Cronin Applauds UCLA's Dailey’s Leadership Ahead of USC Matchup

UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. has grown into a real leader for the team, and it’s paid dividends in their recent hot stretch.

The Bruins have won three of their last four games, which include victories over #10 Illinois and #9 Nebraska. Right in the mix of that stretch has been Dailey, who scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds in the win over Illinois, and scored 14 points with eight rebounds in the win against Nebraska.

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruin head coach Mick Cronin communicates during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

On the season, Dailey is averaging 11.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, shooting 48 percent from the floor to go along with it. Now in his second season with the Bruins, Dailey has proven to be a steady force with plenty of experience to help lead some of the younger players on the team, such as Trent Perry.

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) lets out a yell after scoring while Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) (left) and Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) (right) look on in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Dailey’s Most Notable Performances

He has helped contribute to UCLA’s three wins over top-10 teams this season (Purdue, Illinois, Nebraska). In each of those three games, Dailey scored at least 12 points and made at least six shots. He also shot 55 percent or better from the floor in each outing, proving that he can step up his game when the team needs it the most.

Ahead of UCLA’s final regular-season game against USC, head coach Mick Cronin spoke at length about Dailey’s leadership qualities in the Bruins’ locker room.

Cronin’s Thoughts

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin with guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) and UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

“Eric's got a skill that's a very, very underrated that every NBA team's looking for,” Cronin said. “He shows up every day for work ready to give 100% max effort. Very few guys can do it. Very few. It separates athletes, it just does, because you get to the pro level, and they don't they don't coach it. They don't talk you through it.

“He devours practice,” Cronin added. “You can't overwork him. If we have a light day, he’s going to get more work in. It’s good to have guys like that because it brings other guys along. You got to work harder. Got to put more time in. The tough thing for young players is, they think they work hard, and they don't know that they don't, because they haven't seen somebody that does.”

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) scrambles for a loose ball over Illinois guard Keaton Wagler (23) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Dailey and the Bruins will look to finish the regular season on a high note before the Big 12 Tournament. While the Bruins are still projected to be in the field for the NCAA Tournament, a good showing in the conference tournament can do them many favors, seeding-wise.