[Cracked Sidewalks] UCLA Preview

[Uncle Rico]

It is going to be one of the best games of the week.

Stylistically these 2 teams are completely different. Polar opposites. Should make for an exciting game for viewers.

Good.  Makes blowing them out of the gym more enjoyable

[muwarrior69]

Per Mike DeCourcy

Freshman Berke Buyuktuncel, a 6-9 forward from Turkey, has been cleared to participate for @UCLAMBB  in the 2023-24 basketball season, a source close to the situation told @sportingnews. Details to come at

Just in time to play Marquette.  They are HUGE up front.

7'3" Mara
6'10" Bona
6'10" Nwuba
6'9" Buyuktuncel

and plenty more at 6'7" or taller.

The Illini game was great preparation for playing a team much taller than us. The UCLA guys are tall but are they quick.

Did those international players on UCLA play professionally overseas? I ask because Xavier's Sasa Ciani played professionally. I guess that is allowed or is there some exceptions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%C5%A1a_Ciani

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Unless Berke can play PG or is better than Bona, I don't think this matters much. The lottery pick Mara is having trouble getting minutes on this roster because Bona is better than he is and they haven't played well together in a twin tower lineup. Meanwhile,  UCLA only has 4 guards and the only true PG among them didn't play in their last game due to a "coaching decision". Kam Jones by himself has 3 more 3s than UCLAs enitre roster this season (against much worse competition).

Unless we can't shoot,  i think we run these guys out the building,  especially if Andrews is still in the doghouse

[GoldenEagles03]

The Illini game was great preparation for playing a team much taller than us. The UCLA guys are tall but are they quick.

Did those international players on UCLA play professionally overseas? I ask because Xavier's Sasa Ciani played professionally. I guess that is allowed or is there some exceptions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%C5%A1a_Ciani

Mara and Buyuktuncel both played professional overseas from what I understand.

Buyuktuncel shoots exceptionally well from outside, but Illinois can't prepare you for Adem Bona. He's just so unique. I am so excited to see how we play against a truly loaded front court. 3 potential 1st round picks.

[brewcity77]

They have a roster loaded with talent, but it doesn't look like a good basketball team.

[withoutbias]

Here's to hoping Shaka realizes we don't stand a chance and instead of taking a hit to the confidence of the team, he just lets the boys enjoy the beaches and makes this a team bonding trip. 3 forfeits but some relationship growth.

[HowardsWorld]

This UCLA team is the equivalent of a mid tier big east team. Probably similar to providence or Xavier. I except a double digit win.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Buyuktuncel shoots exceptionally well from outside

He's a career 29.1% 3P shooter with 16 career makes in international play. Every scouting report I have read says he is not currently an outside threat  Where are you getting that he shoots exceptionally well?

[Uncle Rico]

He's a career 29.1% 3P shooter with 16 career makes in international play. Every scouting report I have read says he is not currently an outside threat  Where are you getting that he shoots exceptionally well?

Herm

[wadesworld]

The guy is a doomsday troll.

[muwarrior69]

Mara and Buyuktuncel both played professional overseas from what I understand.

Buyuktuncel shoots exceptionally well from outside, but Illinois can't prepare you for Adem Bona. He's just so unique. I am so excited to see how we play against a truly loaded front court. 3 potential 1st round picks.

Then how are they eligible to play college ball?

https://basketballfandom.com/can-you-play-college-basketball-after-playing-pro/#:~:text=The%20answer%20is%20no.%20According%20to%20the%20NCAA%2C,professional%20athletes%20to%20be%20ineligible%20for%20amateur%20status.

[GoldenEagles03]

Is that an NBA line I see? If so, why?

Isn't there an article somewhere with how we are awful from the outside with an NBA line.

[GoldenEagles03]

Ben Steele says Kam appeared to have hurt himself in warmups. Something to watch. He may not be right.