UCLA Basketball: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2017-18 Season

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Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) grabs a rebound and dunks the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Kyle Washington (24) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Based on what we saw from the UCLA Basketball team this season, here are 5 bold predictions for the Bruins for the 2017-18 season.

The 2016-17 season is over which means we can now look to the 2017-18 season for the UCLA Basketball team.

There are several unknowns with the Bruins, especially in regards to who is going to stick around for next year, but there is also a lot of consistency to build off of.

With that in mind, here are five boldl predictions for UCLA next season.

1. Welsh and Anigbogu Will Be The Most Dominant Frontcourt Duo in the Pac-12

The Bruins are losing a handful of players, though two that should be staying, will also be important to the style and consistency of UCLA Basketball heading into next season.

January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Chance Comanche (21) moves the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Soon-to-be senior center Thomas Welsh and sophomore Ike Anigbogu will dominate their opponents all next season and will be the best front court in the Pac-12 Conference. You heard it here first.

Welsh has become a very effective offensive player, especially with his baseline and mid-range jumpers. He was also the leading rebounder on the Bruins so if he can put on a few pounds, all while working on his defense, then he also has a case to be the best big man In the conference.

Anigbogu is already well-suited to play defense underneath the rim and has shown that he can be dominant around the boards, but he can also throw down some ferocious dunks, which will be very intimidating for the rest of the conference.

With both of these big men leading UCLA’s front court next season, they should be the best duo in the conference, if not the country.