On paper, UCLA looks like a team that should be able to compete for a Pac-12 crown, a trip to the Final Four, and maybe even a national title.
That’s what happens when you stock talents like Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson and Joshua Smith on the same roster.
But the Bruins have plenty of question marks, as well. Like, for starters, Anderson’s thumb injury. He underwent surgery and still isn’t cleared for contact. Muhammad suffered a sprained ankle working out a couple of weeks ago, and there is a very good chance that he ends up being suspended for a handful of games at the start of the season as well. And, of course, there’s Smith’s weight. Will he ever be in shape?
None of this is the biggest issue that UCLA faces next season, in my humble opinion. As far as this blogger is concerned, where UCLA needs to be concerned is at the point guard spot. The slow-footed, 6-foot-7 Anderson is a terrific play-maker, but it is difficult to player point guard at a championship level when you are slow-footed and 6-foot-7.
If that’s the way this plays out, then the Bruins will be relying on the one and only Larry Drew to run their team:
I want to feel good about this UCLA team next season. I really do. But there are so many question marks surrounding the program that I just cannot picture them putting it all together for an entire season.
Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin’ is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.