UCLA Men’s Basketball Team Set for Upcoming Season

It looks like the UCLA men’s basketball team will be adding some key players to its roster for the next season.

Eric Daley Jr. has announced his decision to return for a fourth year, which will likely position him as a starting power forward for the Bruins. He shared this news during an interview with Bruin Report Online on Thursday morning.

Daley is now the fourth player from UCLA to confirm his return, joining Xavier Booker, Eric Freeney, and Brandon Williams. There are also indications that guard Trent Perry might be coming back as well.

Additionally, guard Skye Clark could have a shot at returning, though that depends on whether the NCAA grants him an eligibility waiver. He played limited minutes as a freshman at Illinois due to his father’s serious health issues.

If around five or six players return, alongside freshmen Joe Philon and Javonte Floyd, UCLA could have a pretty solid core for the new season.

Daley’s performance last year was, well, somewhat variable. While he had games where he was clearly the standout player, there were times he seemed to fade into the background. He averaged 11.6 points per game, a slight increase from 11.4 in his sophomore year. His rebounding, though, saw a more notable jump — from 4.0 rebounds to 5.8 per game. However, his 3-point shooting percentage dropped from 37.8% to 31.6%, and his defense seemed to fluctuate depending on how well he was shooting.

Looking ahead, UCLA is expected to focus on enhancing their defense, athleticism, and overall toughness. They aim to recruit three more starting-level players, including a center, a wing, and a guard, alongside additional reserve players through the transfer portal.