March 26, 2008

Lorenzo Mata-Real, class act

There is no doubt that Bruin senior center Lorenzo Mata-Real has been one of the most loved Bruins in a long time. He was a starter on a final four team a year ago, yet he took a backseat to make room for freshman sensation Kevin Love and did so with the upmost of class. Simply put, Mata-Real is a true Bruin.

BruinBlitz.com was able to catch up with Mata-Real to get his thoughts on his career.

BruinBlitz.com: You have played for UCLA now for four years and you are now in the fourth tournament. How does that make you feel?

Mata-Real: "It feels good, especially this year because we are a No. 1 seed. We worked hard for it to earn that No. 1 seed and it feels really good. Hopefully we will continue to take advantage of that.

BruinBlitz.com: You were part of the class that was pretty much the crux for bringing the UCLA program back to where most Bruin fans expect it to be. How does it feel to be a part of that and what do you think your legacy is going to be at UCLA?

Mata-Real: "I feel good. It was a good class that I came in with. It was me, Jordan (Farmar), Arron (Affalo) and Josh Shipp. It makes me feel good to be part of the class that started the rebuilding of the program and me being the only senior makes it even more special for us to have the accomplishments that we have achieved this year so far. Hopefully we will continue to that.

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