Cronin rebuilds UCLA roster with youth

Coach Mick Cronin spends his October mornings discussing his dog's toys and Colin Jost's marriage to Scarlett Johansson, a mood that reflects his satisfaction with the new roster. He told reporters he looks forward to coaching the group every day. The team has shifted its identity away from the experience of previous years toward a younger, more aggressive style that aligns with Cronin's coaching philosophy.

The Bruins entered the 2025-26 season ranked 49th in KenPom's defensive rating and 228th in overall rebound percentage. They finished that campaign with a 24-12 record before falling to UConn in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. The offseason moves were designed to directly address those statistical weaknesses by prioritizing defensive effort and glass competition.

Three key players departed the program. Tyler Bilodeau, who averaged 17.6 points per game, graduated and was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 43rd overall pick in the NBA draft. Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark both transferred to LSU. Dent had led the team with 7.6 assists per game before announcing his retirement, while Clark shot 43% from three-point range. Both players regained eligibility after the NCAA implemented an age-based model and filed suit in state court.

Trent Perry returns for his junior season as the primary guard. He averaged 12.6 points per game last year and assumed a larger role when Clark was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Eric Dailey Jr. is back for his senior year after serving as the team's second-leading scorer as a sophomore. His efficiency dipped last season as he focused on rebounding and defense, tools he intends to combine in his final year.

Xavier Booker, a 6-foot-11 senior, provides interior presence. He shot 43.3% from three-point range and averaged 1.2 blocks per game in limited minutes last season. His ability to sustain energy while handling a heavier workload is viewed as a key variable for the team's success.

The biggest acquisition is Nikola Kusturica, a 6-foot-9 Serbian wing. He averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists during the FIBA U17 World Cup. Kusturica scored 37 points in a 107-81 loss to Team USA in the final and was named the tournament's Defensive MVP. Azavier Robinson, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Butler, also joined the roster after a wrist injury limited his freshman year.

Filip Jovic, a 6-foot-8 sophomore from Auburn, brings physical strength and rebounding skills to the interior. Cronin described Jovic as a ferocious player who can switch onto guards. Joe Philon, a four-star recruit from Tampa Bay, adds length and athleticism. Cronin called Philon the steal of the recruiting class and noted his defensive potential.

Jaylen Petty, a 6-foot-1 sophomore from Texas Tech, provides scoring ability. He averaged 11 points and shot 39% from deep over his last 15 games last season. The new additions are expected to improve the team's defensive rating, while Petty offers a dynamic offensive threat.

The roster now blends retained players with these five new faces. The group is built to compete on defense and the rebounding margin, areas where the Bruins struggled during their 2025-26 run.