The magical 2016-17 season is over for the UCLA Basketball team which means changes are already occurring for next season. So who is staying and who is going?
The UCLA Basketball team ended their 31-5 season on Friday against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Sweet 16 which means that it is already time to move on to next year… but what will next year look like?
Let’s start with who is leaving.
Bye-bye Bruins
The obvious one is Lonzo Ball. He has already said, immediately after UCLA’s loss in the Sweet 16 to Kentucky in fact, that he was heading to the NBA. We all knew this, and it still feels like a shock, but it shouldn’t. Ball has been bound for the association for a while, so UCLA has to adjust..
TJ Leaf has not come to a decision yet, but he seems to be the other player that could hear his me called in the NBA Draft. He has said that he needs to discuss the plan with his family, but most draft boards have him as a first-round pick, which is something nobody should pass up.
Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton are graduating, so right there it seems that the Bruins will lose at least four players.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
After their final game, Aaron Holiday and Thomas Welsh were unsure what their plans are for next season. Though both could possibly be selected in the NBA Draft, it is not guaranteed.
What would benefit both players is one more year with the Bruins. Holiday has a chance to lead this team as the starting point guard while Welsh would improve his stock in his senior year. Both players will be able to develop, fill into their roles and show the NBA scouts exactly what their potential could be.
Ike Anigbogu could also declare for the draft, if so inclined, but we did not get to see a lot of him this last season. Plus he has the potential to start next season, which will really put his skills on display for the 2018 NBA Draft.