Report: UCLA out of running for five-star wing Jaylen Brown

UCLA’s 2015 recruiting class might be already be complete.

The Bruins’ biggest remaining target was five-star wing Jaylen Brown, a player who could have elevated the roster after it lost out on center Stephen Zimmerman. According to Bruin Report Online, however, Brown has cut UCLA from his list of potential schools.

This is one of the few indications of Brown’s future, which the Georgia native has kept close to his vest throughout his recruitment. Ranked the top overall recruit in 2015 by Scout.com, and No. 2 by Rivals, Brown announced eight finalists earlier this month.

ESPN’s Paul Biancardi said last Tuesday that Brown’s destination “could be be Cal or it could be Michigan,” but Brown said a day later that he had not cut his list.

UCLA’s incoming recruiting haul currently consists of four-star guards Aaron Holiday and Prince Ali, three-star forward Alex Olesinski, and JUCO transfer big man Ikenna Okwarabizie.

UCLA’s wait continues as center Stephen Zimmerman picks UNLV

Five-star center Stephen Zimmerman announced his commitment to UNLV tonight, spurning Kentucky, Kansas and UCLA in favor of his hometown team.

Before Thursday, the 6-foot-11 prospect had been one of the top national recruits still undecided on their college destination. His choice leaves the Bruins — who are coming off back-to-back trips to the Sweet 16 — looking somewhat precarious in their quest to break back into the sport’s elite ranks.

A player like Zimmerman would have helped reinvigorate a frontcourt that lost Kevon Looney to the NBA draft. Through his first two years in Los Angeles, head coach Steve Alford has yet to construct a roster with depth across the court. Continue reading “UCLA’s wait continues as center Stephen Zimmerman picks UNLV” »