I thought UCLA had that game. I think they were the better team and outplayed NC except for the lack of rebounding. I don’t understand why Jaquez was the one taking all those shots late in the game. I’m a huge Jaquez fan but he just didn’t have his shot tonight.
I may be wrong, but I don’t think UCLA will win a title with Tyger as their PG. He’s a very good college PG and I enjoy watching him but I don’t think he’s a championship-caliber PG.
If I’m Jaylen Clark, I transfer. I hate to say it. I’m a huge Jaylen Clark fan but the ‘defensive-minded’ Cronin didn’t give him the minutes he deserved.
I honestly don't see anyone on the roster having an NBA career although I'm rooting for them. Clark has little to no offensive game at this point and lacks the athleticism/wingspan of a player like Thybulle that's been able to stay in the league despite being offensively limited. I do think Clark will improve his shot and finishing finishing at the rim to go along with an okay float game but I don't see him being more than a G League type player.
Juzang is too limited athletically and has to use his off arm to create space even at the D1 level. His ceiling is maybe like a poor mans Klay Thompson if he can play good enough defense and turn into a better spot up shooter.
Jaquez is obviously the best all around player of the three at this point but until he can prove to be a consistent shooter from the outside he'll continue to be fringe prospect.
Watson is the wildcard with the highest ceiling but still extremely raw offensively. If he can build on the flashes of defensive brilliance, mid-range shooting, and finishing in transition he could be a solid pro. I'm not sold on him yet but hopefully he comes back next year and surprises me.
If Clark takes the next step in his progression and turns into a decent offensive player he should definitely be a starter. I guess that could change if Watson, Jaquez, and Juzang all come back but I think that’s unlikely.
Not sure you could single out any one player on the team for not being able to win a game or a championship. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses and go through slumps or lapses in play. By the way, it was Tyger's layup that put the Bruins up by 3 with 2 minutes left in the game before UCLA eventually collapsed. Bernard had regained his shooting touch over the past few weeks, but Juzang couldn't find his. And Jaquez has been their go-to guy in Cronin's 1-on-1 style of offense, but his injured ankle(s) finally took its toll against UNC. I'm truly disappointed in Cronin's use (or non-use) of his bench this season. I agree, Clark should have been on the court a hell of a lot more, and more minutes should have also gone to Watson, Johnson, and Singleton as well. I think if Cronin had better managed the depth that he had at his disposal, the Bruins would have been a more formidable team. Hope he'll improve this aspect of his coaching going forward.
Still waiting for the Bruins to hoist their next championship banner at Pauley... So disappointing--it would have been interesting to see this year's (hot) tournament Cinderella go up against last year's Cinderella. Give credit to the Tar Heels for pulling off the win, but UCLA (kind of like Akron) seemed to be in control for most of the game, yet they couldn't close out the final two minutes. The key was that guy Love (not Kevin) going totally insane in the 2nd half, and the Bruins were caught off guard and seemed helpless in trying to shut him down. I had expected Jaquez to be somewhat ineffective because of his injury, but it's unfortunate that Juzang's shooting disappeared once again. Anyway, despite the COVID interruptions and injuries, the Bruins did very well this season and started a new winning streak against $C (still need to figure out Oregon, though). Yet I still feel they underachieved in this tournament because it's basically the same team as last year with their much improved defense and grity style of play. They also had more depth, but Cronin didn't use it enough to his advantage. They missed a great opportunity for a Final Four repeat and possibly advance further, especially since their nemesis Gonzaga (and Pac12 rival Arizona) had already been upset. Hope for much better luck next season. Go Bruins!
Tough way to lose to NC. You don’t rebound you lose, too many second chances for UNC. And why does Bernard start off great and barely get any shots up in 2H?? Cronin’s offense puzzles me, Jaquez isn’t a good shooter and he wasn’t making his shots late, Juzang with his typical hero ball. Singleton is their best 3 shooter and doesn’t play again. And Love was looking for Riley on switches to burn him and he keeps him on the floor instead of Clark who hit a big 3 and is a much better defender. This article is spot on, I was yelling at the TV all season to use our depth more, Clark and Watson to guard players like Love. Even with that we had a few rim out that would’ve greatly improved our chances.
