UCLA Basketball: What Will Define A Successful Season In 2015-16?

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There is a lot of debate about how successful UCLA basketball has been since Steve Alford took over three years ago. His first two seasons ended in Sweet 16 appearances, but got there along two different paths. Though it is never bad to get that far in the tournament, opinions vary on the fact that each season was successful.

In 2014, UCLA had a good season with a subpar tournament appearance with what would be five future NBA players. In 2015, UCLA basketball struggled the first half of the season with a roster that was a shell if its former self, but pulled it together for a remarkable run to the Sweet 16.

Next year the Bruins will again have a different roster which, as of now, is not exactly striking fear into the heart of opponents. They will prove they have the ability to go far, but what will define a successful year? With that, we look at the 2015-16 season to see what UCLA basketball needs to do to have a successful season.

UCLA Basketball Preseason

What happens between the the moment you read this in the first game of the season will be important to lay the foundation of a successful 2015-16. Last week, UCLA had a hit and miss in regards to recruiting. They missed on 5-star center Stephen Zimmerman who chose UNLV over the Bruins, but got a much-needed big man in junior-college transfer Ikenna Okwarabizie who committed on Sunday.

The Bruins also have a chance with five-star recruit Jaylen Brown who has the Bruins as a finalist on his list of schools. If UCLA can land him, then that would help to lay the foundation for a strong roster and a successful season.

Oh yeah, and cutting out all the eligibility issues would help too. The Bruins need a full roster to help them get far. And develop the bench. And defense. Anyway, moving on…

Dec 20, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) dribbles the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Andrew Harrison (5) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Non-conference

This will be brutal, but it is conquerable. UCLA are scheduled to play Kentucky, North Carolina and Gonzaga as well as participate in the Maui Invitation (three games) which includes such teams as Indiana, Kansas, St. John’s, Wake Forest and UNLV. Aside from the cupcakes the Bruins play, which they should win, if UCLA wins three out of six of those games, that should be a pretty successful non-conference run. Preferably, winning four will be really good, but three could be strong enough for their resume.

Pac-12 Conference Season

The Bruins seem to pull together during conference play. They were especially good at home as they had a perfect conference record at Pauley Pavilion, so let us hope they continue with that, but their troubles start on the road.

For the Bruins to be successful in conference, they need to get a road sweep or two. Additionally, they should aim to win 50% of their road games. Playing away games will define this team late in the season and show that they have what it takes to compete and go far in the post-season.

Mar 21, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) dunks the ball against the UAB Blazers during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Tourney Time

UCLA Bruins

Obviously winning the Pac-12 Tournament Championship would be a huge success, but for a team that is rebuilding, if they can get to the championship game that should be considered a good run in the conference tournament.

As for the NCAA tournament, the Bruins need to push past Sweet 16. If Steve Alford cannot get past the fourth round of the tournament, that will stick with him and put him on the hot seat sooner than later. If UCLA does not even make the Sweet 16, that will be even worse.

For next season to be considered successful, the Bruins need to get to the elite eight. It is Alford’s third year and he has some depth and should have the talent, so there is no reason why he does not get that far next year.

Sure, that is still a long way away, but as I said before, there are many things that will help lay the foundation for the 2015-16 season, but first, let’s try to get another recruit first, huh?

Mar 19, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) celebrates as the UCLA Bruins defeat the Southern Methodist Mustangs 60-59 in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports