UCLA Basketball: Predicting the 2016-17 Season

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Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) guard Aaron Holiday (3) guard Isaac Hamilton (10) and guard Bryce Alford (20) during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

With the UCLA Basketball 2016-17 season fast approaching, we take a look at what the Bruins are going up against and predict the outcome.

The UCLA Basketball team begins their new season in just about a month and they will hope to improve off of their 15-17 record from last season.

The Bruins brought in three elite freshmen to help a core of veteran players get back to competing for a Pac-12 Championship and a return to the NCAAs.

But before that happens, the Bruins have a tricky schedule to run through. Though it will be a tough task, this UCLA Basketball team is up to the challenge.

Next: The Full 2016-17 UCLA Basketball Schedule

Here is the GJB prediction for the 2016-17 season:

Fri, Nov 11, vs Pacific – WIN

Sun, Nov 13, vs CSUN – WIN

Tue, Nov 17, vs San Diego – WIN

Sun, Nov 20, vs Long Beach State – WIN

There is absolutely no reason why UCLA shouldn’t be 4-0 by the time they get to the Wooden Legacy tournament. The Bruins will have played five games at this point (which includes an exhibition game against Masters University). This means the chemistry should be good, especially after their Australian tour.

Wooden Legacy (tournament)

Thu, Nov 24,vs Portland at Fullerton – WIN

Fti, Niov 25 vs Dayton or Nebraska – WIN/LOSS

Sun, Niov 27, Final Round WIN/LOSS

I do not doubt that the UCLA Basketball team will be better than last season, but there will be questions regarding the coaching of Steve Alford. Can he make the appropriate changes to make this team elite? Part of that has to do with game planning and adjustments. Will Alford have them? I am not sure, which is why it is possible the Bruins drop at least one of these games and finish the tournament 2-1.