Projecting UCLA’s 2026–27 Lineup Before Transfer Portal Opens

The obvious favorite to take over UCLA’s point guard position is Trent Perry. Not only does Perry have familiarity with Mick Cronin’s system, but he also has the skill set to go with it. When Donovan Dent left the game early against Purdue, Perry stepped up with 15 points and nine assists.

With experience as the team’s floor general and familiarity with the system, Perry is a natural fit to start at point guard next season. The only caveat is pairing him with another guard who can make serious noise offensively.

Shooting Guard

With UCLA losing Skyy Clark, the Bruins will need to find a shooting guard who can make a substantial impact offensively. Enter Isaiah Johnson, a freshman guard who was outstanding last season with the Colorado Buffaloes.

Last season, Johnson averaged 16.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field. Not only would Johnson help fill the scoring void left by Tyler Bilodeau and Dent, but he would also provide UCLA with a long-term piece, as he is still a freshman. It is also important to note that Johnson grew up in Los Angeles.

Small Forward

At the small forward position, Eric Dailey Jr. will most likely take over. Dailey Jr. has shown impressive scoring ability while also being one of UCLA’s stronger defensive players. He finished the season as UCLA’s leading rebounder, averaging 5.8 rebounds per game.

Dailey Jr. is expected to make a significant jump next season. Entering last season, he was already regarded as one of the top small forwards in the country. With another year of development and a larger share of the offensive workload, Dailey Jr. could become an absolute force next season.

Power Forward

At the power forward position, UCLA will likely turn to Xavier Booker. Standing at 6-foot-11, Booker presents a dangerous offensive skill set along with defensive potential that continues to develop. In the first round against UCF, Booker recorded four blocks, showing that he has the ability to be a defensive presence in the paint.

Booker struggled at times last season, but it is important to note that he was often playing out of position. If UCLA is able to bring in a true center, Booker would have more freedom on the floor and more opportunities to thrive offensively. That would be an ideal situation for UCLA.

Center

At the center, UCLA could target Saint Mary’s transfer, Andrew McKeever. Standing at 7-foot-3, McKeever also grew up in Livermore, California, giving UCLA a slight advantage in recruiting him through the transfer portal. He would be a perfect fit for the Bruins, as he fills a major need on the roster.

Last season with the Gaels, McKeever averaged 8.2 points and 9.2 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field. As mentioned earlier, Booker would benefit greatly from having another true big man on the court who can absorb some of the defensive responsibilities. That is why McKeever would be a huge pickup for UCLA.

If one thing is clear about UCLA, it is that its core is already solid. However, the Bruins still need one or two more players to fill the remaining gaps. With a successful offseason, UCLA should have a good chance of accomplishing that.