{"id":161977,"date":"2025-10-11T09:58:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T13:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=161977"},"modified":"2025-10-11T09:58:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T13:58:52","slug":"ucla-basketball-2025-26-preview-size-has-bruins-ready-for-year-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/10\/11\/ucla-basketball-2025-26-preview-size-has-bruins-ready-for-year-two\/","title":{"rendered":"UCLA Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Size has Bruins Ready for Year Two"},"content":{"rendered":"

UCLA basketball went through plenty of growing pains in its first season in the Big Ten. Despite some early bumps, the Bruins were able to tie for fourth in the Big Ten and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Mick Cronin<\/a> had some work to do in the offseason with eight departures, including five in the transfer portal. Despite that, it appears the Bruins have nicely retooled and appear to be ready for year two in the Big Ten.<\/p>\n

Outside shooting could really make or break the Bruins, who find themselves inside the top 25 preseason ranking<\/a> heading into the 2025-26 season. So let’s take a closer look at what UCLA basketball brings to the table this season.<\/p>\n

UCLA Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Size has Bruins Ready for Year Two<\/h2>\n

Roster Makeup<\/h3>\n

Losing eight players isn’t an easy fix, especially when five transferred out. All five players were massive contributors. Losing Aday Mara<\/a> to a fellow Big Ten foe in Michigan is a tough pill to swallow, but Coach Cronin hopes Michigan State transfer Xavier Booker<\/a> can take a massive step this season. Kobe Johnson<\/a> ended up being the Bruins’ best defender last season, earning All-Big Ten honors for that effort. But he graduated. Not to mention the Bruins were left without a true floor general.<\/p>\n

That’s where New Mexico transfer Donovan Dent<\/a> will be a complete weapon. He can come right in and deliver. He had quite a 2024-25 season as he was the Mountain West Player of the Year.<\/p>\n

The other massive departures were two of their expected returning guards, Dylan Andrews<\/a> (Boise State) and Sebastian Mack<\/a> (Missouri), who both went elsewhere after averaging over seven points per game. UCLA has been no stranger to losing players, while also replacing them in the portal. Jamar Brown<\/a> comes in from UMKC after averaging 16 points per game in two seasons for the Roos.<\/p>\n

Anthony Peoples Jr<\/a> (NCCU), Steven Jamerson II<\/a> (San Diego) also made the jump to the Big Ten from much smaller schools.\u00a0Markell Alston<\/a> should come in as the lone freshman and find a way to contribute, especially for a Bruins team that needs strong guard play.<\/p>\n

The top two returning scorers for the Bruins are back as Tyler Bilodeau<\/a> and Eric Dailey Jr<\/a> are back, ready to lead the Bruins. As is senior guard Skyy Clark<\/a>. The only question with Clark is, can he deliver after so much hype? UCLA basketball certainly has gone to a primarily portal team over the past several seasons.<\/p>\n

Rest of the Roster:<\/h4>\n

Christian Horry<\/a> (RS-Fr)<\/p>\n

Eric Freeny<\/a> (RS-Fr)<\/p>\n

Trent Perry<\/a> (Soph)<\/p>\n

Brandon Williams<\/a> (RS-Soph)<\/p>\n

Evan Manjikian<\/a> (RS-Jr)<\/p>\n

Jack Seidler<\/a> (RS-Jr)<\/p>\n

\n

Big Ten life hits different \ud83d\ude02<\/p>\n

Mick Cronin reflects on @UCLAMBB<\/a>'s first Big Ten season and the realities of life in a new conference \u2b07\ufe0f#B1GMediaDays<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YraNKV4O9E<\/a><\/p>\n

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) October 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n