Young men’s basketball squad to open season against Cal State LA

When UCLA men’s basketball takes to the court Friday, the blue and gold team in Pauley Pavilion will have a new look.

Gone are former freshman phenom Kevon Looney and vital veteran Norman Powell. In their place, they leave an inexperienced team with lots of young potential.

“We’re way ahead of where we were,” said coach Steve Alford on the team’s media day earlier in October. “Having the young guys further ahead at this point has really helped us.”

Alford and the Bruins will open their 2015-2016 exhibition schedule against the Cal State Los Angeles Eagles in the team’s lone preseason game. The regular season officially opens with the nonconference schedule on Nov. 13 against Monmouth.

Returning to action are starting lineup staples junior point guard Bryce Alford and senior forward Tony Parker, constituting two of the Bruins’ small contingent of veteran influence.

Absent from the lineup is sophomore G.G. Goloman, who was ruled out for six to eight weeks with a stress fracture in his right leg. If his recovery remains on schedule, he will likely return to the team before conference play begins in January.

The 16-man roster is highlighted by six incoming freshmen, including highly-touted guards Aaron Holiday and Prince Ali. Joining the squad is sophomore forward Jonah Bolden, who was ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA before the beginning of last season.

Last year, UCLA struggled to find a rhythm early. The Bruins barely hit their stride by the postseason, sneaking into the NCAA Tournament before making a deep run to the Sweet Sixteen.

This year, UCLA will look to establish itself with big games against Kentucky, Gonzaga and North Carolina scheduled early in the nonconference schedule.

Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports senior staff.