Steve Alford Denies He's Leaving UCLA for Indiana Head Coaching Job

UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford remains committed despite buzz that he could bolt for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Following Friday's 86-75 Sweet 16 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats, Alford told ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman he is "staying at UCLA" and will not entertain offers from his alma mater after the Hoosiers fired head coach Tom Crean.

"I'm absolutely, 100 percent not going to Indiana," he said. "I am happy here. I love it here. We have a great recruiting class coming in and a brand-new practice facility."

That recruiting class is going to be key for Alford and the Bruins, who are expected to be without several key contributors from their Sweet 16 run.

Point guard Lonzo Ball told reporters Friday night he's leaving for the NBA, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see fellow freshman TJ Leaf—the 23rd-ranked player on Jonathan Wasserman's big board—turn pro as well.

The Bruins will also have to replace the production of seniors Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton. Fortunately for Alford, his incoming recruiting class is loaded.

Not only did the Bruins net commitments from 3-star swingman LiAngelo Ball—Lonzo's brother—and 4-star forward Cody Riley, but they also nabbed a pair of 5-star gems in Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands. 

That group will have a high standard to live up to after the Bruins went 29-4 and won two NCAA tournament games, but it's clear Alford has a successful blueprint sketched out.

Recruit information courtesy of Scout.com.