Nothing much I can add to this game if I’m being honest. UCLA was never in real danger of losing, jumping out to an early 28-4 lead, letting Chaminade bring it back to 10 points at multiple occasions, and then jumping out late to make this a really comfortable win.
If there’s some things to take from this game, you can start with the hangover nature of the game. With the Bruins coming off an emotional rollercoaster the night before, it was not much of a surprise to see UCLA play some lethargic basketball for large portions of the game. To be sure, UCLA played with fire to start the game, but much of the middle 20 minutes could be characterized with lazy passes, slow defensive rotations, and general poor play. Again, not a surprising outcome considering how young the team is and the circumstances heading into the game, but it’s a good learning experience for the team going forward.
I’m also reaching an early point where I need to see more from the various European players on the team. And to be clear, I don’t mean I need to see more of those players, but rather that they need to show more to justify more play. Aday Mara is clearly a multi-year player, but he’s very soft at the moment which is disappointing for someone with his height. Jan Vide similarly looks lost and slow on the court, a sign as much as anything that there is a major adjustment period to the speed of the college game. Ilane Fibleuil probably deserves more minutes for his defense alone, but I’d like to see him work more to get some of those dirty baskets that Jaylen Clark was so known for. Finally, Berke Buyuktuncel finally got his first collegiate points and generally has looked fine, he just needs more shots to fall.
One last thing to note going forward: turnovers are an early problem for this team, but again this isn’t that shocking considering how young the team is. Some of the turnovers today were from miscommunication while some were the result of playing too fast. I imagine that will get cleaned up as the season progresses, but for now it seems to be a good way to monitor the growth of the team throughout the year.
Anyway, one more game left in the Maui Invitational, and of course it will be against Gonzaga. I swear these two programs are purposely finding ways to play each other.
Of all the recruits, Sebastian Mack is the only freshman who seems court ready. Mara, Berke and others have a ways to go. Bona playing with ferocity this year. Lazarus is a great addition on both sides of the court.
I have high hopes for this team. I believe we are going to make some noise come tournament time in a large part because of our coach. He has a passion to get the best out of his players. Just wish I could say the same about our football team.
" He has a passion to get the best out of his players " vs " Somebody has a passion to get the best ( $$$$ ) out of his superiors. LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marquette took the lead just before the 6 minute mark at 16-14 and was never behind again beating #1 Kansas by 14, holding them to 59... as frustrating as the ending was last night, that game is going to look better and better going forward - and while we got out to a huge lead and sleepwalked a bit in this one, for a young team learning how to play with each other, we snapped back to refocus and pull away nicely against an overmatched opponent which is a really good sign in its own way too.
Agree with both Clio and Tamara. Our showing against Marquette demonstrates the potential of this team. The ceiling is really high. If they pay attention to the detailed coaching Cronin provides and execute according to their ability it should be a very good season. The one weakness is 3-point shooting. The point guard play needs to improve and Mack needs to learn when to pass the ball rather than forcing a drive.
Mara needs to gain strength and work on his quickness and defense. He is not a lottery pick but that's ok. He needs to have patience with his development. and enjoy his time at the finest university in the land.
Hey, if you can post here, please let me know, either here or in the previous postgame, because I think something broke on this one.
Thanks for the post, Dmitri! Happy Thanksgiving!
Of all the recruits, Sebastian Mack is the only freshman who seems court ready. Mara, Berke and others have a ways to go. Bona playing with ferocity this year. Lazarus is a great addition on both sides of the court.
Have been impressed by Mack as well. Looking forward to how he develops under CMC this season.
I have high hopes for this team. I believe we are going to make some noise come tournament time in a large part because of our coach. He has a passion to get the best out of his players. Just wish I could say the same about our football team.
" He has a passion to get the best out of his players " vs " Somebody has a passion to get the best ( $$$$ ) out of his superiors. LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Right now Marquette is beating #1 Kansas with about 6 minutes Ledford in 1st half. Make us look legit.
Marquette took the lead just before the 6 minute mark at 16-14 and was never behind again beating #1 Kansas by 14, holding them to 59... as frustrating as the ending was last night, that game is going to look better and better going forward - and while we got out to a huge lead and sleepwalked a bit in this one, for a young team learning how to play with each other, we snapped back to refocus and pull away nicely against an overmatched opponent which is a really good sign in its own way too.
Agree with both Clio and Tamara. Our showing against Marquette demonstrates the potential of this team. The ceiling is really high. If they pay attention to the detailed coaching Cronin provides and execute according to their ability it should be a very good season. The one weakness is 3-point shooting. The point guard play needs to improve and Mack needs to learn when to pass the ball rather than forcing a drive.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, Terrry!
To you also Jim!! Thanks.
We are good. We are going to be great 💙💛
Mara needs to gain strength and work on his quickness and defense. He is not a lottery pick but that's ok. He needs to have patience with his development. and enjoy his time at the finest university in the land.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, Tamara!
Happy Thanksgiving Jim, to you and yours! 💙💛
On our way to Pasadena for the game on Saturday. Happy Thanksgiving Bruin Family!