In this special episode of ‘What’s Bruin Show’ we take a look at the UCLA basketball men’s team as they prepare for their 2018-19 campaign.
It is time, Bruins’ fans! UCLA basketball is almost here and we are getting you ready with a special episode previewing the upcoming season. Go Joe Bruin’s own Muna Osisioma and I chat about a great many things in regards UCLA’s latest season and talk about what this could lead up to.
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In order to understand where the Bruins are going, you have to know where they have been. We start off the episode with a look back, not just at last season, but the season prior which was arguably head coach Steve Alford’s best team in his tenure. But the exit of Lonzo Ball, TJ Leaf, and Ike Anigbogu left a void which was filled with a nice Top 5 class and a lot of hope.
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The Bruins were bringing in talent and things would get back to normal. Or would they? China happened and the season was thrown for a loop. Despite the Bruins attempting to fight their way through the season, it ended in an embarrassing loss in the NCAA Tournament “play-in” game.
But hope springs eternal and we are on the cusp of a new season. Muna and I discuss where this team is currently after off-season acquisitions which include another Top 5 recruiting class and the addition of a defensive-minded assistant coach.
But things are not starting off as hoped as the Bruins have lost three payers to injury before the season started. So how will they bounce back and what will the rotation be as a result?
And even if they find a rhythm, is this team talented enough to navigate the waters of a tough non-conference schedule and seemingly harder Pac-12 slate? Can UCLA finally claim a regular season championship with this squad?
And what about the future of Alford? Can he have enough success this season to continue running this program?
We get into all of that in this special What’s Bruin Show season preview!