The Bruins head into the 2026 basketball season with a new roster, and it looks much more promising than last season.
While there are no official comments as to who will be in the starting five, UCLA’s roster gives us a pretty good idea of who will be on the court at the first tip-off of the season.
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Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) reacts against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There have been questions as to whether or not Perry can play the full-time position at point guard. He hasn’t played it exclusively since his high school days, but it’s easy to imagine that transition going well.
Following Donovan Dent‘s departure, it was seemingly obvious who would take on the role of the starting point guard.
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Perry’s ability to be a downhill scorer should give the Bruins an excellent scoring option at the one. Not to mention, when you look at Perry’s surrounding cast, it’s easy to have confidence that he’ll be able to facilitate.
SG: Jaylen Petty
Perhaps the most electric of the Bruins’ transfer class, Petty comes from Texas Tech and will give the Bruins a major boost on offense.
Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jaylen Petty (11) shoots over Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) in the first half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Despite being primarily used as a spot-up shooter on the outside for the Red Raiders, Petty demonstrated his ability to be a shot creator at every level on the floor.
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He and Perry should be one of the best backcourt duos in the Big Ten, as expectations are high for those two.
SF: Nikola Kusturica
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kusturica could be the difference between a Final Four run and a second-round exit for the third year in a row. The value Kusturica brings to this Bruins team is unmatched, as he excels on both ends of the court.
Kusturica will likely be the Bruins’ top scorer and best defender, giving value every time he’s on the court. If he steps into this role and excels immediately, the Bruins could be a very scary team not only in the Big Ten but also in the country.
Kusturica will have at least two years in college, so it will be interesting to see the workload Cronin will distribute in his first season as a Bruin.
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PF: Eric Dailey
Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) reacts against the UCF Knights in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Dailey returns to the Bruins as a great, versatile option at the power forward position. Last season, he averaged double-digit points and just under six rebounds per game.
Continuity is important in college basketball, and having a solid returner as a starter could be a very undervalued asset to this team.
Mar 22, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) attempts to get a rebound against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There have been questions about whether Booker is truly the guy at the center position for UCLA. He returned after his first season with the Bruins and averaged just over seven points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game in 2025.
Mick Cronin also elected to bring in Auburn Transfer Filip Jovic, who will be a relief option at the center position.
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The starting five points in the right direction for UCLA. If they can get the wheels turning early, this Bruins squad may have great things in store for this season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/ucla as UCLA Basketball’s Projected Starting Five in 2026-27.
