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UCLA Basketball Recruiting: 2018 5-Star Power Forward Marvin Bagley Has UCLA in his Top 6

By Mike Regalado

Jan 14, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford reacts during the first half against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford reacts during the first half against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UCLA Basketball team is among six schools vying for the services of the #1 player in the class of 2018, 5-star PF Marvin Bagley.

There is no denying the UCLA Basketball team’s upswing in recruiting in recent years. This past season we saw what three freshmen could do as Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf and Ike Anigbogu helped turnaround a team that missed the NCAA Tournament the season before.

This fall, the Bruins step that up with six commits that include 5-star point guard Jaylen Hands and SF Kris Wilkes. Currently, UCLA has the #2 recruiting class in the nation, according to Scout.com.

So far, the Bruins do not have a commit for 2018, but several players are eyeing Westwood as a college destination and one in particular could help define the Bruins in two years.

Marvin Bagley (Sierra Canyon School/Chatsworth, CA) is the #1 overall prospect in the 2018 class and looking at his game, you can easily see why. At 6’11”, 220 lbs., Bagley is a pure athlete that gets work done on both sides of the court.

On offense, he can score from nearly anywhere. If he is not throwing down monster dunks, he is weaving through traffic for jaw-dropping layups. He also has a sweet shot that extends beyond the three-point line. He also has good vision and knows where both he and the ball are at all times so that he can maximize his scoring opportunities.

On the defensive end he is a huge presence who protects the rim and makes a lot space with his body. He will get up close and personal with his opposition and block shots, if not causing the shooter to change directions.

Clearly, Bagley would be a fantastic addition for the Bruins, but for the next year on the recruiting trail, UCLA has to complete with Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Duke and Kentucky, who are also in his top 6.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions for UCLA Basketball in 2017-18

Hopefully the Bruins put in a huge effort to keep this guy close to home and bring another solid class to Westwood.