9. UCLA Bruins
I originally thought of having both Los Angeles schools in the mix but USC looked appealing before realizing that if Bronny James were to commit, it would be him, No. 1 overall commit Isaiah Collier, and returning leading scorer Boogie Ellis on the backcourt. Holland just wouldn’t get the ball enough for it to be a viable option.
The other school in town has a better case, depending on how the roster turns out. The big reason why UCLA, another team that was previously in the mix for Holland, may lose all five starters from this past season to the NBA Draft. Seniors Jaime Jaquez and Tyger Campbell look to be done, while freshman big man Adem Bona could stay in the draft.
Amari Bailey and Jaylen Clark, who is nursing a season-ending injury, have 1st round grades but could come back. But as long as Jaquez is gone, Holland would get the starting forward spot without issue and would be a focal point in the offense, playing next to five-star guard prospect, Ilane Fibleuil.
If I knew the status of the draft players, I could feel more confident in the Bruins and their ability to make a compelling case for Holland. But the historic blue blood that has gotten back into the national scene under Coach Mick Cronin still is worth taking a look at.