The UCLA men's basketball team has reached an NCAA tournament regional semifinal in each of Steve Alford's two seasons as coach. As far as tournament results are concerned, a good start.
But Alford believes the team, which on Friday held its first practice of the season, remains a work in progress.
"I think when we're standing here next year, it'll be full depth, it'll be right where we want to be," he said. "But I think this is a year where this team has a chance to really grow, if we stay healthy, to be a fun team.