UCLA is loaded with talent Charisma Osbourne , Kiki Rice, Camryn Brown, and Emily Bessoir and Londynn Jones but then they got the final piece in Lauren Betts. Will Cori Close be able to break through and the make the final four.
They were good last year and now have added even more elite talent. With Charisma back they can definitely go to Final 4, Stanford will be down & USC has ways to go.
I think Betts is actually 6’7” not 6’5” But you’re right they are going to be a very good. They are one of the teams I think have the highest chance to make the final 4.
You are right. Not sure why I said she was 6'5 as I knew she was 6'7. Had trouble with height in the video as just watched it and I also said Jones was 5ft and she is 5'4. Oh well. Yes I think they are going to be good. I really thing Emily Bessoir will go really well as she will get a chance to be outside more, now that they have Betts. The PAC-12 looks strong.
Agree with the assessment of UCLA, but remember that Utah has their entire team back as well. Until proven otherwise, Utah is the best team in the PAC-12 for 23-24. Utah is extremely disrespected.
Here's your hemlock: you made no case for why you think UCLA will be a Final Four team except to say that they did really well with returning players, adding the 6'5 freshman, and the Betts' transfer. You say you'd not be surprised if Stanford wins the conference and that UCLA never won it. Are you saying the NCAA tournament is easier than the PAC 12 tournament?? I watched Betts last season (and some during the Americup). I think she's got great fundamentals - think Tim Duncan, but obviously not at his level (no jump shot). They say you can't teach height. That statement has come before some of the biggest mistakes in recruiting/draft history (think Sam Bowie over MJ or Kwame Brown over anyone). Unfortunately, you can't teach speed. Betts' biggest issue currently is her slow feet - 0 quick-twitch. I mean ZERO. It's possible to change that, I believe, but she's got to recognize it, one, and two, it takes a lotta work in the gym. She's obviously got promise (anyone trying to lay up within 6 feet of her is kinda dumb). I just can't put her in the CBrink conversation yet. She's no where near Cameron. I like the UCLA squad. They started tough last season. Played SC well, but they didn't believe they could beat them, and it showed (because they could have). Chemistry, consistent offense - especially 3-point shooting, and a nice level-up from Kiki and this squad will be tough. I like Osborne as a UCLA piece, but she doesn't excite me at her height (and defensive effort). I wouldn't use my first round pick on her, but then what do I know... The Bruins get plenty of competition and national spotlight from that schedule - both conference and non-conference. Playing the Trojans (major upgrade with Juju Watkins) and the Utes twice are major in my opinion, not to mention Arizona and Colorado. Don't know what to make of Cal without Curry... And also, they have Florida State on their schedule. It's conceivable that they will both be top 20 teams when they meet. This will be a huge season for them, If they do make it deep in the tournament, then credit Close and that tough schedule.
thanks for the hemlock. my response: What was trying to say and maybe badly was: -Yes I think UCLA will be good as they came together last year. They had a damn good team but struggled against USC due to size. I think Betts will help fill this hole along with the freshman and give them depth. As well they have a good mix with 5th year seniors returning. -Then felt I should take look at overall conference a bit. I do think Stanford will be good or could be a surprise even though rated 16. -I do think NCAA tournament is a lottery. The best team often does not win due to the one and done nature of it. -Overall these preview videos are tough. Much easier to find a single topic as does not take as much time to make as can just riff on a topic. and likely get more views as well. But I like doing them as it helps educate me on the different teams and players. and that is why I do it. I am trying to work my way through the top 10. But trust me, I don't think I am going to know more on this than a PAC-12 fan or UCLA fan.
