LOS ANGELES -- A team often reflects the temperament of its coach, and for UCLA, that means an unpredictable ride under Mick Cronin. The fiery head coach is both the Bruins’ greatest asset and, at times, one of their biggest challenges. He wears his emotions on his sleeve—a trait that can inspire his team when things are going well, but one that can also become a hindrance during rough stretches.
Cronin’s postgame comments this season have made headlines, showcasing both his passion and frustration. After a loss to a ranked Michigan team at home early in January, he didn’t hold back:
"It's really hard to coach people that are delusional. ... We've got guys that think they're way better than they are. They're nice kids. They're completely delusional about who they are."
That sentiment encapsulates UCLA’s season—flashes of promise mixed with frustrating lapses. But after a dominant 24-point win over Iowa ten days later that snapped their 4-game losing streak, Cronin’s tone shifted, taking personal accountability this time:
"I’m frustrated with myself. Anybody that thinks I’m not accountable doesn’t know me or is just a clickbait person, OK? Nobody is harder on themselves in coaching than me – nobody."
After hearing that, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is he ever happy? Does he ever just smile? Keeping the foot on the gas pedal nonstop can be exhausting, especially for a team of young players still figuring things out. But as Cronin pointed out in a postgame press conference, “I almost have 500 wins, I'm only 53," making it hard to question his approach.
The Bruins finished 22-10, sixth in a stacked Big Ten, which is a testament to Cronin’s coaching prowess, with signature wins over Gonzaga, Oregon (twice), Wisconsin, and Michigan State. However, for UCLA to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need a higher level of buy-in and execution they’ve rarely sustained this season.
Their first-round opponent, Utah State, is no pushover. The Aggies finished 26-7, placed third in the Mountain West, and average 80 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 35.5% from three. In comparison, UCLA averages 75 points per game, shooting 46% from the field and 35% from deep. If the Bruins survive that matchup, they’ll likely face Tennessee next—a physical, defensive-minded team built to expose UCLA’s weaknesses.
Adding to the uncertainty, Cronin downplayed the significance of the Big Ten Tournament ahead of the NCAA Tournament, saying, “They hang national championship banners at UCLA.” However, that mindset didn’t lead to success, as the Bruins were swiftly eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing by 16 points to a Wisconsin team with Final Four aspirations. Whether this approach keeps them fresh or leaves them unprepared remains to be seen.
Mick Cronin knows how to push his team, but with a roster lacking difference-makers, the burden falls on him to inspire them beyond their perceived limitations. A win over Utah State in the opening round would be an accomplishment. Anything beyond that? A March Madness miracle.
