hirsch played for the bruins from 1961 to 1964, starting at forward in his last two seasons. in 1963–64, the bruins won the national collegiate athletic association (ncaa) championship, coach john wooden's first title and the beginning of a ucla dynasty that would claim nine of the next 11 championships. recognizing hirsch's defensive skills, wooden assigned him to their opponent's top player. hirsch served as co-captain of the team along with walt hazzard, and he earned first-team all-aawu honors that season.