The Big Ten Conference, long known as a football powerhouse, is undergoing a basketball revolution, and UCLA men's basketball is at the heart of it.
With a rich history and 10 national championships under its belt, the Big Ten has been a force to be reckoned with in men's NCAA tournament history. However, it's been a while since a Big Ten team dominated the dance floor, with the last shining moment belonging to Maryland in 2002. But change is in the air, and the conference is evolving.
The merger between the Pac-12 and the Big Ten has brought a fresh wave of success and a rich legacy to the men's basketball landscape. The results speak for themselves. In the 2026 KenPom rankings, the Big Ten boasts an impressive seven teams in the top 25, a testament to its resurgence.
And at the center of this comeback story is UCLA men's basketball, ranked a solid No. 10, just behind the top-ranked Big Ten teams Purdue and Illinois. With a strong core of returning players, including senior guard Skyy Clark, senior forward Tyler Bilodeau, and junior guard/forward Eric Dailey Jr., the Bruins are poised for a breakout year in their new conference home.
But here's where it gets interesting. The Bruins' strength lies not only in their experienced players but also in their ability to attract top talent through transfers. Enter Donovan Dent, a preseason All-Big Ten selection and former Mountain West Player of the Year. Dent, who transferred from New Mexico, has been making waves at UCLA, with Fox Sports ranking him No. 10 in the nation for the Naismith Player of the Year odds.
Coach Mick Cronin, however, isn't resting on his laurels. He's pushing Dent, an All-American honorable mention, to reach new heights and become an elite player in college basketball. Cronin highlights Dent's ability to create space on the court and his elite passing skills, but he's also working with him to improve his defensive efforts and ball security.
And let's not forget about Skyy Clark, who, despite some early struggles last season, emerged as a reliable contributor, especially in clutch moments. With Dent running the offense, Clark's off-ball shooting prowess could be a game-changer.
But the road to success isn't without its challenges. The Bruins face a tough travel schedule in the Big Ten, with three of their first eight games on the road, including trips to the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Coach Cronin acknowledges that the travel will take its toll, but the team is determined to use it as preparation for their ultimate goal: a deep run in March.
Tyler Bilodeau shares his coach's sentiments, emphasizing that the travel will help the team get their bearings and be ready for the Big Ten schedule.
So, as the Bruins embark on their journey in the Big Ten, the question remains: Can they overcome the travel hurdles and make a statement in the conference? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: UCLA men's basketball is here to stay, and they're ready to make their mark.
