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Evaluating Tyler Bilodeau's 2025-2026 Season With UCLA
Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) runs back on defense after scoring a three-point basket during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

It was clear that UCLA was absolutely lost without its best player against UConn.

Early in the Big Ten Tournament, Tyler Bilodeau went down with a knee injury that kept him out of both NCAA Tournament games as well as the Big Ten semifinal against Purdue. Because of this lack of tournament success, it became clear that UCLA relied on him far too much.

Season Highs

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

For starters, Bilodeau finished the season as UCLA’s leading scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game while shooting 51.8% from the field and 46.4% from beyond the arc. Not only was he an incredible scorer, but he also made his presence felt on the glass, averaging 5.6 rebounds per game.

Bilodeau also recorded three 30-point games. He scored a career-high 34 points against UC Riverside, 32 against Minnesota, and 30 against Ohio State. Production like this was crucial in making UCLA look like a very dangerous team.

Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Another impressive stat was his 10 games with 20 or more points. Two of those performances came against ranked teams, Gonzaga and Michigan State. UCLA could lean on Bilodeau as a reliable scorer, something not many teams have the luxury of. Without Bilodeau, UCLA will have to find a new top scorer.

Season Lows

Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

His low performance, on the other hand, was not particularly concerning. Throughout the season, Bilodeau had only four games with fewer than 10 points against Pepperdine, Sacramento State, Nebraska, and Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, where he was injured.

One of the biggest critiques of Bilodeau was his inconsistent rebounding. He had 16 games with six or more rebounds, but on the other side, he had four games in which he did not record a single rebound. Even so, Bilodeau was UCLA’s leading rebounder for most of the season.

Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

When looking at everything Bilodeau provided for UCLA this season, it is clear he played his role extremely well. As a 6-foot-9 spot-up shooter, he had the ability to be dangerous from anywhere on the court, including on the defensive side of the ball. His interior presence allowed UCLA to get away with a small lineup.

Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The bottom line is that Bilodeau had an outstanding season for UCLA. While many fans are disappointed that he is leaving, his departure opens the door for another UCLA player to step up and take on a larger role. Bilodeau certainly set the standard in Westwood with his performance this year.


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

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