Ranking 5 Most Important Players for UCLA Basketball Next Season

Mick Cronin is in a pivotal year with UCLA, having signed a contract extension back in May of last year, but having a disappointing season.

After entering last year as a preseason top-15 team, UCLA finished unranked and was a 7-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They did win their first round game against UCF, but would lose by 16 to the UConn Huskies.

Mar 14, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts after being called for a technical against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Senior Tyler Bilodeau led the team in scoring with 17.6 points per game, with transfer Donavan Dent having the second most points per game while also having a team high 7.8 assists with the Bruins.

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Both players are gone, and the Bruins will need to find replacements for their production next season. With that being said, here are the five most important players next season for the Bruins.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) reacts with guard Eric Freeny (8) in the second half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Perry is a player who took a major step forward in his sophomore year. From averaging 3.7 points as a freshman to 12.6 as a sophomore last year, Perry is a player who can become an All-Big Ten player next season.

Perry can play on both sides of the ball, getting his own shot and shooting the three effectively at 39%, while also playing lockdown defense on the opponent’s best player. Perry will be looked at as the “go-to” player for the Bruins next year, and if he makes a jump in production next season, he can bring this team back to the Sweet 16.

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Eric Dailey Jr.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) reacts against the UCF Knights in the first half during a first round game of the…

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Publish date : 2026-05-27 11:00:00

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