Honest Assessment of UCLA Basketball’s Preseason Expectations

Mick Cronin is coming off a very disappointing year with the Bruins and could rebound this upcoming season.

Last year, UCLA was projected to be one of the top teams in the Big Ten and the country. The Bruins were ranked 12th in the country and brought in players like Donovan Dent and Xavier Booker through the transfer portal to help senior forward Tyler Biladeau and emerging guard Trent Perry.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sadly, that did not happen for the Bruins. Donovan Dent went from averaging 20 points on 50/40 shooting splits with New Mexico to 13 points per game on 40/25 shooting splits. While the Bruins as a team fell to 24-12 and were a 7-seed in March Madness.

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This offseason, Mick Cronin has once again gone to the transfer portal and has brought in key players, as well as key international players, to help the Bruins get back to being a contender in the Big Ten.

Mar 19, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin speaks with the media before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With all the moves Mick Cronin has made, it still might not be enough to have the Bruins ranked inside the top 25.

Why UCLA Won’t Be a Preseason Top 25 Team

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) reacts against the UConn Huskies 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite the disappointing season last year, the Bruins finished the season on a high note.

After a blowout 82-59 loss to Michigan State, UCLA would rally down the…

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Publish date : 2026-07-15 18:06:00

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