I think Cronin has proven himself to be the right coach for UCLA, though I agree with other posters here. Jaylen Clark especially deserved more playing time. But we probably won't have this issue next year. The backcourt seems more settled. I see a starting lineup of Tyger, Amari Bailey, Clark, Watson, and I think Myles Johnson sticks around for a last cup of grad school basketball tea.
On the bench: Dylan Andrews, Will McClendon, David Singleton (if he gets into UCLA grad program), Adem Bona, and Mac Etienne.
Should be an excellent defensive squad, especially at the 4/5 spot with Watson, Johnson, and Bona rotating in and out. I think Watson ends up in a role like Jacquez had this year - 3 on offense, 4 on defense.
I do think Cronin is a good coach and fit for UCLA. I don't think he's a great coach but hopefully will improve with his rotations and with the talent he'll be able to bring in I think he can win a title in the next few years.
Hopefully Myles sticks around although I do think Etienne has a chance to start if he builds upon the flashes of ability he showed last year. Bona looks like a great athlete but seems raw offensively. I do think he'll play 10-15 a game though and maybe more late in the season.
Maybe we'll be able to pick up a transfer or two from the portal to help with depth depending on who ends up coming back.
I doubt that we have any open slots to fill from the portal. Singleton has already said that he is coming back. I suppose he could change his mind. We will have a strong roster with a strong bench next year. Hopefully our incoming big man, Adem Bona will be able to contribute right away.
Cronin said at the end of February Singleton and Myles Johnson could possibly return. When asked about Cronin's remarks at a press conference, Singleton said that he had not made a decision and would determine his next step after the season concluded.
If he stays, perhaps he gets into a UCLA grad program as well as compete for a national championship with what should be an improved team.
Going into a mid-major would do nothing for him, considering he only has 1 season of eligibility and he doesn't need the exposure because he's not talented enough to play at the pro level.
I'm not so sure we won't have a spot or two open once everyone makes their decisions. Assuming Kyman transfers, Bernard/Riley graduate and everyone else comes back (including Campbell, Nwuba [not sure if he might graduate], Singleton, Jaquez, Juzang, Watson, Johnson) then we will be at the maximum number of scholarships. If we have some more players leave the program it's still possible Cronin will be fine with the roster depth having three freshmen coming in plus Etienne and McClendon hopefully back from injury. I don't see both Jaquez and Juzang coming back so I wouldn't mind a veteran guard to step in and provide some depth especially if McClendon isn't fully healthy or Clark continues to struggle offensively, Andrews isn't ready to contribute etc. We could also use another big although I feel pretty good with Johnson/Bona/Etienne if they stay healthy.
Cronin may not know who is returning for a month or longer. There’s no telling what players will be left in the portal that would fill a need. There’s much that needs to play out.
It certainly was a disappointing last two minutes of the game. But I really like the overall of the program and direction. For Mick to create a juggernaut (which is going to be increasingly difficult with the transfer portal), he's going to have to look at recruiting some offensive firepower.
I'm also going to look at the very bright side of this season - we started with a number next to our name. We ended with a number next to our name. We went to the sweet 16. We fell to some March magic. From the complete flaming pile of fritos that was the team under Alford - no soul, no direction, no coaching, to a complete (but imperfect) team that I can be proud of -- the transformation is redemption. The thing I want MOST from a college sports team is competiveness, honesty, and integrity. The Bruins competed last night, they just didn't win. It happens.
Now to build a program. We won't know if Mick will really have a program until we see how things really transpire over the next few years. But given what he did at Cincinatti and how the Bruins did in this and last year's tourney, I am highly confident that UCLA is well on its way back to being an elite program. I'm also thankful that I can once again cheer for the Bruins (I refused to even watch the team when Alford was coaching).
