The UCLA men’s basketball team appears well on its way to keeping a good chunk of its core together.
While three players have publicly announced that they intend to return next season, two others might be closing in on a similar move.
Center Xavier Booker, forward Brandon Williams and guard Eric Freeny all told Bruin Report Online on Wednesday that they would be back for the 2026-27 season.
Things are trending in a similarly positive direction with guard Trent Perry and forward Eric Dailey Jr., according to one person close to the situation not authorized to discuss the information publicly.
There’s also a chance that guard Skyy Clark could return next season if the NCAA grants his waiver for an additional year of eligibility.
Clark’s case hinges on his having played only 13 games during his freshman season at Illinois at a time when his father was battling serious health issues.
Should Perry return next season, he would likely move into a role as the starting point guard.
Dailey would probably be the starting power forward if he came back, allowing him to play a position that suits him best after having started last season as a small forward.
Booker could be a spot starter at center, depending on matchups, while also backing up the four and five.
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UCLA is expected to target a big, brawny starting center, a defensive-minded wing player and a starting-level guard in the transfer portal, along with a handful of quality reserves.
Freeny and Williams could play significant roles off the bench next season after having blossomed as part of a late-season run in which the Bruins won seven of their last 10 games before their season ended with a loss to UConn in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA will need to add significant scoring punch after losing Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent, its top two leading scorers.
The team will also presumably target players known for defense and rebounding after struggling in those areas last season.
While Coach Mick Cronin and his staff figure to be busy once the transfer portal opens Tuesday, having as many as six returning players plus incoming freshmen Javonte Floyd and Joe Philon should allow them to be more selective than other teams that have to overhaul their entire roster.
