First, here is a look at the student athletes who will not be playing for UCLA next season or are highly unlikely to return from the transfer portal.
Entered the transfer portal
Sebastian Mack (Committed to Missouri)
Aday Mara (Committed to Michigan)
William Kyle III (Committed to Syracuse)
Dylan Andrews (Commited to Boise State)
Dominick Harris
Devin Williams
No longer have college basketball eligibility
Kobe Johnson
Lazar Stefanovic
Here is now a look at the players who are on scholarship and returning to play as well as those who are planning on transferring to UCLA to play basketball for Mick Cronin and the Bruins next season.
Returning scholarship players
Tyler Bilodeau will be a senior
Skyy Clark will be a senior
Eric Dailey Jr. will be a junior
Trent Perry will be a sophomore
Incoming transfer players
Donovan Dent will be a senior
Steven Jamerson II will be a senior
Jamar Brown will be a senior
Xavier Booker will be a junior
In theory, there are five available scholarships for the UCLA men's basketball team for the 2025-2026 season as the scholarship limit rises from 13 to 15 for next season.
A major motivator for players to change teams is the desire for more playing time and a more involved role for their new team. Players want to be on the court, and that need is really important to a good amount of players in the transfer portal. They want people who specify their responsibilities and show how they can support the team's general plan.
Team style and fit for these players in the transfer portal are vital because they look for coaches who fit their playing style. Teams that highlight their talents in the paint or along the wings suit forward and center players best. Guards flourish in systems that maximize their particular talents and skills, and depending on the position they play, the coach who is willing to utilize their strengths and wants has an advantage in convincing them to transfer to their school.
Another main draw for players is the quality of the coaching staff for the team they are thinking about transferring to. Players seek progress by working with experienced and talented coaches who can help them reach their maximum potential. A coach's established track record of success dramatically influences how players are prepared for the next level, whether professional basketball or making the most of their collegiate experience and therefore may influence where a player transfers to.
Players are also motivated by the wish to win titles and qualify for the NCAA Tournament. They look for initiatives with a track record of success or those teams on the rise. The league's competitiveness is yet another element affecting their choice, so playing for UCLA in the Big Ten is an advantage for the Bruins.
NIL possibilities are a massive factor in players' choice to transfer, but they are not the only one. NIL money possibilities have significantly changed the scene of college athletics, especially in college basketball. Players are searching for colleges and opportunities that provide a platform for NIL involvement. UCLA has already proven that they have a solid NIL collective.
Although basketball is in the spotlight, academics are still a very important component, especially for players who are not planning on playing professional basketball. It's vital for certain basketball players to assess the caliber of academic programs and make sure they fit their educational goals when they think about their choices for colleges. UCLA is ranked the No. 1 public university in America by some publications, and this gives them an advantage over other schools. Another advantage of UCLA in convincing players to transfer to UCLA is the school's location, campus, and surrounding area.