UCLA opens the 2022-23 season with a top-10 national ranking and some serious expectations. The Bruins return stars at the point (Tyger Campbell) and in the frontcourt (Jaime Jaquez Jr.), both of which give coach Mick Cronin potential All-Americans in the new year.

But a huge source of the excitement around this upcoming season stems from the freshmen class bolstering the Bruins’ depth. Five-star combo guard Amari Bailey figures to play a key role, and Cronin seems to be pretty pleased with what he’s seen so far.

“Amari is an anomaly in this day and age,” Cronin said, according to The L.A. Daily News’ Tarek Fattal. “He’s 18. He doesn’t turn 19 until February. He’s younger than guys we’re recruiting. To be the physical specimen he is at a young age, that’s what impresses me the most. He doesn’t get tired.”

Bailey has best-in-class potential. The second-ranked prospect in the country for the 2022 class, he’s a walking bucket with excellent physical tools. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard could end up being a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft if things break right.

The Chicago native will debut for UCLA inside Pauley Pavilion against Sacramento State on Nov. 7 at 8:30 p.m. PT.