NCAA Basketball: Top 25 team backcourts for 2021-22 season

Despite falling in and out of sync with their on-court identity multiple times last season, the Bruins were able to string together one of the strongest performances of March Madness last season. Finding their way to a Final Four appearance in head coach Mick Cronin’s 2nd season with the team and losing out on a title opportunity by 3 points is a big improvement over the program’s 2019-20 results in addition to boasting a tougher schedule. Last season’s successes can undoubtedly be awarded to the efforts of the backcourt collective.

Junior guard Johnny Juzang emerged as a star in the NCAA Tournament and returns for another season in a Bruins uniform. His ability to create his own shot from all over the floor takes the pressure off many other members of the team to consistently produce and allow the team’s strong defensive principles to bring home results. The return of sharpshooters and pesky rebounders Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Jake Kyman gives this group a completeness to hit any shot on the court regardless of who’s number is called.

Cronin will also see the return of floor general Tyger Campbell to lead his troops this season. Campbell’s feel for the game is superb and doesn’t get enough credit for his production on both ends of the floor, particularly in areas that won’t show up in a box score. He is joined by Jules Bernard as well for another year and this year’s group return the collective chemistry that helped propel them to a near championship run.

The benefit of the 2021-22 backcourt however is the addition of 5-star wing Peyton Watson and 4-star guard Will McClendon to the team this offseason. McClendon will likely face strong competition from returning reserves Jaylen Clark and David Singleton as the primary backups to Campbell should he need it or get into foul trouble.

However, Watson on the other hand has the means to carve out a significant and likely role in this year’s rotation alongside Juzang, Jacquez, and company. At 6’8” he gives Coach Cronin another big body on the wings to increase roster versatility and expand the depth this team can thrive with.

This year’s group possesses the means to reproduce their results from last year and surpass them with the talent they feature on the bench. The Bruins continue to have a dynamic roster and their backcourt will be leaned on heavily to pave the way to success this season.