A closer look at UCLA's basketball's 2024-25 new look roster

Here is a look at the returning players, incoming transfers, and two incoming freshmen for UCLA's roster for the upcoming season.

Returning players from last season listed below.

UCLA brings back six scholarship players as the transfer portal officially closed for those who wanted to enter on May 1st.

Here is a look at the six incoming transfers.

UCLA also brings in two scholarship freshmen Eric Freeny, who is listed as a 6'3 shooting guard from Corona, CA as well as Trent Perry who is also listed as a 6'3 shooting guard like Freeny. That brings the scholarship players to 13 student-athletes for the 2024-25 roster meaning one of the 14 student-athletes will not be on scholarship and this signals how NIL incentives can overtake the direct need for scholarships as student-athletes can be compensated financially in other ways.

Reasons why UCLA can reach the Sweet Sixteen again in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

New Conference, New Challenges: UCLA is entering a new era, joining the Big Ten conference. This will bring fresh competition, with traditional and newer powerhouse teams like Michigan State, Purdue, and Illinois on the Bruins' schedule. The Big Ten is known for its physical style of play, so expect the Bruins to be tested early and often for the 2024-25 season. This will be a great opportunity to see how they adapt and rise to the challenge as UCLA should on paper have a better, more experienced, and an improved offense for the upcoming season.

Young Talent and the Development of the Sophomore Class: The Bruins are bringing in four-star guard Eric Freeny, four-star guard Trent Perry, and walk-on Christian Horry, son of NBA legend Robert Horry. The sophomore class of Mack, Mara, and Williams look to take the next step in their development of being a productive and efficient group of players on the hardwood court for this upcoming season.

Building on a Strong Foundation: The Bruins have a core of returning players with experience, including some of their top scorers from last season. This will provide stability as they navigate the new conference but they will be led by their head coach Cronin who is experienced and has proven in the past that is will be able to bring UCLA back to competing for championships.

Coaching Prowess of Mick Cronin: Coach Cronin is known for his defensive schemes and ability to get the most out of his players. He will make the necessary adjustments in his coaching style to the Big Ten and continue to develop the talent on his roster.

Potential for a Deep Run in March Madness: With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, UCLA has the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The excitement of March Madness is always something to look forward to and Cronin looks to bring the energy and excitement back to Westwood for March.

Pauley Pavilion Atmosphere: Pauley Pavilion is one of the most iconic venues in college basketball, with a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase and the hope is that it will be packed once again with sell-out crowds. The atmosphere for games, especially conference matchups, should be electric as the Bruins enter Big Ten play.

Faith that Cronin and UCLA can improve greatly on last season's overall season performance.

Cronin proved himself early in his UCLA coaching tenure when he won the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in his first season at UCLA (2019-20). He also guided the Bruins to a Final Four appearance in 2021 and he led the Bruins to the Sweet Sixteen in three consecutive seasons (2021-2023). One disappointing season does not dismiss what he has accomplished at UCLA and does not mean that the Bruins can not have good to great success for this upcoming season.