News Summary

The UCLA Bruins are set to make their debut in the Big Ten Tournament, with junior forward Tyler Bilodeau earning third-team All-Big Ten honors and senior guard Kobe Johnson being named to the All-Defensive Team for the third consecutive year. Bilodeau has averaged 14 points per game, while Johnson leads UCLA in rebounds and steals. As the Bruins prepare for their quarterfinal match on March 14, they aim to build on their legacy in college basketball.

UCLA’s Stars Shine Bright in Big Ten Honors!

Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement as the UCLA Bruins gear up for their inaugural appearance in the Big Ten Tournament. In thrilling news, junior forward Tyler Bilodeau and senior guard Kobe Johnson have both earned impressive honors that spotlight their dedication and talent on the court.

Bilodeau’s Rise to Recognition

Tyler Bilodeau, a 6-foot-9 forward hailing from Kennewick, Washington, has been a standout player for the Bruins. His efforts have landed him a spot on the third-team All-Big Ten Conference, selected by the league’s coaches. In addition to this honor, he also received honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades from various media members.

This season, Bilodeau has been instrumental in leading his team, averaging an impressive 14.0 points per game. He’s not just scoring; he also contributes with an average of 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. His accuracy from beyond the arc has also caught the eyes of many, boasting a 41.2% shooting percentage from three-point range, hitting 35 of 85 attempts this season. He’s shooting at a phenomenal 50.5% from the field overall!

Having transferred to UCLA from Oregon State University last summer, Bilodeau has certainly made the most of his opportunity, starting all 30 games this season and playing an average of 26.5 minutes each game.

Johnson’s Defensive Strength

Meanwhile, Kobe Johnson, a 6-foot-6 senior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continues to shine with his strong defensive skills, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team for the third consecutive year. This achievement reflects his consistency and commitment to excellence on the floor. Previously, he earned Pac-12 All-Defensive Team recognition while playing at USC in 2023 and 2024.

Johnson has averaged 7.9 points per game this season but truly makes his mark with his defensive prowess. He leads UCLA with a team-high average of 6.0 rebounds per game and has started all 31 games this season. His defensive skills are evident with a whopping 53 steals this season, placing him sixth in the Big Ten for steals per game, averaging 1.7 steals.

The Bigger Picture

In the context of the Big Ten, Purdue’s Braden Smith received the accolade of Big Ten Player of the Year, while Maryland’s Derik Queen was named Freshman of the Year. Additionally, the Defensive Player of the Year honor went to Penn State’s Ace Baldwin Jr. Interestingly, Illinois’ Will Riley claimed the title of Sixth Man of the Year, and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo was celebrated as Coach of the Year.

UCLA has always had a strong presence in college basketball tournaments, previously competing in the Pac-12. This year marks a new chapter as they dive into the Big Ten Tournament, starting on March 14. They have earned a double bye and will kick off their journey in the quarterfinals at 11:30 a.m. PT (2:30 p.m. ET). Their first match-up could be against either the No. 5-seed Wisconsin, No. 12-seed Minnesota, or No. 13-seed Northwestern.

In addition to Bilodeau and Johnson’s achievements, UCLA’s senior Lazar Stefanovic made the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Sportsmanship Team, underscoring the good spirits and teamwork prevalent in their squad.

The Bruins last tasted significant conference tournament success in 2014 when they triumphed over top-seeded Arizona. As they embark on this exciting journey in the Big Ten, fans can only hope they continue to build on this legacy!

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