Full Breakdown
UCLA Men's Basketball Preseason Exhibition Schedule Announced
9/3/2025, 3:18:05 PM
Upcoming Exhibition Games
The UCLA men's basketball team has announced its schedule for two exhibition games in October 2025. The Bruins will begin their preseason with a matchup against San Diego State on Friday, October 17, at Viejas Arena in San Diego. Following this, UCLA will host UC Irvine at Pauley Pavilion on Tuesday, October 28. Specific game times and broadcast details for these exhibitions have yet to be determined.
Team Composition and Expectations
This preseason will mark the first opportunity for fans to see a revamped UCLA roster that includes five new transfers, notably point guard Donovan Dent, who was the Mountain West Player of the Year last season. The exhibition games will also provide insights into the evolving roles of returning players such as Eric Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau, who adjusted their positions last season under head coach Mick Cronin. Dailey transitioned from power forward to small forward, while Bilodeau moved from center to power forward.
Regular Season Outlook
UCLA will officially kick off its regular season at home against Eastern Washington on November 3. The Bruins' non-conference schedule features a total of nine home games at Pauley Pavilion before January, including a significant matchup against Arizona at the Intuit Dome on November 14. The complete non-conference schedule was released recently, with the Big Ten Conference schedule still pending.
Exhibition Opponents Overview
- San Diego State: The Aztecs finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 21-10 and a 14-6 standing in the Mountain West Conference. Head coach Brian Dutcher is entering his ninth season.
- UC Irvine: The Anteaters concluded the previous season with a 32-7 record and a 17-3 mark in the Big West Conference. Russell Turner, in his 16th season as head coach, leads the team.
Importance of the Exhibition Games
These exhibition games serve as crucial preparation for UCLA as they transition into the regular season. They will allow the coaching staff to evaluate new talent and adjust strategies ahead of competitive play. The games also provide fans with an early glimpse of the team's potential and dynamics for the upcoming season.
Official Statements & Responses
UCLA's athletic department emphasized the significance of these exhibition games in building team chemistry and preparing for the challenges of the regular season. The announcement highlighted the excitement surrounding the new roster and the anticipation for the upcoming games.
Conclusion
As the UCLA men's basketball team gears up for its exhibition games against San Diego State and UC Irvine, the focus will be on integrating new players and refining strategies. These matchups are not only pivotal for team development but also serve to engage the fanbase ahead of the regular season.
