In Reply to: UCLA Roster Preview posted by mh on June 02, 2026 at 11:01:51
As fine a write-up as I've seen—professional or otherwise.
First, let me say that I believe this team will be better than last year's. Here's my reasoning in a nutshell: while Dent and Bilodeau were significant contributors offensively, both were below-average defenders. Replacing their minutes with players like Petty, Johnson, Williams, and Jovic represents a substantial upgrade on the defensive end, particularly in the backcourt. Even in the frontcourt, Bilodeau struggled defensively for much of the season. There was some improvement late in the year, but overall there wasn't much resistance around the basket. Defensively, I think this team has the potential to be very good.
The offense is the bigger question mark. There's no doubt that Clark and Bilodeau carried us at times offensively, and Dent did a great job facilitating. That said, I don't believe we need to be the No. 26 offense in the country if the defense takes a significant step forward. The key question is whether the point guards can run an efficient offense and consistently create quality looks for their teammates. I believe Perry and the newcomers are capable of doing that. In addition, at least on the surface, these new guards appear to bring legitimate shooting ability.
Dailey is a scorer, and he'll get his opportunities. The hope is that he can become more consistent. Then there's Booker. I have no doubt he's a gifted offensive player, and it's not just because he can shoot. He has excellent touch around the rim and a natural scoring instinct. The question is whether he can defend and rebound at a high level. My view is that last year was his first true offseason understanding that if he wants to reach the next level, he'll need to embrace the physical side of the game. I expect improvement in those areas. He'll also be playing alongside a more physical group this season, which hasn't always been the case.
Let's be honest—we were a soft team overall last year. However, the team looked different down the stretch as Freeny and Williams took on larger roles. As you pointed out, UCLA was playing its best basketball at the end of the season without major contributions from Sky, Bilodeau, or Dent.
You didn't spend much time discussing Williams, but I think he's developed nicely. He has a respectable outside shot for a big man, and he was really the only frontcourt player who consistently provided resistance defensively. I expect big things from him—every bit as much as I expect from Freeny.
I like your projected starting five, but I wouldn't rule out Williams earning his way into that group. I also think we'll see Trent spend some time at the three. It's easy to envision Cronin using lineups featuring Trent alongside Perry and Robinson. The versatility on this roster gives him a tremendous number of options. He has players who can switch defensively and play multiple positions, and I think he's going to love the flexibility this team provides on that end of the floor.
Lastly, everything I've read suggests that Philon arrives college-ready defensively. If that's the case, Cronin will find minutes for him. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he averages 10 minutes per game or more as a freshman.