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UCLA Basketball: Johnny Juzang ruled immediately eligible

By Jason Kinander

LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 14: Johnny Juzang #10 of the Kentucky Wildcats is seen during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Rupp Arena on December 14, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 14: Johnny Juzang #10 of the Kentucky Wildcats is seen during the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Rupp Arena on December 14, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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UCLA Basketball received some major news last week, as it was announced that Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang will be eligible to play for the Bruins in 2020.

UCLA Basketball desperately needed some good news this offseason following the decision of prized recruit Dashien Nix to decommit from UCLA in favor of the G-League.

Luckily for Mick Cronin and the Bruins, they got that good news last week, as the NCAA approved Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang’s waiver to be immediately eligible for next season.

Juzang is the biggest name in the Bruins’ recruiting class, as the former top-50 recruit decided to transfer to UCLA after one subpar season in Lexington. Juzang fell victim to the lack of opportunity under John Calipari, as he started just two games, averaging just three points and two rebounds.

While those numbers are certainly far from impressive, Juzang showed flashes of potential down the stretch of the season, leading an injury-riddled Wildcats team to a big-time comeback against Florida, a game in which Juzang played 33 minutes and scored ten points, including a clutch go-ahead three in the final minute.

Juzang should step into a big role with UCLA, likely starting at shooting guard beside Tyger Campbell.

With an increase in minutes, touches, and a much bigger role under Cronin, Juzang will have every opportunity to blossom into the player that many scouts and coaches thought he would become out of high school. Around an experienced Bruins’ group, Juzang is certainly in the perfect scenario to reach his full potential.