Hard loss to take as I feel like the Bruins would have been able to beat everyone left in the tourney. UNC might have the best 5, although maybe not the best team. When I was watching live and we were up by three, to my eyes the missed shot hit the line and was out, so I let out a cheer before realising UNC was going to retrieve the ball before it went out. Like others, I feel like Cronin could have used the bench more. I would have liked to have gone at UNC a bit more to make it more physical. I think that even if we picked up some fouls, getting the refs to start blowing the whistle would have been good for us. Maybe not the prettiest basketball, but trying to get some of their players into foul trouble would have been good.
Having said that, I’m really pleased with the direction of the program and the buzz around UCLA. It feels like we’re building and developing an identity. I’m feeling like we’ll push on next year even with some of the faces of this year’s team leaving. The Freshmen look great. I really expect Adem Bona to be challenging for the starting position almost from the start. Transfer portal is hard to call until we know who’s coming back, but I feel like we need a go-to shooter. Can’t see Jaquez or Juzang coming back (or Bernard), so need to figure out where the offense will come from. If Tyler keeps developing his 3 and pull up jumper, he’ll be a threat, but otherwise I’m not sure. Maybe Singleton or Kyman, but don’t know if they have a high enough ceiling. Maybe we’ll get some production inside with the big men, but I don’t think that’s the answer either.
We’ll see what happens, but would be awesome to see Johnson and Clark take the D to the next level.
I thought UCLA had that game. I think they were the better team and outplayed NC except for the lack of rebounding. I don’t understand why Jaquez was the one taking all those shots late in the game. I’m a huge Jaquez fan but he just didn’t have his shot tonight.
I may be wrong, but I don’t think UCLA will win a title with Tyger as their PG. He’s a very good college PG and I enjoy watching him but I don’t think he’s a championship-caliber PG.
If I’m Jaylen Clark, I transfer. I hate to say it. I’m a huge Jaylen Clark fan but the ‘defensive-minded’ Cronin didn’t give him the minutes he deserved.
Jaylen Clark (maybe my favorite player on this roster) will be a starter and a star next year. He put the time and work in. I think he stays.
I hope you are right.
I honestly don't see anyone on the roster having an NBA career although I'm rooting for them. Clark has little to no offensive game at this point and lacks the athleticism/wingspan of a player like Thybulle that's been able to stay in the league despite being offensively limited. I do think Clark will improve his shot and finishing finishing at the rim to go along with an okay float game but I don't see him being more than a G League type player.
Juzang is too limited athletically and has to use his off arm to create space even at the D1 level. His ceiling is maybe like a poor mans Klay Thompson if he can play good enough defense and turn into a better spot up shooter.
Jaquez is obviously the best all around player of the three at this point but until he can prove to be a consistent shooter from the outside he'll continue to be fringe prospect.
Watson is the wildcard with the highest ceiling but still extremely raw offensively. If he can build on the flashes of defensive brilliance, mid-range shooting, and finishing in transition he could be a solid pro. I'm not sold on him yet but hopefully he comes back next year and surprises me.
If Clark takes the next step in his progression and turns into a decent offensive player he should definitely be a starter. I guess that could change if Watson, Jaquez, and Juzang all come back but I think that’s unlikely.
Not sure you could single out any one player on the team for not being able to win a game or a championship. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses and go through slumps or lapses in play. By the way, it was Tyger's layup that put the Bruins up by 3 with 2 minutes left in the game before UCLA eventually collapsed. Bernard had regained his shooting touch over the past few weeks, but Juzang couldn't find his. And Jaquez has been their go-to guy in Cronin's 1-on-1 style of offense, but his injured ankle(s) finally took its toll against UNC. I'm truly disappointed in Cronin's use (or non-use) of his bench this season. I agree, Clark should have been on the court a hell of a lot more, and more minutes should have also gone to Watson, Johnson, and Singleton as well. I think if Cronin had better managed the depth that he had at his disposal, the Bruins would have been a more formidable team. Hope he'll improve this aspect of his coaching going forward.
