Highest Ceiling Players for UCLA Basketball Next Season

If the UCLA men’s basketball team is going to perform up to its standards and expectations during the 2026-27 season, it’ll require much of the new roster stepping up.

The Bruins have lost several players to graduation, potential NBA and pro basketball careers, and the transfer portal, leaving much to be reconstructed in the offseason. However, they still have players with potential, and unlocking it will be one of the keys to a successful season.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts 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

Here are a few players who have the highest ceilings and potential, and therefore, incredibly important jobs and roles for the UCLA team this upcoming season.

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Xavier Booker

It’s clearly a make-or-break year for Xavier Booker. The UCLA big man once rose to the No. 1 overall ranking in his recruiting class as a high schooler, exciting those programs battling for his services. However, he has not played up to expectations at the college level, whether at UCLA or during his first two seasons at Michigan State.

Mar 27, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Xavier Booker (34) dunks during NCAA Tournament South Regional Practice at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-11, 245-pound center was considered a “unicorn” coming out of high school as a rare almost-seven-footer with incredible athleticism, the ability to protect the rim, and nearly guard-like abilities on the offensive end of the floor. He was supposed to be an elite scorer at all levels, and a potential matchup nightmare from three-point range.

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Yet, none of that has come to fruition. Booker has had great games here and there, but he’s never put it together consistently. At times, it seems as if the physicality of the Big Ten and…

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Publish date : 2026-06-14 15:30:00

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