UCLA Basketball: A Look At The Possible 2014-15 Season Depth Charts

Mar 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) reacts during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at the Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

There is a good team in Westwood, maybe too good. With early rumblings about college ball players being eligible for the NBA, why not look at the potential UCLA Basketball team for next year. Let us imagine, with child-like wonder, the possibilities for next year’s team, be it good or bad.

Here is what the class breakdown is for next year:

Graduated: Soreen Derboghosian, David Wear, Travis Wear, Aubrey Williams

Seniors: Norman Powell, David Brown*

Juniors: Jordan Adams, Kyle Anderson, Tony Parker, Korey Alford*, Nick Kazemi*

Sophomores: Bryce Alford, Noah Allen, Wanaah Bail, Isaac Hamilton, Zach LaVine

Freshmen: Jonah Bolden, Gyorgy Goloman, Kevon Looney, Thomas Welsh

*-not likely to see much playing time/non-scholarship player

There is no doubt the Bruins are going to be a force to reckon with next year. They already have commitments from four big men which will severely help a mediocre frontcourt. But as it may, a few current Bruins could bolt for the NBA after this season.

Leading scorer Jordan Adams (21.2 ppg) creates his own game. He is a solid body that can get the ball in the hoop. With two good seasons in Westwood, it would not be to far-fetched to assume he could make the jump to the Pros.

Kyle Anderson is nearly averaging a triple-double per game (13.8 ppg, 8.7 rebounds, 6.7 apg). Add to the fact that he is a 6’9” point guard, who would not want this kid? No one, that is who. Then there is Zach LaVine. Yup, that Zach LaVine. You can read about him here.

So assuming these three are gone next year, this is how the active depth chart should look like:

PG: B. Alford

SG: Hamilton

SF: Powell, Allen

PF: Looney, Bail, Bolden

C: Parker, Welsh, Goloman

Six big men. Fantastic. Two guards? Oh jeez. Well, bright side, rebounds should be plentiful, but in the end, who will help in the backcourt? Bryce Alford will undoubtedly take over the point guard spot if Anderson leaves, but there is no one currently to back him up. The same goes for Hamilton who has not played a second for the Bruins (NCAA denied his eligibility for this year).

Now, Looney seems to be the real deal and should score in bunches next season. The same goes for Bolden, plus the Bruins will have an active 7-footer in Thomas Welsh. There is most definitely a log-jam in the frontcourt. So does head coach Steve Alford maybe shift Looney and Bolden to the SF spot while Allen and Hamilton mix it up with time at PG and SG? Also remember, there are three scholarship spots available, so Alford could snag a few late singees.

Now let us further play the “What If?” game and see what an experienced Bruins squad would look like if Adams, Anderson and LaVine decide to stay for another year:

PG: Anderson, B. Alford

SG: Adams, Hamilton

SF: LaVine, Powell, Allen

PF: Looney, Bail, Bolden

C: Parker, Welsh, Goloman

Now this is projected as being the line-up with the five best guys starting for the Bruins. Things can change from now until the start of the 2014-15 season, but imagine what this team can do with all that firepower. I would put them in the Top 10 right now.

Our point: Get excited.

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco