Biggest Questions UCLA Needs To Answer Before Season

As UCLA heads into the 2026-27 season under Mick Cronin, here are some of the biggest questions surrounding the Bruins.

Will the Frontcourt Be Able to Compete Against the Best in the Big Ten?

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second 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

Highlighting the frontcourt is the duo of Eric Dailey Jr. and Xavier Booker, as some of the key returners for this UCLA team. Eric Dailey returns as the starting power forward, and there is a lot of promise regarding his game this season. If I had to pick out a few Bruins who I believe could take another step upward in production this season, Dailey would certainly make that short list.

Advertisement

As for Xavier Booker, I believe he has the tools around him to be great this season. If he can rebound at a higher level, he could be largely important for this team, but his overall rebounding in the past has left a bit to be desired. He played excellently down the stretch for UCLA, particularly as a shot blocker, and if he can continue that level of play, this frontcourt could be sneaky good in the Big Ten.

Who Will Replace Donovan Dent’s Distribution?

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) makes a pass against the UCF Knights in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Donovan Dent played a role last season that this current UCLA roster doesn’t have an exact substitute for. Dent was among the nation’s best at distributing the basketball and overall playmaking. While Trent Perry isn’t a perfect replacement in that regard, he is the player who will fill in the gaps that Dent left.

Advertisement

Perry can be a great facilitator, and he’ll head…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/biggest-questions-ucla-needs-answer-130006072.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-10-07 13:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.