UCLA Rebuilds Roster Around Defense After 24-12 Season
Coach Mick Cronin replaced veteran scorers with five new players to fix the Bruins' rebounding and defensive flaws.
By Petra Murphy ·
UCLA men's basketball enters the 2026-27 season with a roster rebuilt to address specific statistical weaknesses from the previous year. The Bruins finished 24-12 last season but exited the NCAA Tournament in the Round of 32 against UConn. That run exposed flaws in defense and rebounding that coach Mick Cronin is now correcting through targeted personnel changes.
The team's 49th ranking in KenPom's defensive rating and 228th place in overall rebound-percentage served as the metrics for the offseason overhaul. Cronin stated that the new group responds to his brash coaching style and competes on defense and the glass. The roster now mixes returning veterans with new transfers and freshmen who prioritize physicality over pure scoring output.
Three key departures reshaped the team's structure. Tyler Bilodeau, the team's leading scorer at 17.6 points per game, graduated and was drafted 43rd overall by the Brooklyn Nets. Donovan Dent, who averaged 7.6 assists, initially retired but regained eligibility to transfer to LSU. Skyy Clark, a 43% three-point shooter, also moved to LSU after receiving a fifth year of eligibility.
The incoming class targets the gaps left by those departures. Nikola Kusturica, a 6-foot-9 Serbian wing, was named Defensive MVP of the FIBA U17 World Cup. He averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in that tournament. Filip Jovic, a 6-foot-8 transfer from Auburn, brings strength and positioning to the inside. Cronin described Jovic as a ferocious player who can switch onto guards.
Additional additions focus on length and energy. Joe Philon, a four-star recruit from Tampa Bay, offers unteachable length and athleticism on defense. Cronin called him the steal of the recruiting class. Jaylen Petty, a 6-foot-1 guard from Texas Tech, provides offensive firepower. He averaged 11 points and shot 39% from three-point range over his last 15 games last season.
Returning players will shoulder heavier loads. Trent Perry, a 6-foot-4 guard, becomes the primary backcourt option after averaging 12.6 points as a sophomore. Eric Dailey Jr., a 6-foot-8 senior, aims to combine his scoring history with improved defensive efficiency. Xavier Booker, a 6-foot-11 senior, is expected to sustain his 1.2 blocks per game pace while managing a larger role.
Cronin expressed optimism about the group's daily performance. He said he looks forward to coaching these guys every day. The roster now features five new faces alongside three returning players who will define the team's identity this season.
