A Large Field Of Unfavorites

UCLA's first regional opponent could be its toughest: Oregon State, provided State beats Seattle. It is Coach Gill's valediction after 36 years at Corvallis. If that isn't sentiment enough to bring a tear and glint to the eyes of the Beavers, there is also the farewell of Center Mel Counts, whom one coach has called "the best seven-footer since Chamberlain." The Beavers, however, are erratic—they routed Idaho with a press and almost lost to Oregon with one. They lost to Cincinnati playing ball control, then demolished Cincinnati with a fast break. Against UCLA, Gill will have the advantage of being at home, at Corvallis. But it will not help against UCLA, which seems to have it all—guards, forwards, character, impetus and acorns. If Oregon State cannot stop the Bruins, San Francisco won't either, not even if Pete Peletta threatens to develop another ulcer.

UCLA Coach Wooden is not given to idle boasts, but there was nothing idle about what he was given to say last week. His is "a great team—a truly great team," he said. The prospect of a rematch with Michigan—in the finals in Kansas City—obviously does not frighten Wooden. Certainly it would delight Strack. If that is to be the dream match, it is, after all, what Kansas City is there for.

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