Boykin completed his collegiate career in 2007.
"I always thought Ruben was a little ... passive, I guess? ... in college," Lang wrote in an email. "Physically, it seemed like he should have been dominant but he never quite reached those levels.
"I don't think he responded to (Mike) Adras' rough coaching tactics very well, at least when I was around. Seemed like he should have been a double-double guy night in and night out in the Big Sky but was a little inconsistent. I'm not surprised he's developed into a good pro, though, because I always thought he had the talent.
"He needed the right people to bring it out of him."
Here's Sunday's column:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/12/07/basketball/akita-making-run-for-title/#.UqnDXtJdWqk