LOS ANGELES — The UCLA men’s basketball team will resume Big Ten conference play in 2026. The Bruins scheduled just two nonconference tests – against No. 1 Arizona and No. 7 Gonzaga – opting to use their Big Ten schedule to build a résumé.
It’s a valid strategy as UCLA has at least 10 more Quad 1 opportunities on its regular-season schedule. But back-loading competition leaves the Bruins less sure of who they are at this point in the season.
Here are four questions about UCLA (10-3, 2-0 Big Ten) as it continues Big Ten play Saturday at Iowa.
How can the Bruins improve on defense?
UCLA’s KenPom defensive rating – 100.9 points allowed per 100 possessions – currently ranks 46th in the nation, which is the third-worst mark in seven seasons under head coach Mick Cronin. But adjusted for strength of schedule, it drops to 206th, the lowest since Cronin took over in 2019, including the 2023-24 season when the Bruins had a losing record.
Simply put, defense is a problem like never before in the Cronin era. It’s Cronin’s calling card, but he has yet to push the right buttons this season.
The issue starts with personnel. Kobe Johnson, a veteran leader and arguably the Bruins’ best all-around defender, graduated. Aday Mara, an imposing, 7-foot-3 presence, transferred to Michigan. Dylan Andrews, a disappointing offensive player but solid perimeter defender, transferred to Boise State. The Bruins didn’t get a replacement for Johnson, bestowing his responsibilities on senior guard Skyy Clark. They added two unproven big men after Mara’s departure, and chose for offensive dynamism at point guard with Donovan Dent.
Cronin tends to employ a heavy ball-pressure scheme, asking his guards to hound ball-handlers and his centers to hedge screens. He seemingly doesn’t trust this group to execute that strategy as he’s resorted to zones and less aggressive man-to-man coverages, referring to it last week as “trickery to combat” the Bruins’ deficiencies.
UCLA has found its most overall success this season playing small ball, which has unleashed its offense. So to improve the defense, while playing small ball, the Bruins have to lean into aggression.
They have three guards – Dent, Clark and Trent Perry – that are quick, athletic and smart. They could increase the full- or half-court pressure and rotate through the trio to keep them fresh. Increasing the calculated riskiness on defense can make up for the lack of rim protection. Improving offense can also be a form of a defense as UCLA has the talent to straight up outscore opponents.
There will be matchups in which Cronin can unleash his patented ball-screen-trapping defense, but it won’t be commonplace. Instead, if UCLA wants to find consistency on defense, it has to unleash its guards and let them take risks; then hope the remaining personnel can provide toughness and rebounding, and live with the results.
What can we expect from Donovan Dent?
Apart from any statistic, the most indicative measurement of Dent’s disappointment is the disparity between expectation and reality. Dent was ranked No. 1 in the 2025 transfer class. He was discussed as a Bob Cousy Award candidate. He was compared to legendary point guards of UCLA’s past.
He might not be that player. The reality might not meet expectations. That doesn’t mean the New Mexico transfer can’t contribute to UCLA’s success.
“He doesn’t have to be Superman on our team,” Cronin said. “I just got to keep him focused on: ‘Be a leader and worry about your defense. Be a leader and worry about your team.’”
Over the past six games, he’s averaged 14.2 points, 6.5 assists and two steals. He’s improved his play and helped turn the Bruins into an elite transition offense team.
Dent’s problem is efficiency. He’s shooting 44.7% on two-point shots and 10% on 3-pointers after shooting 49% or better from the field in all three seasons at New Mexico. It’s a result of his diminished confidence and the increase in competition level.
“In the Mountain West, he was able to get to the rim in a way he’s not getting to at our level,” Cronin said earlier this month. “He’s got to have more confidence in his 3-point shot, his pull-up shot.”
Dent has shown a hesitance in both areas of the court. And when he does shoot it, he’s not confident in the ball finding the net. It’s a corollary cycle – the more he doubts himself, the worse his production gets.
“I had a bit of a mental stretch to start the season,” Dent said. “I know what kind of player I am, so I just want to get back to that.”
He’s inched closer over the past six games. He watched film of when he dominated opponents from all three levels. He’s attempted perimeter shots without judging the result – shooting three 3-pointers in two of the last three games, continuing to shoot regardless of if the last attempt found the net. It’s an uncomfortable spot for such a naturally gifted player, but if he commits to the process, he’ll rediscover a level of greatness.
It just might not meet previous outside expectations.
How can UCLA lean into its strength of offense?
Cronin’s style tends to prioritize defense and ask for efficiency from offense – high shot quality, few turnovers. Cronin is gradually starting to realize he can’t take his preferred approach this season.
Not with how inconsistent the rim protection has been. Not with who his best three players are, and where their strengths lie.
Bilodeau, Clark and Dent have combined for 50-plus points in five of the past six games, peaking at a total of 70 against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Dec. 19.
When those three are clicking offensively, UCLA is at its best. Their games flow together – Dent the playmaker, Clark the shot creator and Bilodeau the finisher. Their games are maximized when Cronin opens the floor, takes out a traditional center, or allows Dent to push the pace.
“When you got talented guards,” Cronin said, “you spread the floor, you’re hard to defend.”
“Tyler’s been playing the five a lot recently and he’s been getting open looks,” Perry said. “And in the three-guard lineup, we’ve been pushing the transition a lot more.”
Cronin has gradually grown comfortable with this new team identity. The Bruins will go as far as Bilodeau, Clark and Dent can take them. Each are offensive savants playing for a traditionally defensive coach, but one who is willing to adapt to maximize his greatest talents.
He can continue to do so by leaning into the three-guard lineups and transition offense.
Who has made UCLA’s rotation?
UCLA centers Xavier Booker and Steven Jamerson II saw their playing time decrease as nonconference play neared an end. In UCLA’s win against Cal Poly, they combined for a season-low five minutes. They totaled 25 against Arizona State and 20 against UC Riverside.
Following that final nonconference game Dec. 23, Cronin explained their downtrend in minutes saying he’s “trying to get his best players on the court, by any means.”
With Big Ten play here, it’s that time when rotations shrink. With some coaches, there’s a fixed amount of players in a rotation. With Cronin, it’s whoever he trusts.
This season, that includes the three offensive headliners – Bilodeau, Clark and Dent. Eric Dailey Jr. may not be scoring at the level he was to start the season, but he provides vocal leadership, athleticism and versatility.
Perry has proved he can initiate the offense or play off the ball, entrenching himself in the guard rotation, even playing alongside Dent and Clark often. Jamar Brown has brought the intangibles, knocking down shots and outkicking his size as a rebounder. He’s closed games and earned praise for his effort.
Those are the six players that will undoubtedly carry the load for UCLA.
From there, Cronin will play big men based on need. He has shown more confidence in redshirt junior Brandon Williams, as he can space the floor, help Bilodeau find mismatches, and is tough enough to bang down low. Booker may continue to start games, but it will come with a short leash, and Jamerson’s there if Cronin needs rebounding or help-side defense.
The Bruins certainly aren’t as deep as they’d like to be, but the time for developing that depth has come and gone. Cronin knows it.
“You have to find a way to play your best players and win,” he said, “whoever they are.”