UCLA men’s basketball is eager to make a deep tournament run. Mick Cronin says carrying on the UCLA legacy is an honour. He also has extra incentive this weekend.
Cronin Focused on Central Florida Challenge
Cronin said that they need to win two games. The Bruins will start off against Central Florida. Cronin knows Central Florida’s coach, Johnny Dawkins, from their time in the American Athletic Conference.
Cronin’s daughter goes to American University. He would like to spend a week with her, as the East Region will be held in Washington, where AU is located.
Cronin says that to advance past a Sunday showdown against Connecticut, they’ll need to contain Central Florida’s potent attack.
Cronin explained that Central Florida can score. He noted the Knights have successfully made the transition from the AAC to the Big 12. He is wary of Themus Fulks, who averages 14.1 points and 6.7 assists, because he can get in the lane whenever he wants and is great off the pick and roll.
Cronin has watched Riley Kugel, who averages 14.4 points, since high school. He noted Kugel has gotten better as he’s gotten older.
Cronin believes that Central Florida can shoot it. He also thinks that their struggles of late mean that they’re due for a change. He calls them an athletic, aggressive team.
Dawkins Respectful of UCLA’s History
Dawkins is back in the city where he played for five years and won an NBA Eastern Conference title alongside Charles Barkley. He knows what he’s up against.
Dawkins said that Mick does a great job with his team. He notes that UCLA is a storied program of all college basketball. Dawkins also said Cronin is a coach he has known from the American.
He believes Cronin’s team is going to be really, really talented. Dawkins said they’re very skilled and they’re tough.
Bruins Aware of UCLA Legacy
Speaking of that legacy, which includes a 1976 Final Four appearance, Cronin’s players knew what they were signing up for when they decided to come to Westwood.
Skyy Clark, who averages 11.7 points per game, said that it’s definitely a blessing just to be part of the history, part of the tradition. He notes that it’s a lot to carry for sure, but it motivates them to go out there and just do what they can.
Donovan Dent, the second-leading scorer and top playmaker (13.5 points, 7.6 assists), added a lot comes with the letters they wear. He said they just want to make their names and the history of it.
Dent wouldn’t say there’s extra pressure. He knows there’s definitely a standard.