UCLA’s basketball program is entering a pivotal season as head coach Mick Cronin begins his eighth year at the helm, a tenure marked by both promise and frustration. A year ago the Bruins entered the campaign as a preseason top‑12 squad but ultimately slipped to an unranked 24‑12 record, leaving fans eager for redemption. The only major contributor returning from that roster is guard Trent Perry, who posted 13 points per game last season while shooting 43 percent from the field, and his role is expected to expand. Cronin has bolstered the squad with several high‑profile transfers, among them Jaylen Petty and Filip Jovic, while guard Donovan Dent struggled to meet expectations after his own move to Westwood. The Big Ten remains the most competitive conference in college basketball, with traditional powerhouses such as Michigan, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue and Wisconsin all vying for the national title. If the new arrivals click, the Bruins’ best‑case scenario could see them advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, a goal that has eluded them in recent years.
Jun 21, 2026
