UCLA Basketball Preview 2021

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Nov 4

Our UCLA basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that after last season there’s a lot of optimism amongst Bruins fans. In 2020 - 21, the UCLA Bruins (22-10 Overall, 13-6 Pac-12) finished fourth in the conference, and in the NCAA Tournament made it to the Final Four, as they were knocked out by future runners-up Gonzaga. That was their deepest finish for UCLA in March Madness since 2008. It was quite a second season for head coach Mick Cronin (41-22 UCLA/2 years, 406-193 Overall/18 years) who sees a fine core of starters return and three new players arrive. This is a seasoned team that includes three seniors and six juniors. We anticipate that this edition of the UCLA Bruins will excel in the Pac-12 as well as on the national stage.

Bruins Frontcourt

Our UCLA basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that the paint just got a little more intimidating, as transfer Myles Johnson (Rutgers) has joined the team. The graduate transfer was second in the Big Ten in blocks last season with 2.43 per game. That should help senior Cody Riley. The forward is a strong offensive presence. Last year, he shot 53.8 from the field while averaging 10.0 PPG and 5.4 RPG. Riley, who started 31 games last year, is expected to expand his mid-range game and further upgrade his stats. Junior forward/center Kenneth Nwuba, who was used sparingly last year, did offer some positive minutes in the paint as a rebounder. Versatile Jake Kyman will likely contribute off the bench.

UCLA Basketball Preview – Backcourt

In the backcourt, Johnny Juzang returns after a sizzling NCAA Tournament. In the team’s postseason run, he shot 51 percent. During the regular season, Juzang averaged 12.3 PPG and 6.1 RPG while hitting 44.1 percent of his twos and 35.3 percent of his threes. At the point, Tyger Campbell (10.4 PPG, 5.4 APG, 42.9 FG%) ably controls the flow of the game while expertly dishing off assists. Also ready to go is premium two-way guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. Last season, Jaquez averaged 12.3 PPG and 6.1 RPG while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from beyond the arc. Five-star freshman and top-10 recruit Peyton Watson and top-50 recruit Will McClendon will vie for starting spots at shooting and point guard respectively. Plus, there’s a lot of double-digit scoring depth behind these guys.