Trent Perry has weighed in with a strong defense of Mick Cronin after rumors circulated about coaches’ reluctance to join his program due to his demanding style. “I’m Buck Cook,” he tweeted recently.
Perry’s decision to return means Cronin has successfully kept all five of his scholarship players eligible for next season, and he could potentially make it six if guard Skye Clark is granted an additional year by the NCAA.
With Perry back on board, the Bruins now seem to have their starting point guard lined up for the upcoming season.
During the past season, particularly after Clark was sidelined with a hamstring injury, it became increasingly evident that Perry had developed significantly as a player in the Big Ten. He averaged 12.6 points and 2.8 assists, a remarkable increase from his freshman numbers. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc also jumped from 34.3% to 39.2%. Remarkably, he held onto his starting position even after Clark returned from his ten-game hiatus.
When point guard Donovan Dent suffered a calf injury during the Big Ten tournament, Perry stepped in and delivered an impressive performance with nine assists against Purdue.
Cronin had been vocal about wanting Perry to return for his junior year, and it seems his efforts were successful.
Perry is now the fifth Bruin to confirm his return for the next season. He will join center Xavier Booker, guards Eric Freeney and Daley Jr., and forward Brandon Williams on the roster. It looks likely that Perry and Daley will retain starting roles, while Booker may play part-time based on matchups.
Clark, who faced personal challenges during his freshman year at Illinois that limited his playtime to 13 games, might come back if his appeal for another season is approved.
As the transfer portal is set to open on Tuesday, UCLA aims to recruit a starting-caliber guard, a wing player, and a center, along with several backup players. Freshmen Joe Fearon and Javonte Floyd are also expected to join the team.
Cronin has noted that his team struggled to show the physical defense necessary for success, particularly during the previous season, which ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He will likely seek players who can enhance that aspect through the transfer portal.
