UCLA Bruins Face Challenging Road Ahead in 2024 NCAA Season, New Roster Awaits Test
UCLA's National Title Prospects in Doubt as New Squad Prepares for Upcoming Season
With a brand-new season ahead, the UCLA Bruins are set to take on the NCAA basketball arena with a revamped team. While the media spotlight shines on their journey, doubts linger about their chances to clinch the national title in 2024.
In the eyes of Jamie Shaw from On3.com, a list of ten title contenders for the upcoming year was meticulously compiled. This selection included powerhouse teams like Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Duke, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan State, and Purdue. Regrettably, Bruin enthusiasts, UCLA was notably absent from this prestigious lineup.
Recent reports from Bovada Sportsbook (as of August 15) suggest that UCLA is assigned +3300 odds to claim victory this season. At present, the front-runners are Kansas (+950), followed closely by Duke (+1200) and Michigan State (+1200).
Under Mick Cronin’s guidance, the UCLA team has undergone a profound transformation from the prior season. Jamie Jaquez Jr., Jalen Clark, and Amari Bailey have transitioned to the NBA. Furthermore, sharpshooter and team leader David Singleton has graduated, and four-year starting point guard Tyger Campbell is pursuing a professional career in France.
Campbell, Clark, Singleton, and Jaquez constituted not only key players in terms of statistics, but also the heart of Cronin’s past four teams. Their collaboration yielded numerous victories and brought pride to UCLA. Of the returning scholarship players, only Adem Bona, Dylan Andrews, Will McClendon, and Kenny Nwuba boast experience. Notably, Abramo Canka (formerly Wake Forest) and Mac Etienne (formerly DePaul) have left the program.
“Adem’s going to be our best player.”
– Mick Cronin (via LA Times)
The resurgence of Bona is pivotal. This remarkable athlete, often likened to a human pogo stick, explored the NBA scene before opting to return, mainly due to a shoulder surgery. Cronin’s confidence in Andrews as the breakout star of the squad is evident. Despite limited play behind Campbell last year, Andrews’ apprenticeship under a multi-time All-Conference point guard promises a fruitful payoff. His exceptional athleticism and defensive prowess are poised to shine, as he vigorously defends opposing guards.
McClendon serves as a reserve guard celebrated for his defensive prowess. Similarly, Nwuba, a sixth-year player with raw potential, adds depth to the team. Possessing formidable attributes including sharp elbows, decent athleticism, and a beloved team spirit, Nwuba and McClendon contribute to the team’s strength.
“Just a guy who can do everything — a very versatile player. There’s a reason every NBA team knows who he is.”
– Mick Cronin on Berke Buyuktuncel (per LA Times)
However, the excitement in Westwood revolves around the eight newcomers to the team. This batch includes four highly-regarded European prospects: Aday Mara, a 7’3″ Spanish big man; Berke Buyuktuncel, a 6’9″ Turkish forward; Ilane Fibleuil, a 6’6″ French wing; and Jan Vide, a 6’6″ Slovenian guard. Their impressive careers overseas heighten the anticipation. Mara and Buyuktuncel are poised to be potential NBA First Round picks, possibly as early as the following year.
The team’s diversity is further illustrated with the addition of 6’7″ sharpshooting wing Lazar Stefanovic from Utah. The global theme extends to the starting lineup with Stefanovic projected as the Bruins’ small forward. In addition, three incoming freshmen complete the dynamic ensemble. Local standout Devin Williams, a 6’11” big man from the Inland Empire, brings shot-blocking prowess and a history of victory from his high school days.
“Sebastian Mack is going to surprise a lot of people with how good he is. He’s always in attack mode and he’s got great toughness, so you know that’s something I believe in.”
– Mick Cronin on Sebastian Mack (per The LA Times)
Brandon Williams, hailing from New York City, adds a versatile dimension at 6’7″ with dual guard/forward skills. Highly regarded by the staff, his potential holds great promise. Finally, explosive 6’3″ guard Sebastian Mack, originally from Las Vegas and Chicago, stands out with remarkable scoring ability, potentially being the standout player during the offseason.
As the season unfolds, the true potential of the UCLA team will be revealed. Overcoming a formidable non-conference schedule and aiming to gel as a unit, the Bruins are expected to evolve under Cronin’s guidance. Even if they face initial challenges, don’t be surprised if UCLA emerges as a powerhouse by the time March arrives.
