Two programs. But one name, one city, one goal. The 2026-27 season sees two strikingly different circumstances for No. 22 UCLA men’s and No. 11 women’s basketball.

This post was updated Oct. 29 at 10:08 p.m.
Mick Cronin, ever the dog-loving clairvoyant, knew what it was going to take to beat the Toreros – defense.

The beginning of the college basketball season often comes with some scrutiny.
Early matchups take place between squads with no business competing against each other, often with large talent and resource gaps.

This post was updated Oct. 6 at 11:30 p.m.
When the Bruins began practicing Tuesday morning, every player went through two full drills following stretches without even dribbling a basketball.

UCLA is in its third season in the Big Ten following a sophomore campaign in which the program captured three NCAA championships – the most of any Big Ten school.

Russell Westbrook was an anomaly.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound point guard spent 18 years in the NBA scowling at and dunking over opponents.
And the two seasons prior, “Russ” inflicted punishment on college rims while donning UCLA’s blue and gold.

UCLA students will now receive free admission to all regular-season home football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games, UCLA Athletics announced Wednesday morning.
The policy will take effect Saturday for UCLA football’s second home game of the season against Purdue at the Rose Bowl.