UCLA Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Bruins

Key Reserves

G — SO David Singleton

The best 3-point shooter on UCLA’s roster and a player that could even work his way into the starting lineup, David Singleton will be the first man off the bench at the guard position. Singleton only saw limited minutes stuck in a crowded backcourt, but made the most of the opportunities he was given. The 6-foot-4 guard scored 5.2 points in just 17.5 minutes per game, leading the Bruins with a 46.7-percent clip from 3. If Campbell has a hard time adjusting to Ali’s struggles continue, expect Singleton to see a higher volume of usage and a handful of starts.

F — R-FR Shareef O’Neal

Another freshman that’s season was cut short before it even began, Shareef O’Neal underwent open-heart surgery and is now fully healthy. The No. 32 prospect in ESPN’s 2018 class, O’Neal is an athletic and lengthy forward, one that should make a big impact down the stretch of the season for UCLA. He has nice touch around the rim and should provide a defensive boost off the bench, too. If everything goes as expected, O’Neal could be primed for a starting gig by season’s end. Talent isn’t a shortcoming with the redshirt freshman.

G — JR Chris Smith

A consistent rotational player for UCLA last season, Chris Smith appeared in every game and even started 12 games — he was replaced in the lineup by Hill, however. As a junior, he’s one of the most experienced Bruins, though his struggles have been clear. Smith averaged 6.3 point and 3.7 rebounds per game as a sophomore but did so shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 28.1 percent from 3. Smith will be a solid rotational player, but there’s still a lot to work on offensively.

G/F — FR Jaime Jaquez Jr.

There may not be a ton of opportunity for Jaime Jaquez Jr. this season, but an off-the-bench role seems like the obvious starting point for the No. 92 prospect in ESPN’s 2019 recruiting class. The 6-foot-6 Jaquez Jr. is a natural scorer with a smooth shot that should translate well in the NCAA. He finished his senior year at Camarillo (California) High School averaging 31.7 points per game, 12.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. If Jaquez Jr. starts off hot, it wouldn’t be fully surprising to see him garner more minutes as the season progresses.