Checking in on former Bruin William Kyle III

William Kyle III transferred to UCLA for the 2024-25 college basketball season. He had a successful two years at the smaller South Dakota State. Averaging 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds, he figured to step in and help the paint defense. As he was a solid shot blocker averaging 1.4 per game over his 67 game career. South Dakota State won the 2023-24 Summit Tourney and made it to March Madness. Losing as a 15 seed to number 2 Iowa, 82-65. Kyle III had 14 points and seven rebounds in that game.

Kyle III’s UCLA career did not go as good as people had hoped. In his one season he played in 32 games but very sparingly. Only averaging 9.8 minutes per game. Rarely having much impact on the stat sheet. With low averages of 2.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. As UCLA went small lineups majority of the time and ran three guards and two forwards. Ultimately taking out of play one of their best paint protectors on the team. When there were minutes, he showed all the talent in the world with his athleticism.

Kyle III decided to hit the transfer portal for the second time. Where he found his third team in three years in Syracuse. He is now being utilized in a good way and is having a monster defensive season. So far in eight games which have all been starts he is averaging 9.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game on 69.6% field goal shooting. Most importantly, he is providing to Syracuse what UCLA desperately needs and that is shot blocking. He currently averages 2.8 blocks per game.

That is the type of paint protection that UCLA could use right now, as they are struggling to defend the rim. They have been getting better in the rebound battle but it is nice to have someone that offenses fear when they decide to go down the lane. He is now taking the opportunity given to him and running with it. There is no reason not to believe that he could've done this with UCLA as well. But with only 9.8 minutes per game, you aren't going to be a large factor on the stat sheet.