Still waiting for the Bruins to hoist their next championship banner at Pauley... So disappointing--it would have been interesting to see this year's (hot) tournament Cinderella go up against last year's Cinderella. Give credit to the Tar Heels for pulling off the win, but UCLA (kind of like Akron) seemed to be in control for most of the game, yet they couldn't close out the final two minutes. The key was that guy Love (not Kevin) going totally insane in the 2nd half, and the Bruins were caught off guard and seemed helpless in trying to shut him down. I had expected Jaquez to be somewhat ineffective because of his injury, but it's unfortunate that Juzang's shooting disappeared once again. Anyway, despite the COVID interruptions and injuries, the Bruins did very well this season and started a new winning streak against $C (still need to figure out Oregon, though). Yet I still feel they underachieved in this tournament because it's basically the same team as last year with their much improved defense and grity style of play. They also had more depth, but Cronin didn't use it enough to his advantage. They missed a great opportunity for a Final Four repeat and possibly advance further, especially since their nemesis Gonzaga (and Pac12 rival Arizona) had already been upset. Hope for much better luck next season. Go Bruins!
Tough way to lose to NC. You don’t rebound you lose, too many second chances for UNC. And why does Bernard start off great and barely get any shots up in 2H?? Cronin’s offense puzzles me, Jaquez isn’t a good shooter and he wasn’t making his shots late, Juzang with his typical hero ball. Singleton is their best 3 shooter and doesn’t play again. And Love was looking for Riley on switches to burn him and he keeps him on the floor instead of Clark who hit a big 3 and is a much better defender. This article is spot on, I was yelling at the TV all season to use our depth more, Clark and Watson to guard players like Love. Even with that we had a few rim out that would’ve greatly improved our chances.
I think Cronin has proven himself to be the right coach for UCLA, though I agree with other posters here. Jaylen Clark especially deserved more playing time. But we probably won't have this issue next year. The backcourt seems more settled. I see a starting lineup of Tyger, Amari Bailey, Clark, Watson, and I think Myles Johnson sticks around for a last cup of grad school basketball tea.
On the bench: Dylan Andrews, Will McClendon, David Singleton (if he gets into UCLA grad program), Adem Bona, and Mac Etienne.
Should be an excellent defensive squad, especially at the 4/5 spot with Watson, Johnson, and Bona rotating in and out. I think Watson ends up in a role like Jacquez had this year - 3 on offense, 4 on defense.
I do think Cronin is a good coach and fit for UCLA. I don't think he's a great coach but hopefully will improve with his rotations and with the talent he'll be able to bring in I think he can win a title in the next few years.
Hopefully Myles sticks around although I do think Etienne has a chance to start if he builds upon the flashes of ability he showed last year. Bona looks like a great athlete but seems raw offensively. I do think he'll play 10-15 a game though and maybe more late in the season.
Maybe we'll be able to pick up a transfer or two from the portal to help with depth depending on who ends up coming back.
I doubt that we have any open slots to fill from the portal. Singleton has already said that he is coming back. I suppose he could change his mind. We will have a strong roster with a strong bench next year. Hopefully our incoming big man, Adem Bona will be able to contribute right away.
Cronin said at the end of February Singleton and Myles Johnson could possibly return. When asked about Cronin's remarks at a press conference, Singleton said that he had not made a decision and would determine his next step after the season concluded.
https://247sports.com/college/ucla/Article/UCLA-Basketball-David-Singleton-on-Returning-Next-Season-Oregon-183383002/
Unless David has updated his situation between then and now, there is nothing definitive about his return to Bruin basketball.
If he stays, perhaps he gets into a UCLA grad program as well as compete for a national championship with what should be an improved team.
Going into a mid-major would do nothing for him, considering he only has 1 season of eligibility and he doesn't need the exposure because he's not talented enough to play at the pro level.
He has 1 more year to play basketball. he can get a graduate degree whenever the hell he wants.
