UCLA Rises to College Basketball Prominence

UCLA Rises to College Basketball Prominence

Josh Laufer

After a series of statement-wins, UCLA rose 9 spots in the Associated Press poll. The UCLA Bruins sit as the number 2 ranked team in the nation, only behind the reigning champions of Villanova.

               The Bruins, after struggling for several years, returned to form with a win over Kentucky. T.J. Leaf led the team with a 17-point, 13-rebound performance. Steve Alford has his team playing dominant after struggling through years of recruiting disappointments. Having their top 6 players averaging double-digit points provides the Bruins with legitimate scorers at all positions, something they’ve lacked. They have the depth and skill that have been greatly yearned for in the program.

               Well-coached and with a roster stacked with talent, UCLA has scraped back to the top echelon of national teams. While averaging a FG% of .562, they’ve held their opponents to a mere .406. Combined with a 47% 3-point percentage and 98 points per game, UCLA has the numbers to substantiate their incredible 10-0 start to the season. The Bruins have their fans and the entire world of college basketball believing in them after years of futility. March Madness is approaching quickly, and UCLA is finally ready to contend again.