UCLA Transfers Making Strides in Summer Workouts

The Bruins' four other transfers, alongside Donovan Dent, are poised to improve the squad around the margins.

Michigan State's Xavier Booker gets back on defense after making a 3-pointer against Indiana during the first half on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mick Cronin and the UCLA Bruins headlined the transfer portal by acquiring reigning Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent, but he wasn't the only impactful addition.

Along with Dent, four other players are headed to Westwood through the transfer portal; Four-star center from Michigan State, Xavier Booker, three-star forward from Missouri-Kansas City, Jamar Brown, three-star big man from San Diego, Steven Jamerson II, and Anthony Peoples Jr., forward from North Carolina Central.

In his first media availability of the new season, Cronin detailed how a few of those transfers are progressing through summer workouts.

Xavier Booker

Mar 27, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Xavier Booker (34) dunks during NCAA Tournament South Regional Practice at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

"Well, Book is making the transition to playing the five, and he's worked hard at it. There's still times where it's not second-nature to him, certain footwork things. He hadn't ever really been a screener or a pick-and-roll guy. He had more been a wing shooter his whole career. He's really grown; he's becoming a better screener and roller, that's important. He's always been able to move his feet defensively. So, he's a work-in-progress at the five, but he's a sponge."

Steven Jamerson II

Dec 3, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; San Diego Toreros center Steven Jamerson II (24) looks to pass the ball against Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) during the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images | Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

"Steven Jamerson has been a diamond in the rough for us, for sure. He had an unbelievable story. Steven Jamerson is going to be a really good player for us. If he plays well when we play Michigan State, and I tell coach Izzo, 'That guy was a freshman on your campus, just walking around trying to walk on to your team and you guys didn't get back to him,' how about that? I mean, he's had an amazing story.

"But his ability to rebound, defend; he's an elite rebounder. Look at his numbers analytically. If you get one for every three minutes played in your career, you're an elite rebounder. And he's like a 3.1."

Predicting UCLA's Starting Five

Who will be leading UCLA? College basketball insider Jon Rothstein made a prediction of the Bruins' starting lineup ahead of the season:

G - Donovan Dent
G - Skyy Clark
C - Xavier Booker
F - Tyler Bilodeau
F - Eric Dailey

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