UCLA Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Bruins

Starters

PG — R-FR Tyger Campbell

If Tyger Campbell is healthy enough, he’s the most talented point guard on this roster. The then-four-star recruit suffered a season-ending ACL injury in practice and missed his freshman year with UCLA. With the early departure of Jaylen Hands, Campbell is expected to take hold of Mick Cronin’s offense. The 5-foot-11 guard scored 15.5 points on 42 percent shooting from 3, and added 7.2 assists per game in his senior season at La Lumiere (Indiana) School, just a peek at what made Campbell a top 100 recruit in 247sports’ 2018 rankings.

SG — R-SR Prince Ali

There is a chance that Prince Ali gets moved to a sixth man role once the season enters conference play if his production doesn’t improve, but for now, he’s the most experienced player on this UCLA roster. Ali is a defensive-minded guard, averaging 1.3 steals per game last year, but has struggled at times offensively. Last year, the 6-foot-4 guard scored 9.6 points on 42.9 percent shooting (33.9 percent from 3). He’s athletic but has been unable to put it all together — a flaw that could result in a move toward the bench if a younger player begins to outperform the fifth year. Ali’s veteran leadership is a must for a young Bruins team looking to make the NCAA Tournament after missing the cut in 2019.

SF — SO Jules Bernard

Though just a freshman and playing in limited time — just 17.2 minutes per game — Jules Bernard became a key reserve for UCLA. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game on 46.9 percent shooting from the field. He even flashed a consistent 3-point shot, too. With Campbell’s return from injury and Bernard’s talent screaming for a starting spot, expect a slide to the wing for the sophomore. He’s got the length and all the tools needed to be a solid forward and should take a huge step forward as UCLA’s primary scorer this season.

PF — SO Cody Riley

Another tall forward that often came off the bench for UCLA last season, Cody Riley became a solid contributor in limited playing time. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 5.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.4 blocks in 17.4 minutes per game as a freshman, numbers that should all see an uptick as a full-time starter. Riley’s post presence will help UCLA’s offense flow and his length should give the Bruins a nice boost defensively.

C – R-SO Jalen Hill

One of the most experienced players for UCLA comes at the center position, where Jalen Hill started for nearly half of the games last year. The 6-foot-10 big backed up five-star prospect Moses Brown who has since left for the NBA, leaving the position all to him. In 20.2 minutes per game, Hill strung together a respectable stat line of 4.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 56.3 percent shooting. The redshirt sophomore will bring a physical presence inside the paint and should play a significant role in rebounding and rim protection. Hill is a possible breakout candidate this season for the Bruins.