4 Underrated UCLA Basketball Players of Last Decade

UCLA men’s basketball has a history of fame and success, from coaches to elite players. Some of the names included are considered among the best of the best, like Bill Walton, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and Reggie Miller.

However, the program has established its prominence throughout college basketball with more than just superstars. Its most successful teams have also had role players making underrated or underappreciated contributions.

March 26, 1973; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; UCLA Bruins center Bill Walton (32) smiles on the bench during the 1973 Final Four against Memphis. UCLA defeated Memphis 87-66. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images | Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

Here are a few underrated UCLA men’s basketball players from the last 10 years.

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A model of consistency, Riley’s play was largely overshadowed by the fellow bigs that came just before him and the deep and talented group of guards that played alongside him. Opponents often focused on Johnny Juzang, Jaime Jaquez, Jules Bernard, and Tyger Campbell, forcing Riley to step up, and he often did.

Feb 24, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Cody Riley (2) shoots under pressure from Oregon Ducks center N’Faly Dante (1) during the second half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

While his overall numbers aren’t gaudy or flashy, the 6-foot-9, 250-pound big man averaged 7.9 points and 4.5 rebounds throughout his career, with his best season coming as a junior. He may have become an even better player if not for an MCL sprain suffered during the season-opener as a senior, causing him to miss about two months.

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Nonetheless, Riley consistently shot over 50% from the field and played with a hard drive. UCLA does not challenge Gonzaga in the Final Four without his 14 points and 10 rebounds, and the Bruins might not have even been in that position if not for his four blocks against Alabama in the Sweet 16.

Myles Johnson

Mar 25, 2022;…


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Publish date : 2026-06-12 11:00:00

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