NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 team finalists for 2023 5-star guard Ja’Kobe Walter
By Ian Mumm
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins have re-emerged towards the top of the sport in the direction of head coach Mick Cronin. UCLA’s Final Four run last season was unable to be replicated this year, but the program is back in the regard it should hold. The now 4th-year coach has increased the team’s win total by at least three each season and is drawing in talent at the same level to maintain that kind of production.
This off-season may be a little tougher for the program after losing top rotational pieces in Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernand, but UCLA does have the 12th-ranked recruiting class arriving on campus to back up Jaime Jaquez. Included in that group are 5-stars Amari Bailey and Adam Bona who have one-and-done potential, following the 2022-23 season, leaving the door open for more turnover and increased opportunity for a player in Walter’s position. Cronin has thrived utilizing athletes that excel on both ends of the floor and developing talent for his program as well as the next level.
5-star wing Peyton Watson didn’t receive much playing time in his career with the Bruins, but he had to contend with All-American and All-Conference candidates to achieve those minutes. While Walter is no stranger or averse to competition, as Watson wasn’t either, UCLA’s roster is unlikely to be in the same position under the current circumstances that would prevent Walter from being a cornerstone piece as soon as his freshman season.
The notoriety, national exposure, and competition affiliated with the program are one of the more perfect springboards towards the next level.