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With the Bruins set to face Cal Baptist on Wednesday in their first live game action of the season, the starting lineup is beginning to take shape. Here's a closer look at what to watch from each of the five projected starters.
Xavier Booker: Rebounding
The biggest question surrounding Xavier Booker this offseason has been whether he can become an elite rebounder. While he projects as a reliable shot-blocker and rim protector, his rebounding production has yet to match his potential. At 6-foot-11, Booker possesses the size and length to be a dependable force on the boards, a role he'll need to fill as the team's starting center. His positioning and physicality will be tested all season, but he showed significant improvement late last year and hopes to carry that momentum into the new campaign.
Eric Dailey Jr.: Versatility
Eric Dailey Jr. is one of the most trusted players on the roster heading into the season, with the tools to become a breakout star in college basketball. In the exhibition against Cal Baptist, watch for Dailey's versatility and fluidity to shine. He can score from multiple ranges, and while UCLA's backcourt should handle most of the outside shooting, it will be intriguing to see if Dailey's all-around game takes center stage.
Jaylen Petty: Three-Point Shooting
Texas Tech transfer Jaylen Petty is expected to be a key offensive weapon, and his three-point shooting will be a focal point early on. Petty excelled from beyond the arc last season for the Red Raiders and aims to build on his freshman year with the Bruins. Coach Mick Cronin has made it clear that Petty was brought in to provide an offensive spark, and finding him open looks with the green light to shoot is the best way for him to impact the scoreboard.
Nikola Kusturica: Defense
Nikola Kusturica projects as an all-around star, but his defensive capabilities are particularly intriguing. He has the tools to be a fantastic defender, and his length could create real problems for opponents. Watching how he disrupts Cal Baptist's offense will be a key storyline.
Trent Perry: Facilitation
Trent Perry will be a huge asset in multiple areas that dictate the team's ceiling. He'll need to be a reliable distributor as he steps into the role once held by Donovan Dent. Perry has limited experience as a full-time point guard, but his ability to facilitate the offense will be crucial in this new role.
Kade Nix is the UCLA Beat Writer on SI and a member of the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). He specializes in college basketball coverage with a statistical, analytics-driven approach, providing in-depth analysis of recruiting, roster construction, player development, and the evolving college sports landscape.