Seriously, How Far Can UCLA Go In The Pac-12 Tournament?

UCLA Bruins

How far UCLA can go in the Pac-12 Tournament depends on which one of their teams show up. It has been said several times that the Bruin’s inconsistencies are the biggest issue they have as it is essentially a tale of two teams. First you have the team that is fundamentally sound with good defense that gets everyone involved. Then you have a team that abandons what makes them good and eventually goes into panic mode and shoots ill-advised shots late in the game.

The funny thing about that has to do with location. UCLA played exceptionally well on their home court at Pauley Pavilion, going 16-1 this season. Away from Pauley, they are 3-11, which is obviously when they tend to play poorly.

That makes it interesting as they get ready to play in this tournament as it takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. So, (1) they are not great away from Pauley and (2) in their only other tournament this year, Battle 4 Atlantis, they were 1-2 with bad losses to Oklhoma and North Carolina. That does not bode well for the Pac-12 Tournament.

But things have changed since then. UCLA has actually played some really sound basketball and proven they can compete in this conference. Now if they do want to get far, no matter who they are playing, they need to work on what has been working for them, namely…

Go To The Big Men

Nov 16, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers forward Uros Ljeskovic (13) and UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) go for a rebound in the first half of the game at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

After Tony Parker was out for two games at the end of January, he started to really pick up his game. When the Bruins would finally get the ball down low to him, he was able to do special things, like sweet five-foot hook shots. Look at what he did against USC (whom the Bruins might play in their first game) as he scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Along with him, freshman Kevon Looney has been a rebounding machine that always seems to have good post position. He was the only Bruin close to averaging a double-double on the season with 12.3 points and 9.5 rebounds. When these two big men are heavily involved, UCLA can dominate.

Go Away From the Bryce-First Offense

Jan 24, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) dribbles the ball against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Yeah, I said it. Bryce Alford needs to reel it in a bit. He needs know his strengths and weaknesses. For taking the second most shots on the team, Alford is only the sixth best shooter with .393. He is a great when he gets open looks, but way too often takes long contested shots. If Alford can get the rest of the team involved and play a smart game, he can be a dangerous distributor that can lead this team to victory.

Oh yeah, if he can also stop dribbling the baseline and jump-passing when he gets in trouble, that would help out a lot too. Thanks!

Switch Up The Defense

The Bruins were very impressive in their 69-59 victory over then #11 Utah at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA was pressuring the ball, switching up from man to zone defense which completely confused the Utes. The Bruins have had similar games since, but nothing that was as swarming as we saw on that late January night. The Bruins need to replicate this in every game they get a chance to play in.

Set Up Norman Powell

Honestly, if the Bruin point guards can get Norman Powell going, he will not only contribute great offense and defense but will produce some much needed enthusiasm that will help the Bruins charge forward in a game that is not at Pauley.

If the Bruins can do these, then there is no doubt they will not only go far, but possibly win the tournament. You heard it here first.

Go Bruins!