Mick Cronin wasn’t going to entertain the question—at least not right away. A reporter eager to get the UCLA coach’s thoughts on next season was quickly shut down, much like an opposing guard trying to break past Tennessee’s relentless press defense.
“Right now, guys, it’s 12:40 a.m. and our season just ended,” Cronin stated inside Rupp Arena early Sunday morning. UCLA had just suffered a 67-58 defeat to the Tennessee Volunteers in the second round of the NCAA tournament. “That’s it. You’re going to ask me about next year? Right now, my biggest concern is how bad the seats are on the Allegiant flight, on that terrible plane we’re flying home on.”
But moments later, when pressed again about the importance of continuity in building a successful program, Cronin gave a much clearer indication of what lies ahead for UCLA’s roster.
“If you’re giving me a choice,” he said with certainty, “I’ll always take talent.”
Translation? Expect UCLA to be aggressive in the transfer portal once it officially opens on Monday.
Key Priorities for UCLA’s Offseason
With the offseason upon them, the Bruins have some serious decisions to make. Priority No. 1 will be keeping center Aday Mara, an emerging star who remained noncommittal about his future post-game, only saying he planned to rest and visit his family in Spain.
Aside from securing Mara, the Bruins desperately need a significant upgrade at point guard and at least one, if not two, veteran wing players to compensate for the departures of seniors Kobe Johnson and Lazar Stefanovic. Even if Mara returns, UCLA could use another seven-footer to contend with the massive front lines they’ll face in the Big Ten.
Regardless of how the roster shakes out, one thing is clear: the gap between UCLA and Tennessee was obvious, and an infusion of high-end talent is needed to make the Bruins competitive again.
Lessons from This Season & The NIL Factor
Cronin has been transparent about the program’s challenges, acknowledging that the Bruins’ lack of substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources last season forced them to hunt for talent in the European market. That approach led to what he called “a debacle,” as UCLA ended the season with a losing record.
Last spring, a fresh wave of NIL money helped Cronin bring in six transfers, but anyone closely following the team knew this season was always about laying the foundation for next year.
A second consecutive roster overhaul—by a coach whose system thrives on continuity—was always going to be risky. The Bruins (23-11) had flashes of brilliance, but as expected, they encountered growing pains that ultimately led to an early exit from March Madness. Now, it’s time to refocus on the long-term plan.
The Road to Rebuilding
If Cronin can hold onto his core players and sprinkle in a few key difference-makers, UCLA should be back in the mix as a legitimate national title contender. Thanks to the NCAA’s new roster limit, he will have 15 scholarships at his disposal next season.
Two of those spots are essentially locked in, with guard Skyy Clark and forward Eric Dailey Jr. both expressing their desire to return.
“Yeah, for sure,” Dailey said. “I want to come here and make a run, make a name with these guys. That’s my goal.”
But with returnees come tough decisions. Will Dylan Andrews—whose struggles throughout the season limited the team—accept a reduced role if Cronin recruits a new starting point guard? Is Trent Perry willing to come off the bench again? And where does that leave redshirted players like Eric Freeny, Brandon Williams, and Devin Williams (no relation)?
The Transfer Portal & Roster Uncertainty
A year ago, guard Jan Vide publicly stated his commitment to returning, only for Cronin to bring in multiple transfers, prompting Vide to transfer himself to Loyola Marymount. It’s nearly inevitable that at least a couple of players with remaining eligibility will leave this offseason—perhaps even seldom-used guard Dominick Harris.
Retaining Mara may require more than just a massive NIL deal—one as high as Spain’s iconic La Sagrada Familia. Cronin must figure out how to start Mara alongside Dailey and Tyler Bilodeau or convince one of them to embrace a bench role. Given Mara’s upside, wasting his potential with limited minutes would be a mistake, and Cronin is well aware of that.
Encouragingly, Mara genuinely seemed to enjoy being part of the UCLA program. As he exited the court late Saturday, he clapped his hands above his head toward the Bruins’ cheering section in an appreciative gesture. Bruins fans can only hope they’ll have the chance to reciprocate next season.
Looking Ahead: Freshmen vs. Transfers
UCLA appears to have come up short in securing high school recruits from the talent-rich 2025 class. But realistically, none of those prospects would have been immediate game-changers. Cronin has made it clear he prefers veteran rosters, meaning UCLA will prioritize transfers over freshmen for the foreseeable future.
So what does an offseason look like when a coach has to re-recruit his own players while also waiting to see which teammates are staying or leaving?
“That’s the coaches’ job, to see who they want for the players, and that’s really it,” Dailey said. “I can’t tell you who or what or when, but I can tell you whoever it is, they’re going to come in and represent these jerseys well.”
The Bottom Line
With the dust settling on another NCAA tournament exit, UCLA is at a crossroads. The Bruins have the resources, coaching, and now, potentially, the NIL backing to reshape their roster into a championship-caliber squad. But it all starts with retention—keeping key players like Mara—before diving into the transfer portal to fill gaps.
Cronin has a busy offseason ahead, and Bruins fans will be watching closely. One thing is certain: UCLA isn’t looking to rebuild. They’re looking to reload.
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