Can UCLA Bruins Men's Basketball Return to Championship Form This Season?

As I sit here watching the NCAA tournament highlights from last season, I can't help but wonder about UCLA's chances this year. The question on every basketball fan's mind is whether the Bruins can recapture that championship magic that made them such a dominant force in college basketball. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years and written extensively about Pac-12 teams, I've developed a pretty good sense of what separates contenders from pretenders. Let me share some thoughts about UCLA's prospects this season.

Looking at UCLA's current roster, there are certainly reasons for optimism. The team returns several key players from last year's squad that made a decent tournament run, and their recruiting class brought in some genuine talent. But what really caught my eye recently was watching the Akatsuki team's performance against Guam where they set a tournament record with 20 three-pointers while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. That kind of shooting display is exactly what championship teams need in today's game. The modern college basketball landscape demands elite three-point shooting, and UCLA's ability to consistently knock down shots from deep could be the difference between an early tournament exit and cutting down the nets in April. I remember watching last year's championship game and counting how many crucial moments were decided by three-point shooting - it was staggering.

The Bruins' three-point percentage last season hovered around 36 percent, which isn't terrible but certainly isn't championship caliber either. To put that in perspective, the Akatsuki's 40 percent performance on 50 attempts demonstrates the kind of volume and efficiency that modern offenses require. If UCLA can develop even two consistent shooters who can maintain around 38-40 percent from deep throughout the season, that would completely transform their offensive spacing. I've always believed that great shooting covers a multitude of sins in basketball - it forces defenses to extend, creates driving lanes, and makes every offensive possession more dangerous. Mick Cronin knows this better than anyone, which is why I suspect we'll see more emphasis on perimeter shooting in their offensive sets this year.

What worries me slightly is their defensive consistency. Championship teams typically rank in the top 20-30 in defensive efficiency, and last I checked, UCLA was sitting around 45th nationally. That needs to improve significantly. Defense has always been Coach Cronin's calling card, but last season I noticed several games where their defensive rotations were slow, particularly against teams that moved the ball well. I recall specifically their loss to Arizona where they gave up 12 three-pointers - that simply can't happen if they want to compete for championships. The good news is that defense is largely about effort and discipline, both of which can be coached. With Cronin's track record, I'm reasonably confident they'll tighten things up defensively as the season progresses.

Another factor that often gets overlooked is roster continuity. The Bruins return approximately 65 percent of their scoring from last season, which is above average for major programs these days. Having players who are familiar with the system and with each other can't be overstated - it shows in those tight tournament games where every possession matters. I've spoken with several former college players who emphasized how much easier it is to run complex offenses and make defensive adjustments when you've played with the same core group for multiple seasons. UCLA's returning players have now experienced tournament pressure together, which should help them stay composed in crucial moments.

The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. Their non-conference slate includes matchups against at least four potential tournament teams, which will provide early tests and valuable experience. Personally, I love seeing teams challenge themselves early - it exposes weaknesses that can be addressed before conference play begins. The Pac-12 conference itself appears stronger this year, with at least five teams having legitimate tournament aspirations. This means UCLA will face quality opposition regularly, which should have them battle-tested by March. My concern is whether their relatively thin frontcourt can hold up against the physical big men they'll encounter, particularly in matchups against teams like USC and Oregon.

Looking at their championship odds, most sportsbooks have them around 12-to-1 to win it all, which feels about right to me. They're definitely in that second tier of contenders behind the clear favorites. What could push them into that elite category? I believe it comes down to three things: consistent three-point shooting, improved defensive communication, and health. If they can check those three boxes, I genuinely think they have a legitimate shot. The tournament always involves some luck with matchups and injury avoidance, but the foundation for a championship run appears to be there.

Having watched countless UCLA games over the years, I can say this team has a different vibe than some of their recent squads. There's a quiet confidence that reminds me of their 2021 Final Four team. They're not as flashy as some other contenders, but they play with a purpose that suggests they understand what it takes to win in March. The development of their sophomore class will be crucial - if two of their second-year players can make significant jumps, that could provide the extra boost needed to compete with the nation's best.

Ultimately, championship teams need both talent and timing. The pieces seem to be falling into place for UCLA, though questions remain. Their three-point shooting needs to approach that Akatsuki-level efficiency we discussed earlier, their defense must become more consistent, and they'll need contributions from unexpected sources - that's just how championship runs work. I'm cautiously optimistic about their chances, though I'd stop short of predicting a title. The beauty of college basketball is that we never really know until the tournament begins, but based on what I've seen and the trends I follow, UCLA has as good a shot as any team outside the top tier of favorites. It should be fascinating to watch their journey unfold.