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UCLA Basketball: Takeaways from victory over Marquette Golden Eagles

By Chris Thedinga

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 07: Head coach Mick Cronin of the UCLA Bruins cheers on his team in the second half of the game against the USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 7, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 07: Head coach Mick Cronin of the UCLA Bruins cheers on his team in the second half of the game against the USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 7, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Payton Pritchard Oregon Ducks Jules Bernard UCLA Bruins (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Playmakers developing for the Bruins

The momentous play of Jules Bernard has been a welcomed (if not slightly unexpected) sight for Mick Cronin and the Bruins. He and Jaime Jaquez combined for an impressive 13-19 for 33 points. A year ago, Bernard averaged just 5.5 points per game in about 16 minutes in each game. This year when stepped into an increased role averaging 28 minutes per game, Bernard has capitalized on his opportunities.

He has proven to be a true playmaker capable of creating his own shot. Bernard has had a solid long-range stroke but has been most effective when he isn’t put into a role of simply a spot-up shooter. He has displayed excellent moves in penetration and around the basket.

Speaking of playmakers, Jaquez is blossoming into one of only a handful of people in the country with his skillset. Undersized when in the post, Jaquez is a voracious rebounder and creates a lot of second-chance opportunities. He also plays tough defense, can shoot the ball well, and is a talented shot-creator.

These two, along with the sure hands of Tyger Campbell create a trio of very capable ball handlers that all have a wide skill set and an ability to shoot off the dribble. Few teams have the luxury of having that. Plus, that is without even mentioning Chris Smith. I had just talked about how I believe there is cause for concern regarding the ceiling of Smith, but he is most definitely someone who can put the ball on the floor and create.

Next. 10 freshmen studs early on in 2020-21. dark

Looking ahead in the schedule, before conference play UCLA has both Long Beach State and Kentucky. LBSU has really struggled to make shots this year, and Kentucky is perhaps playing its worst basketball of the last decade. These are both friendly matchups that will lead to an important meeting with Dana Altman’s Oregon Ducks on December 23rd.

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