Recruiting

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

Mick Cronin could be setting up UCLA for a major backcourt in the coming years with one of the nation’s top 2027 recruits emerging as a potential fit.

Recent Articles

Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) reacts 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

Donovan Dent’s transfer portal decision may have left him with an unexpected path back to UCLA.

Jul 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Football head coach Bob Chesney speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

UCLA's freshman class may be overshadowed by the transfer portal, but one newcomer has all the tools to earn playing time.

These latest preseason rankings reflect the growing belief that Mick Cronin has assembled a team capable of making noise in March.

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

Mick Cronin needs to land this point guard for the 2027 class.

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

Headed into the prime of his playing career, this Bruin is due for a breakout season.

Bob Chesney has yet to recruit his first UCLA quarterback, but one in the 2028 class could be a perfect fit.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Mick Cronin has been on a tear in high school recruiting.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UCLA spent huge money on players this offseason.

While UCLA might not have the highest-rated freshman class, there are some players who can still make an impact next season.

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

Mick Cronin has done a good job moving back into high school recruiting.

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UCLA could be patient at the QB position for the future.

UCLA head coach Mick Cronin reacts to a play against Michigan State during the first half of Big Ten tournament quarterfinal at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Mick Cronin did a good job recruiting last offseason; now he will need to find more gems for the future.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes during the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

JMU transfer running back Wayne Knight was the most important offseason addition for UCLA.

Butler Bulldogs guard Azavier Robinson (23) jumps over Georgetown Hoyas guard KJ Lewis (5) to pass Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, during a basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and the Georgetown Hoyas at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

UCLA might not have to worry about a lack of depth at the guard spot this upcoming season.

The UCLA linebackers could be the best unit in the Big Ten.

The defensive line was in need of help, and if this player steps up, it will be a better unit next season.

Dec 9, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins football coach Bob Chesney speaks at introductory press conference at Renee Luskin Conference Center Centennial Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In its first full recruiting cycle under new head coach Bob Chesney, UCLA is trending towards signing its best class since 2018.

UCLA guard Donovan Dent (2) celebrates a play against Michigan State during the second half of Big Ten tournament quarterfinal at United Center in Chicago on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Donovan Dent's announcement of a return to college basketball is not likely to have an impact on the Bruins' roster.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Knight is expected to have a big impact next season.

Dec 9, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Bob Chesney is introduced as UCLA Bruins football coach at press conference at Renee Luskin Conference Center Centennial Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This 4-star safety is shutting down his recruitment.

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

UCLA is hoping to land its first commitment from the 2027 high school class.

UCLA is starting to earn national respect.

The massive two-year Name, Image, and Likeness deal signed by Serbian Nikola Kusturica could be the final lifeline for Mick Cronin at UCLA.

UCLA added needed scoring punch on Thursday with the official additions of international stars Gunars Grinvalds and Nikola Kusturica.

Recruiting

UCLA Basketball Could Be Building Its Next Star-Studded Backcourt

UCLA Basketball Could Be Building Its Next Star-Studded Backcourt

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