This Player Could Be Key to Deep UCLA Tournament Run

UCLA needs one player to take a major step forward this season.

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We’ve seen and talked about the backcourt for this UCLA team this season. Bringing back Trent Perry and allowing him to play alongside Jaylen Petty should give UCLA a pretty explosive offensive punch in the backcourt. 

Serbian star Nikola Kusturica will assume the small forward position, and UCLA’s first three are looking exceptional, especially on the offensive side of the ball. 

Backcourt Is Strength of This Team

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) shoots the ball 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Right now, the UCLA backcourt makes it easy to feel confident in this team. The production that Perry and Petty bring is easy to get behind, and we know Kusturica can easily be a top player in all of college basketball this season. 

The backcourt is where things get interesting. Eric Dailey returned to UCLA as a double-digit scorer last season and gives the Bruins some versatility in the backcourt, as well as production. Xavier Booker also returned, and it looks like Mick Cronin is banking on the development and potential that Booker brings.

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) attempts to get a rebound against the UConn Huskies 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

However, Booker’s success this season could be the difference between a 3-4 seed and an eight or nine. Last season, Booker averaged 7.3 points per game and only 3.5 rebounds. As the starting center for the Bruins, Booker is going to have to get more boards off the glass. 

While the offense may run through the backcourt, Booker is going to have to find ways to impact the game if it isn’t necessarily scoring. Granted, Booker only played about 20 minutes a game last season, so with an increase in minutes, we should see an increase in production.

Booker Could Have Major Impact

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Booker’s combination of size and athleticism could have a major impact on the Bruins this season, and if he develops the right way in the offseason, he could play a major role on this team.

Not only on the offensive side of the ball but also as a rim protector. Blocks are a major target in Booker’s game, and if he can constantly be a threat around the rim on defense, it can allow the guards to be able to play more aggressively on the perimeter, knowing they have help behind them.

Mar 14, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We’ve talked plenty about UCLA’s ceiling this season, and plenty of it depends on the performance of this backcourt. Cronin added Auburn transfer Filip Jovic this past offseason, but at only 6'8", his ability as a center could be limited. 

Mick Cronin is putting a lot of faith in Booker this season, and hitting his potential could be the difference in where we see this UCLA team land this season.