Basketball edition looking back on the 2021 season

The 2021 UCLA basketball had high expectations. March hero Johnny Juzang returned to the school instead of going to the NBA. Paired with starters Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jules Bernard, Cody Riley and Cody Riley all a year older and better. UCLA was the same squad that made a final four run and they were back to finish unfinished business. They started the season off as the No. 2 team in the nation and stormed out to a 10-1 start playing tremendous basketball. They would lose a tough game against Oregon before a six game win streak would move them to 16-2.

Campbell continued to run the offense efficiently. As he was one of the smartest players in the country. Rarely turning the ball over and being able to set up guys in good position. Often getting Jaquez Jr., Bernard and Juzang good looks. The Bruins played well on both ends of the floor averaging 75.4 points per game which was 59th in the nation. Then on defense they only gave up 64.5 points per game, which put them at 42nd in the nation.

Juzang would have another solid season. Turning it into Third-team All-American honors. His numbers were down a bit scoring, but he bumped his assists and rebound numbers up. While also getting his 3-point percentage up. UCLA also had Peyton Watson and Jaylen Clark as good perimeter defenders which helped keep wings fresh for offense. Watson would leave for the NBA after the season and has turned into a good NBA player for the Denver Nuggets.

UCLA would lose in the Pac-12 tournament to Arizona. Leading them to become the No. 4 seed in the East. They would squeak by Akron on the round of 64 before beating Saint Mary’s easily in the round of 32. They would ultimately fall apart late to North Carolina in the Sweet 16 ending their season. They then would watch Watson and Juzang go onto the NBA. But Jaquez Jr, Bernard, Clark and Campbell would all return for the next season. Keeping their window open one more year.