UCLA basketball team crystallized its identity in Colorado


The UCLA football team never found its identity in 2016. It appeared to be a defensive stalwart for a few games, a pass-happy team Mike Leach would have been proud of for a few games…but it never became clear what UCLA did best. It was no coincidence the Bruins won four games in one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory.

If the UCLA basketball team’s identity wasn’t clear before Thursday’s blowout win at Colorado, it was crystallized during the 104-89 victory that wasn’t nearly as close as that score would indicate. UCLA is exceptional at two things. Both, not surprisingly, are of the offensive variety.

One, the Bruins’ 3-point shooting is tremendous. Two, their fast break is nothing short of spectacular. Opponents are well aware of both at this point, but still struggle to prevent either, a telltale sign UCLA’s strengths can carry them a long way this season.

Yes, the Bruins clearly have weaknesses on the basketball court. They are average defensively. In a related matter, they struggle to keep teams off the offensive boards. But UCLA is so potent offensively, it more than compensates for any deficiencies.

The team with the highest 3-point percentage in the country broke the school record it set in the season-opener by making 19 3-pointers against Colorado. There are four players shooting better than 43 percent from the 3-point line and that doesn’t include Isaac Hamilton, who broke out of a 4-for-33 slump to make 4 of his 5 attempts from beyond the arc Thursday.

As for the fast break, UCLA is the most offensively efficient team of the 351 in Division I, according to statistician Ken Pomroy. It scores 124.5 points per 100 possessions, nearly 10 more than the next closest Pac-12 team, Arizona. Combined with the Bruins playing at the ninth-fastest pace in the nation, per kenpom.com, it has been a dynamic combination.