Worst-Case Scenario for UCLA Basketball Next Season

If the Bruins have another disappointing year, Mick Cronin could be out of a job.

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) drives against Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) and guard Sharron Young (3) in the second half during a first 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

Mick Cronin is entering a pivotal year after a disappointing year last season.

Cronin last year had the Bruins ranked 12th in the country, but they never reached those heights. Bringing in one of the top players from the transfer portal, Donovan Dent, to play alongside returning seniors Tyler Bilodeau and Skyy Clark, UCLA was considered one of the top teams in the Big Ten.

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts 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

Sadly, that did not happen, as the Bruins finished outside the top 25 with a 24-12 record. While both Bilodeau and Clark had good seasons, Dent had a very disappointing year, averaging 13 points on 40% shooting from the field and 25% from three.

Now heading into next season, all three are gone, and the Bruins will turn to junior guard Trent Perry to be the leader of the team. I have already talked about what the best-case scenario for the Bruins is next season; now, let's look at the worst-case scenario.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts 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

Worst-Case Scenario

Trent Perry was the lone bright spot for the team's future. As a freshman, Perry did not have the season that he would have liked, averaging 3.7 points per game on 37/34 shooting splits. Then, as a sophomore, Perry took a giant leap in his development, averaging 12.6 points on 43/39 shooting splits.

Mar 19, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin speaks with the media before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

This offseason, the Bruins did a good job bringing in talent to play alongside Perry, who is expected to step into the team's lead role as their potential star.

If Perry doesn't become the star UCLA needs, I see the worst-case scenario as UCLA missing the tournament and Mick Cronin being let go by the end of the year.

Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin gestures to his team against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

How To Avoid That Outcome

For UCLA to avoid missing the tournament, Trent Perry must establish himself as the face and leader of the Bruins, taking on primary ball-handling and scoring duties. Last season, Perry played a supporting role, but with Bilodeau, Clark, and Dent now gone, he will be expected to direct the offense and set the tone for the team.

Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin directs his team against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The transfers Mick Cronin brought in will also have to step up. Bringing in Dent was a big-time move for the Bruins, along with Xavier Booker from Michigan State and a few others from the portal.

Every player from the portal is gone besides Xavier Booker, and all had disappointing seasons. Cronin can't afford to have another failed transfer portal class, as this class is much better with Jaylen Petty, Filip Jovic, Sergej Macura, Azavier Robinson all coming in. If they aren't able to produce at a high level, then UCLA will not have a good enough bench to compete in the Big Ten and the Bruins will most likely miss the tournament and Mick Cronin could be out of a job.