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.
By Ryan Kay
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.