Early top 25 for 2017-18 college basketball: Post-early entry deadline

By Chris Stone | May 30, 2017

March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) dunks to score a basket against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) drives against Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

16. UCLA Bruins

Notable departures: Bryce Alford, Ike Anigbogu, Lonzo Ball, Isaac Hamilton, TJ Leaf
Notable returnees: Prince Ali, Gyorgy Goloman, Aaron Holiday, Alex Olesinki, Thomas Walsh
Notable newcomers: LiAngelo Ball, Jaylen Hands, Jalen Hill, Cody Riley, Chris Smith, Kris Wilkes

The Lonzo Ball era in Westwood has come to an end, but the 6-foot-6 point guard won’t be the only piece the UCLA Bruins have to replace this season. Four of the team’s five starters from 2016-17 won’t be on the 2017-18 roster. Ball and TJ Leaf are off to the NBA early while Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton have exhausted their college eligibility. Freshman Ike Anigbogu, the Bruins’ backup center, also declared for the draft.

Rising junior Aaron Holiday figures to take on the point guard duties. The 6-foot-1 guard was the best sixth man in the country last season while averaging 18.5 points and 6.6 assists per 40 minutes. Holiday, unlike Ball, has no problem breaking down defenses off the dribble and should give the Bruins a new offensive look.

Like last season, UCLA will also be heavily reliant on incoming freshmen. Head coach Steve Alford has compiled a top five recruiting class for 2017. Jaylen Hands, a 5-star point guard, will likely join Holiday in the backcourt while Kris Wilkes, another 5-star, will likely fill the void left by Hamilton on the wing. 4-star power forwards Jalen Hill and Cody Riley could be split the duties of filling in for Leaf.