The highly anticipated AP Top 25 Men's College Basketball Poll has arrived, and UCLA's Bruins are making waves. With a projected top-15 ranking, the team is poised to dominate the 2025-26 season. But what's behind their success? It's all about the stars. Head coach Mick Cronin's strategic retention of four key players from last year's impressive 23-11 team, coupled with the star-studded addition of New Mexico guard and Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent, has created a formidable force. Before even stepping onto the court, Dent's reputation as one of the nation's best players was already buzzing. This season, the Bruins are set to shine, with Dent at the helm. ESPN's Jeff Borzello agrees, ranking UCLA 15th and predicting Dent's potential to win a national award. The team's offensive strategy, led by Dent, aims to address last season's shortcomings, with a focus on improving field goal percentage, 3-point shooting, and free throw accuracy. With a strong foundation and a talented lineup, the Bruins are ready to take on the challenges of the Big Ten Conference, aiming to prove themselves as a true college basketball powerhouse.
