In Reply to: I don't disagree with any of that, but it's still a loss. posted by ej on May 06, 2026 at 11:10:02
I read a lot of other teams' fan message boards. Duke, UNC, Florida, UConn...I don't hear a lot of complaining or hand-wringing over the evolution of NCAA hoops. I only see it here, where our program has fallen behind and lost luster.
I know it's not what most want to hear, but this program can thrive...under a different coach. Look at Pitino has quickly done at L'ville. Look at what Barnes is doing at Tennessee. Or Calipari at Arkansas. Or May at Michigan. These coaches are winning at places with decent but not elite histories, and they don't have the geographical advantages that UCLA has always had. It's a disgrace to see USC, ffs, recruit better than us. How is that even possible?
I'll tell you: because USC, like most other programs, has adjusted and acclimated to the NIL era. They are raising money, developing recruiting channels, and building a fan base. The money is there.
What Cronin is doing at UCLA is embarrassing and frustrating. Because of his abrasive personality, stubbornness and recruiting failures, we're stuck with an inferior roster, year after year after year. And it's getting worse not better.