UCLA Basketball: Can Thomas Welsh continue to blossom his game?

With the return of senior center Thomas Welsh, the UCLA Basketball team is provided much-needed consistency to a young and budding team.

Standing at 7’0″, UCLA Basketball‘s most tenured player Thomas Welsh plays like a big man but has a tremendously soft touch on his jump shot. His jumper from the baseline is as unguardable as they come.

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Last season, he averaged 10.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1 assist, an, a solid 1.3 blocks per contest. Welsh took a back seat last season in large part because of Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf, and Isaac Hamilton.

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This season, however, is going to be his best season as a member of the Bruins. His veteran leadership and NCAA tournament experience certainly bode well for the Bruins, who are welcoming one of the best recruiting classes in the country.

The potential is certainly there for Welsh, and playing alongside point guard Aaron Holiday and stud freshman Jaylen Hands will help his game blossom even further.

Last season, he shot a terrific 58.5% from the floor and a very reliable 89.4% from the free-throw line.  Welsh has only attempted 1 three-pointer in his career (he made it), but there are whispers that head coach Steve Alford is going to let him expand his range.

The Bruins love to push the tempo on offense and having a big man who can run the floor like Thomas Welsh certainly helps.

Last season the Bruins hoisted up 872 three-pointers, I fully expect that number to rise. The way basketball is trending, it is critical to have multiple players who can stretch the floor.

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Statistically, the corner three-point shot is one of the most effective shots in basketball. With Welsh, who operates so well along the baseline, the move to stretch his range makes sense.

If Welsh can hit corner threes at a decent clip, the potential for this Bruins team is only scratching the surface. He has all the tools as a big to succeed on both sides of the ball.

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Thomas Welsh will play a huge role for the UCLA Bruins this season, a spot which he certainly relishes in.