Returning UCLA Guard Unpacks Differences Between Freshmen Sebastian Mack & Jan Vide

Mack, Vide seem to be battling for the starting SG spot
Returning UCLA Guard Unpacks Differences Between Freshmen Sebastian Mack & Jan Vide
Returning UCLA Guard Unpacks Differences Between Freshmen Sebastian Mack & Jan Vide /
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The projected starting lineup for your UCLA men's basketball team this upcoming season seems to be relatively straightforward. 

Dylan Andrews will step up into the role as the team's starting point guard. Utah transfer Lazar Stefanovic surely will be the team's starting small forward/floor spacer. One of UCLA's highly-touted European imports -- whether it be Turkish forward Berke Buyuktuncel or Spanish big man Aday Mara -- is a near lock to start alongside Adem Bona at the other frontcourt spot. 

All that's left to figure out is the shooting guard role in the backcourt alongside Andrews. 

Ahead of UCLA's 10-day/three-game excursion overseas to Spain (the team leaves Sunday), Andrews was interviewed by a host of reporters at one of the Bruins' open practices. He touched upon a number of topics -- which included his thoughts on the battle to be his running mate in the backcourt. 

When asked who he had been going up against the most in practice, Andrews immediately mentioned Vide and Mack:

 "Two guys who are very good. Both freshmen who are very young, but they're very raw and they bring a lot to the team. The energy...we have a lot of dogs on this team. A lot of raw talent... Sebastian is a dog for sure. You guys will see that coming."

- Dylan Andrews on freshman guards Sebastian Mack and Jan Vide

 Vide is a 6'6" combo guard from Slovenia with quite the resume. He's widely considered to be one of the best u18 guards on the continent. Getting him to leave his club (Real Madrid) in favor of coming to Westwood was a major boon for Head Coach Mick Cronin. He's a bucket-getter -- especially when utilizing a strong frame and general craftiness on all three levels (behind the three-point line, in the mid-range, and in the paint). Additionally, Vide was named as the Junior EuroLeague MVP this past May. 

 "Jan is a real playmaker. His midrange, his feel for the game is different coming from overseas. The physicality is different. He's learning, and he's going to be a great player."

- Dylan Andrews on freshman guard Jan Vide 

Mack was a lower-profile recruit. While still a 4-star guy according to 247Sports, the Chicago native (by way of Las Vegas) has reportedly been very impressive in practice throughout the summer. So much -- in fact -- that many within the program believe he's a future NBA player based upon his ability to score the basketball, his natural aggressiveness/toughness, and his dedication to defending. 

Mack might have the edge on Vide right now. He's a quicker, more athletic player. Defensively, the prevailing thought is that Mack might be ahead of Vide in that department (which is a prerequisite for any Cronin player who wants to see the floor). 

With that said, Vide should see plenty of minutes both as the natural back-up point guard to Andrews, as well as seeing time at the two. Those three figure to absorb the bulk of the backcourt minutes for the Bruins in 2023. 


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Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting).