Steve Alford: 'I am staying a Bruin,' not interested in Indiana job

UCLAcoachSteve Alford told ESPN that he isn't interested in talking to his alma mater, Indiana, about its head-coaching vacancy, saying that he is "staying at UCLA."

"I'm absolutely, 100 percent, not going to Indiana," Alford said Friday night, moments after the Bruins lost86-75toKentuckyin the Sweet 16. "I am happy here. I love it here. We have a great recruiting class coming in and a brand-new practice facility.

"Obviously, I love my alma mater. But I'm committed to UCLA. I am not going to talk to Indiana. I am staying a Bruin."

Since Indiana fired Tom Crean earlier in the month, there has been plenty of speculation that Alford was the front-runner to take over the job. Alford has a $7.8 million buyout at UCLA, but sources told ESPN that would not be the issue.

Alford will probably lose four starters, led by freshman Lonzo Ball, who told ESPN after Friday's game that he has played his final college game. Freshman TJ Leaf is also expected to leave after one season.

Alford also will lose two seniors: his son, Bryce, and Isaac Hamilton.