Tyler Bilodeau 13 game check in for the Bruins

Tyler Bilodeau has by far been the best player on UCLA this season. We have highlighted his chase for a 50/40/90 season, and he has been playing the best basketball of his career. The efficiency is through the roof and UCLA has been a whole new team since he returned from injury. He dropped 34 points the other night and was unstoppable all over the floor. There are times that he gets into a rhythm and it is so hard to stop. Highlighting that he is taking his game to a whole new level since returning for this season.

Bilodeau was seen as the most important player to announce his return. As many players hit the transfer portal after last season. It was intriguing to see if he would do the same. Ultimately electing to return to Cronin’s team along with Skyy Clark and Eric Dailey Jr. Bilodeau was the leading scorer for UCLA last year and transitioned back to his natural position of power forward. Since many times last season, he played small ball center.

You see the comfortability level of him being back at power forward. It also keeps him fresher now that he doesn’t have to guard centers. Guarding the five is not an easy job. It can easily wear players down and affect their offensive game. Fortunately, for the Bruins they brought in Xavier Booker as a transfer. He can help fill the role of guarding centers. Not needing to have him as a focal point on offense. Just as a guy that can shoot a little and screen and roll.

Bilodeau on the season is averaging 19 points per game. Doing so on an insane 54.8/46.7/92.9 shooting line. His eFG% is also at an elite 63.3%. Bilodeau has improved every year in college. After spending two years at Oregon State, he is now in his second season with UCLA. Proving to be their best player and one that will need to carry the offense for this season and into March. If he continues to do so at the rate he is, the UCLA offense has a high ceiling.