UCLA Misses Out on Key Transfer Portal Target

Able snubbing UCLA is yet another blow that the Bruins have suffered in the transfer portal so far. Head coach Mick Cronin and his staff also missed out on Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell, who opted to go to Duke instead. Blackwell — who also took a visit to UCLA — was one of the top players available in the portal, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while knocking down 39 percent of his three-pointers last season. 

After an up-and-down season that saw the Bruins deal with significant inconsistency, they have not had quite the transfer portal experience they hoped for. They’ve missed out on several top options available to them and have been unable to close the deal despite bringing targets in for visits. They have, however, landed Jaylen Petty (Texas Tech), Filip Jovic (Auburn), Sergej Macura (Miss. State), and Azavier Robinson (Butler). 

UCLA’s Losses

Additionally, the Bruins have lost several key contributors this offseason. Starting point guard Donovan Dent and forward Tyler Bilodeau are out of eligibility. Dent averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists per game, and Bilodeau was the team's leading scorer at 17.6 points per contest.

Also, guard Skyy Clark entered the transfer portal as he awaits a ruling on whether he’ll be granted another year of eligibility. Clark averaged 11.5 points per game last season and shot 47 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three-point range. Clark was one of UCLA’s top players on both ends of the floor last season, and his loss will certainly be felt unless the Bruins can bring in quality talent. 

On the bright side, they’ve been able to secure the return of all of their underclassmen from last season: Trent Perry, Eric Freeny, Brandon Williams, Xavier Booker, and Eric Dailey. All five players had significant roles for the team last season, and figure to be important pieces once again in 2026-27.