All-time UCLA Bruins March Madness starting lineup

Mick Cronin’s second season at UCLA was largely seen as a failure, with a talented team nearly missing the tournament. However, UCLA went to Dayton for a chance in the First Four, and behind Johnny Juzang’s 23 points, the Bruins beat Michigan State 86-80. 

Then, Juzang dropped 27 to knock off BYU in a 6-11 matchup in the first round. The Bruins got lucky with Abilene Christian winning as a 14-seed, so they coasted into the Sweet 16 behind a game-high 17 from Juzang. The Kentucky transfer was officially on a heater, but even as he cooled off, UCLA beat Alabama to advance to the Elite Eight. 

In the Elite Eight, Juzang had his most memorable game of the tournament. In a 51-49 slog of a win over Michigan, Juzang was masterful, scoring 28 points on 19 shots including a floater with a minute left to give the Bruins a 50-47 lead. 

He may not be a basketball legend like those before him on the list and UCLA didn’t win the title in 2021. Still, even in the Final Four loss to Gonzaga on a Jalen Suggs half-court heave, Juzang had a game-high 29 points and his improbable run through the tournament deserves to be immortalized.