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UCLA Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Bruins

By Adam Childs

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 23: Jaylen Hands #4 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after scoring during the second half of the CBS Sports Classic against the Kentucky Wildcats at the Smoothie King Center on December 23, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 23: Jaylen Hands #4 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after scoring during the second half of the CBS Sports Classic against the Kentucky Wildcats at the Smoothie King Center on December 23, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OH – MARCH 13: Head coach Steve Alford of the UCLA Bruins draws a up a play with his players during a timeout in the game against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – MARCH 13: Head coach Steve Alford of the UCLA Bruins draws a up a play with his players during a timeout in the game against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at UD Arena on March 13, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Season Outlook

The Bruins need to have a good year or Steve Alford is going to be looking for a new job. UCLA expects excellence in basketball and it has been a long time since they have truly seen it. Alford was thought to be the guy to bring them back but so far it has been a lot of disappointing seasons.

With no seniors on the team, the Bruins could definitely have some growing pains early especially with their tough non-conference schedule. But that schedule could also make them battle tested come conference time.

They have a lot of talent and could be good for a couple of years, but they need to play well this year. I think the Bruins struggle a little in Las Vegas but learn from it and finish with a big win against either Cincinnati or Ohio State (or even both).

Next. Worst performances per each Pac-12 team this decade. dark

If they can do that, they should have the confidence to play with Arizona and Oregon for the top of the conference. Look for the Bruins to play well enough this year to afford Alford at least one more season as he will have most of the team returning next year. This team may be young but should be a team to keep an eye on throughout the year. They may sneak up on some teams.

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