Pac-12 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

The Bruins lost a fair amount of talent all over the roster this offseason. All-Pac 12 guard Johnny Juzang, double-digit scorer Jules Bernard, former five-star wing Peyton Watson, and big men Cody Riley and Myles Johnson. Yet, there’s still not only plenty of quality players returning, but some star additions to the roster as well.

In the backcourt, senior point guard Tyger Campbell is one of the best two-way players in the country. In a sport where having quality perimeter players matter, UCLA is in a great spot. Joining him in the backcourt is top-10 overall freshman Amari Bailey, a likely “one and done” prospect and combo guard. David Singleton is a 42% three-point shooter and solid role player, while Will McClendon and Dylan Andrews adds more depth as ball-handlers.

Jaime Jaquez averaged 13.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg last season and had several 20+ point games. The 6’7 combo forward also was an All-Pac 12 defender as well. So was Jaylen Clark, who made the list for the Bruins off the bench. He’s a breakout candidate for the league as he’ll likely slide into the starting lineup.

UCLA will likely use smaller lineups throughout the season, with five-star center Adem Bona anchoring the defense at the center position. He’s not the biggest player at 6’9 and 220 pounds but is highly athletic and can rebound and play defense.

This projected starting lineup could be one of the best in the country next season and in the Pac-12 and with Campbell, Bailey, and Jaquez as a quality scoring trio, they should be the favorite to win the league.