Elite 2025 Wing Prospect Comes to Westwood, Visits UCLA Basketball Program

Various reports indicate that UCLA is pursuing Aristode exceptionally hard. In a recent interview with On3's Jamie Shaw, Aristode said that UCLA, Duke, and Kentucky were the three schools pursuing him the hardest. 

Aristode did call Duke "the most famous program in history" -- though UCLA might have something to say about that. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton are objectively the two best players in college basketball history. Both attended UCLA. Additionally, UCLA has the most National Championships (11) of any school -- including Duke (5). 

When factoring in the bevy of elite players coming from the program over the years (Abdul-Jabbar, Walton, Reggie Miller, Lonzo Ball, Baron Davis, Gail Goodrich, Jamaal Wilkes, Russell Westbrook, Jrue Holiday, Kevin Love), surely all of these historical facts were highlighted on Aristode's visit. There's also the aspect of playing basketball in front of NBA scouts and personnel constantly. This includes games, practices, and the famed Men's Gym runs during the summer in Los Angeles. 

Stylistically speaking, Aristode would be a fantastic fit in Westwood. He has above-average length, supreme quickness, and the athleticism to be an absolute terror on the defensive end of the floor (a Mick Cronin specialty). 

Offensively, Aristode can score from all levels, whether pulling up from three or taking the ball to the rack. Perhaps his best trait is the energy and effort he plays with. Again, this is a trait Cronin values tremendously. 

Aristode is just scratching the surface as to how good he can be. Cronin has a reputation for player development. He just developed wing Jaime Jaquez Jr. into a first-round pick with the Miami Heat. Not only is Jaquez Jr. acclimating to life in the pro ranks well, but he's already turned into a major factor for a team aiming for an NBA Championship. 

With the skill set Aristode brings to the table, there's no doubt Cronin can mold him into a future impact NBA player. 

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