UCLA Basketball: What Is The Best Starting Line-Up?

We have basketball returning soon ladies and gentlemen! UCLA hoops will once grace us with their presence on October 31 at Pauley Pavilion when they take on Asuza Pacific in an exhibition game. Now Bruin basketball has had a turbulent offseason as they have not only lost five players to graduation and the NBA Draft, but also lost two more to eligibility (Jonah Bolden) and to non-admission (Jon Octeus). What UCLA has is nine scholarship players with 12 players in all. So what is the best starting line-up?

First off, take a look at the complete roster.

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With those players in mind, let us look at two possible line-ups considering different circumstances.

The possible smaller 3-2 starting line-up:

Bench: G-Noah Allen, F-Wanaah Bail, C-Gyorgy Goloman, C-Thomas Welsh

Non-Scholarship Players: G-Korey Alford, G-David Brown, G-Nick Kazemi

This would be the best line-up when putting into consideration that the five best players will start the game. The only problem with this is that it makes the depth at guard very thin. Aside from dipping into the non-scholarship players, which might happen a bit more often this season, UCLA only has one guard available to substitute in. Now they can easily switch to a bigger line-up in the game and go 2-3, but that would be situational. But what if they started in the 2-3?

The possible bigger 2-3 starting line-up:

Bench: G-Bryce Alford, G-Noah Allen, F-Wanaah Bail, C-Gyorgy Goloman

Non-Scholarship Players: G-Korey Alford, G-David Brown, G-Nick Kazemi

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First off, this is under the assumption that Hamilton will start with Bryce Alford coming off the bench. In the summer, Head Coach Steve Alford had said that Hamilton and his son will be handling the point for the up-coming season. While the younger Alford has a year of experience under his belt, Hamilton has a lot more talent to offer the Bruins. He is great with the ball, has a killer shot and can attack the basket.

The other strength to this line-up would be to have three big and dominant players under the basket. Tony Parker has played center for the last two years at UCLA, but might get bumped over to the 4-spot in place of big-time rebounder and shot- blocker, 7’0″ Thomas Welsh. Kevon Looney might also play down low, but because he has great hands, he could also pop out to the wing on offense if needed.

There are still several weeks before basketball season gets things going which means several weeks of practice and you can guarantee Coach Alford is trying to figure out the best fit for UCLA. With only nine scholarship players, it will be project to figure out, but  even more interesting to see in action. Until then, stay with Go Joe Bruin as we bring you more information on UCLA basketball as it becomes available.