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
