Mick Cronin downplays UCLA's comparisons to 2019 team

The UCLA Bruins have a deep and talented team this season. And some college basketball experts have drawn comparisons between them and the 2019-2020 team, which many believed could have won the national championship had it not been for the COVID lockdown.

However, the Bruins men’s head basketball coach, Mick Cronin, doesn’t see many similarities between the two teams. And on Wednesday, following UCLA’s 78-58 win over Long Island, Cronin set the record straight, highlighting the differences between squads.

“No. That team wasn’t as young as this team,” said Cronin during the postgame press conference. “They had everybody back… I mean, I know everybody wants to say that, but that team was bigger, stronger, and older than this team. So we were able to eventually win with defense and rebounding. This team has more skill in certain areas, but we’re not as physical as that team.”

This season, UCLA is looking to go on an even deeper run into the men’s college basketball postseason. Last year, the Bruins made it all the way to the Sweet 16 round, where they were defeated by three points in a 2 vs. 3-seed clash with Gonzaga. So far this year, UCLA is off to a solid start, going 3- 0 to open the season. Next up for Cronin and the Bruins is the opening round of the Maui Invitational, where they will take all the No. 4 Marquette Golden Eagles to open the tournament.

Cronin calls for Maui Invitational funds to be properly used, distributed

The island of Maui was devastated by wildfires in August, with a death count now reaching 100 people. The images to come out of a beautiful island were heartbreaking and have led to an outpouring of donations for the people of Maui.

This year, the Maui Invitational Tournament was relocated to Honolulu because of those wildfires and there have been funds raised through the tournament for the people of Maui. For UCLA head coach Mick Cronin, that outpouring of support is great, but he still has major concerns.

“Look, there’s all kinds of stuff going on to help the people of Maui,” Mick Cronin said. “I think the things you won’t read about are the things that concern me. Property. Real estate predators and things of that nature because it’s such a unique place.”

Cronin emphasized that Maui is vulnerable right now and that there are going to be those who want to take advantage of it. So, it’s important that the funds coming in are properly used and distributed to the locals in need.

“The proceeds are going to get poured in, but proceeds can get poured in a lot of places. If they’re not used right, if they’re not supervised the right way, it won’t matter. I can sit here and give you a regular answer. ‘Oh, it’s great, we’re doing this, get Maui,’” Cronin said.