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UCLA lands commitment of 4-star former USC signee in major recruitment win

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By David Yapkowitz | Last updated 5/8/24

The UCLA Bruins had a disappointing 2023-24 season finishing with an overall record of 16-17 and only 10-10 in Pac-12 Conference play. It was the first time since Mick Cronin took over as head coach that the Bruins finished with a losing record and failed to reach the NCAA Tournament. But reinforcements are on the way. Led by a stellar transfer portal haul as well as solid incoming recruiting class, the Bruins are hoping to turn their fortunes around as they head to the Big 10. UCLA got a huge boost on Wednesday with the addition of former USC commit Trent Perry as per Joe Tipton of On3 Sports.

A Southern California native, Perry recently completed his senior year of high school at Harvard Westlake. He was teammates with fellow UCLA commit Christian Horry, the son of former NBA player Robert Horry. Horry will be on the team as a walk on though.

A McDonalds All-American, Perry was originally committed to USC but withdrew his commitment following the departure of Andy Enfield to SMU. While USC was still in the mix after the hiring of Eric Mussleman as the new head coach, Perry ultimately chose the Trojans crosstown rival.

Perry told Tipton that a few reasons for his decision to play at UCLA were the proximity to home and the coaching staff.

“I chose UCLA because of the opportunity to play at the highest level in my home town,” Perry said. “Coach Cronin has a great vision for me and the team and I can’t wait to work with the guys we have.”

UCLA’s roster is set to take on the Big 10

Louisville Cardinals guard Skyy Clark (55) dunks the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

While Mick Cronin hasn’t exactly had much success with the transfer portal since he’s come to UCLA, this offseason was vastly different. The Bruins did have roster spots to fill though as they lost four players to the transfer portal in Jan Vide, Berke Buyuktuncel, Will McClendon and Ilane Fibleuil.

But UCLA garnered a transfer portal haul that could have the Bruins skyrocket to the near top of the Big 10 for the 2024-25 season. Trent Perry isn’t the only former USC commit joining UCLA as Kobe Johnson, one of the Trojans top defensive players last season made the northbound trek to Westwood.

The Bruins also added former Louisville guard Skyy Clark, former Oregon State forward Tyler Bilodeau, former Oklahoma State forward Eric Dailey, former LMU guard Dominick Harris and former South Dakota State big man William Kyle. UCLA also has another incoming freshman in Southern California native Eric Freeny.

UCLA is expected to return starting guard Dylan Andrews, starting wing Lazar Stefanovic, promising young center Aday Mara, Pac-12 All-Freshman Team guard Sebastian Mack and a couple of players in Devin Williams and Brandon Williams who could see their roles expand.

In addition to the Bruins transfer portal losses, the team will be without Adem Bona who has declared for the NBA Draft and Kenneth Nwuba who is out of college basketball eligibility. The new additions give Mick Cronin the firepower to be back in the NCAA Tournament this upcoming season.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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