UCLA Secures High Spot in March Madness Projection

UCLA's Projected March Madness Bracket:

1. Florida
2. St. John's
3. Arizona
4. UCLA
5. Gonzaga
6. Ohio State
7. Oregon
8. NC State
9. Baylor
10. Texas
11. Texas A&M/Miami
12. UC Santa Barbara
13. McNeese (Bruins' projected matchup)
14. South Dakota State
15. Florida Gulf Coast
16. Navy

Following a stunning transfer portal that netted them Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent and Michigan State big man Xavier Booker, Mick Cronin addressed the issues that plagued them all season and is primed for Final Four contention.

How Donovan Dent Plans on Changing UCLA's Offense

Much like Bruins star quarterback Nico Iamaleava on the football field, Dent comes into the fold with the promise of changing UCLA's offense with his skill alone.

The point guard and Bruins head coach, Mick Cronin, are aligned, and Dent detailed how he plans on fitting in the system.

"We knew that last year they didn't really have that at the point guard position," Dent said during an August media availability. "When [Cronin] called me, he knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted to play faster, because that's how his defense is. His defense creates faster offense, so he felt like I could fit right into that system. He just needed someone he could trust with the ball in their hand.

"I felt like that's what I could bring to the table, and we talked about that. We talked about playing a lot in the pick-and-rolls, and he's been doing that a lot in practice. So I'm excited to see what we're going to get going during the season."