Former Bruin shows signs of career year with LA Clippers

On By Littum

Few programs have as much representation in the NBA as UCLA when you consider both talent and number of players.

When it comes to former Bruins currently in the NBA, most people probably think of players like Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Zach Lavine, Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday.

But there is one rather underrated UCLA alum who is off to a great start to the 2024-2025 campaign.

Veteran shooting guard Norman Powell of the Los Angeles Clippers has put together a tremendous stretch of outings in his first four games of the season.

Through those four contests, Powell is averaging 26.0 points per game. game, including a 37-point outing in just his second game of the season.

On a team that includes names like James Harden, the aforementioned Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard, Powell leads the charge in this early phase of the season.

The former Bruin averaged over 20 points per game. game just once in his career (2021-22), but if he keeps this epic start going the rest of the season, he could end up having his best season yet in what is already his. 10th season in the league.

Sure, he’s had to carry the burden of an injured Leonard, yet something seems different about Powell this year.

Powell played four years at UCLA, becoming a full-time starter in his junior season. That year, he helped lead the Bruins to a Pac 12 Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in the Elite 8, falling to No. 1 seed Florida.

In his senior year, Powell became one of the best players in the Pac-12, averaging 16.4 points per game. game, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals. He would earn All-Pac-12 First Team honors for this 2014-15 campaign.

Powell and the Bruins would march back to the Elite 8 that season, but were eventually beaten by No. 2 seed Gonzaga.

We’ll see about that Powell continues to dominate this season, and even if he doesn’t, the veteran is known to be one of the league’s best role players, and as such, his contributions should continue to help the Clippers should he end up coming off the bench. again.

Be sure to follow X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @tcav30 and never miss another news story again.

Let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.