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UCLA Basketball’s Season Opener: 3 Things To Look For

By Mike Regalado

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With the UCLA basketball team taking on Montana State in their season opener, there will be a lot of new things to adjust to, for both the team and Bruin fans. Only one of last season’s starters returns as Norman Powell looks to lead the team this season. Aside from that, the Bruins only have 3 players with significant experience. Though they have a talented freshmen class, there will be a lot for everyone to get used to. With that, here are three things you should look for in tonight’s game:

December 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward/center Tony Parker (23) controls the ball against the defense of Prairie View A&M Panthers forward Demondre Chapman (32) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounds

The Bruins will have three freshmen (all 6’9″ or taller) join in the fun on the boards with 6’9″ junior Tony Parker and 6’9″ sophomore Wanaah Bail. For the first time in a long time, UCLA basketball has a plethora of big men that will not only clog up the middle, but can handle the ball around the rim. Kevon Looney, Thomas Welsh and Gyorgy Goloman can all get in position and make a ruckus down below and no one will be be happier about that than Parker.

Last season, Parker was the only real low post threat as the Wear twins were shooting big men. Though Parker improved his game in all areas, he did take the brunt of the physicality which also got him in foul trouble throughout the season. With more Bruins reaching for boards, also look for Parker to take his game to another level.

Athleticism

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This is not a knock on last year’s team that was led by Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams, but they were not the most athletic team in the conference. This season, aside from Powell, look for redshirt freshman Isaac Hamilton to explode on to the scene. Hamilton was designated as one of the two point guards this off-season, sharing the time with sophomore Bryce Alford. Hamilton, though not necessarily a PG, can score from almost anywhere on the floor. He has good ball control and can get to the rim quicker than you can say “SLOWMO”.

Looney is another guy that is an athletic specimen that also has basketball know-how. Last season, Looney was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Wisconsin as he averaged 27.9 points, 12.7 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 blocks per game. It is yet to be seen how his game translates to college, but if the exhibition game against Azusa Pacific (where he got a double-double, 10 points, 12 rebounds) is any indication of that, then he should do just fine.

Chemistry

With such a radical change in personnel, it is hard to say how the Bruins will do as a squad. In their exhibition game, UCLA had started well, but got a little sloppy as Azusa Pacific worked their way back into the end of the first half via Bruin defensive lapses.

The second half was better as the Bruins imposed their will against the Division II school, but there was a lot left to be desired in regards to defense, finishing at the rim and fluidity amongst teammates. Of course every team has their bumps along the way, especially early in the season, but with a new look and a new starting line-up, it will be interesting to see how (and when) these Bruins really start to click.