Mick Cronin, UCLA’s head coach, gained national praise during the 2020–21 season when he led the Bruins from the First Four to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed. That improbable tournament run became a hallmark of resilience, high-pressure execution, and timely individual performances.
Following a recent early NCAA tournament exit, fans and analysts now stress the importance of identifying a new “X-factor” within the current roster. With a blend of returning players and young talent, Cronin faces renewed pressure to spark another deep postseason run by unlocking a breakout star.
Mick Cronin’s Quest to Reignite UCLA’s Final Four Firepower
Mick Cronin’s mission to bring UCLA back to national title contention is entering a critical phase. Following a string of underwhelming seasons since the Bruins’ Final Four run in 2021, pressure is mounting to recapture the magic that once put Westwood back on the college basketball map.
In a recent conversation with Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, several key figures and developments in UCLA’s roster reshaping came into focus—particularly the arrival of point guard Donovan Dent and forward Xavier Booker.
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UCLA’s inability to adequately replace Tiger Campbell has been a major factor in its decline.
“I don’t want to disparage anybody who played point guard last year for UCLA,” Rothstein said, “but UCLA, since it lost Tiger Campbell… had not adequately replaced Campbell at the most important position on the floor.”
Campbell was at the center of UCLA’s recent success, including a Final Four and three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. With his absence, the Bruins struggled to find consistency in backcourt leadership.
That changes with the addition of Donovan Dent.
“Donovan Dent is going to raise the ceiling big time in Westwood,” Rothstein declared.
The New Mexico transfer averaged 20 points and six assists last season and is expected to anchor a new-look UCLA backcourt.
“They have Donovan Dent right now… now you’re looking at a UCLA team under Mick Cronin that obviously is going to have Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark in the backcourt,” Rothstein added, pointing to the duo as a significant upgrade.
But perhaps the most intriguing piece of the puzzle is Xavier Booker, a Michigan State transfer with untapped potential. “Xavier Booker is the X factor for UCLA,” Rothstein stated.
“When UCLA went to the Final Four in 2021 under Mick Cronin, there was a resurrection when Johnny Juzang transferred from Kentucky to UCLA. Xavier Booker needs to make a similar type of jump.”
Booker played 20 minutes or more just once last season, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds against North Carolina. If he can replicate that level of performance consistently, he may be the player who helps elevate UCLA back into national contention.
Amid these changes, UCLA’s removal from the CBS Sports Classic—where the Bruins held a 3-7 record—symbolizes a shift in perception. Rothstein noted the appeal of “a Kentucky vs. St. John’s showdown” as a driving factor behind the switch.
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Still, Cronin’s focus is clear: maximize the potential of his revamped roster, ride the growth of Dent and Booker, and reignite the Final Four firepower that once defined UCLA’s resurgence.
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