On March 29, 2008, a 19-year-old Russell Westbrook scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting (63.6%) in the West Regional Final against Xavier, helping lead his UCLA Bruins (35-3) to a third consecutive Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Then a sophomore, the performance versus the Muskateers (30-7) was the second-most points that Westbrook scored in an NCAA Tournament game, and the best when adjusting for efficiency.
“I thought Russell was outstanding defensively,” UCLA coach Ben Howland said postgame of Westbrook, who also had three steals. Xavier shot just 36.2% from the field in a 76-57 UCLA victory (box score).
Westbrook, who was the Pac-10’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, declared for the NBA Draft after that season and was drafted fourth overall in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here’s a scouting report on Westbrook from Draft Express in March 2008:
There might not be a more improved player in the country over the last year or two than UCLA sophomore guard Russell Westbrook. Considered a mid-major recruit leading into his senior year of high school, drawing scholarship offers from schools such as San Diego, Wyoming, Creighton, and Kent State, Westbrook benefited from a late growth spurt that saw him shoot up from just 5-10 to 6-3 late in his prep career, and is now a key cog on a Final Four contending team and one of the hottest draft prospects in the country as of late. Obviously a late bloomer, Westbrook remains a raw prospect as far as his skill level is concerned, but has just about as much upside to continue to improve as any guard in the NCAA not named Derrick Rose.
Physically, Westbrook is especially impressive, despite his tweener status. He has solid size at 6-3, an excellent wingspan, and huge hands, and is one of the most explosive players you’ll find anywhere in the country. Featuring an outstanding first step and terrific strength once in the lane, Westbrook’s ability to elevate off the floor has made his highlight reels the stuff of YouTube legend.
UCLA had four NBA prospects in its 2008 lineup, led by Westbrook, Kevin Love, Darren Collison, and future Rocket Luc Mbah a Moute. They lost in the national semifinal to Derrick Rose-led Memphis, and the Bruins haven’t been back to the Final Four since losing those core players.
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