UCLA Basketball Coach Mick Cronin’s Frustration Surfaces After Losses

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Mick Cronin isn’t just sitting back and letting his team’s disappointing performance slide.

As the Bruins struggle this season, showing a lack of tenacity, Cronin’s demeanor has become notably more confrontational.

Some might say he’s channeling the spirit of a certain Bruin still competing at a high level.

During a recent game, Cronin made headlines by ejecting one of his players after Stephen Jamerson II committed a hard foul while attempting a breakaway dunk.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo remarked, “I think he upped it to a flagrant 2. It’s the first time I’ve seen a coach do that.”

This wasn’t the only unusual moment for Cronin, who faced further scrutiny following a 30-point defeat to Michigan just days earlier, losing 82-59 to the No. 15 Spartans.

During a press conference, he had a tense exchange with a journalist regarding Michigan State fans chanting for former player Xavier Booker. “I’m really indifferent to other teams’ student sections,” Cronin stated. “Honestly, I’d prefer to celebrate the worst question I’ve ever been asked.”

When questioned about his level of care for opposing teams’ students, Cronin pressed the reporter, who replied, “I don’t think so.”

“Are you raising your voice at me?” Cronin interjected, cutting him off.

“Absolutely,” he continued. “Everyone’s listening; it’s on camera. I answered your question. I coach UCLA; I don’t care about the students at Michigan State. Who cares?”

Cronin also voiced his disappointment over Jamerson’s foul with just minutes left in the game. As Michigan State’s Carson Cooper attempted a dunk, Jamerson fouled him aggressively. Cooper, after the play, confronted Jamerson, escalating tensions further.

Following a video review, Jamerson received a flagrant foul, but as he headed towards the bench, Cronin gestured for him to leave the court. Athletic director Dave Andrews escorted him off.

Cronin later described Jamerson as a “good kid” who simply made poor choices. “If you want to be tough, you should do things like blocking out and rebounding during games,” he said, expressing his disappointment in a play he deemed reckless.

For perhaps the first time this season, tough questions arose surrounding Cronin’s leadership as the Bruins (17-9 overall, 9-6 Big Ten) likely drifted from NCAA Tournament contention, marking their third loss in five games.

When asked about lineup changes he hinted at but hadn’t implemented after the Michigan game, Cronin responded, “We had 37 different lineups tonight. It really doesn’t matter who starts.” He acknowledged efforts to substitute multiple players at once but mentioned one was too unenthusiastic to join.

Regarding talent to compete in the Big Ten, he said, “I’ll leave that for you to assess. I just keep coaching. Obviously, it’s clear that besides Tyler Bilodeau, some players aren’t meeting their potential.”

Did he like what he observed during practices following their last game? “Not really,” Cronin admitted. “They’ve not been putting in enough effort, which I’ve said repeatedly is necessary to excel in this league.”

Does he believe changing the starting lineup would send a strong message?

“I doubt that’ll fix the issue,” he replied. “You can say, ‘I’ve tried this.’ But do you believe simply swapping out one player will resolve everything? Back in Cincinnati, they used to say some folks need to see a magician. You get what I mean?”

Cronin appeared to hint at a deeper issue regarding heart and effort. The Bruins will need to pull together somehow to avoid missing the NCAA Tournament again, which would be the second time in three years.

If they don’t, Cronin might find himself under scrutiny from his superiors.