In Reply to: JICYMI: Yahoo! Sports: How UCLA Became a Title Favorite: Cori posted by atrojanedbruin on February 27, 2026 at 07:12:29
1) after last season they consciously decided to reduce Lauren's usage rate
2) She is on the guards about being better on ball defenders
3) The team had a mentality "we're going to outscore you" Texas impressed upon them that they have to play defense.
4) Still too many turnovers.
I take issue with her critique of NIL/Portal. She keeps saying that it's taking away opportunities from incoming Freshmen. I don't think so. There are still the same number of roster spots, and for the time being, the same number of years of eligibility. NIL/portal isn't taking away spots. It's forcing Freshmen down to second/third tier programs. At those programs, they should get more playing time and development (assuming they are being well-coached). Then, if they are able and want to, they can portal to a bigger program for more money. It definitely disrupts continuity, but I don't think it takes away opportunities to play.