UCLA Basketball Starts Third Season in Big Ten

The Bruins look to build on a 24-12 record as they integrate new talent for the upcoming college basketball campaign.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball

UCLA Basketball Starts Third Season in Big Ten

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UCLA begins its third season in the Big Ten following a 24-12 performance last year. The program, which holds 11 national championship titles, has added several new players to its roster to address key departures.

Why it matters

The Bruins are seeking to maintain their competitive edge after losing several contributors, including Tyler Bilodeau, Donovan Dent, and Skyy Clark. The team aims to replicate last year's efficiency, where they led the conference in turnover margin at plus-3.4.

UCLA finished the previous campaign with a 24-12 overall record and a 13-7 mark in Big Ten play. The team returns with a pedigree of 11 national championships and a high standard of efficiency, notably hitting 37.9% of their 3-pointers last season.

The players

Nikola Kusturica

A 17-year-old, 6-foot-9 prospect who has joined the UCLA roster and is anticipated to be an NBA draft candidate in two years.

UCLA Bruins

The men's basketball program at the University of California, Los Angeles, which owns a historic total of 11 national championship titles.

The details

The roster now includes 17-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward Nikola Kusturica, who is expected to play two seasons before becoming eligible for the NBA draft. To bolster their playmaking and rebounding, the Bruins have added Jaylen Petty, Azavier Robinson, Filip Jovic, Joe Philon, and Xavier Booker.

Nov. 2, 2026: UCLA opens the season against Arizona in Las Vegas.
Dec. 1, 2026: The Bruins begin Big Ten play against Oregon.
Dec. 5, 2026: UCLA plays Gonzaga in Anaheim.
Dec. 29, 2026: UCLA hosts San Diego State at Pauley Pavilion.

Season Trajectory

The Bruins are currently navigating a rebuilding phase as they aim to return to the level of their 2021 Final Four appearance. This season will test their ability to integrate young talent while remaining a viable contender within the competitive Big Ten conference.

Fans should monitor how the new rotation of Filip Jovic, Joe Philon, and Xavier Booker impacts the team's overall scoring efficiency. The success of the season will depend on whether this new group can match the turnover margin of plus-3.4 that the team achieved last year.

The takeaway

UCLA remains a program defined by its historic success while it navigates the immediate challenge of incorporating new talent into its lineup. Success this season will likely hinge on the development of young players like Nikola Kusturica under the existing team structure.