UCLA Basketball: Rod Palmer Explains the Biggest Element Attached to Bruins Losing Skid

The UCLA Bruins are facing a challenging period in the 2023-2024 season, with struggles persisting on the court. Despite a promising 4-1 start, the team has encountered difficulties, going 2-8 since late November and losing seven of their last eight games. The Bruins find themselves in a slump, and while coaching plays a role, the onus is also on the players to rally and reverse their fortunes.

After the recent game, head coach Mick Cronin was unavailable for media comments, so assistant coach Rod Palmer addressed the media. Palmer conveyed a message to the team that they must apply if they want to see real changes. 

“It’s the message that Coach Cronin has always given to the team. You have to play hard if you want a different result. You have to do things different if you want a different result and we haven’t been doing those different things. We’ve been stressing it in practice, but for some reason, whatever it is. It could be youth. It could be inexperience. We’re just not getting the job done.”

^{(Per Rod Palmer via UCLA)}

The Bruins' struggles are underscored by ongoing issues with shooting, exemplified by a 20% success rate from three-point range (2-for-10). In the modern game, such shooting figures make it challenging to secure victories. The team faced additional setbacks as only three players managed to score in double digits, and defensive lapses allowed the opposition to shoot 40% from beyond the arc.

While the current situation appears daunting, the potential for improvement lies in altering their approach. The Bruins need to address their shooting woes and defensive vulnerabilities to see tangible results. Fans and the team alike are eager for a turnaround, and if the players can instigate positive changes, a brighter outlook may emerge.