5/5: by announcing his registration for the 2023 Draft last Thursday, the “freshman” Amari Bailey becomes the fifth and last starter of the 2022/23 season of UCLA to leave the campus in the last two weeks, putting in place for good an inevitable future reconstruction of the roster des Bruins (in which the French Ilane Fibleuil could occupy a central place).
Big star in “high school”, in Sierra Canyon in California alongside Bronny James in particular (#9 in the class of 2022), the native of Chicago logically changed his status when he joined the ranks of the Bruins, an experienced team, composed mainly “juniors” and “seniors”.
All the same indisputable holder, he thus took on the role of second knife alongside his older teammates, and shone in this context: 11.2 points at 50% on shots, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists, with in particular a good rise in power in the last six games of the season (17.3 points on 56% on shots).
” At the end of the season, Amari showed a level of play among the very best in the country on his position » also estimated his coach Mike Cronin. ” His shot selection and success percentage show his quality and relevance. He loved his time as a Bruin, and now we will be able to appreciate his talents in the pros. »
For the time being projected at the end of the first round or at the start of the second round, he could considerably boost his value and get closer to the Top 20 by making a good impression in the Combine of the Draft. One thing is certain, his “combo-guard” profile, capable of creating his own shot as well as contributing to the “playmaking” is appreciated by the franchises, especially since his defensive potential is also a source of optimism.
