3 Biggest Questions Surrounding UCLA Basketball Ahead of Season

UCLA has a ton of talent on its roster in what, quite honestly, could be the best lineup we have seen in years under Mick Cronin.

As the Bruins head into year eight under Cronin, the biggest questions about the team’s makeup don’t necessarily center on who will be in the starting lineup, but rather on what role they will play and how that could affect the Bruins.

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What Will Filip Jovic’s Role Be?

Auburn Tigers forward Filip Jovic (38) looses the ball Sunday, April 5, 2026, during the NIT men’s basketball championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Speaking of players in an unknown role, Filip Jovic is primed to make a difference for this UCLA team, but it’s hard to know exactly where. At 6’8″, Jovic would be a noticeably shorter center to fill in for starter Xavier Booker, but he has the talent to make a difference anywhere in the frontcourt.

CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein stopped by UCLA to visit a practice, and one of his major takeaways was the buzz surrounding Jovic. “Palpable Buzz at UCLA surrounding Auburn transfer Filip Jovic. Was OUT today due to a concussion, but the staff views him as a sixth starter. Mick Cronin said he reminds him of Justin Jackson, who he coached at Cincinnati,” Rothstein wrote on X.

Auburn Tigers forward Filip Jovi (38) dunks the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Jackson State Tigers at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Jackson State Tigers 112-66. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Having a versatile piece who can help in the frontcourt is a fantastic idea, especially since it seems the perimeter players will do most of the offensive lifting this season. I would expect Jovic to come in as a chess piece for Cronin, playing both the four and five, wherever it is most needed.

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Publish date : 2026-10-02 11:30:00

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