UCLA will pay tribute to alum Dave Roberts before their game against Maryland on Saturday at Pauley Pavilion. Fans who donate to UCLA’s NIL collective, Men of Westwood, will receive T-shirts featuring a playful design that echoes the iconic “Step Brothers” movie poster. The shirt humorously depicts Mick Cronin, the Bruins’ head coach, with his hands on Roberts’ shoulders, similar to the film’s characters. Despite the light-hearted tribute, both coaches are experiencing vastly different seasons.
Roberts has enjoyed significant success as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading the team to back-to-back World Series victories in addition to a championship in 2020. His accomplishments have solidified his status among Los Angeles sports fans. Conversely, Cronin has faced challenges this season as the Bruins (10-5, 2-2 Big Ten) have struggled to meet expectations. Following consecutive conference road losses, UCLA finds itself in search of a signature victory, with an upcoming clash against a struggling Terrapins team (7-8, 0-4) that could prove disastrous if they are upset.
Defensive Concerns Plague Bruins
Despite his impressive track record of over 500 wins in his coaching career, Cronin has yet to replicate the heights achieved by Roberts. The Bruins have lacked consistency in their defense, an area that Cronin has typically excelled in coaching. Presently, UCLA ranks 60th in KenPom’s defensive rating, allowing an average of 101.6 points per 100 possessions, marking the second-worst performance during his tenure.
In a recent game against Wisconsin, the Bruins struggled to contain guard Nick Boyd, who repeatedly exploited defensive lapses, leading to easy scoring opportunities. This lack of adherence to defensive strategies has raised concerns about the team’s overall performance. Cronin has acknowledged that these issues stem from both coaching and player execution.
“Obviously, we emphasize defense at this school,” said Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. after the 80-72 loss to Wisconsin. “Coach has been about defense the whole time. He’s been preaching to us. We just got to find a way to execute it.”
To address these concerns, Cronin is prepared to take drastic measures. He intends to conduct practices focusing solely on defense, adjusting player rotations, and experimenting with different defensive schemes. Despite these efforts, injuries have complicated matters. Senior guard Skyy Clark is doubtful for Saturday’s game due to a hamstring injury. His absence could further hinder UCLA’s defensive capabilities.
Cronin’s Commitment to Improvement
As injuries have mounted, Cronin has highlighted the potential of redshirt sophomore Brandon Williams, praising him as a key defensive player. However, the reliance on Williams, a forward, over traditional big men like Xavier Booker and Steven Jamerson raises concerns about the overall depth and effectiveness of the team’s defense.
“He’s got to be able to defend and rebound or I just can’t play him,” Cronin stated about Booker, who has seen his playing time diminish. “In defense of him, he’s not the only one.”
Despite the struggles, the Bruins remain determined to improve. Players acknowledge the importance of mastering scouting reports and defensive assignments. “If you got a scout, your job is to know who you’re defending and what you’re supposed to be doing,” Dailey emphasized. “If you can’t remember that, then you can’t play. It’s as simple as that.”
As UCLA prepares for their matchup against Maryland, Cronin faces mounting pressure to resolve these defensive issues. Some speculate that shifting focus toward offensive play and increasing pace could be an alternative strategy, but Cronin remains skeptical of its effectiveness.
“The problem is the noise,” Cronin remarked. “Until we have a culture of toughness and getting stops … I have to focus on that.”
The game against Maryland presents a crucial opportunity for the Bruins to regain confidence and begin rectifying their defensive woes. With a tip-off scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, fans will be eager to see if UCLA can turn their season around and provide a fitting tribute to a beloved alum.
