Big Ten Basketball: Ranking all 18 programs after adding Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington

2. UCLA

Not only are they the program with the most national championships in the history of college basketball, UCLA has also been back in elite shape in recent seasons since Mick Cronin’s arrival in 2019. Even though the Bruins’ most recent national title is back in 1995, the program finds a way to be a major competitor seemingly on a regular basis.

We know about the distant past, but the recent past has been pretty brilliant as well. UCLA made a shocking run to the Final Four in 2021 and rode that talent to great finishes these last two seasons. The Bruins made Sweet Sixteen runs the last two seasons while winning 31 games and the Pac-12 regular season title this past season alone.

Cronin has brought elite talent to Los Angeles through freshmen and the Transfer Portal, effectively using all the weapons at his disposal to build UCLA’s success. These last few seasons have certainly been something, though you have to wonder if it would have been different from the Big Ten. This Bruins team was very talented, but likely doesn’t go 18-2 in last season’s Big Ten; but does that really matter?

Among the 18 members of the Big Ten, UCLA has the most impressive history and one of the most impressive runs in recent years. They aren’t going anywhere in regards to the talent or prestige of this program, even while facing a tougher conference slate. UCLA should continue to contend for national excellence in basketball, especially if Cronin continues to hit on these young ball players.