UCLA is missing paint and rim protection, and their former player William Kyle III is doing just that at Syracuse

UCLA is currently 201st in the nation only averaging 3.2 blocks per game on the season. One player they decided was not a fit for their roster was William Kyle III. Kyle III alone is averaging 2.7 blocks per game for Syracuse this season. Proving to UCLA that he could’ve been a viable resource for them on defense. As a shop blocking has been hard to come by for this Bruins team this season. They have had trouble defending the paint and constantly lose that battle each and every night.

When Kyle III decided to hit the transfer portal after the 2024 season. He was looking for an opportunity at playing time and getting onto the court more. With UCLA he only got onto the court for 9.8 minutes per game. A far cry from when he transferred from South Dakota State after the 2023 season looking to make a name for himself at a larger school. There he played 26.2 minutes per game for a total of 67 games over two seasons. Averaging 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game to go along with 1.4 blocks per game.

Being one of the more athletic big men in the nation. It was a very curious decision to leave him on the bench for a majority of the games. Especially with UCLA going with three guard sets that didn’t work for a majority of the time in 2024. Now with UCLA struggling for a shot blocking in 2025 they are paying the price in watching Kyle III walk right out the door. His shot blocking has completely changed Syracuse. Helping the team rank second in the nation with 6.3 blocks per game.

UCLA has struggled in the 2025 season. There are decisions that were made that have affected them tremendously. Two of them being the paint and shot blocking. Which Kyle III has been elite at both of them this season. He could really be used on this UCLA roster right now to help protect the rim. Teams that are 201st in the nation at blocking shots are usually not teams you see as NCAA title contenders come March Madness.