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UCLA Basketball: Potential lineups for the 2019-20 season

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

The UCLA basketball team returns an extraordinary amount of talent next season, which will allow them to use several different lineup combinations. Go Joe Bruin takes a look at a few that could be advantageous in different game situations.

Despite the fact that the UCLA basketball team went 17-16 last year, the Bruins return a lot of talent. Though the transition to the Mick Cronin era will be a process, the returning talent affords the new head coach a lot of different combinations to work with.

RELATED: Three UCLA Basketball Players That Will Have Breakout Seasons

One of the strengths of former coach Steve Alford was his ability to recruit. With that in mind, he has left the cupboard full for Cronin. So let us take a look at a few different scenarios the Bruins might face and the best lineup for each.

The Starting Lineup

As of now, this is what I can see in terms of the starting lineup. Obviously, this could change by the time the season starts, but I believe Campbell (pending he is 100% by fall after missing all last season with an ACL injury) will work well with these four Bruins, all of which have experience playing together. This lineup adds quickness, athleticism and a little bit of defense, especially with Singelton and Hill in the lineup.

Small Lineup

  • PG: Tyger Campbell (R-Fr) 5’11, 185
  • SG: Prince Ali (R-Sr) 6’4, 195
  • SF: David Singleton (So) 6’4, 205
  • PF: Jules Bernard (So) 6’6, 205
  • C: Jalen Hill (R-So) 6’10, 240

If the Bruins need to play in a smaller lineup, this four-guard combo should be very effective. They are quick, can get into space and can spread the floor. Ali brings some defensive and scoring, but he has to play more consistently because he has the ability to go off for 20 point games. Singleton and Bernard played next to each other a lot last season, so their chemistry will help the lineup be effective and execute.

Youth Lineup

  • PG: Tyger Campbell (R-Fr) 5’11, 185
  • SG: Jake Kyman (Fr) 6’6, 210
  • SF: Jamie Jaquez (Fr) 6’6, 210
  • PF: Shareef O’Neal (R-Fr) 6’9, 215
  • C: Cody Riley (R-So) 6’9, 250

If Cronin ever needs to give the old men a breather, he can always go to this spry, young lineup. These four freshmen and one sophomore might not have the experience, but that doesn’t make them any less effective as they are all busting at the seams with talent. O’Neal is the one player Bruins fans are most excited to witness. Not just to see how he has recovered from heart surgery back in December, but because he has been a highlight reel in recent summer league games. Jaquez and Kyman will also be very important figures on the roster, especially Jaquez who is a very talented individual.