UCLA coach Alford surprised by LiAngelo Ball leaving school

LOS ANGELES (AP) — UCLA coach Steve Alford said he was caught by surprise when he learned through media reports that suspended freshman guard LiAngelo Ball was leaving the basketball team and withdrawing from school.

"I'm not angry. I try not to get angry," Alford said Tuesday. "This is a tough business ... It's about what I can control. LiAngelo has been, since coming back (from China), he's been tremendous as far as (he's) been to all his classes. He's gone to all his tutors, all his mentors. He's done exactly what's been asked of him. I don't think it's angry. I think it's more surprised if you're looking for one word, it's surprised because it's nothing we saw coming.