UCLA Bruins basketball is one of the most historic programs in the history of the sport. Bruins head coach Mick Cronin has been known for his teams being some of the toughest in the country. Entering year one in the Big Ten, the Bruins sure had some lofty goals and expectations. Their early schedule played out nicely, with just one loss in their first 11 games. They have also beaten some teams of notoriety this season, including wins over Oregon and Gonzaga just to name a few.<\/p>\n
Less than a month ago, the Bruins looked like a contender near the top of the Big Ten. Boy have things changed quickly for the UCLA Bruins, as they have gotten into the heart of Big Ten play.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t shocking that road trips from California were going to be a tough change for UCLA. As it turns out, the physicality and toughness that Cronin expects have dried up rather fast for his team. After winning their first two Big Ten games, UCLA has now lost four straight. Three of those losses have been on the road.\u00a0 However, even when they returned to Pauley Pavillion, the toughness was nowhere to be found once again.<\/p>\n
UCLA let the new look Dusty May-led Michigan Wolverines<\/a>, walk in and completely outclass them. That was the tipping point for Cronin, as he had plenty of critical thoughts about his team. Cronin spoke about his team recently with Ben Bolch from the Los Angeles Times<\/a>, and how the transition to the Big Ten has been in year one.<\/p>\n ” Big Ten basketball is different,” Cronin told Bolch. ” It’s a much more physical game.”<\/p>\n \u201cI think we are trying, but here are the facts. We have struggled in Big Ten basketball. Our two wins were against teams we were familiar playing against. The truth of it is, Big Ten basketball is different. It\u2019s a much more physical game.\u201d<\/p>\n Coach Cronin, speaking on Thursday pic.twitter.com\/1Pw3pB0oXc<\/a><\/p>\n — UCLA Men\u2019s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) January 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n