UCLA basketball could hit the big-time against New Mexico with larger lineup

UCLA forward William Kyle III (24) is wrapped up and fouled by Rider forward Tyriek Weeks (31) at Pauley Pavilion on Monday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Having revealed his small-ball starting lineup, UCLA basketball coach Mick Cronin soon will have a decision to make when he wants to go big.

Does he go with the biggest guy on the team in Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 sophomore whose intense offseason training should prevent all the huffing he did as a freshman?

Or does he opt for William Kyle III, a 6-foot-9 junior transfer who is trying to take a giant step up in competition after spending the last two seasons at South Dakota State?

That choice could come as soon as Friday evening when the Bruins face an opponent that started three players 6-foot-9 or taller.

“I would anticipate us needing to play bigger against high-major teams like New Mexico,” Cronin said Thursday, referencing the game between the No. 22 Bruins (1-0) and Lobos (1-0) in the Las Vegas Hoopfest at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nev.

Read more: No stars, just talent? UCLA basketball hopes an ensemble cast can put it back on top

Each big man has his selling points and drawbacks.

Kyle provides the more athletic option and was the first player off the bench during the Bruins’ season-opening victory over Rider. He’s a natural leaper who provided a taste of his defensive aptitude with three blocks to go with five rebounds in 11 minutes against the Broncs.

But Cronin suggested that Kyle needed to develop a nasty streak after the game, noting that he was too nice and should think less and be more assertive. The message appeared to be delivered given that Cronin said Kyle on Wednesday put together his best practice in a long time and was dominant with his rebounding.

Mara is a better passer and more refined scorer than Kyle. A constant lob threat, Mara could flourish in the pick and roll and has developed a variety of moves around the basket including jump hooks and drop steps. He matched Kyle with three blocks…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ucla-basketball-could-hit-big-221655285.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-11-07 22:16:00

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