UCLA Hosts NC State Transfer Guard on Visit

The Bruins could benefit from Able’s skill set. A willing shooter and capable defender, Able will fit in nicely if UCLA is able to land him. So far, Cronin has brought in Texas Tech transfer Jaylen Petty, Auburn transfer Filip Jovic, and Mississippi State transfer Sergej Macura through the transfer portal. If Able signs with the team, he’ll be the fourth key addition of the offseason. 

UCLA’s Losses 

UCLA is suffering several key losses, however, as it is losing Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau to limits on eligibility and Skyy Clark to the transfer portal. Dent averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists per game as the team’s offensive engine. Bilodeau was UCLA’s leading scorer at 17.6 points per contest, and Clark averaged 11.5 points and was arguably the team’s best perimeter defender. 

With a lot of production departing from the program, Cronin has to attack the transfer portal hard to fill those holes with immediate impact pieces, which Able could be a part of if he signs with the team. It won’t be easy replacing arguably the team’s three best players from last season, but Cronin has been highly active in the portal so far, and there are no signs of him slowing down anytime soon. 

UCLA’s Guard Depth

Able would also add to the team’s guard depth if he signs. Trent Perry, Brandon Williams, and Eric Freeny all re-signed with UCLA for next season, alongside forwards Xavier Booker and Eric Dailey Jr. Additionally, the signing of Petty has already made UCLA’s guard room deeper, so bringing in Able would give the Bruins one of the more productive backcourts in the Big Ten.  

The Bruins will continue to do their work in the portal as they try to get back on track following a strange 2025-26 season that ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. UCLA goes into every season with lofty expectations, and they’ll look to meet those next season as long as they continue to have a strong offseason with numerous high-impact additions.