Go Joe Bruin
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UCLA Basketball: A look at the talent the next head coach will inherit

By Mike Regalado

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: UCLA Bruins mascot Joe Bruin poses on the court before the team's semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Arizona Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 78-67 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: UCLA Bruins mascot Joe Bruin poses on the court before the team's semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Arizona Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 78-67 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The UCLA basketball team had a down season, but there is a lot to be excited about as the Bruins have a lot of talent returning next season, perfect for the next Bruin coach to work with.

Who will be the next UCLA basketball head coach? That question could be answered in the next few weeks, which has much of the Bruin faith very excited. But there is also a lot to be excited about when you look at what the Bruins will have on the roster next season.

RELATED: UCLA Women’s Basketball is Heading to the Sweet 16

One quick note… with two freshmen coming in next season, UCLA will be one player past the 13 scholarship limit, meaning one of the current players has to depart. With that in mind, I look at all possibilities for next season, depending on which players stay or go. But first, let us start with the incoming freshmen.

The New Guys

Jaime Jaquez (SF), Fr, 6’7, 210

Jake Kyman (SF), 6’6, 180

Though UCLA is only bringing in two players, they are going to immediately help with depth and add some substantial talent. As stated above, the roster is already stacked so only adding two players is not that big of a deal, especially with only two seniors on the team next year.

Jaquez is going to be a superstar one day as he has all the tools a 6’7 wingman needs. Not only can he drive the lane, but he can do it with stepbacks and crossovers and has been known to break a few ankles. Jaquez has great ball handling skills, which will help the flow of the game, something that UCLA is in desperate need of.

Jaquez can also hold his own in the paint so rebounds are not a problem for him. He also has the ability to step out and hit long jumpers, but he is not the only one.

No matter who UCLA brings in as head coach, they are going to need pure shooters, something they lacked last season. Kyman is coming to Westwood with a sure hand and a lot of energy so the Bruins will be adding an important piece to their arsenal next year.