UclanDoIt
Joined: 1/13/14 Posts: 3,919
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Posted Sat, Mar 29 5:34 pm
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UCLA has the makings of a contender next season. The biggest add is Donovan Dent at PG. He is a potential All American and a game changer compared to the inconsistent (at best) PG play this past season. As long time Bruin fans know, most of UCLA's best teams had a strong PG. Here's how I see the current roster.
Starters:
C Mara
PF Bilodeau
SF TBD
PG Dent
SG Clark
Bench:
PG/SG Perry, Freeny
PF/SF Dailey
C TBD
Not sure where redshirt Brandon Williams fits here but if he can fill in some minutes in the front court, that would help (he's listed as a G/F on the UCLA Sports website). Does Dominick Harris see a role for himself or is he just waiting for an offer before transferring?
I anticipate UCLA seeking a SF who can step into the starting lineup. I see Dailey coming off the bench since he can possibly backup both forward positions. He needs to improve his defense and rebounding but I feel he has the talent to step up his overall game. Transfers to provide bench depth at the F positions would also not surprise me.
The guard position looks strong assuming Freeny is as good as other posters like NotSure think he is and Perry continues his ascent in his sophomore season. With the larger rosters, I feel Cronin will seek another SG in the portal unless 5-star HS recruit Burries commits to UCLA soon.
The challenge could be the C position. Assuming Mara returns, trying to find a backup C in the portal could be a challenge unless Cronin can convince transfers Mara will be limited to a max of 25-30 minutes per game depending on his conditioning and foul situation. Otherwise, the top portal centers are unlikely to come to UCLA since I imagine they are looking for a team that will start or play them substantial minutes. A bench C who can rebound and play D could be Cronin's best option since there should be enough offense generated by the other positions.
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