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UCLA Basketball: Preseason Rankings and Award Watch Lists

By Mike Regalado

Feb 27, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) and guard Bryce Alford (20) talk during the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the 2nd half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) and guard Bryce Alford (20) talk during the game against the Stanford Cardinal in the 2nd half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite a losing record last season, the UCLA Basketball team is getting a lot of positive attention from the media in preseason polls and award watch lists.

For those that do not follow UCLA Basketball, it might shock you to learn that the Bruins, who are currently collecting a lot of preseason recognition, ended the season 15-17 and 10th in the Pac-12.

Yes, these Bruins were not good, but that looks to change on several fronts this coming season. Head Coach Steve Alford has vowed change the direction of the team, the Bruins brought in a Top 5 recruiting class and they have a core of talented and experienced players.

Essentially, this is adding up to some unbelievable preseason hype.

Related Story: 2017 Scholarship Chart and Potential Depth Chart

As a team, the Bruins have received several favorable preseason Top 25 rankings. The first major rankings, the USA Today preseason poll, has the UCLA ranked 20th.

CBS also came out with their own preseason poll in which the Bruins were ranked #11 by college basketball analyst Gary Parrish.

Eammon Brennan of ESPN has the Bruins as the #24 team in the country in his early poll.

The Bruins are definitely on track for a successful season, and that has to do with the talent that is on the roster. As well as getting team recognition, five players have been named to a few preseason award watch lists.

As of now, Go Joe Bruin projects the starting lineup to be: G Lonzo Ball, G Bryce Alford, G Isaac Hamilton, F T.J. Leaf and C Thomas Welsh. All five of these of these players have been named to a preseason honor.

Lonzo Ball – Bob Cousy Award (best point guard)

Bryce Alford – Dick Vitale’s All-Rolls Royce Team

Isaac Hamilton – Jerry West Award (best shooting guard)

T.J. Leaf – Karl Malone Award (best power forward)

Thomas Welsh – Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award (best center)

Next: UCLA Basketball: The Talent is There, But What About the Coaching?

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Needless to say, this is making us very excited for the season. UCLA has not received this kind of recognition in the Alford-era and hopefully it is a good indication of the success this team can bring. Go Bruins!