At a banquet before the National Basketball Association's All-Star Game in Chicago two weeks ago, the master of ceremonies surveyed the audience and observed: "Here sit the best basketball players in the world—other than U.C.L.A."
It was a fitting tribute to Coach John Wooden and his undefeated U.C.L.A. Bruins. Heavily favored to win their ninth national championship in ten years, U.C.L.A. seemed more invincible than ever last week as it went for its 62nd consecutive victory against its formidable crosstown rival U.S.C. In fact, the top-ranked Bruins are so steeped in talent that...