How UCLA Has Already Adequately Addressed Departures

Breaking down how UCLA has addresses offseason departures.

Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Donovan Dent (2) during the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Even before the season ended, UCLA knew it would have a lot of work to do this offseason.

The Bruins lost a significant portion of their core, with Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau departing as seniors, while Skyy Clark entered the transfer portal. Before the portal even opened, UCLA’s roster did not look like one capable of making a deep run.

How UCLA Addressed Guard Room

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) shoots over Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

At the guard position, losing both Dent and Clark created a major concern. Christian Horry also entered the portal, but his departure was minimal compared to the others. Fast forward to now, though, and UCLA has done a solid job addressing that group by bringing in two underclassmen guards.

For starters, the Bruins may not need a direct replacement for Dent. Trent Perry developed rapidly last season and has positioned himself to take over as the face of the program over the next two years. It should be noted that Perry finished as UCLA's third-leading scorer at 12.6 points per game.

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) reacts against the UConn Huskies in the first 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

At shooting guard, UCLA had more work to do. The Bruins addressed that by adding Jaylen Petty, a proven shooter with defensive upside who is expected to start next season. UCLA then added Azavier Robinson, further strengthening depth in the backcourt.

How UCLA Addressed Forward Room

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) reacts against the UCF Knights 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

Replacing Bilodeau, however, is a much tougher challenge. As the team’s leading scorer and a strong rebounder, he leaves a major void. Eric Dailey Jr. is a strong internal option, but it is clear that UCLA needed additional help in the frontcourt.

To address that, the Bruins brought in Filip Jovic and Sergej Macura. Both players add needed physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence. Just as importantly, they are young, giving UCLA time to develop them into long-term contributors.

Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with forward Filip Jovic (38) against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

If UCLA wants to avoid growing pains without a proven top scorer, Dailey will need to take a major step forward. His ability to create his own offense, combined with his rebounding upside, should help soften the loss of Bilodeau in the short term. Still, it is clear that UCLA approached this portal cycle with long-term development in mind.

Feb 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The bottom line is that UCLA is in a much better position now than it was at the start of the offseason. The Bruins have put the pieces in place to replace their biggest losses, and if their young core develops as expected, the team’s ceiling will reveal itself as the season progresses.