UCLA Men's Basketball: Reporter Unpacks Ideal Future Bruins Big Ten Matchup
Tradition in college sports is among one of the biggest pastimes that we have. It’s what has kept the love of the games alive for so long.
Within this, comes historic rivalries and all the fun of them. But as the UCLA Bruins get ready for their move to the Big 10 next season, the start of new memories and rivalries begins.
The Bruins have long been one of the most successful college basketball programs, and with this move, should only help them in the future. They now will get to play consistently against some of the bigger power programs in the country.
Of course, they will still have their rivalry with the cross-town USC Trojans, but it’s likely that the Bruins will start some new ones with Big 10 schools.
Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports links the Bruins next rival in their new conference with another historic program, the Indiana Hoosiers.
“Indiana hired Mike Woodson in 2021 to turn around a once proud program and in his first two seasons as the head coach, the Hoosiers reached the NCAA Tournament. Picking a new conference "rival" for the Bruins is tough because of the geographical differences, but a battle between two tradition-rich programs has the makings of a must-watch game.”
These games should have the feeling of a really fun matchup. Anytime legendary programs match up on the court, it’s something special in itself.
Having the backing of the Big 10 conference will allow the Bruins to recruit on an entirely different level now. Adding UCLA to the conference should only enhance things as they are one of the big ticket items in college basketball.
"UCLA joining the Big Ten is the best basketball addition the conference is making. Not only do the Bruins have the pedigree with the most men's basketball national championships ever (11) but also have had success under Mick Cronin since he took over the program in 2019."
This new alignment should be mutually beneficial for all sides involved, and it’s going to be fascinating to see play out.
