The textual content message mentioned much more than the seven phrases on Mick Cronin’s telephone.
“Coach,” the message from UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic learn, “that’s a great get for us.”
Stefanovic was referring to the Bruins’ addition of Kobe Johnson, a lockdown defender who was transferring throughout city from USC — and sure taking Stefanovic’s spot within the beginning lineup.
A roster makeover that led to 9 newcomers meant that some holdovers must settle for lesser roles, and Stefanovic was all for it.
“How many guys would do that?” Cronin mentioned Wednesday of Stefanovic’s selflessness as UCLA opened follow. “Most guys would have called compliance and got in the [transfer] portal. But he wants to win and play in the NCAA [tournament], it’s why he came here.”
It’s additionally the type of gesture that may must be in abundance on a group that Cronin mentioned he hoped could possibly be his deepest and most proficient in additional than twenty years as a head coach. 5 of the six incoming transfers have been full-time starters at their earlier stops, including a mixed 75.1 factors of scoring to a group that struggled simply to make layups a 12 months in the past.
The place does that depart the Bruins’ 4 returning starters? The one one who appears assured of holding that designation is level guard Dylan Andrews, who rounded into one of many Pac-12’s finest gamers by season’s finish. Stefanovic, Sebastian Mack and Brandon Williams determined to return regardless of unsure futures, favoring wins over enjoying time. Williams even provided to redshirt over the summer time if it might assist the group.
“It’s about UCLA basketball — the best tradition in college basketball,” Cronin mentioned of the singular focus, “so I don’t really want to hear any complaints about all that [other] stuff all year because you signed up for it, you could have left, or you didn’t have to come.”
UCLA guard Dylan Andrews dribbles throughout a recreation in opposition to Arizona at Pauley Pavilion on March 7.
(Jae C. Hong / Related Press)
The sign-up sheet was prolonged for a group coming off a 16-17 file. Along with Johnson, the Bruins snagged guards Skyy Clark (Louisville) and Dominick Harris (Loyola Marymount) and forwards Tyler Bilodeau (Oregon State), Eric Dailey Jr. (Oklahoma State) and William Kyle III (South Dakota State). Someway, there remained room on the roster for freshmen Trent Perry, Eric Freeny and Christian Horry.
Clark mentioned everyone realizes there’s no supersizing the lineup to accommodate the inflow of expertise, that solely 5 can play at a time.
“We got a really deep team,” Clark mentioned, “so, I mean, whoever is rolling that night, I pretty much believe that the team understands, like, we just gotta cheer those guys on. Then, when it’s your time to get on the court and do what you gotta do, we can do it.”
The Bruins confirmed their potential in the course of the summer time when a gaggle that included Johnson, Dailey and Perry beat a number of NBA counterparts — Clippers guard James Harden amongst them — in a pickup recreation on campus. Johnson’s protection drew reward throughout follow Wednesday when Cronin famous his means to steal the ball from teammates “like you’re little kids.”
Sophomore heart Aday Mara didn’t take part within the a part of follow open to reporters, pedaling on a stationary bicycle as a part of the ultimate stage of his restoration from a foot harm. Cronin mentioned Mara might return in a few week however had benefited from being sidelined as a result of it allowed him so as to add bulk to his threadlike 7-foot-3 body.
UCLA will possible function 4 guards on the courtroom at any given second and shouldn’t endure the lengthy scoring lulls that doomed final season given all of the shooters on this roster. Harris ranked third nationally final season by making 44.8% of his three-pointers.
UCLA’s depth will enable Cronin to unleash extra stress protection, although he mentioned the Bruins wouldn’t use an all-out full-court press as a result of he most well-liked to disguise coverages and assault groups in numerous methods. For possibly the primary time in his six seasons at UCLA, Cronin has sufficient gamers to problem a mandate that won’t contain asking high gamers to log not less than 35 minutes per recreation.
“Play as hard as you can, do not conserve energy, get a rest,” Cronin mentioned of his message.
Turning over the roster for a second consecutive season meant the Bruins spent as a lot time socializing as engaged on their soar shot over the summer time in an effort to get to know one another. Gamers attended a Dodgers recreation, went bowling and frolicked on the seaside along with having a number of group dinners.
“Didn’t really know many guys, but just those bonding events … it was just a lot of fun,” Bilodeau mentioned. “Just being around the guys, laughing, having a good time.”
Stefanovic could have misplaced his beginning spot however gained a designation because the undisputed chief. Cronin mentioned he instructed the senior guard that he wanted to assist set up group tradition given his savvy as a returning participant and willingness to talk up amongst teammates, to not point out his means to attain and rebound.
“Just like I told him,” Cronin mentioned, “we need his voice.”
If every little thing works out, it might provoke the Bruins till early April.
