PHILADELPHIA — Trent Perry couldn’t help but break into a little celebratory dance after landing a step-back 3-pointer over his team manager.
On the eve of the NCAA Tournament, during a casual shooting practice, the UCLA guard hit most of his 3-pointers, taking pass after pass from the corner. His expression changed to disbelief when one shot hit the rim and bounced out.
This breakout star for the Bruins seems to be making a name for himself effortlessly lately.
Perry’s role in the three-guard starting lineup has really raised his profile, and many are predicting he could propel his team beyond expectations in the coming weeks. First up for the No. 7 seed UCLA is the No. 10 seed UCF in the first round on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“This is a special stage,” Perry shared with the California Post while relaxing by his locker on Thursday. “And you know, dreams can come true.”
He feels as if he’s still in his freshman phase, especially with how much he has developed recently.
After stepping in for the injured Skye Clark midway through the season, Perry lit it up with a 30-point game against Penn State. Remarkably, he continued this momentum even after Clark returned last month.
When fellow point guard Donovan Dent faced a calf injury during the Big Ten Tournament against Purdue, Perry stepped up and contributed nine assists nearly leading to an upset.
“Basketball is basketball,” he mentioned, “and with this team, I’m up for whatever they need—whether it’s running the point or being the No. 2 guard. Just whatever it takes to win.” He reflected, “It was really cool to be out there.”
Perry’s knack for driving to the basket, dishing out assists, sinking 3-pointers, and hitting crucial free throws has made him a key player for the Bruins.
Averaging 12.7 points per game, he’s become the team’s third-leading scorer, with a notable 41.2 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. If he gets sent to the line late in games, that could be a mistake for opponents. He proved his composure last week, nailing all six free throws in the last 36 seconds to help secure a win over Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament.
“Honestly, this doesn’t surprise me,” said David Rebibo, who coached Perry back in high school. “It was never about ‘if’—it was more about ‘when’. Just like in high school, once it clicks for him, look out because he’s going to be something special.”
Perry’s consistent presence in the starting lineup following Clark’s return has resulted in favorable spacing for shooters, paving clearer paths for driving while speeding up the game for the Bruins. UCLA, sitting at 23-11, has turned its season around with six wins in the last eight games, bouncing back from a borderline NCAA Tournament spot.
Perry continues a trend of players developing into NBA prospects under coach Mick Cronin’s guidance. Cronin attributes much of this growth to Perry’s open-mindedness toward coaching.
“I trust him fully because coaching works best with players who embrace it,” Cronin stated. “Unlike some players, he’s grown.”
From averaging just 3.7 points as a freshman to now leading the team, Perry is drawing the attention of coaches hoping for his return next season. Cronin has been very vocal about his desire to keep Perry on board.
The decision will hinge on various factors, including how his NIL opportunities develop, but it seems the Bruins have a solid chance of retaining him.
“I can tell you that Trent is really fond of UCLA and his teammates,” Rebibo noted. “He loves his coaches, and he’s keen on making a deep NCAA Tournament run. But his parents are in Los Angeles, and that local connection matters to him. Winning is a priority, and his goals seem to align perfectly with the team’s. I can’t predict what will happen next, but he truly loves his situation right now, and he wants to win.
Especially in the spotlight of college basketball.
Perry reminisced about how, as a kid, he imagined having his moment in the NCAA Tournament, making that game-winning shot as the clock ticks down.
“You know, if you miss, you just need to grab more time,” he joked.
Time, it seems, is particularly favoring him these days. There are plenty more March moments ahead.
