UCLA Bruins lean into Mick Cronin’s defensive mindset as returning starters Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr., and Xavier Booker set the tone for 2026-27. With dynamic guards Skyy Clark and Donovan Dent out, can a revamped lineup and underrated transfer class outwork the Big Ten’s elite? Key transfers Jaylen Petty and Stink Robinson look to complement Cronin’s signature style, while position battles at the four raise questions about UCLA’s frontcourt presence and true scoring threat.

Isaac Schade and Yox break down the Bruins’ biggest strengths on defense, the challenge of finding a go-to star, and the urgency for top-tier talent acquisition. Insights include the impact of losing Aday Mara, how freshmen like Jojo Philon could shake up the rotation, and whether Cronin’s buyout can shield him from mounting pressure if expectations aren’t met. Can UCLA exceed projections and finally break through, or will another early tournament exit turn up the heat in Westwood?

PHOTO CREDIT: David Banks - Imagn Images

JOIN the Locked On College Basketball Everydayer Club!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On College Basketball community: https://lockedoncollegebasketball.supercast.com/

Join the Locked On College Basketball Discord: https://discord.gg/bsKxDp8Qqb

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-college-basketball/

Locked On College Basketball TikTok
Locked On College Basketball Twitter
Locked On College Basketball Instagram
Andy Patton Twitter
Isaac Schade Twitter

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

RESET: UCLA COUNTS on Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. to LEAD With Clark, Dent, & Bilodeau Out the Door

Locked On College Basketball

RESET: UCLA COUNTS on Trent Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. to LEAD With Clark, Dent, & Bilodeau Out the Door