UCLA is better equipped this time around to handle a three-guard starting lineup

UCLA struggled with their three guards set in the 2024 season. But with them moving back to a three-guard set late in 2025. Could they have more success this time around? The problem in 2024 was they had no spacing. The guards were not able to shoot 3-pointers and at many times the floor was congested. Leading to many nights where the offense became stagnant. Because teams knew to push them farther away from the paint.

This led to Mick Cronin in 2025 moving away from that. Which allowed Tyler Bilodeau to move back to power forward and Eric Dailey Jr. to move back to small forward. Those were each of those players natural position, allowing them to be more comfortable and move more freely within the offense. Moving back to their traditional point guard and shooting guard that featured Donovan Dent and Skyy Clar. This UCLA team can shoot the 3-pointer very well.

Now 27 games into the season. UCLA was forced to go back to a three-guard set to save their season in a thrilling win against Illinois. As Dent, Clark and the emerging Trent Perry started the game. With Dailey Jr. and Bilodeau both moving up a position again. It was something that needed to be done to spark this team. It moved Xavier Booker to the bench. Which was a great thing that happened as he went 7-8 from the floor for 16 points.

With the success that they had. It may leave Cronin no choice, but to go for a round two with a three-guard set. With the team being able to shoot better maybe this is the spark that they need to make a run in the Big Ten tournament and then March. At this point in the season, you must pull out all stops because sooner or later it is going to become win or go home time. If you don’t adapt, you might as well pack it in.