It’s got to be really frustrating for a defensive coach to watch his team concede point after point.
This is the reality for Mick Cronin at UCLA right now.
There are way too many players on his squad struggling with lateral agility, instinctive defense, and rim protection. Cronin has admitted that without a dramatic improvement in defense over the initial three months of the season, there won’t be any significant change for the remainder of the year.
Fortunately, help might be on the horizon.
Skye Clark, recognized as the team’s top defender, may return for the matchup against No. 2 Michigan State on Saturday in Ann Arbor.
“He needs to practice,” Cronin mentioned on Wednesday regarding the guard, who has been sidelined since January 3 with a hamstring injury. We’re hoping Clark managed to practice for four straight days without any issues and can gear up for the game against the Wolverines.
Clark has been such an effective defender that, according to Cronin, the coaches at San Diego State University, who are known for their defensive prowess, used footage of him as a teaching aid.
“He’s our best defender,” Cronin stated emphatically, “by a long shot.”
With Clark absent, the Bruins have been struggling to find ways to stop opponents.
As per metrics from basketball analyst Ken Pomeroy, UCLA is heading toward one of the weakest defensive records in Cronin’s seven-year tenure in Westwood. The only time UCLA’s defense was notably poor under him was his first year when he had to integrate four freshmen from Europe mid-season, none of whom remain on the team.
There’s a glimmer of hope based on previous seasons where the Bruins, despite defensive struggles, managed to shine.
“Look at spring 2021,” Cronin pointed out, recalling the team’s incredible journey to the Final Four largely powered by their relentless effort and the sharpshooting of Johnny Juzang.
I can see parallels with this team. The Bruins (17-7, 9-4 Big Ten), currently ranking eighth in the Big Ten with an average points allowed of 69.8, have often had to rely on high-scoring offenses to secure victories. Their defense is set to face a tough test with Michigan State (22-1, 12-1), which leads the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 91 points per game prior to their recent matchup with Northwestern.
A significant challenge for UCLA is rim protection. Xavier Booker is working on adding more defensive resistance in his inaugural season as a full-time center. Backup Stephen Jamerson II has shown potential but struggles with fouls. Meanwhile, Tyler Bilodeau, standing at 6-foot-9, has difficulty against larger opponents.
Cronin has been navigating the team’s limitations carefully.
“The crucial aspect of coaching is figuring out what a player can’t do,” Cronin emphasized. “If you keep pushing them to do something they’re not capable of, that’s not effective coaching. You need to adapt your strategy.”
On a brighter note, point guard Donovan Dent has evolved into the kind of pesky defender Cronin sought when he transferred from New Mexico. Sophomore guard Trent Perry has also improved in maintaining defensive pressure. Guard Jamar Brown has made an impact as a disruptive force in his limited time on the floor.
Bringing Clark back would not only strengthen their defense but also help keep teammates out of backcourt scenarios while boosting defensive intensity.
“It’s all about giving your maximum effort for the entire 40 minutes,” forward Eric Daley Jr. shared about the team’s objectives. “If everyone communicates and approaches defense with the right mindset, it should all fall into place.”
