Enough was enough. It was time to talk.
Chris Smith told his coach there were times he felt lost in the offense. Mick Cronin told his star player he could do more to help him.
For much of the season’s early going, Smith has hardly resembled the UCLA guard who last winter was selected the Pac-12’s most improved player of the year.
Confronted with defenders who have crowded him, providing no room to maneuver, he’s taken too many fadeaway jumpers instead of using his size and athleticism to finish around the basket or draw a foul.