In Reply to: Re: UCLA has offered 2028 C Dylan Betts posted by jerseybruin on June 16, 2026 at 15:51:54
centers is accurate. First of all that's just your opinion stated as some sort of fact. Secondly, I believe a more accurate statement could be that Cronin likes athletic centers.
He likes to switch and hedge and likes everyone to be able to defend outside. I believe that's his preference. I would image every coach would have that preference. Where other coaches may adjust their preferences to fit their personnel, Cronin tends to try and fit his personnel to fit his preferences.
If I were coaching today I believe I would also share those preferences. I would try to construct a roster full of plenty of versatile 6'6" to 6'8" mobile, quick, tough, players who can switch all over the court. I would also like them to be able to run the floor and flourish in a wide open game. Cronin may also want that but he doesn't appear to have that as a priority. And add to that tough mobile quick centers who can also switch and hedge and keep their opponents in front of them and rebound. I would also like them to be able to also run the floor. It would be great if those guys could be 7' and up, but usually they're going to be 6'8" to maybe 6'10." I think Cronin prioritizes his players attributes to fit his vision rather than altering his vision to fit who he can recruit.
That's why I thought Mara was in such a unique and advantageous position under Cronin. He was learning, as a rather soft, rather slow footer 7'3" center, how to play the entire floor and how to play tougher. If he had stuck it out and applied himself he would have probably been much further along in his development as a more complete basketball player. IMO he went the easier route - probably to his detriment, although I do believe he will have a nice career and perhaps even excel in the NBA.