UCLA Men's Volleyball: Pundit Believes Supersized Junior Could Enjoy Breakout

And he's already achieved quite a lot.

Hot off a 31-2 2023 season which ended with an NCAA title, your UCLA Bruins men's volleyball team is looking to build on that success this winter.

Ira Gorawara of The Daily Bruin, UCLA's longtime student paper of record, is convinced that one jumbo-sized returning outside hitter in particular could be poised for a breakout junior season.

Ido David, a 6'7" All-AVCA All-America selection and first-team All-MPSF selection, enjoyed a stellar sophomore campaign. He nabbed a season-most 23 kills in the Bruins' 3-1 national championship game victory over Hawaii.

"With the departure of outside hitter Alex Knight — another cornerstone of UCLA’s success — eyes are on David to take up the mantle as his minutes and impact on court are sure to increase," Gorawara wrote. "And as David’s synergy with rising sophomore setter Andrew Rowan strengthens, the duo’s potential knows no bounds for their remaining two years together."

"While UCLA searches for its 21st trophy in program history, the magnifying glass may lie in one Bruin’s hand," Gorawara concluded.

That the Bruins have already accrued a whopping 20 championships in their storied college output is testament to the reality that David is in exceptional hands as he continues to (hopefully) develop this season.