The UCLA men’s basketball team is getting a key piece of its roster back next season.
Eric Dailey Jr. has committed to returning for his senior year, giving the Bruins their likely starting power forward. Dailey made his plans known Thursday morning in an interview with Bruin Report Online.
Dailey became the fourth UCLA player to announce his return, joining Xavier Booker, Eric Freeny and Brandon Williams. The Bruins also appear to be closing in on getting guard Trent Perry to come back.
Guard Skyy Clark could return as well if the NCAA grants Clark’s eligibility waiver based on his having played only 13 games as a freshman at Illinois while his father was dealing with serious health issues.
The return of five or six players would give UCLA a strong nucleus alongside incoming freshmen Joe Philon and Javonte Floyd.
Dailey’s junior year largely mirrored his sophomore year. He had games where he was the best player on the court and others where he largely disappeared.
His average of 11.6 points was just a few ticks up from his 11.4 points as a sophomore, but his rebounding vastly improved to 5.8 per game after he had averaged just 4.0 rebounds as a sophomore. Dailey’s 3-point shooting percentage dipped from 37.8% to 31.6%, and his defensive effort tended to hinge on whether his shots were falling.
UCLA is expected to target three more starting-level players – a center, wing and guard – in addition to several reserves in the transfer portal, prioritizing defense, athleticism and toughness.