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UCLA Basketball: Comparing This Season’s Team To 2007-08

By Mike Regalado

December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of playing court before the UCLA Bruins play against the Michigan Wolverines at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of playing court before the UCLA Bruins play against the Michigan Wolverines at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) moves to the basket against the defense of UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) and forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) moves to the basket against the defense of UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) and forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Bench: 2016-17 vs. 2007-08

Aaron Holiday, Ike Anigbogu, GG Goldman, Prince Ali

vs.

Lorenzo Mata-Real, Alfred Aboya, Michael Roll, James Keefe

I would give anything to see Lorenzo Mata-Real (or Alfred Aboya for that matter) go up against Ike Anigbogu. Watching those two big bodies battle it under the rim would be something I would have on my DVR for a lifetime.

Mata-Real took a back seat to Love this year, but was a heavy hitter off the bench. Though he was not much of an offensive presence, he could wreck havoc under the defensive rim.

That is what Anigbogu is starting to do. Though has only played in five games, he is already making a name for himself. Already, Anigbogu is the best front court defender, which has been welcomed by Steve Alford.

But if the 2007-08 Bruins had to worry about anyone, it would be Aaron Holiday. I recently compared Holiday to Russell Westbrook, though Russ started for the Bruins this season while Holiday is a spark plug off the bench. That tells you what kind of talent this season’s Bruins has on their roster.

As for the overall production of the bench, even though this season’s team is still waiting for Prince Ali to return, I have to give the depth to Alford.

Advantage: 2016-17 Bruins

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

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Final Analysis: If both of these teams could somehow face each other in ten games (damn you scientists for not yet creating a flux capacitor!), I could see it split down the middle, 5-5. This current team is just starting to make a name for themselves while the 2007-08 Bruins have solidified themselves in UCLA Basketball history. But if this season’s Bruins continue on their path to success, it is possible they could eventually get to the Final Four and possibly do what the 2007-08 Bruins could not… win a National Championship.