UCLA’s basketball program entered the offseason aware that its frontcourt needed a decisive upgrade after a year that saw the Bruins rank near the bottom of the nation in rim attempts and put‑back opportunities.
A New Frontcourt Identity
Coach Mick Cronin turned his attention to the Balkans, securing the commitments of Serbian big men Filip Jović and Sergej Macura, who arrived from KK Mega in Belgrade after navigating the rigors of the SEC.
Both players bring a blend of size and mobility, with Jović having taken the vast majority of his shots at the rim last season, converting 64.5% of them and finishing 31 of 33 dunks, while Macura’s 73% rim shooting and 78.6% transition efficiency add a different dimension to UCLA’s offense.
Their presence is also expected to blunt opponents’ dominance in the paint; teams shot 75% at the rim against the duo, a statistic that underscores the need for improved protection despite their offensive contributions.
Cronin’s system emphasizes switching, hard hedging and the ability to stretch the floor, and both newcomers are comfortable operating at the high post or stepping out to the perimeter, as illustrated by Jović’s performance in the NIT championship where he handled the ball against Tulsa.
The additions also complement existing frontcourt pieces such as Tyler Bilodeau, who earned All‑Big Ten honors in each of the past two seasons, and the rebounding depth provided by Xavier Booker, who led the team with 42 blocks last year.
If the Bruins can translate these pieces into better rim protection and more second‑chance points, they may finally break the streak of back‑to‑back 20‑point losses that prompted the recruitment, positioning UCLA for a stronger showing in the upcoming campaign.