Tyler Bilodeau being back for the NCAA tournament will be huge for this Bruins team. He is the leading scorer and can consistently go for 20 points when he is on. Leading the team in scoring this season at 17.6 points per game and being able to score from all levels. His ability to shoot the ball long range and go down to the post is a big boost for the offense. Bilodeau’s absence was seen big against Purdue in the Big Ten tournament.
Donovan Dent, Tyler Bilodeau ready to return for UCLA https://t.co/7mq75x8NKY
— Ben Bolch (@calpostbbolch) March 19, 2026
Bilodeau is also playing for his NBA Draft status. He is currently seen as a player that could be selected in the second round or as an undrafted free agent. If he is able to go out and have a good NCAA tournament for UCLA. He could cement his status as a draft pick. He also has the ability to go higher in the draft as more people are going to get eyes on him in March. Especially if UCLA is able to make a run as a No. 7 seed.
March Madness has helped Bruins in the past in the NBA Draft. Such as Jaime Jaquez Jr. who had a good run in 2023. Going from second round pick all the way up to right outside the lottery to the Miami Heat. Bilodeau will look to do the same. If all goes his way, he could easily average 20 and 10 with his ability. While doing so on a 50/40/90 shooting line.
🌟 34 PTS (career high)
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) December 23, 2025
🌟 12-19 FG
🌟 4-7 3FG
🌟 6-6 FT
🌟 6 REB
Tyler Bilodeau posts the highest scoring game by a @UCLAMBB player since Kris Wilkes’ 34 vs. Arizona on 1/26/19 👏 pic.twitter.com/bHiYdnESmB
Regardless of all of that, UCLA will just be happy to get their leading scorer back in the lineup. When you get to win or go home mode, you want the best players on the floor as possible. With Donovan Dent and Bilodeau coming back. That gives UCLA in much better opportunity to try and make a Cinderella run. This team has the talent, and they had the momentum before the injuries. Now it’s time to continue and put it all together.