Written by Ryan Palencer at The Comeback
Last season, UCLA barely squeaked into the NCAA Tournament because it played a murderer’s row schedule in the non-conference realm. The selection committee did not account for the fact that the Bruins lost to nearly every quality team they played; it gave them credit merely for scheduling tough teams.
This season, UCLA’s profile is developing in much the same way. The Bruins start a stretch of more than two weeks in which they play three top-10 teams: Kentucky, Gonzaga, and North Carolina. The Wildcats are up first on Thursday. The month also includes Long Beach State, Louisiana-Lafayette, and McNeese State.
Entering play on Thursday, UCLA has a 4-3 record with losses to Kansas, an underrated Monmouth squad, and Wake Forest.
Tony Parker has not disappointed for UCLA, averaging 14.1 points and 12.1 rebounds per game through seven contests. Bryce Alford has been strong as well, collecting 15.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. However, Alford is averaging 2.4 turnovers per game.
Here’s what has led to trouble for the Bruins so far. Hyped freshman guard Aaron Holiday is averaging 3.1 assists per game, but also 2.9 turnovers. However, UCLA did turn the ball over only seven times in a win over Cal State Northridge on Sunday. Prior to the game, Holiday and Alford had been sharing the point guard duties. On Sunday, it was decided that Alford would be designated as the point guard. That allows for some experience at the position and some freedom on offense for Holiday, which could eventually pay dividends.
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