3 Bruins Who Must Carry UCLA's Weight Against Illinois

Here are three Bruins who need to rewrite the narrative about their recent play

Jan 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) reacts after a dunk in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After a few rough games, the Bruins are looking to get things going against Illinois.

It has been no secret that UCLA has struggled to live up to expectations this season. Sitting at 17-9, the Bruins are well below where they were projected to be at this point. A major factor has been inconsistent performances from key players.

Skyy Clark | G

Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Skyy Clark does not necessarily fit that mold. His scoring ability has made him one of UCLA’s most effective offensive players this season. With him expected to play significant minutes against Illinois, it would not be surprising to see him have a strong performance.

If Clark delivers, it could elevate UCLA to the level needed to compete with a team like Illinois. A big game would also boost his confidence, which could be a key factor in the Bruins finishing the season on a strong note. Clark needs to go for at least 20, if there is hope for a win.

Eric Dailey Jr | F

Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) dribbles against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Eric Dailey Jr. has also struggled to meet expectations. At one point, he was considered among the top small forwards in college basketball, but his production has declined sharply. Over the last two games, he has averaged just three points and two rebounds.

If Dailey Jr. can compete on the glass and create offensive opportunities, he could bounce back in a meaningful way. However, his impact will ultimately depend on his ability to knock down shots and find space within the offense. He is a key player to watch in this matchup.

Xavier Booker | F

Michigan State's Jaxon Kohler, left, shakes hands with former teammate UCLA's Xavier Booker after the game on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Xavier Booker, meanwhile, needs to rewrite the narrative surrounding his play. Recently, he has struggled to assert himself as a dominant presence in the paint, allowing opponents to exploit UCLA’s defensive weaknesses. Securing at least six rebounds in this game should be a non-negotiable expectation.

If Booker performs well in the paint, the Bruins will have a better chance to control the game. Keaton Wagler will likely be a major threat from beyond the arc, so Booker’s ability to protect the interior could help disrupt Illinois’ offensive flow by creating a bottleneck defensively.

UCLA's head coach Mick Cronin reacts during the first half against Michigan State on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The bottom line is that these three players will have a major impact on UCLA’s success. If they can exceed expectations, the Bruins will have a legitimate chance to pull off an upset. It will not be easy, but it is necessary. Only time will tell.

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