UCLA Basketball: Mick Cronin Explains Decision For Unexpected Starting Frontcourt

Let Mick cook?

In the Bruins' 75-44 victory over Saint Francis to open the season, there were a lot of things to be thrilled about.

The defense looked great, forward Adem Bona looks like a full-on breakout candidate (28 points, 9 rebounds), and the rest of the team looked like they were ready to put forth great seasons in their new roles.

One thing that didn't look as great, however, was the Bruins' rotation. 

The team's 5-star recruit and 7-foot-3 big man Aday Mara, who was expected to be an instrumental part of the Bruins' season from the jump, came off the bench and only played 5 minutes in the blowout win.

This is an issue on a bunch of levels, as for starters, Mara and Bona not being played together suggests that Cronin may have seen something he didn't like with regards to their fit or cohesion. 

This could also imply that Mara, who is an incredibly raw prospect, is having issues adjusting his game to the collegiate level. Worse, he's been battling injuries since his arrival at UCLA, and while he was cleared to play in this game, it's possible he isn't 100%. 

When asked about it, here's what Cronin had to say, per uclabruins.com:

“We’re trying a lot of things. The problem is they both get tired at the same time. Aday (Mara) just found out he was going to play a few days ago. He hasn’t played an organized game in four months. He didn’t play in either exhibition nor scrimmage and it showed tonight.

Yikes. Cronin's comments don't look great for Mara, as while they fortunately don't relate to an injury or any sort of significant developmental issue, they do suggest that he isn't ready for the collegiate game at the moment. 

You can probably point to his health and youth, but one way or another, it may be some time before we see the true potential of the frontcourt of Bona and Mara. 

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