Mick Cronin’s Plans for UCLA Basketball After NCAA Tournament Exit
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Following a 67-58 defeat to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA tournament, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin shifted focus away from immediate future concerns to the near-term challenges facing his team. As the Bruins concluded their season, Cronin emphasized the pressing issues, jokingly remarking about the discomfort of their flight home rather than speculating on next season’s roster.
Immediate Focus on Returning Players
Despite his initial reluctance to discuss the upcoming season, Cronin revealed subtle cues regarding his aspirations for UCLA’s roster. “If you’re giving me a choice,” he stated, “I’ll always take talent.” This clear inclination towards boosting the squad’s skill set suggests that the Bruins will be active in the transfer portal opening Monday.
Key Roster Concerns
The preservation of center Aday Mara, an emerging talent, stands as a primary concern for Cronin as Mara expressed intentions to return to Spain for rest and family visits. Retaining him could significantly impact the team’s competitiveness.
In addition to Mara, UCLA will likely seek enhancements at point guard and may aim to acquire one or two veteran wing players, compensating for the loss of seniors Kobe Johnson and Lazar Stefanovic. The addition of another tall player could also bolster the squad against the imposing front lines commonly found in the Big Ten.
Need for Talent Infusion
The disparity observed in the matchup against Tennessee highlighted the urgent need for an infusion of top-tier talent to the squad. Forward Tyler Bilodeau was noted as the only Bruin to receive All-Big Ten honors, and even then, it was on the third team. Cronin acknowledged that last season’s constraints on name, image, and likeness (NIL) resources pushed him to rely on lesser-known European prospects, culminating in what he termed a “debacle,” with the Bruins finishing the year with a disappointing record.
Addressing Roster Dynamics
Reflecting on the recent season, it is evident that constant roster changes under Cronin, who values team continuity, contributed to the Bruins’ early exit from the tournament with a 23-11 record. The upcoming off-season will require careful strategizing to re-establish stability while incorporating new talent.
Cronin now navigates a pivotal moment with 15 scholarships available due to new NCAA regulations. Two spots are almost certainly earmarked for returning players Skyy Clark and Eric Dailey Jr., who expressed their desire to remain part of the Bruins’ future.
Challenges Ahead
However, difficult choices loom. Players such as Dylan Andrews, whose performance was inconsistent, may face diminished roles if new talent is introduced. Returning to a bench role could also challenge Trent Perry, alongside the uncertainties surrounding playing time for redshirted players Eric Freeny and the Williams duo (Brandon and Devin).
Should Mara choose to stay, Cronin will face further dilemmas regarding team composition, potentially needing to devise strategies to maximize Mara’s abilities while finding suitable roles for his frontcourt companions. Following the recent loss, Mara was seen celebrating with fans, indicating a strong connection to the team that the program hopes to maintain.
Future Considerations
UCLA’s recruitment efforts may have come up short with high school prospects from a competitive 2025 class. Nonetheless, Cronin’s emphasis on veteran players suggests that the transfer portal will be prioritized over freshman talent moving forward.
As the off-season unfolds, the Bruins face a unique situation where both coaches and players will need to navigate the uncertainties of roster changes. “That’s the coaches’ job, to see who they want for the players,” Dailey articulated, acknowledging the unpredictability inherent in the recruitment process.
The coming weeks will be critical for Cronin, as he aims to secure a robust roster that can elevate UCLA back into national championship contention.