UCLA basketball is gearing up for the 2023-24 season with a supersized, freshman-heavy roster that has fans and opponents alike buzzing. With players like 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara and 6-foot-10 center Adem Bona, the Bruins are poised to dominate the post. But their size advantage doesn't stop there. UCLA also boasts towering players on the wings and at point guard, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Coach Mick Cronin is excited about the potential of this team. He believes that having both Mara and Bona on the floor will cause trouble for opposing teams. The Bruins also have depth in their rotation, with players like 6-foot-9 forward Berke Buyuktuncel and 6-foot-7 forward Brandon Williams ready to contribute.
In addition to their impressive roster, UCLA is also set to face a challenging non-conference schedule. The Bruins have 11 games lined up, including matchups in the Maui Invitational that could have an impact on their NCAA Tournament seedings. Fans are particularly excited about the possibility of facing Kansas in the semifinals of the tournament.
The Bruins will kick off their season with home games against Saint Francis (Pennsylvania) and Lafayette. UCLA has a history of success against Saint Francis, defeating them by a large margin in a previous tournament. As for Lafayette, this will be the first meeting between the two teams.
Overall, UCLA's supersized roster and tough non-conference schedule have fans eager for the upcoming season. Can this team live up to the hype and dominate the competition? Only time will tell.