Super sophomore Trent Perry could give UCLA some March magic
PHILADELPHIA — Trent Perry started a celebratory dance after sinking a step-back 3-pointer over a group supervisor.
Setting up in a single nook and taking one move after one other through the casual taking pictures session on the night of the NCAA Tournament, the UCLA guard made most of his 3-pointers. His mouth hung agape in shock when one rattled out of the rim.
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It appears that the Bruins’ breakthrough star can do just about something he desires lately.
UCLA’s Trent Perry (0) has made essentially the most of his alternative to play in a three-guard lineup. IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Connect
Perry’s emergence as a part of a three-guard beginning lineup has elevated his group into a modern choose to outperform his seed within the coming weeks. First issues first for seventh-seeded UCLA, which plays 10th-seeded UCF within the first spherical on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“This is a special stage,” Perry advised The California Post on Thursday afternoon whereas sitting in entrance of his locker, “and dreams can come true.”
The tremendous sophomore would possibly really feel like he is already in the midst of one given his latest rise.
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A midseason damage substitute for Skyy Clark within the beginning lineup, Perry erupted for 30 factors in opposition to Penn State every week later and hasn’t slowed down since Clark returned final month.
When level guard Donovan Dent went down with a calf injury in opposition to Purdue within the Big Ten Tournament, Perry took over working the group and completed with 9 assists in a near-upset of the Boilermakers.
“Basketball is basketball,” Perry mentioned, “and especially with this team, whatever they need me to do — run the point, be the 2 guard — whatever it takes to win [I’ll do]and so it was pretty cool to be out there.”
Perry’s potential to make 3-pointers and clutch free throws whereas additionally attending to the rim and discovering open teammates has made him one of the indispensable Bruins.
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He’s grow to be the group’s third-leading scorer, averaging 12.7 factors per sport, whereas additionally making 41.2% of his 3-pointers. Don’t make the error of sending him to the foul line late in video games. Without a lot as one jangled nerve, Perry made all six free throws within the closing 36 seconds final week to assist his group maintain off Michigan State within the Big Ten Tournament.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” mentioned David Rebibo, who coached Perry at Harvard-Westlake High. “It was never a matter of if, it was just a matter of when, and very similar to his high school career. Once it clicked, watch out, because he was gonna be special.”
UCLA guard Trent Perry (0) has grow to be the group’s third-leading scorer this season, averaging 12.7 factors per sport. AP
His remaining within the beginning lineup upon Clark’s return final month has helped with spacing for shooters whereas additionally opening driving lanes and quickening the Bruins’ tempo. Once combating for inclusion within the NCAA Tournament, UCLA (23-11) broke freed from bubble bother with six wins in its final eight video games.
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Perry is the most recent in a protracted line of gamers who’ve developed into NBA prospects beneath Cronin and his workers. Cronin mentioned Perry’s willingness to just accept teaching has accelerated his enchancment.
“I give him all the credit because the coaching works more for guys with the right attitude,” Cronin mentioned. “Some guys, you can coach them for 20 years and they would be the same player.”
Perry’s rise from a participant averaging 3.7 factors as a freshman to somebody able to carrying a group has prompted his coach to foyer for his return subsequent season. Cronin has talked about how a lot he desires Perry to come back again for greater than a month now.
While there might be loads of components that go into Perry’s choice — together with how steep of an increase he would possibly command in NIL compensation — the Bruins seem like in an excellent place to retain him.
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“I know Trent loves UCLA, he loves his teammates,” Rebibo mentioned. “He loves his coaches, and I know he’s really excited about the potential of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. But I also know, listen, Mom and Dad live in LA, and, and I think being a Bruin is important to him, and winning is important to him, and all those things aligned — you know, I don’t know what the future holds, but I know he loves where he’s at, and I know he wants to win.”
Especially on school basketball’s largest stage.
Growing up, Perry mentioned he used to check creating his personal one shining second within the NCAA Tournament, taking the shot that could win a sport within the closing seconds.
“Of course,” he mentioned, “and if you miss the shot, you’ve got to add some time.”
Time, like all the pieces else, appears to be on his facet, loads of March moments to come back.
