But there's some precedent for that: David Thompson (in 1978) and David Robinson (in 1994) scored more than 70 on the last day of a regular season to have their names etched in basketball history.

WSJ: Carmelo Anthony's Accidental Scoring Title

During the 2007-2008 academic year, Mr. Noll had a freshman basketball player in his American history class named Jai Lucas the son of John Lucas, a Hershberger Award winner.

WSJ: The 40-Year Secret Behind Basketball's 'Hershberger' Award

"I have been so fortunate and blessed in my life, and an opportunity to lead one of the greatest programs in college basketball history is once-in-a-lifetime, " Alford said in a statement.

WSJ: UCLA Hires Alford

"I have been so fortunate and blessed in my life, and an opportunity to lead one of the greatest programs in college basketball history is once-in-a-lifetime, " he said in a statement.

NPR: UCLA Hires Steve Alford As New Basketball Coach