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UCLA Basketball: Will the Bruins improve or get worse in 2017-18?

By David Goldman

February 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Prince Ali (5) moves to the basket against Southern California Trojans during the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Prince Ali (5) moves to the basket against Southern California Trojans during the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Basketball loses a significant amount from the 2016-17 season. However, could the 2017-2018 version be even better?

The UCLA Basketball team lost a staggering amount of talent from last year’s team, including their top four scorers which includes freshman phenom’s T.J. Leaf and Lonzo Ball. So most expect that next year’s version will have trouble coming close to matching the success of last years 31-5 squad.

However, despite the losses, there is reason to believe UCLA Basketball will be better off in 2017-18. The Bruins bring in the #4 ranked class in the country according to 247Sports, led by two five-stars, Jaylen Hands and Kris Wilkes.

The 2017-18 version of the Bruins will also feature a lot more depth, especially at the guard and wing position. The return of highly touted guard Prince Ali, who redshirted last season, will bring depth to the guard position which the Bruins desperately needed last season.

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Additionally, the front court will bring in a pair of four star-power forwards in Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, who will join returning role players Thomas Welsh and G.G. Golomon. Alex Olesinski figures to fight for some playing time as well.

But while depth will be a strength of the 2017-18 edition of the Bruins, there may not be enough overall talent to improve on what was a excellent season (minus the tournament). Losing a uniquely skilled player like Lonzo Ball is not something easily replaced, even with other five-star recruits coming in.

Ball is a once in a generation talent, a Jason Kidd-like player with unbelievable range. One does not simply lose a player like this and expect to be better the following season.

It is unlikely UCLA replicates the regular season they had in 2016-17, that saw them enter Pac-12 play unscathed, with wins at Kentucky and against Michigan at home.

Next: UCLA Basketball: Projecting the 2017-18 Depth Chart

However, despite an amazing regular season, the squad did not advance as far as many expected in the tournament, so if the highly touted freshman in next year’s class can live up to their billing, there is the potential for a tournament run that could put that team on par with last year’s version, in terms of ultimate success.