Why UCLA's Returners Are Key to Next Season's Success

Looking at the losses UCLA suffered last season, it is clear there is still a massive issue on the current roster: offense. Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau took more than 30 points per game with them this offseason. That is a massive void to fill.

When looking at UCLA’s transfer portal class, it is clear the Bruins have not fully addressed the offensive production lost this offseason. The most notable transfers include Jaylen Petty and Filip Jovic, two players who could slide naturally into Dent’s and Bilodeau’s roles.

The only downside is that neither player has truly proven they are capable of filling a role that large. Because of that, UCLA’s offense could struggle early on and may have to lean heavily on its returning core to solve those issues. That is much easier said than done.

Why This Is the Case

If one thing is certain, it is that Mick Cronin’s system can be difficult to adjust to. Just look at Booker and Dent last season. Both players had stretches in which they struggled to adapt, and as a result, their impact came under heavy scrutiny midway through the season. Without their late-season surge, things could have looked very different.

With that in mind, UCLA’s returning core will likely be forced to carry the load until the rest of the roster catches up to speed. That places a heavy burden on Perry and Dailey Jr. specifically, as both players are expected to become focal points of UCLA’s offense next season.

If they are unable to significantly improve upon the production they established last season, there is little doubt UCLA could be in serious trouble. Not only would the Bruins be on pace for one of their worst offensive seasons under Cronin, but it would also raise questions about whether this transfer class truly addressed the team’s biggest needs.

The bottom line is that UCLA did build a solid roster, but there were still some major oversights that placed too much pressure on the returning core. Because of that, UCLA looks extremely fragile right now, as much of the team’s success depends on just how much its returning players improve.