Projected beginning lineup, impression gamers and rotation explored

UCLA and coach Mick Cronin made the second spherical of the NCAA Tournament in 2025. But the Bruins have retained the heart of final season’s staff and added a potent switch portal class on high of that group. UCLA is larger objectives for 2025-26. Here’s an early rundown on the Bruin staff forward for 2025-26.

UCLA basketball season preview for 2025-26

Starting Lineup

Guard: Donovan Dent

One of essentially the most sought-after gamers within the portal, Dent starred final 12 months at New Mexico. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 20.4 factors and 6.4 assists per sport. He additionally shot 41% from 3-point vary and is a succesful three-level scorer and distributor. Dent was a large pick-up for the Bruins and will give the staff a pleasant engine heading into the season.

Guard: Skyy Clark

The well-traveled Clark was as soon as a Kentucky commit, however has began at Illinois and Louisville. In his first season at UCLA, Clark averaged 8.5 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 40% from 3-point vary. He’s a succesful distributor, but in addition is a stable three-level scorer. His expertise from a wide range of school basketball settings could possibly be vital subsequent 12 months.

Forward: Eric Dailey Jr.

Dailey had transferred in from Oklahoma State and was the second-leading scorer for the Bruins final 12 months. Dailey averaged 11.4 factors and 4.0 rebounds per sport. The 6-foot-8 Dailey was a 38% 3-point shooter. Few groups have a pair of forwards who can play inside or step out and shoot the 3-pointer in addition to the Bruin tandem. Dailey shall be a key participant subsequent season.

Forward: Tyler Bilodeau

A switch in from Oregon State, the 6-foot-9 Bilodeau was the highest scorer on final season’s UCLA squad. Bilodeau averaged 13.5 factors and 4.6 rebounds per sport. He shot 40% from 3-point vary and shall be a flexible scorer for Cronin and the Bruins within the upcoming season. His potential may be very excessive and for a participant who has improved annually, that is signal.

Forward: Xavier Booker

The 6-foot-11 Booker struggled at Michigan State. Last 12 months, he averaged 4.7 factors and a pair of.2 rebounds per sport. Booker is extensively assumed to have simply been scratching the floor of his large potential. UCLA figures to depend on Booker closely. Whether he can take a giant step ahead possible determines the staff’s trajectory.

Rotation Players

Transfer wing Jamar Brown figures to see some important minutes. Guard Trent Perry is one other potential severe contributor off a freshman season the place he averaged 3.7 factors per sport. Big man Steven Jamerson is one other possible contributor as he transfers in from San Diego.

Impact Players

Dent is among the high gamers within the nation this 12 months and was extremely wanted within the switch portal. Booker could possibly be the important thing. If Cronin can get by to him higher than Michigan State coach Tom Izzo did, UCLA’s potential jumps a considerable notch for 2025-26.

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