronin. Howland emphasizes the importance of health and family in his life after coaching, as he reflects on his achievements and the legacy he left at UCLA. Throughout his career, Howland secured multiple titles and continues to engage with the basketball community, honoring former players and contemplating tributes to significant teams.
Santa Barbara, CA
Former UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland, who led the team for a decade until 2013, is enjoying his retirement in a renovated four-bedroom ranch-style home in Santa Barbara. The planning for his retirement began in 2011, culminating in a move to the house after his final season coaching at Mississippi State.
Howland regularly visits UCLA for basketball games, often arriving hours early to engage with friends and make the most of his time at the university. His relationship with UCLA remains strong as he supports current head coach Mick Cronin, who has been a long-time friend since the 1990s. Howland admires Cronin’s coaching style, noting that both share similarities in their approaches to practices and defensive strategies.
At age 68, Howland reflects on his health and the essential role of regular check-ups, particularly for prostate and colon health. His commitment to maintaining good health is underscored by a recent poignant moment in which he learned he is only one day younger than former UCLA player David Greenwood, who sadly passed away from cancer. This news has further emphasized the importance of health and strong relationships in Howland’s life, including his ongoing connections with retired doctors and close friends.
In his first year of retirement, Howland received a warm standing ovation during UCLA games, showcasing the appreciation that fans have for his contributions to the basketball program. He contemplates the idea of honoring UCLA’s Final Four teams with a banner at Pauley Pavilion, a tribute to the significant impact these teams had on the school’s storied basketball history.
Throughout his coaching tenure at UCLA, Howland secured the Pac-12 regular-season title in his final year with the team. However, he was dismissed after a first-round NCAA tournament loss, making it a bittersweet departure. Howland left on amicable terms, expressing gratitude for his time at the university. He contested narratives regarding his approach to recruiting, clarifying that he left behind five players who would eventually make it to the NBA.
In 2015, Howland accepted a coaching position at Mississippi State but faced challenges due to the program’s geographical recruitment limitations. During his time with the Bulldogs, he successfully led the team to one NCAA tournament appearance, but he was dismissed in March 2022. After leaving Mississippi State, Howland dedicated time to family, especially following the death of his mother.
Howland’s family remains a central part of his life, with his son Adam, a district attorney, and daughter Meredith, a nurse, living nearby. He is also anticipating the arrival of a new granddaughter later this year, reinforcing his close family ties. While he misses the connections with former players and assistants, Howland maintains friendships and frequently reunites with acquaintances from his UCLA coaching days.
Looking ahead, Howland expresses positivity towards the current players at UCLA and is enthusiastic about both returning athletes and newcomers to the program. His ongoing attendance at UCLA games reflects his enduring support for the Bruins, celebrating their significant victories over teams such as Wisconsin and Michigan State.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Ben Howland Reflects on UCLA Tenure
- UCLA Wire: Ben Howland Appreciates Mick Cronin
- Daily Gazette: Ben Howland Grateful Long After Leaving UCLA
- Wikipedia: Ben Howland
- AOL: Winning and Losing Benefits at UCLA
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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