Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of college basketball and the rising dominance of the Big Ten conference!
The Big Ten's Basketball Renaissance
Long known as a football powerhouse, the Big Ten is now making waves in men's basketball, and it's an exciting shift that's got everyone talking. With a rich history and a successful track record, the Pac-12's merger with the Big Ten has brought a breath of fresh air to the men's basketball scene.
The results speak for themselves: the Big Ten sent eight teams to the dance, just one behind the record-breaking SEC, and four of those teams made it to the Sweet Sixteen. But here's where it gets even more intriguing - the 2026 KenPom rankings showcase an impressive seven teams from the Big Ten in the top 25, a clear indication of the conference's resurgence.
UCLA: The Heart of the Comeback
At the center of this basketball revolution is none other than UCLA men's basketball. Sitting pretty at No. 10, they're the third-ranked Big Ten team, hot on the heels of No. 3 Purdue and No. 6 Illinois. And with a strong core of returning players, they're poised for a breakout season in their new home.
The Bruins' strength lies in their experienced players, including senior guard Skyy Clark, senior forward Tyler Bilodeau, and junior guard/forward Eric Dailey Jr. These veterans are joined by sophomore guard Trent Perry, who's expected to be a key contributor off the bench and a primary ball handler.
Coach Mick Cronin highlighted the team's guard play and the impact of Tyler Bilodeau as a shooter, especially with his size. He also praised Eric Dailey for his impressive sophomore year, averaging double figures. Cronin emphasized the value of returning players in today's game, a luxury they're fortunate to have.
A Star Transfer: Donovan Dent
Adding to the veteran core is Donovan Dent, a preseason All-Big Ten team selection and senior guard. Formerly the Mountain West Player of the Year, Dent has been creating quite a buzz at UCLA since his transfer from New Mexico. According to Fox Sports, he's ranked No. 10 in the nation for odds of winning the Naismith Player of the Year award.
Cronin is pushing Dent to reach new heights, recognizing his elite passing skills and offensive talent. However, Cronin is also working with Dent on defensive efforts and ball security, a process that will make him even more formidable on the court.
A Balanced Offensive Threat
Despite Dent's star status, Cronin reminds him that the offensive load is shared, and he highlights the contributions of Skyy Clark, especially as the off-ball shooting guard now that Dent is running the offense. Clark had a challenging start to last season but became a reliable contributor, especially in clutch moments. He credits his support system, teammates, and coaching staff for instilling confidence throughout the year.
Travel Woes: The Bruins' Challenge
One of the biggest obstacles for the Bruins in conference play is travel. Long flights and extensive road trips took a toll on their success last year, and it's a challenge they'll face again in the 2025-26 campaign. With three of their first eight Big Ten games on the road, including trips to the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, it's a tough schedule.
Coach Cronin acknowledges the impact of travel, stating that it will affect the team at some point this season. Tyler Bilodeau agrees, seeing the travel as good preparation for their ultimate goal in March.
So, will the Bruins overcome their travel woes and make a deep run in the Big Ten? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - this season is shaping up to be an exciting one for UCLA men's basketball and the entire Big Ten conference!
