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UCLA Basketball: Six players that could be taken in the 2018 NBA Draft

By Mike Regalado

January 8, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) moves to the basket ahead of Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Walker (21) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 8, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) moves to the basket ahead of Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Walker (21) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) controls the ball against Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) controls the ball against Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Welsh – Senior – Center

The return of Thomas Welsh is important not just for experience and consistency but because the Bruins get to keep a 7-footer that is very deadly with his baseline jumpers. Not only that, but Welsh was the team’s top rebounder from last season and will be good to have that again next year.

One of the things Welsh needs to improve on is his body mass. If he can tack on some muscle, not only will he be better suited to dominate the paint, but he will become more attractive to NBA scouts in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Welsh also needs to step up as a leader as he will be the most experienced big man. UCLA has two very good bigs coming in next season and if he can help them get up to speed, then UCLA is going to be very deadly in the front court.

Welsh could indeed be one of the better scoring big men in the Pac-12 next season. If he can turn things up a notch in 2017-18, NBA execs will be looking to get him on their squad.