UCLA included in ESPN's way-too-early top 25 for 2023-24 season
UCLA was named in ESPN’s way-too-early top 25 for next season, which was released late Monday night after the National Championship Game.
The Bruins just squeaked into the ranking, coming in at No. 25 overall. ESPN is projecting a slight step back for UCLA next season after the team won the Pac-12 regular season title and earned a No. 2 seed this past season.
Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Jeff Borzello:
We know UCLA is going to find players in the portal or late signees on the recruiting trail. We know there’s a chance Adem Bona or Amari Bailey opts to return to Westwood for another season. But with both projected to get drafted, Jaylen Clark already out the door and Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell gone, the roster isn’t great right now. The Bruins have to be in the top 25, though, so here they are for now.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go with regards to what UCLA’s roster will look like next season. Decisions from Adem Bona and Amari Bailey will likely weight heavily on preseason expectations for the Bruins.
As will what UCLA is able to accomplish in the transfer portal over the coming months. The Bruins are expected to be active in finding replacements for Bona and Bailey, should they decide to leave, as well as re-enforcements for Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell and Jaylen Clark.
UCLA also has some promising freshman coming in. The Bruins signed a trio of top-100 high school prospects in the class of 2023. The group ranks No. 14 nationally, per 247Sports Composite rankings.