UCLA Bruins basketball wins but struggles to find defensive identity. Can Xavier Booker become the anchor this team desperately needs?

Zach Anderson-Yoxsimer breaks down UCLA's concerning performances against Pepperdine and Eastern Washington, highlighting the Bruins' lack of a defensive leader comparable to past stars like Jaylen Clark or Adem Bona. The discussion shifts to UCLA football's massive recruiting miss when defensive lineman David Bailey chose Texas Tech's $3+ million offer over the Bruins, exposing the program's NIL funding gap. Anderson analyzes what this means for UCLA's next coaching hire and whether the program needs an X's and O's genius or a CEO-type fundraiser. Key topics include Xavier Booker's breakout 15-point, 5-block performance, UCLA football's keys to beating Nebraska with backup quarterback TJ Lateef making his first career start, and predictions for keeping bowl hopes alive.

Tune in for critical analysis of UCLA Bruins basketball's defensive struggles and football's path forward against Nebraska on this episode of Locked On UCLA. This is your daily UCLA Football & Basketball Podcast!

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