In Reply to: Let's assume Cronin decides to insert a big man into posted by ej on November 07, 2024 at 21:12:48
6-9 230, giving up an inch and 10 pounds to the Lobos' Nelly Junior Joseph. I'd make Joseph chase the Bruins around the perimeter, then drive around him and see if he picks up a couple of quick fouls.
Mara is a different problem but I don't think he's athletic enough yet, or has the game endurance due to his injury over the summer.
But for my money, go small and make New Mexico chase on defense. That's bound to wear out their bigs.
But, for the sake of argument, if the choice is only between Kyle and Mara, my pick is Kyle.
And as far as who sits, Johnson will never ever not start this season, unless he's injured or otherwise unable to play. He's the Bruins best overal player.
Generally, if the opponent wasn't starting three 6-9 or taller players, I'd say Dailey sits and the guard rotation stays intact. That's also before Dailey established himself as UCLA's best rebounding big (at least for now).
So, if the front line is Kyle, Bilodeau, and Dailey, then the backcourt has to be Andrews and Johnson, and Clark is the odd man out, but just for the moment.
UCLA won't see many teams with this much height on their front line. It'll be good practice for Michigan, and maybe Oregon, if Altman wants to go that way, and Indiana.
That's about it for teams on UCLA's schedule.