Pac-12 Basketball: Breaking down the 2017-18 star on each team in the conference
By Connor Hope
UCLA Bruins – Jaylen Hands
The only freshman on this list, UCLA’s Jaylen Hands has the ability to become the top player in Westwood. While Thomas Welsh and Aaron Holiday are both returning for the Bruins, neither player has the full set of tools that Hands has at his disposal.
As a senior in high school, Hands averaged 29.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.9 steals. His efficiency and talent on both ends of the court are exactly what UCLA needs after losing so many key pieces from last season.
It will be difficult for Hands to match the legacy of Lonzo Balls incredible 2016-17 season, but his skillset allows him to contribute in different ways. While Ball was a pass first point with an unorthodox, but consistent, shot, Hands appears to be a player that can create his own looks, while still having the vision to pass the ball to the open man.
With Welsh’s consistent mid-range shooting, Holidays ability to get open and score from all over the court, and the offensive promise of UCLA’s new recruits, the Bruins look like a team that aims to replicate last season’s scoring success.
Just like last year, the key to high octane offense is consistent play from the point guard position. Hands has the talent to provide that consistency and could end up being one of the top players in the country because of it.