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UCLA Basketball: How Much Better Will the Bruins Be in 2016-17?

By Mike Regalado

Feb 14, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford looks on against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford looks on against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) moves to the basket against Southern California Trojans guard Elijah Stewart (30) during the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) moves to the basket against Southern California Trojans guard Elijah Stewart (30) during the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The UCLA Basketball Offense

There is no doubt that Lonzo Ball is going to change this team. All he does is make plays and make the players around him better. He is going to be very useful to this season’s team as they have not had a play maker at point guard since Kyle Anderson.

Last year, Bryce Alford handled the majority a point guard duties and I didn’t exactly make the offense flow. Alford is a shooting guard and with Ball handling the distribution, Alford will be a fantastic wing man. Instead of fighting off defenders and trying to do too much, Alford can move freely around the court and create his own shot.

Related Story: UCLA Basketball Is Overrated According to ESPN

Ball will also have weapons like Hamilton and Prince Ali (when he returns from injury) at his disposal as viable scoring threats. The way Ball sees the floor is incredible and will put every Bruin in the best position the score on every possession.

"2016-17 Offensive Stats: Scoring – 77.5 ppg (5th), FG% -.454 (7th), Rebs for – 39.6 rpg (5th), Assists – 15.7 (1st)"

Having a true distributor will also benefit the big men. With the ball getting down low easier, that will give UCLA a lot of high percentage shots.

Welsh proved to be a good baseline shooter last season and can also score down low with finesse. With the added muscle of Leaf and Anigbogu, the Bruins should be able to get easy buckets under the basket on a consistent basis.