Players in the basketball transfer portal who have mentioned UCLA

There are more players than you may think who have mentioned UCLA as a possible destination among those in the college basketball transfer portal.

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UCLA's basketball strategy in the transfer portal seems to be specific and opportunistic. They seem to be focused on filling specific needs while maintaining a high recruiting standard.

  • Address needs: The Bruins look to address weaknesses in their roster through the portal. There appears to be a focus on adding a big man to help boost their front line to help Adem Bona assuming he returns to Westwood and forgoes the 2024 NBA draft, and looking for a third and possibly fourth target that has experience and fits within Cronin's system.
  • Academic standards: UCLA prioritizes players who can succeed academically alongside their athletic careers as UCLA as it is the No. 1 ranked public national university according to World News & World Report. There are student-athletes in the portal that they are focusing on that meet their academic standards.
  • Not a primary focus: While they utilize the portal, it doesn't seem to be the main source of talent acquisition for their program. Strong recruiting classes are still a priority overall, even though they only have one incoming true freshman for next season. Remember, last season they brought in seven true freshmen for their 2023 recruiting class.

Here is a look at some of the players in the transfer portal that have mentioned that UCLA has contacted them about the possibility of playing for the Bruins next season.

EJ Neal from Idaho mentioned that he has received interest from UCLA.

Gibson Jimerson from St. Louis it has been reported that he has been in contact with UCLA.

Stanford transfer Kanaan Carlyle it has been reported that he has heard from UCLA since he entered the transfer portal.

Washington Huskie transfer has reportedly mentioned that UCLA is in his top five schools.

Luke O'Brien from Colorado entered the transfer portal and said that he was hearing from a group of schools and one of them is UCLA.

Michigan transfer has been reported to have heard from many schools and one of them is UCLA.

Keyshawn Hall a transfer from George Mason has received interest from UCLA.

Tony Perkins a transfer from Iowa has heard from UCLA since he entered the transfer portal.

A mid-major transfer from UC San Diego named Bryce Pope has heard from UCLA since he entered the transfer portal.

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