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Exhibition games in October offer a mixed bag for college basketball enthusiasts. On one hand, they provide an early look at the team; on the other, they often lead to overreactions from fans. While Eric Dailey Jr.'s 25-point outburst and Nikola Kusturica's defensive prowess (two blocks, five steals) were impressive, it's important to remember that the season is long and this was just a preseason tune-up.
Nevertheless, the exhibition offered valuable insights into Coach Mick Cronin's strategic decisions, particularly regarding the rotation he might employ. The game revealed which players are likely to see the most court time, at least early in the season.
Filip Jovic: First Man Off the Bench
As speculated, Filip Jovic was the first player called upon from the bench. He logged 18 minutes, nearly matching Azavier Robinson for the most among reserves. Jovic demonstrated his potential to be a key contributor, shooting 3-for-6 from the field, grabbing eight rebounds, and scoring 10 points. His versatility allows him to be effective all over the court and provides essential rest for starting center Xavier Booker.
Azavier Robinson: Defensive Impact
Butler transfer Azavier Robinson also saw substantial minutes among the reserves. From the opening tip, Robinson made his presence felt on the defensive end. It's clear why Cronin brought him to Westwood: he has the potential to be a disruptive perimeter defender. Robinson finished with 19 minutes, shooting 4-for-9 from the field, contributing three rebounds, three assists, and 10 points. If he continues to produce like he did against Cal Baptist, he will gradually become a vital part of the team.
Jaylen Petty and Trent Perry Share Point Guard Duties
Starting point guard Trent Perry encountered early foul trouble, opening the door for Jaylen Petty to assume point guard responsibilities. Petty, who gained experience at Texas Tech last season playing behind now-Charlotte Hornet Christian Anderson, is expected to handle the bulk of the playmaking when Perry is off the floor. The box score reflected this, as Petty led the team with 28 minutes.
Key Analysis
The exhibition game provided a clearer picture of UCLA's rotation, with Jovic and Robinson emerging as key bench contributors. Their performances suggest they will play significant roles in the Bruins' success this season. Meanwhile, Petty's ability to step in for Perry ensures stability at the point guard position. While exhibition games can be misleading, the coaching decisions and player performances offer a promising preview of what's to come for UCLA basketball.
Kade Nix is the UCLA Beat Writer for On SI and a member of the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). He specializes in college basketball coverage with a focus on statistical analysis, providing in-depth insights into recruiting, roster construction, player development, and the evolving landscape of college sports.