Feb 28, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Filip Jovic (38) controls a rebound during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images John Reed-Imagn Images

Evaluating the Implications of Each New UCLA Addition

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI
By Andrew L. Ferguson Jr | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 6:00 AM ET

UCLA has added three new players in this year’s portal class, which means we could see drastic lineup changes next season.

Even though there is still about a week left in the transfer portal, it is clear the Bruins have already set a blueprint for next season. Because of that, it is not too early to gauge what UCLA’s rotation might be and how these three transfers will affect it.

Jaylen Petty | G

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Following the departures of Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark, UCLA knew it needed to bolster its guard room. Enter Jaylen Petty, a freshman guard from Texas Tech who averaged 9.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40.6% from the field a season ago.

Because of Petty’s arrival, Trent Perry will most likely take over as UCLA’s primary facilitator. This will allow Petty to be more flexible on offense, where he can showcase his aggressive scoring and perimeter shooting. Because of this, Petty could become a cornerstone in UCLA’s offense as the team’s primary shooting guard.

Sergej Macura | F

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Sergej Macura will most likely play significant minutes off the bench. If one thing is clear about UCLA’s roster, it is that the Bruins already have a lot of forward depth, with players like Xavier Booker and Brandon Williams already in the mix.

However, UCLA’s center position is still fairly open. Javonte Floyd and Booker will most likely man that position, but as we have seen, Booker is not the most reliable anchor in the paint. Because of this, there could be an opportunity for Macura to earn serious minutes at center.

Filip Jovic | F

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Filip Jovic was UCLA’s first transfer addition, which shows the staff likely had a clear vision for him heading into next season. Even with a loaded forward room, Jovic is expected to play a lot of minutes. However, those minutes may not be starting minutes yet. As sophmore next season, Jovic will have plenty of time to develop.

UCLA needs more physicality and rebounding in the paint, and both Macura and Jovic provide that. Jovic could see time at both center and power forward, rotating alongside Booker and Eric Dailey Jr. UCLA will always prioritize better defensive minutes, which Jovic will provide.

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Although UCLA did not land many clear-cut starters in the portal, it is clear the Bruins now have a bench capable of playing starter-level minutes while producing at a high level. That is exactly what UCLA will need if it wants to compete next season.

This article first appeared on UCLA Bruins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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