UCLA's Aday Mara has shown flashes of brilliance, but coach Mick Cronin is taking a strategic approach to his playing time, considering matchups and the strengths of other players.
UCLA 's coach, Mick Cronin , is adopting a strategic approach to utilizing his talented 7-foot-3 center, Aday Mara . Despite Mara's impressive performance against Wisconsin, where he scored a career-high 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, blocked two shots, and made every shot, Cronin emphasized that Mara's playing time would remain situational.
Cronin cited Mara's recent breakout as a valuable learning experience for the player, but he also pointed out that forward William Kyle III had a similar standout game against Iowa. He explained that match-ups heavily influence his decisions, opting for Kyle against smaller, faster teams and Mara against larger, less athletic opponents. Cronin acknowledged the limitations of playing with Mara and Kyle together against teams employing four guards, but expressed confidence in finding solutions to maximize their potential. Bilodeau, a relatively shorter starting center, has faced defensive challenges, prompting Wisconsin's coach to specifically mention Bilodeau's struggles defending ball screens. This situation highlights Cronin's dilemma in balancing Bilodeau's offensive contributions with his defensive limitations. Cronin is actively exploring ways to integrate Mara and Kyle effectively, even against smaller teams. He envisions scenarios where Kyle guards the perimeter and Bilodeau focuses on the bigger opponent, capitalizing on Kyle's speed. This strategy, however, requires careful planning and adjustments based on the opposing team's lineup.Both Bilodeau and Dailey expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside Mara, recognizing his dominant presence both offensively and defensively. Bilodeau described Mara's impact as a constant source of scoring options and a formidable defensive force in the paint. Dailey highlighted Mara's ability to receive lobs and finish effectively, adding a new dimension to their offensive strategy. Despite Mara's dominance, Kyle proved crucial in the final moments against Wisconsin, effectively preventing a potential game-tying or go-ahead shot by blocking a crucial attempt. This situation underscores the importance of both players in different roles, contributing to UCLA's overall success
UCLA Aday Mara Mick Cronin William Kyle III Tyler Bilodeau Wisconsin Badgers Big Ten Conference
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