UCLA Basketball: Breaking down 2023-24 non-conference schedule

UCLA Basketball’s 2023-24 may be one of the most interesting in recent memory for the program. Mick Cronin’s team is dealing with several notable losses on the court and is about to make a seismic move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten.

On Monday, the Bruins announced the non-conference schedule for the upcoming season, which will officially begin for UCLA on Nov. 6. The rest of the team’s schedule is expected to be finalized in a couple of months.

UCLA will also play an exhibition against Cal State Dominguez Hills on Halloween.

How will UCLA fare during its last non-conference slate as a member of the Pac-12 as the Bruins prepare to move to the Big Ten?

The Bruins have the benefit of not leaving Pauley Pavilion until they head to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational in late November. They also don’t have any games scheduled for opposing team’s campuses, though the trip to play Villanova at the Wells Fargo Center can be considered a true road game.

UCLA lost a handful of program stalwarts from last season, including Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell, and Jaylen Clark, all of whom appear to be forging a professional path in either the NBA or G-League. Prized freshman Amari Bailey also left after one year for the NBA.

Former Utah guard Lazar Stefanovic will play a big role for Cronin, giving the team a reliable shooter. The Bruins will also lean heavily on big man Adem Bona, returning for his sophomore season.

Let’s take a closer look at UCLA’s non-conference schedule.