It’s not like UCLA completely vanished for more than a decade before the recent deep run in the NCAA Tournament, it’s just that the Bruins’ recent First Four to Final Four trek makes it seem that way as they head into the 2021-22 season as a popular college basketball pick.
Mick Cronin certainly didn’t waste any time getting the program turned around after Steve Alford’s 6-season run at Westwood. After more than a decade producing winners at Cincinnati, Cronin also knows he’s still got a lot of work ahead of him to keep UCLA in the National Championship hunt year in, year out like the Bruins used to be.
A return to relevance can already be found on the college basketball futures. The Bruins were listed as a 50/1 pick to win it all this last season, that price definitely leaving a few outlets nervous when they made it to the Final Four. BetMGM has UCLA +1600 to win it all next season, putting the Bruins firmly in the top tier of favorites.
The irony of the First Four to Final Four journey through March Madness that UCLA made is, had the Bruins not dropped their last three regular season contests before losing their opener in the Pac-12 Tournament, they wouldn’t have had to play that First Four game against Michigan State. It made for a nice story this past March, but Cronin would just as soon avoid the preliminary round in the future.
Cronin would also like to avoid seeing Johnny Juzang leave and head to the NBA. Juzang was the driving force in the recent NCAA Tournament, as well as the regular season when the sophomore led the Bruins averaging 16.0 PPG. He went off at the Big Dance pouring in nearly 23 a game, a huge factor in UCLA covering the NCAAB lines in all six games, including the overtime loss to Gonzaga in the semis.
Juzang has left the door open to return to UCLA, but the consensus is he’ll forego his college eligibility as a 2nd-round pick in the NBA Draft. Scouts say his biggest weakness is a low mark in the speed column, which can be a detriment in the transition game at the next level, but those same scouts sure love his overall offensive potential.
Even if Juzang does depart for the NBA, Cronin has plenty of talent coming back next year, enough to make the Bruins the top pick to win the Pac-12. Just as he did at Cincinnati, Cronin has built UCLA on defense, especially in the backcourt where Tyger Campbell runs the show at the point. Campbell was one of a half-dozen Bruins who averaged double-digits on the scoring front while also leading the team in assists.
Lost somewhat in Juzang’s tournament heroics was the fine play of Jaime Jacquez Jr., The 6-6 sophomore was on the floor for all 45 minutes
Chris Smith’s return to health should give the Bruins an immediate lift in the 3-point department as well. Smith was lost to a knee injury just eight games into the schedule, and is expected to use the extra year of eligibility the NCAA has granted. Cody Riley, who recorded a double-double in the loss to Gonzaga, will provide some beef down in the paint.
Help for Riley down low – as well as on the wing – should come from Peyton Watson, rated as the No. 8 prospect in the Class of ’21. The 6-8 forward from nearby Long Beach was also courted by Gonzaga and Michigan, among others, and Watson should make an immediate impact after averaging nearly 24 points and 10 boards his senior year as the top prep star from California.
Will McClendon, a 4-star guard from Las Vegas, has also firmed up his commitment to UCLA. The 6-4 McClendon projects as a major starter at the college level, but might have to work his way into the mix with the Bruins so deep in the backcourt.
Cronin is still hot on the trail of Jaden Hardy, a combo guard from Henderson, Nevada. Hardy has risen to the top 2021 recruit remaining from the class now that Chet Holmgren has pledged to Gonzaga, but many believe he will take his talent straight to the pros and play G-League ball. He was pleased with his recruiting trip to UCLA, however, and his addition would clearly lift the Bruins up the NCAA Basketball odds into the same stratosphere as favorite Gonzaga.