UCLA Basketball: Potential lineups for the 2019-20 season

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Uptempo lineup

  • PG: Tyger Campbell (R-Fr) 5’11, 185
  • SG: David Singleton (So) 6’4, 205
  • SF: Jamie Jaquez (Fr) 6’6, 210
  • PF: Shareef O’Neal (R-Fr) 6’9, 215
  • C: Cody Riley (R-So) 6’9, 250

The players that are currently on the roster were recruited because of how they could fit into an uptempo style of ball. With Cronin coming in, the team should pace themselves overall, but if the new coach ever needs to kick things into hyperdrive, this could be the lineup to do it. Campbell and Singleton will be able to move the ball efficiently up top, while Jaquez creates space on the wing. O’Neal will be a flashy weapon under the basket while Riley moves in and out of the paint to help create quick scoring opportunities.

Veteran Lineup

  • PG: David Singleton (So) 6’4, 205
  • SG: Prince Ali (R-Sr) 6’4, 195
  • SF: Chris Smith (Jr) 6’9, 210
  • PF: Alex Olesinski (R-Sr) 6’10, 225
  • C: Kenny Nwuba (So) 6’9, 250

If experience is needed, then look no further than this lineup. This combination of players have been with the Bruins for a while and will help bring focus and understanding to the game as they transition to a new style of basketball. They also have the knowledge to understand what is needed for every game situation, especially late in a contest.

Tall Ball

  • PG: Jake Kyman (Fr) 6’6, 210
  • SG: Chris Smith (Jr) 6’9, 210
  • SF: Shareef O’Neal (R-Fr) 6’9, 215
  • PF: Cody Riley (R-So) 6’9, 250
  • C: Jalen Hill (R-So) 6’10, 240

This would be a ridiculously talented lineup of big men starting with a pretty tall distributor in Kyman. After that, it is four players that are 6’9 or taller. Smith would be able to stretch the defense as he can shoot from the outside and attack the rim (though he needs to play more consistently). Then imagine being a team trying to go against O’Neal, Riley, and Hill down low?

Not only will they run into a wall, but one that will definitely posterize opponents. It may not be the quickest, but it will certainly limit scoring.

Schedule

Schedule