UCLA will pay tribute to alum Dave Roberts before their game against the Maryland Terrapins on January 13, 2024, at Pauley Pavilion. Fans who donate to UCLA’s NIL collective, Men of Westwood, will receive T-shirts featuring a playful design inspired by the “Step Brothers” movie poster. The shirt depicts Mick Cronin, the Bruins’ head coach, resting his hands on Roberts’ shoulders, mirroring the famous image of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.
This homage serves as a stark contrast to the current circumstances facing both coaches. Roberts has successfully led the Los Angeles Dodgers to back-to-back World Series victories, earning him widespread admiration among sports fans in Los Angeles. In contrast, Cronin’s Bruins have struggled to meet the high expectations set for the season. With a record of 10-5 and 2-2 in the Big Ten, the team has recently suffered consecutive losses in conference road games and is still in search of a signature victory.
Defensive Issues Plague Bruins
The upcoming matchup against Maryland, which holds a record of 7-8 and 0-4 in the Big Ten, presents a crucial opportunity for UCLA. However, the game also carries the risk of an upset that could further damage their NET rating. Cronin, who has achieved a total of 513 wins in his coaching career, acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead.
“Coach Roberts will always go underrated,” Cronin said. “It’s not easy to win. I don’t care who’s on your team. I don’t care what your payroll is. Never underestimate winning because there’s so many variables that play into it.”
Despite Cronin’s reputation as a defensive strategist, this season has revealed significant weaknesses in the Bruins’ defensive play. Currently, UCLA ranks 60th in KenPom’s defensive ratings, allowing an average of 101.6 points per 100 possessions, marking the second-worst performance under Cronin. In a recent game against Wisconsin, the Bruins struggled to contain guard Nick Boyd, who easily penetrated their defense.
These deficiencies are attributed to both coaching and player execution. The Bruins have failed to adhere to scouting reports, resulting in inconsistent defensive efforts. “We just got to find a way to execute it,” said Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. after a recent loss. “Coach has been about defense the whole time.”
Adapting Strategies for Improvement
In response to these challenges, Cronin has pledged to explore every possible solution. He plans to conduct practices focused solely on defense, alter player rotations, and experiment with different defensive schemes, including unconventional zone defenses. “We will embrace becoming a good defensive team at all costs,” he emphasized.
Unfortunately, injuries have compounded the Bruins’ struggles. Senior guard Skyy Clark is doubtful for the upcoming game due to a hamstring injury, diminishing the team’s defensive capabilities. Cronin highlighted redshirt sophomore Brandon Williams as a key defender, but the fact that a forward is more trusted defensively than traditional big men like Xavier Booker and Steven Jamerson raises concerns.
“He’s got to be able to defend and rebound or I just can’t play him,” Cronin said regarding Booker, who has seen a significant reduction in playing time. The lack of defensive consistency is evident, with injuries hampering the Bruins’ ability to contain opponents on both the perimeter and in the paint.
Sophomore guard Trent Perry acknowledged the disconnect between practice and game performance, stating, “Cronin’s been telling us what to do, and sometimes, it’s not clicking.” Dailey echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of studying scouting reports and understanding individual defensive responsibilities.
As UCLA prepares to face Maryland, Cronin faces mounting pressure to rectify the team’s defensive shortcomings. While some may suggest a shift towards a more offense-oriented strategy, he remains unconvinced that such an approach would be sustainable. “The problem is the noise,” Cronin remarked. “Until we have a culture of toughness and getting stops, I have to focus on that.”
The game against Maryland is set to begin at 17:00 (local time) on Saturday, January 13, 2024. With their recent struggles, the Bruins must find a way to reclaim their identity and restore confidence among fans eager for success.
