UCLA Basketball: How many players are ranked in ESPN’s Top International Rankings

ESPN came out with their top ten international men’s college basketball freshmen to know for the 2023-24 list and there are multiple Bruins on the list.

On the list of top international players who will be freshmen this season, UCLA had the most players on the top 10 ranking of players. Arizona was in second with two players making the top 10 list.

ESPN as quoted below, believes he will provide the consistent three-point shooting presence needed for this upcoming season.

"How he fits: The third Bruin to make this list, Vide has the cachet to push for a starting job from day one: He suited up at various age groups for Real Madrid for several years and won MVP honors at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament finals. And Cronin will need his talent rather quickly. He’s likely to play alongside Dylan Andrews in the backcourt, given his size, scoring and playmaking acumen and ability to effectively man either guard position. UCLA isn’t exactly flush with perimeter shooters or shot creators this season, so will hope to see Vide fill the void with a consistent outside shot. — Jeff Borzello"

ESPN has Buyuktuncel highly rated and as quoted below, as a versatile play who will be able to contribute in multiple ways this upcoming season.

"Scouting report: The power forward from Bursa, Turkey, played significant minutes versus high-level competition last season, and already made his debut with the Turkish senior national team. He was the best player on the floor at this summer’s FIBA U19 World Cup in a win over USA Basketball, proving himself as a skilled, intelligent, versatile player who impacts every facet of the game. Shooting the ball with better consistency and showing he can defend quicker players on the perimeter are key to solidifying himself as a first-round draft pick. — Jonathan Givony"

Ranked the No. 1 international incoming freshman player by ESPN, he as quoted below has a ton of talent and potential to really contribute to UCLA possibly making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

"How he fits: It will be interesting to see how Mara plays alongside the team’s lone returning starter, Adem Bona, who was consistently in foul trouble last season. He could be Bona’s backup, but it’s hard to imagine Mick Cronin keeping a lottery-level talent like him on the bench too much. Mara’s offensive skills — particularly his ability to play away from the basket and in the high post — mean he and Bona can coexist offensively, but both would run into issues at the other end of the floor. And as we’ll see with the next player, UCLA is already likely headed for a bigger lineup next season. If Mara lives up to the hype, however, it will be impossible to keep him off the floor. — Jeff Borzello"

You need an ESPN + account to read the entire article as it is exclusive content but it is very acknowledging of the talent of student-athletes that head coach Mick Cronin is bringing into his program internationally.