UCLA basketball 2017 report card: Gyorgy Goloman

GG Goloman has the size and athleticism to make an impact, but the junior is running out of time to realize his potential. (Hans Gutknecht/SCNG)

Strengths: At 6-foot-11 with plenty of athleticism, Goloman has the ability to be a dynamic player. Averages of 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.5 minutes didn’t turn any heads, but when he was aggressive, the junior from Hungary achieved respectable success. Even when he was on the court, there wasn’t an abundance of opportunity as the fourth option in UCLA’s frontcourt rotation. Goloman was at his best going to the basket and his ability to run the floor fit the Bruins’ up-tempo style.

Weaknesses: UCLA coach Steve Alford insisted all season Goloman was a good outside shooter who just lacked opportunity. The numbers said otherwise. He shot an impressive 58 percent from the field, but made just 1 of his 10 attempts from 3-point range and shot just 33 percent on 2-point jumpers.

Best moment: Goloman was perhaps his most aggressive this season when UCLA most desperately needed it. During a stretch in the first half of the Bruins’ 86-75 loss to Kentucky in the Sweet 16, he had two dunks just over minute apart. His most impressive included a drive past multiple defenders before he dunked over Kentucky’s 7-foot, 255-pound Isaac Humphries to momentarily quiet the pro-Kentucky crowd at FedExForum and give UCLA some hope in an ugly first half.

Worst moment: UCLA looked overmatched by Arizona during the majority of its only loss at Pauley Pavilion last season. But there was one stretch midway through the second half when it appeared the Bruins had a chance. They fought within two points only for Goloman to take one of his most ill-advised shots of the year. His second 3-point attempt of the season – mind you, this is on Jan. 21 – missed the mark and was UCLA’s only chance to take a lead in the second half as Arizona promptly reeled off a 14-6 run in an eventual 96-85 win.

Summary: Goloman has potential, but he’s running out of time to realize it. To his credit, there were three other NBA players among UCLA’s frontcourt last season, including two potential first-round picks in 2017, but the internal competition is always going to be stiff at a program of this caliber. He was mostly a non-factor last season despite enough playing time to make more waves, though he did show some flashes toward the end of the season.

Grade: C

Future outlook: If Golomon can be a large enough part of the offense as a senior next season to have a chance to find a rhythm, he could blossom into a contributor. Even if Alford does tweak his system to fit next season’s personnel better, there will seemingly always be a place for a stretch-four. Goloman likely has the inside track to claim that spot over rising junior Alex Olesinski, who sat out last season with a foot injury. His height, athleticism and supposed range only have one more season to come together.