Coach Mick Cronin entered the offseason with a contract extension in hand, yet the previous campaign ended in disappointment as UCLA slipped out of the rankings and settled as a 7‑seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The team lost two of its most reliable scorers, Tyler Bilodeau and Donavan Dent, who combined for a substantial portion of the offense and playmaking. Bilodeau topped the Bruins with 17.6 points per game, while Dent contributed a team‑high 7.8 assists.
The New Look of the Bruins
Enter the five players slated to carry the load next year: freshman‑turned‑sophomore Trent Perry, rebounding anchor Eric Dailey Jr., versatile stretch four Xavier Booker, scoring guard Jaylen Petty, and two‑way prospect Joe Philon.
Perry, who posted a modest 3.7 points as a freshman before exploding to 12.6 points per game in his second year, is expected to become the go‑to option on both ends of the floor.
Dailey will shoulder the responsibility of leading the glass, bringing the same tenacity that made him the team’s top rebounder last season.
Booker arrives as a stretch four capable of pulling down boards and stepping out to knock down three‑point shots, adding a new dimension to the offense.
Petty averaged just under ten points per game and shot 40 percent from the field, offering a reliable scoring punch that can open up opportunities for his teammates.
Philon, ranked 57th in the 2026 high school class by Rivals, brings a blend of defensive intensity and offensive upside that could make him a key contributor.
The upcoming season will test whether this reshaped roster can translate potential into wins, but the early indications suggest a team that is both hungry and determined to climb back into the national conversation.