How Starting 5 Fully Forms UCLA's Identity

However, the Bruins have not been under normal circumstances by any means, as they have had players step up everywhere on the court to pick up the slack and keep the team winning enough to have a real shot at March Madness.

They have formed an identity through their teamwork to play without Skyy Clark, and until Clark is back and the identity can shift back, how will each starting player contribute to that identity?

Tyler Bilodeau: The Pillar

• The player that almost goes without naming is Tyler Bilodeau, who has been the pillar for UCLA all season long, and is the player that stands out the least among the starting five's identity.

• It is not even to demean his play, as it is elite game in and game out-his most recent game yielding 19 points and three rebounds-rather, it is just because he has been doing well all year and is to be expected this late in the season.

Donovan Dent: Boom Or Bust

• Coming in as the one of the more volatile players on the team, Donovan Dent provides huge upside coming into games, and even when he does not play well he still is able to spread the ball out to find better odds at a victory.

• He is one of two big sparks on the team, leading comeback victories against teams like Purdue, and helps lift players like Bilodeau up in their play to beat big teams.

Trent Perry: The Spark

• Just like Dent, Trent Perry finds himself able to propel the team with his energy and ability to score on offense, like his 23 points against the Huskies, though he is more consistent in his play than Dent tends to play.

• He is the replacement for Clark, but will no doubt still remain essential to the team when Clark returns as the spark of energy that is hard to find at times.

Eric Dailey Jr. And Xavier Booker: Defensive Units

• While everybody has to take a huge load on defense without a proper big man on the team, Eric Dailey Jr. and Xavier Booker often combine to provide defense that lacks when they are not on the court.

• Their offensive prowess could improve in consistency, but they make up for it by rebounding in big moments and round out the starting five's identity in teamwork.

Going into their match against #2 ranked Michigan the Bruins identity in their starting five will be key; the game will be an immense challenge, and it could change their season for the better.

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