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College basketball week 3: 5 biggest takeaways

By Chris Stone

Nov 22, 2016; Lahaina, Maui, HI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Georgetown Hoyas guard Rodney Pryor (23) during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; Lahaina, Maui, HI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Georgetown Hoyas guard Rodney Pryor (23) during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts during the first half as center Thomas Welsh (40) and guard Isaac Hamilton (10) look on against the Long Beach State 49ers at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts during the first half as center Thomas Welsh (40) and guard Isaac Hamilton (10) look on against the Long Beach State 49ers at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Lonzo Ball is making basketball in Los Angeles exciting again

The most exciting thing about UCLA basketball in the last year was head coach Steve Alford giving back his contract extension after a disappointing 2015-16 season. That’s a tough thing to say about one of the sport’s most storied programs. No worries. One freshman is looking to change the story in what is likely his lone college season.

Lonzo Ball has only played seven games in a Bruins’ uniform, but has already become must-see TV for college basketball fans. The 6-foot-6 point guard is one of the most impressive passers in college basketball with the type of court vision that would make many NBA guards blush. Seriously, watch Ball grab a defensive rebound and then whip an on-point pass the length of the court like he’s former UCLA big man Kevin Love:

Ball’s generosity is spreading, too. UCLA now ranks sixth nationally with 67.9 percent of its field goal makes being assisted. That’s up from 108th last season. The Bruins are playing an exciting brand of basketball that seems to emphasize giving up good looks to get even better ones.

The results have been positive. UCLA is now 7-0 with a Wooden Legacy championship under its belt after knocking off Texas A&M on Sunday. The Bruins’ biggest test of the season is on the horizon, though. They head to Rupp Arena to face off against Kentucky on Saturday.

Next: Top 5 NCAA teams that never won a title