UCLA’s Mick Cronin Enters NCAA Tournament Amid Controversy and Coaching Philosophy Mick Cronin’s journey to the NCAA Tournament has been marked by both triumphs and turbulence. The UCLA men’s basketball coach, known for his intense approach, has faced criticism this season for his interactions with players and media, yet his methods continue to shape the Bruins’ roster. The season’s defining moments, from a math lesson during practice to a heated exchange with a reporter, highlight the duality of Cronin’s coaching style—honest yet volatile, demanding yet deeply committed to player development. During a practice session, Cronin gathered his team around a whiteboard, scribbling multiplication problems. When he incorrectly calculated 7×7 as 50, players like Jaylen Clark and Kenneth Nwuba reacted with confusion and laughter. Cronin used the moment to emphasize that “it only takes one bad environment, one bad interaction, one bad action to throw off all the good stuff you’ve done.” The lesson, though lighthearted, underscored his belief in accountability, a principle he has applied to both his players and himself. Cronin’s approach has not been without controversy. This season, he misjudged a foul by senior Steven Jamerson II, leading to a public clash with a reporter after a loss to Michigan State. The incident, which drew national attention, revealed his tendency to vent frustrations about officiating, scheduling, and travel. Yet, even as critics called him “over the top,” players like Clark acknowledged his intensity as a motivator. “If you’re not mentally tough, wanting to work, wanting to go from a boy to a man, then it’s probably not for you,” Clark said, reflecting on his own growth under Cronin’s guidance.#ucla #mick_cronin #jaylen_clark #steven_jamerson_ii #jim_leon
Xavier Booker's Role in UCLA's March Madness Prospects UCLA has finalized its starting lineup for the 2026 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, featuring Skyy Clark, Trent Perry, Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr., and Donovan Dent. While a strong starting five is essential, the Bruins’ success in the tournament will depend heavily on their bench depth, particularly the contributions of junior center Xavier Booker. As a key rotational player, Booker’s ability to step up in high-stakes games could determine how far UCLA advances. This is Booker’s first season with UCLA after transferring from Michigan State, where he spent his first two years of college. A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Booker brings a unique skill set for a 6-foot-11 big man. His offensive versatility allows for a high scoring ceiling, but his defensive consistency has been a concern, especially against physical opponents. Despite these challenges, Booker has delivered his best collegiate season to date, averaging 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 25 starts. He has also become the most utilized bench player on the roster, logging the most minutes among UCLA’s non-starters. Head coach Mick Cronin has acknowledged Booker’s progress, emphasizing his work ethic and adaptability. “It’s the hardest thing to teach, and that’s motor. He’s got a little bald guy chasing him up and down the court in practice,” Cronin said, highlighting Booker’s dedication to improving his competitiveness. While Booker’s offensive output lags behind Bilodeau’s team-leading 17.6 points per game, his efficiency stands out. He leads the Bruins in field goal percentage, shooting 55% from the field, and has shown flashes of dominance in critical matchups.#ucla #mick_cronin #xavier_booker #ncaa_men_s_college_basketball_tournament #donovan_dent
UCLA's Cronin Speaks on Trent Perry’s Unexpected Rise This Season Trent Perry has emerged as a standout player for the UCLA Bruins this season, defying expectations with his rapid ascent up the team’s depth chart. Entering his second year with the program, Perry has become a crucial contributor, averaging 12.7 points per game while shooting 44% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc. His performance has been a bright spot for a team that has struggled at times this season. Perry’s growth has been particularly notable after a modest freshman season, during which he averaged just 3.7 points per game in limited minutes. This year, however, he has stepped into a more prominent role, frequently finding himself in the starting lineup. His ability to consistently score from three-point range has made him a key offensive weapon for UCLA. Perry is one of four Bruins—alongside Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, and Xavier Booker—who are shooting 41% or better from deep, highlighting his importance to the team’s offensive strategy. Perry’s breakout season gained momentum during Skyy Clark’s extended absence due to injury. When Clark was sidelined, Perry seized the opportunity to play a larger role, earning a full-time starting position. His performance during that stretch was so impactful that he retained his spot in the lineup even after Clark returned. This adaptability has allowed Perry to solidify his place in the rotation and become a reliable scorer for the Bruins. His contributions have been especially critical during high-stakes moments, such as the Big Ten Tournament. In the quarterfinals against Michigan State, Perry delivered a standout performance, scoring 22 points and hitting four three-pointers in a 88-84 victory over the Spartans.#big_ten_tournament #ucla_brains #skyy_clark #mick_cronin #trent_perry
Super sophomore Trent Perry could give UCLA some March magic Trent Perry, a rising star for the UCLA Bruins, has become a focal point of optimism as the team prepares for the NCAA Tournament. The guard’s recent performances have positioned him as a key player in the team’s push for a deep run in the postseason. Perry’s ability to score, create, and lead has elevated UCLA into a contender, despite being a seventh-seeded team. Their first-round matchup against 10th-seeded UCF is set for Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Perry’s journey to this moment has been marked by resilience and adaptability. After stepping in as a midseason replacement for Skyy Clark in the starting lineup, he quickly proved his worth with a 30-point outburst against Penn State. His impact has only grown since Clark’s return, as Perry has continued to thrive in the three-guard starting lineup. His versatility—whether running the point, shooting from beyond the arc, or driving to the basket—has made him an indispensable asset for the Bruins. The 23-11 Bruins have also benefited from Perry’s presence in the starting lineup. His ability to space the floor and create driving lanes has quickened the team’s pace and improved their overall efficiency. This has been crucial as UCLA moved out of the NCAA Tournament bubble with a six-game winning streak in their last eight contests. Perry’s contributions have been instrumental in this turnaround, as evidenced by his 12.7 points per game average and a 41.2% shooting rate from three-point range. Perry’s clutch performances have further solidified his role. In a critical moment during the Big Ten Tournament, he made all six free throws in the final 36 seconds to help UCLA hold off Michigan State. His composure under pressure has drawn praise from coaches and peers alike.#ucla_brains #xfinity_mobile_arena #trent_perry #david_rebibo #mick_cronin
