14. UCLA (2-0)
Despite it being their first season in the Big Ten, UCLA had a nice bounce back last season and are hoping that momentum continues into this year. Mick Cronin landed a few very notable additions in the offseason, including Donovan Dent, one of the top players in the entire transfer portal. The Bruins have a talented roster that they hope can make legitimate noise in the Big Ten though they’re also still figuring some things out.
Opening night was a bit closer than some expected, but the Bruins still won 80-74 over Eastern Washington. Dent led the charge with 21 points and 9 assists while Tyler Bilodeau settled back into a major role with 19 points and 6 rebounds. UCLA took care of business again on Friday, outlasting Pepperdine 74-63 in another finish closer than some expected. Regardless, Xavier Booker had 15 points and 5 blocks as the Bruins survived something of a cold shooting night against the Waves.
Those first two showings weren’t exactly the kinds of efforts that blow anyone away but it’s far too early to make sweeping statements about this team. UCLA has a great crop of talent and we know that both Bilodeau and Dent are capable of being game changing playmakers in the weeks ahead. Still, the Bruins need to find another gear fast because there’s an intense matchup with former league rival Arizona coming late last week.