UCLA Basketball: Keys for the Bruins against St. Bonaventure

Give the Ball To Your Stars:

This sounds simple enough, however St. Bonaventure is not going to make life easy for the stars on this UCLA roster. The problem with that is, the Bruins have multiple stars that will create matchup problems for the Bonnies and many other teams they are going to face in this tournament. If the Bruins can get production from these individuals they will win this game.

The Bruins start and end with Aaron Holiday. The third generation Bruin behind his brother Jrue and Justin, who both are starters on an NBA roster.  Holiday is a clutch performer and this year has always come up with the big shot.  He is best when he is downhill going to the basket, but he is also a lethal shooter from deep.  Too many times this year the Bruins have relied too much on Holiday to do everything, on the biggest stage Holiday and the rest of the Stars are going to have to show up.

Thomas Welsh and GG Golomon the two bigs create matchup nightmares for everyone. Many a coach has been up at night trying to devise a game plan to stop these two.  Welsh and Golomon can hurt you in the low block, both can shoot from distance and both can handle the ball a little bit.  They also protect the rim and play defense.  These two bigs paired with Holiday create a coaches dream.

If UCLA gets normal production from their stars they will have no problem with St. Bonaventure. UCLA also has the luxury of having two of the more athletic freshman in this tournament.  Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands are both McDonalds All American’s who are not part of game plans yet, but can beat teams.  Wilkes is a long and athletic wing who is explosive.  If you are not careful he will get to the rim, and then the next possession can bury a corner three to extend a lead.  Wilkes played his basketball at a high level all through High School, and he won’t shrink on the stage.

Hands comes off the bench for the Bruins as their back up point guard. The Bruins do not lose much when he is on the floor as he is a great scorer and good passer.  Hands is another player who can be a sneaky good scorer.  He is a streaky shooter, who averages 10 points a game, and his average night is going to help take UCLA over the top.