The UCLA basketball team is looking to turn things around and address some critical weaknesses from last season. The Bruins faced some brutal losses, and two key issues kept popping up: a lack of physicality on the court and poor perimeter shooting.
In a 94-75 defeat against Michigan, UCLA struggled to match the Wolverines' height and intensity, losing the defensive rebounding battle. Then, in an 86-70 loss to Wisconsin, the Bruins were outshot from beyond the arc, highlighting their need for better three-point shooting.
Digging deeper, UCLA ranked low nationally in defensive and offensive rebounding rates, and their three-point shooting volume and percentage left much to be desired. Head coach Mick Cronin tried to mask these flaws with an aggressive defense, but this season, he's taking a different approach.
Here's where it gets interesting...
The Bruins have made some strategic roster moves, targeting transfers who can bring physicality and improve their rebounding and shooting. They've traded playmaking big men for more robust players, invested in shooters, and brought in a point guard to feed them.
Last season, Tyler Bilodeau, at 6'9", was often the tallest Bruin on the court, but he was undersized compared to his opponents. This year, Bilodeau will move to power forward, his natural position, and the team has brought in three transfers - Xavier Booker Jr., Steven Jamerson, and Anthony Peoples Jr. - to handle the center position and provide the physical presence the team needs.
And this is the part most people miss...
Jamar Brown, a transfer from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is an intriguing addition. At 6'5", he provides extra help on the glass and is praised by Cronin as one of the best rebounding guards he's coached. Brown's ability to crash the offensive boards from the corner is a valuable asset in today's game.
But here's the real kicker...
Brown isn't just a rebounder; he's also a solid shooter, having led UMKC with 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 40.2% from three. With Brown and other improved shooters like Skyy Clark and Trent Perry, the Bruins aim to boost their perimeter shooting this season.
Cronin believes that getting the ball in the basket is the toughest coaching challenge, but with a team that can shoot and control the boards, the possibilities are exciting.
So, what's the potential ceiling for this revamped UCLA team? A team that can hold its own on its home court and avoid early tournament exits.
And that, my friends, is the story of how UCLA is looking to turn its weaknesses into strengths. What do you think? Could this be the season the Bruins make a statement?
