UCLA Basketball: Talented Transfer Forward Set to Visit Westwood

It’s no secret Mick Cronin has been actively looking to revamp the UCLA Men’s Basketball roster ahead of its leap to the Big Ten. In the wake of earning commitments from guard Skyy Clark and wing Kobe Johnson, the Bruins look to be in the thick of things for another talented player.

According to basketball guru Adam Zagoria, former Oklahoma State forward Eric Dailey Jr. is slated to take an official visit to UCLA from April 12-14. Dailey Jr.’s numbers might look modest on the surface last year.

As a freshman for the Pokes, he averaged 9.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 1.5 APG. However, he did so in only 22.3 MPG. During this time he also shot a respectable 49.6 percent from the field and accrued nearly a steal per game. He also only turned the ball over 1.1 times a game.

Stylistically, he’s rather different than last year’s duo of Berke Buyuktuncel and Brandon Williams different from previous year’s. Dailey Jr. is a much more athletic player – and someone analytically who thrives in transition. His quickness and strong basketball IQ enable him to switch more effectively in pick-and-roll situations (a Cronin staple).

Offensively, Dailey Jr. loves pulling up in the mid-range. He uses his physicality to bully his way to the cup on the block, normally shooting over his right shoulder. Getting him on campus is a major deal. We’ve not yet seen any other program nail down an official visit with Dailey Jr.

As has been the case virtually throughout the portal season, when a program gets a guy on campus first, it usually results in a commitment. Dailey Jr.’s potential addition to the squad would be immense. He’s essentially a more talented version of the player Cronin had at Cincinnati. Dailey Jr. would increase the athleticism within the starting five, and help out defensive efforts in the frontcourt. Not only that, but he has three years of eligibility remaining