No. 22 UCLA hoping experience, depth leads the Bruins back to the NCAA Tournament

Updated Oct. 22, 2024 8:18 p.m. ET

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UCLA (16-17, 10-10 Pac-12)

The Bruins ended last season with the school’s first sub-.500 record since 2015-16 and missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in coach Mick Cronin’s tenure. The program made three straight Sweet 16 appearances and the Final Four in 2021 during his first five years. He’s gone from having his youngest team in Westwood to a more experienced and deeper group this season as No. 22 UCLA makes its Big Ten debut.

Players to watch

Dylan Andrews (junior, G, 6-2, 12.9 ppg, 3.7 apg). Andrews emerged late last season as a breakout star, averaging 21.2 points over the final six games. He leads a veteran backcourt that includes Southern California transfer Kobe Johnson, whose playmaking could help Andrews’ scoring soar.

Tyler Bilodeau (junior, F, 6-9, 14.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg). Transfer Bilodeau was a solid scorer and All-Pac-12 selection at Oregon State who plays an all-around game.

Sebastian Mack (sophomore, G, 6-3, 12.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Mack was the Bruins’ top offensive player early last season and showed potential on defense as well. He was a starter and appears eager to retain that role.

Departures and arrivals

Cronin was aggressive in working the transfer portal. Johnson should make an immediate impact with his scoring and tough defense. Guard/forward Eric Dailey Jr. started 16 games last season at Oklahoma State. Guard Skyy Clark joins his third school in as many years after stints at Illinois and Louisville. Guard Dominick Harris is also on his third program, after Gonzaga and nearby Loyola Marymount, where he averaged 45% from 3-point range last season. Six players left the program and the biggest was Adem Bona, who declared early for the NBA draft.

Top games

The Bruins host Rider on Nov. 4 in their season opener. It’ll be a Pac-12 reunion of sorts during a three-game stretch against Washington and Oregon (now Big Ten rivals with UCLA) and Arizona (now in the Big 12) in late November and early December. The Bruins have major neutral court contests against No. 9 North Carolina at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 21 and No. 6 Gonzaga at the Los Angeles Clippers’ new arena on Dec. 28. The Big Ten Tournament begins March 12.

Facts and figures

Five of the six transfers were starters at their previous schools. ... Center Aday Mara added bulk to his 7-foot-3 frame while rehabbing from a foot injury.

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