UCLA Men's Basketball: Star Freshman Doubtful For CSUN Game

This is a tough loss for the Bruins.

Having missed the last two games after being ineligible for the first three of the season, freshman UCLA Bruins forward Berke Buyuktuncel is yet to find his groove. 

The former four-star recruit is averaging just five points per game on 27.3% shooting from the field, figures influenced by dealing with foul trouble in their loss to Marquette, and playing just 18 minutes per game. 

Berke exited the Bruins' 66-65 victory over UC Riverside with an ankle injury, subsequently missing their 65-56 loss to Villanova and 67-60 loss to Ohio State. 

Mick Cronin spoke on the injury after their Ohio State loss (per uclabruins.com): 

"He's doubtful for the next game, but he's starting to move better. Again, when Berke comes back, you start to change dynamics of rhythm and flow and who’s playing. Getting him to where he’s comfortable. He’s not the reason we lost today. Sure, we’d like to be at full strength, but everybody deals with injuries."

Cronin's statement suggests that Buyuktuncel will miss at least the next game, but given that "he's starting to move better," there's reasonable expectation that he can come back by December 22nd, where they take on the 6-4 Maryland Terrapins. 

If not, UCLA's struggles may continue, and their 5-4 start could morph into something much worse as they head into conference play.