UCLA Basketball Cannot Afford to Ignore These 4 Areas in 2026-27

UCLA had mixed results throughout much of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, but ultimately reached the Big Ten Tournament championship game and the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

It wasn’t the season the No. 15- ranked preseason team had in mind, and the team seemed to struggle with the same issues. But they found temporary fixes for extended stretches throughout the year, showing potential when things went well.

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Here are four areas in which UCLA needs to improve to have a successful 2026-27 season and compete in the Big Ten.

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1. Defensive Consistency

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) dribbles the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Defense is a foundational principle of Mick Cronin’s programs, yet UCLA struggled to maintain an elite level on that end of the court last season. The Bruins had great stretches where they would hold opponents under 70 points — including an early loss to Final Four-bound Arizona– yet suffer through equally bad stretches when plenty of teams would put up 80-plus, which inevitably cost UCLA some games.

The defense made its biggest improvements late in the season as UCLA fought to make the NCAA Tournament, and a few players who made strides during that time will be key in 2026, along with the increased communication that many pointed out as a difference-maker. The leaders of that group will be senior center Xavier Booker and senior guard/forward Eric Dailey Jr.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCF Knights guard Themus Fulks (1) dribbles the ball against UCLA Bruins forward Eric…

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Publish date : 2026-05-24 13:00:00

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