I'm not so sure we won't have a spot or two open once everyone makes their decisions. Assuming Kyman transfers, Bernard/Riley graduate and everyone else comes back (including Campbell, Nwuba [not sure if he might graduate], Singleton, Jaquez, Juzang, Watson, Johnson) then we will be at the maximum number of scholarships. If we have some more players leave the program it's still possible Cronin will be fine with the roster depth having three freshmen coming in plus Etienne and McClendon hopefully back from injury. I don't see both Jaquez and Juzang coming back so I wouldn't mind a veteran guard to step in and provide some depth especially if McClendon isn't fully healthy or Clark continues to struggle offensively, Andrews isn't ready to contribute etc. We could also use another big although I feel pretty good with Johnson/Bona/Etienne if they stay healthy.
Cronin may not know who is returning for a month or longer. There’s no telling what players will be left in the portal that would fill a need. There’s much that needs to play out.
draft deadline is April 24. I imagine Jaquez and Juzang decide within the next 2 weeks.
It certainly was a disappointing last two minutes of the game. But I really like the overall of the program and direction. For Mick to create a juggernaut (which is going to be increasingly difficult with the transfer portal), he's going to have to look at recruiting some offensive firepower.
I'm also going to look at the very bright side of this season - we started with a number next to our name. We ended with a number next to our name. We went to the sweet 16. We fell to some March magic. From the complete flaming pile of fritos that was the team under Alford - no soul, no direction, no coaching, to a complete (but imperfect) team that I can be proud of -- the transformation is redemption. The thing I want MOST from a college sports team is competiveness, honesty, and integrity. The Bruins competed last night, they just didn't win. It happens.
Now to build a program. We won't know if Mick will really have a program until we see how things really transpire over the next few years. But given what he did at Cincinatti and how the Bruins did in this and last year's tourney, I am highly confident that UCLA is well on its way back to being an elite program. I'm also thankful that I can once again cheer for the Bruins (I refused to even watch the team when Alford was coaching).
Go Bruins!
Hard loss to take as I feel like the Bruins would have been able to beat everyone left in the tourney. UNC might have the best 5, although maybe not the best team. When I was watching live and we were up by three, to my eyes the missed shot hit the line and was out, so I let out a cheer before realising UNC was going to retrieve the ball before it went out. Like others, I feel like Cronin could have used the bench more. I would have liked to have gone at UNC a bit more to make it more physical. I think that even if we picked up some fouls, getting the refs to start blowing the whistle would have been good for us. Maybe not the prettiest basketball, but trying to get some of their players into foul trouble would have been good.
Having said that, I’m really pleased with the direction of the program and the buzz around UCLA. It feels like we’re building and developing an identity. I’m feeling like we’ll push on next year even with some of the faces of this year’s team leaving. The Freshmen look great. I really expect Adem Bona to be challenging for the starting position almost from the start. Transfer portal is hard to call until we know who’s coming back, but I feel like we need a go-to shooter. Can’t see Jaquez or Juzang coming back (or Bernard), so need to figure out where the offense will come from. If Tyler keeps developing his 3 and pull up jumper, he’ll be a threat, but otherwise I’m not sure. Maybe Singleton or Kyman, but don’t know if they have a high enough ceiling. Maybe we’ll get some production inside with the big men, but I don’t think that’s the answer either.
We’ll see what happens, but would be awesome to see Johnson and Clark take the D to the next level.
We got the west and east womens McDonald’s all American mvp’s. The womens team will be exciting next year.
Jake kyman entering the transfer portal. He never really had a role the last 2 years.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33634490/jake-kyman-leave-ucla-bruins-enter-men-basketball-transfer-portal-three-seasons
Looks like Jake Kyman committed to Wyoming. Wish him the best!
Looks like Duke couldn't keep Bacot off the boards or Caleb Love from going off in the 2nd half either... probably coaching, right?
Caleb Love doesn't change the fact that Mick coached a terrible game in the Sweet 16.