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The Go Joe Bruin 2016-17 UCLA Basketball Preview (Men’s)

By Mike Regalado

Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) reacts with guard Isaac Hamilton (10) after making a three pointer during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) reacts with guard Isaac Hamilton (10) after making a three pointer during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford coaches during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford coaches during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

2016-17 Outlook

There is excitement in the air and for good reason. Why is that? Freshmen.

What the new focus on the UCLA Basketball team, Head Coach Steve Alford is looking to run a fast-paced offense and utilize all of his players to get the ball in the hoop. This year, the Bruins have a lot of talent and they are going to benefit from all of it.

UCLA is going to shoot the ball a lot from the outside. They are going to attack the rim. They are going to pass the ball a lot. This is going to be a very cohesive and tightknit squad, especially since they had the advantage of working together in the summer in Australia.

It cannot be emphasized enough how much the addition of Lonzo Ball is to the Bruins. UCLA had talent last year, but it wasn’t used to it’s potential. Ball brings that skill of making his teammates better and will make UCLA better.

Related Story: UCLA Basketball: Predicting the 2016-17 Season

The biggest concern to start the season are all the exits. Though UCLA had three players leave and two are out to injury, they should really start to dominate when Ali and Anigbogu return to the lineup.

They will have a few tough non-conference games, but for the most part, UCLA should come out with a good record. The concern might be conference play. Last year the Bruins were not prepared at all. Alford has acknowledged this and will hopefully make adjustments for the Bruins to contend for the Pac-12 regular season championship.

As far as postseason aspirations, the Bruins should also aim for winning the Pac-12 Tournament. They will  most likely return to the NCAA tournament and though I will not go as far as to say this is a Final Four team, the Bruins should at least be able to get back to the Sweet 16.

Projected Record:25-6, 14-4

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