Pac-12: UCLA Loses Two Key Players

Within the last week, the NCAA declared UCLA freshman forward Jonah Bolden ineligible, and Colorado State transfer Jon Octeus was denied admission to UCLA, leaving the Bruins with far less depth than had been expected for the upcoming season.

Bolden was expected to be a contributor along the frontline for head coach Steve Alford, but according to ESPN, a problem with Bolden’s eligibility arose when he left Australia:

"“Sources told ESPN the issue stems from Bolden leaving Australia after his senior campaign had already begun to attend Findlay Prep in Las Vegas. Bolden left Findlay in December and finished at Brewster Academy.”"

At 6-8, Bolden is basically a poor man’s version of fellow UCLA freshman Kevon Looney. He’s not quite as athletic or talented as Looney, but he’s still good and will be missed next season.

From what I’ve seen, Bolden has is primarily a face-up player who scores most of his points on drives to the basket and in transition. Overall, he’s not a great defender, but he uses his length to bother shooters and get his hands on passes. In transition, Bolden’s nearly impossible to stop. He’s one of those bigger, faster, stronger types that make playing above the rim look so easy. Bolden’s raw, but he has the potential to be a really good player.

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Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait until next season.

Likely, Bolden would have been third in line at the power forward position, as Norman Powell and Isaac Hamilton will likely take over the wings. Bolden’s absence puts more pressure on Looney, freshman Thomas Welsh, and junior Tony Parker to perform and also stay on the court.

A serious injury could destroy UCLA’s chances next season. That’s how thin they’ll be along the frontline. Looney and Welsh are awesome freshmen, but they’ll take some time to adjust to the college game. Parker, the only returner in the Bruins’ frontcourt, has to be the veteran leader and carry the load while Looney and Welsh struggle at times.

Right now, Bolden’s ineligibility doesn’t cause any glaring weaknesses, but the Bruins become a lot thinner along the frontline. As the season goes on and foul trouble and injuries start to add up, the Bruins may miss Bolden’s presence.

Missing Bolden may hurt eventually for the Bruins, but losing out on the Jon Octeus sweepstakes hurts right away.

The Bruins already have the tough task of replacing guards Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams, and Zach LaVine, all first-round picks in the 2014 NBA draft. Now, the Bruins have to get the job done with a backcourt of Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton, and Norman Powell. Octeus would have definitely helped the Bruins.

Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table
Generated 9/16/2014.

Last season with Colorado State, Octeus averaged 13.4 PPG and was a 36 percent 3-point shooter. The Bruins aren’t desperate for outside shooting. Alford and Hamilton are both good shooters, but you can never go wrong with more players who can knock down a few threes, at least not in college basketball.

Here’s a little of what could have been with the Bruins next season:

Octeus would have been a key performer for the Bruins next season. Without him, the backcourt isn’t in a dire situation, but a few problems could arise.

Foul trouble and injuries are two obvious problems the Bruins will have to account for, but the current backcourt of Alford, Hamilton, and Powell is relatively unproven. Sure, Powell and Alford were key players off last year’s team, but they were also protected by five professional basketball players in Anderson, Adams, LaVine, and the Wear twins.

If this team starts to struggle, the Bruins have nowhere to turn for extra help. This is their team.

Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table
Generated 9/16/2014.

Powell is the Bruins’ best returning player and averaged 11.4 PPG last season. Alford is the second-best returner for the Bruins, and he only averaged 8.0 PPG in his freshman season. Hamilton didn’t play last season due to an eligibility issue, but by all accounts, he’s going to be a great player for the Bruins. On paper, this backcourt is going to be one of the best in the Pac-12, but Octeus definitely would have made them much stronger.

Even without Octeus and Bolden, UCLA is still going to be a top four team in the Pac-12, if they can stay healthy. It will just be a little harder to get there with two fewer players. I still like UCLA to have a chance at the Pac-12 title next season. It’s another bump in the road for the Bruins; not the end of the world.