Eric Dailey Jr.'s move back to power forward kickstarted his season again

There was a lot of excitement in 2025 about UCLA returning to a more traditional starting lineup. As in 2024 they ran a three-guard set that really couldn’t get much going. So, in 2025 they decided they would run a two-guard set again and shift Eric Dailey Jr. back down to the small forward position. This would be a way to open up his game more as he was returning to his natural position. He is a lanky forward that can make plays off of the dribble.

As UCLA progressed through the 2025 season. They showed a lot of inconsistencies on offense and defense. When their backs were against the wall, they decided to do what ultimately ended their 2024 season. They went back to a three-guard set when Skyy Clark returned. Because of the emergence of Trent Perry, they could not move him back to the bench. So, that meant Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau each moved back up a spot.

The fact of the matter is, it saved their season and allowed them to go on a run to make the NCAA tournament. Also leaving a lot of what if this team would’ve been healthy going into the tournament. They were playing their best basketball and had five top 10 wins. But injuries to Donovan Dent and Bilodeau were too much to overcome for this team. As they were eliminated in the round of 32. With Dent less than 100% and Bilodeau out completely.

All eight games that Dailey Jr. started at the power forward position to end the season, he scored in double digits and every single one of those games, including the round of 64 matchup against UCF where he led the team with 20 points. UCLA is hopeful to get him back for his senior season as he is a very good scoring player. He most likely would stay at the power forward position and try and build on that consistency.