UCLA Basketball: Writer Ranks Best Incoming Bruins Freshmen

How will he perform in his first season?

Your UCLA Bruins have developed a keen eye for talent at the high school level, and even though a number of experts are not in love with their recruiting haul heading into this coming season, they are bringing in a number of gems that will very well be difference-makers. We all know just how important the point guard position is when it comes to the collegiate level, and there are few coaches who know how to utilize them better than head coach Mick Cronin.

And seeing that the Bruins will be led by Sebastian Mack, a four-star guard who made a name for himself in Nevada... fans should be quite excited. Mack is not the tallest, as he stands at 6'4, but he attacks the rim as well as any other player in his class, and if the opposing defense does not respect his shot, he pulls threes without hesitation.

Cronin does not always use freshman guards off the jump, but seeing that Mack chose UCLA over a number of other top universities, the coaching staff likely has a set plan for him moving forward. Cronin highlighted what sets Mack apart from other top recruits when he signed his initial letter of intent in November of last year.

"Sebastian is an explosive athlete and has developed into an elite scorer," Cronin said. "He's a great competitor who also brings toughness and defense to the gym. Sebastian has a great basketball pedigree and really loves the game. His shooting ability is definitely something that we need to add, seeing as and are currently seniors. One thing I love about Sebastian is when he committed, I told him that I was excited and that we needed his shooting. His response was, 'I'm coming to play defense and win, Coach.' I expect he'll have a great senior season at Coronado High School. We cannot wait to get him to Westwood."

(Via UCLA Bruins)

Experts at SportsKeeda ranked the top five commitments for UCLA heading into the new season, and Mack came in at number one thanks to his versatility!

"Sebastian Mack is a four-star guard from Nevada who can score in bunches. He is ranked No. 56 overall, No. 7 at his position and No. 2 in his state by 247Sports Composite. He has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc, a knack for getting to the basket and a high IQ on both ends of the floor. He spurned offers from Arizona, Kansas, Oregon and more to join

UCLA

."

(Via Sports Keeda)

It will be super exciting to see yet another polished guard touch down with the Bruins. Depending on how much Mack gets the ball in his hands this year, he could declare for the draft if he puts forth a solid campaign, but I could also see a world where Cronin gets the best out of him over several years.