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UCLA Basketball: 5 Reasons the Bruins Will Win the Pac-12 Tournament

By Mike Regalado

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February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Veteran Leadership

Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton and Thomas Welsh have all been here before.

These veterans have experienced the highs and lows of multiple Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments, as well as had to endure the agony of not making it to the big dance at all last season.

Their experience in the last two and three years, albeit rocky at times, was needed to understand how to get to the next level. Though freshmen Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf have injected some more offense and athleticism to this lineup, the Bruins would not be where they are without the knowledge and experience of their veterans.

On top of that, they have all had major improvements from last year. Since moving from point guard and shooting guard, Alford has dramatically improved his field goal percentage, specifically from behind the three-point line.  Hamilton has also been an effective scorer and tied a single-game record for most three-pointers in a game with nine.

And Thomas Welsh, who is probably one of the deadliest shooters from the baseline in America, has been extremely effective in  front court. These guys have talent and they’re going to push it even more during the tournament.