I caught a late night west coast game last night. UCLA vs. Long Island. (I'm from Long Island) Not very much competition for the Bruins, but worth noting as this was the first time I got to see the Bruin's 7-3 center Aday Mara, who is projected as a lottery pick. He plays alongside 6-10 Adem Bona to give them a formidable front line. Mara is from Spain. He is going to be really good. Maybe a step slow, he is going to need some time but he is very skilled. Great passer. Displayed a nice jump hook. He had 14 points and 4 rebounds, and blocked a few shots without even jumping. He's huge, like Purdue's center. Bona had 20. More will be known as the Bruins play Marquette this weekend but that imposing front line (they have a beefy 6-10 senior as well) is worth keeping an eye on. UCLA also has a Utah transfer who averaged double figures and a freshman point guard Mack who is a terrific scorer. I'd say right now Arizona is better but the Bruins could be a dark horse in the Pac 12.
Now watching Gonzaga play Eastern Oregon. Curious about the Zags this year.
Low level competition, but the Zags have reloaded. Watson and Hickman return, and 3 really good transfers. The Zags will make some noise this year. The Wyoming transfer C Ike is a stud(averaged 19/10 at Wyoming) , and Nembhard (Creighton transfer) was another big transfer. Former 5 star PG Hickman looks much improved. Gonzaga also has this kid Huff, a 4 star big man who redshirted last year, who looks REALLY good. Keep an eye on him. 23 points in 14 minutes.
Notre Dame loses to Auburn.
Virginia goes to 4-0.
St. John's almost loses to North Texas.
Wake Forest loses to Utah.
theathletic.com
