UCLA will hold a visit for an elite defensive player this weekend from Appalachian State

UCLA will hold a visit from Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in Luke Wilson according to Jon Rothstein. The 6’9 center spent two years at Appalachian State before entering the transfer portal. He is on the smaller size of being a center but is a very good defensive player. Something that UCLA is looking to improve going into the 2026 season. In 2025 they locked players who could block shots and protect the paint. Outside of Xavier Booker.

As the team looks to short up the paint, will become a commodity for the team. He blocked 1.8 shots per game this past season in route to his DPOY honors. At 285 pounds, he takes up a good amount of the paint and can size up larger centers. He has two years of eligibility remaining. Which could allow him to grow in a new system with multiple years left. There is potential in his offensive game as well to build upon.

Last season Wilson averaged 10.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He shot 64.2% from the floor, but only had 5.4 attempts per game. He is a player that will operate around the block and paint all game. There is no expanding upon that. As he does not shoot any 3-pointers. That can be seen as a positive as UCLA needs a bruiser on the inside. Wilson will provide that and then coaching can help expand his attempts and efficiency.

UCLA has been aggressive early in the portal. They’re determined to help rebuild their roster around the players that they brought back. The man piece being Trent Perry who has a very high ceiling. Now center, combo guard and wing are the priorities. Especially with Skyy Clark on his way out. The strategy UCLA has been taking is to get players with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Such as Sergej Macura and Filip Jović coming in.