A GATOR CLAP FOR NOAH SOPHOMORE LEADS FLORIDA BY BLOCKING BRUINS AT EVERY TURN.

Byline: Ramona Shelburne Staff Writer

INDIANAPOLIS - He had to try. Heck, with the way he played Monday night in Florida's dominant victory over UCLA in the national championship game, Joakim Noah had to think he had a chance.

So he turned and winked to the UCLA cheerleader sitting near him as he in-bounded the ball.

``They'd been talking a lot of trash,'' Noah joked. ``They were just talking crazy to me, like, ``You're so ugly.'' I mean, it hurts when you have so many beautiful girls out there just telling you how ugly you are. ...When somebody is screaming all that stuff at you, you know, the best thing I could do was just blow a kiss by, and maybe they like me.''

It's not clear if Noah's advances were successful. It really doesn't matter. The 6-foot-11 sophomore forward is going to be the center of attention for a long time.

Last year at this time he trying to figure out how to regain his confidence after playing 10 minutes a game as a freshman.

Monday night, his dominant defensive performance probably left some UCLA players feeling the same way. He blocked a championship-game record six shots on Monday night and altered countless more. He finished with a tournament record 29 blocks in six games.

After the game, he was an easy choice as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player with his impressive across-the-board effort of 16 points, nine rebounds, six blocks, three assists and one steal.

``He's long with good timing,'' UCLA guard Jordan Farmar said. ``He does a good job of staying on the ground, not going for shot fakes, using his length to his advantage. He does change a lot of shots if he doesn't block them. He definitely was a factor.'' After the game, he collapsed to the ground near half court with his arms spread wide and was mobbed by his teammates. His prodigious wingspan was on full display.

He lay there for a while, then jumped to his feet and ran wildly into the stands.

``I was just trying to get to my family,'' he said. ``There's no feeling like winning in front of your family. ''

Twenty-three years ago, Noah's father Yannick had performed nearly the same celebration run.

In 1983, Yannick Noah became the first Frenchman in 37 years to win the French Open. The image of the dreadlocked French-Cameroonian hurdling into the stands to find his father Zacharie was replayed the world over.

Joakim was not born yet, but he's heard all about how his father conquered the sports world with his racquet in a magical two-week run at Roland Garros. But he dismissed any talk that his display Monday night was staged.

``It has nothing to do with that,'' he said. ``It's just shows love. You want to see the people you love and that's where they were.''

And besides, Joakim never needed a rackuet to intimidate at the net.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1) UCLA's Ryan Hollins tries to shoot over Florida's Joakim Noah, but the sophomore converts one of his six blocks.

Mark Comelson/Associated Press

(2) UCLA's Jordan Farmer leaps but can't stop Joakim Noah as the sophomore drives to the basket during the first half Monday.

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Box:

CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES

- Associated Press