UCLA’s Freeny Makes Major Announcement for 2026-27 Season

Mick Cronin's Bruins will be getting one of their key reserves from this past season back for next year, as guard Eric Freeny is opting to run it back with UCLA next year.

Freeny worked his way into Cronin’s circle of trust as a freshman this season. After barely getting any minutes to start the year, Freeny saw his playing time increase throughout the season. Down the stretch, Freeny was one of the team’s top reserves off the bench.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Freeny Developed Well

On the season, Freeny averaged just 2.0 points per game, shooting 37 percent from both the field and from three-point range. Despite the unimpressive numbers, Freeny’s impact went further than just the box score, as the 6-foot-4 guard made his presence felt as a defensive pest, providing energy on the perimeter for a Bruins team that desperately needed it at times.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Freeny (8) dribbles the ball against the UCF Knights in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

That defensive intensity is likely what helped push Freeny higher up the depth chart, as Cronin is the type of coach who always preaches intensity and discipline on the defensive side of the ball. Now that he’ll be coming back for his sophomore season, Freeny will look to take a leap on both sides of the floor with increased playing time.

Freeny’s return will be key for the Bruins next season, as they’ll be losing several key players from this past season. Most notably, starters Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau have exercised their eligibility and won’t be back next season.

Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Tariq Francis (0) shoots against UCLA Bruins guard Eric Freeny (8) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Dent was the team’s starting point guard, averaging 13.3 points and 7.6 assists per game as the team’s floor general, and Bilodeau led the team in scoring at 17.6 points per game, shooting 52 percent from the floor, and 46 percent from beyond the arc.

Skyy Clark's Future Uncertain

Additionally, guard Skyy Clark is currently seeking an extra season of eligibility from the NCAA, arguing that because he only appeared in 13 games as a freshman at Illinois in 2022-23, he should be able to return to UCLA next season for a third season in Westwood.

Oregon guard Jamari Phillips presses past UCLA guard Eric Freeny en route to the basket as the Oregon Ducks host the UCLA Bruins on Jan. 28, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nonetheless, the departures of Dent and Bilodeau, combined with the possibility of not being able to bring back Clark, could push Freeny even further up the depth chart.

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) reacts in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Freeny joins Xavier Booker and Brandon Williams as underclassmen who are confirmed to return to the team next season. Cronin has previously stated that he hopes to bring all of the underclassmen back, and so far, he and his staff have been able to do so.