The UCLA Bruins are doing their best to finish their 2025-26 campaign strong and have a decent seeding for March Madness. While the Big Ten team has a 17-9 record, they are tied for seventh in conference play at 9-6.
The thing that has been rattling head coach Mick Cronin's mind lately is the Bruins' three losses in their last five games. While those losses against blue-chip programs were understandable, the most recent defeats — 86-56 at the Michigan Wolverines and 82-59 at the Michigan State Spartans — have pushed him over the edge.
During the team's devastating loss against Michigan State, Cronin was extremely frustrated with UCLA's Steven Jamerson II for committing a flagrant foul and ejected him from the game.
Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Fans and analysts alike have shared their takes on the situation, but one former NBA player and collegiate superstar gave his two cents on the matter.
Jalen Rose Calls Out Mick Cronin for Ejecting His Player
Former Michigan star and 13-year NBA player Jalen Rose didn't hold back his thoughts on how Cronin handled the flagrant foul his player received for hacking a Spartans player from the back.
"The coach did something that I hate. You purposefully tried to embarrass me in front of everybody," Rose said of Cronin in a video posted by TNT Sports. "That's what you're doing. It ain't even about what's going on in the game; you're trying to humiliate me."
Rose then reminded Cronin that his actions have consequences, saying that he will feel the repercussions of his actions.
"And that's gonna have a domino effect in his locker room and in recruiting in the future," Rose warned.
Cronin has struggled to replicate the incredible success he had during his second year as UCLA Bruins head coach in 2020-21. He led the team to a Final Four appearance on the backs of Johnny Juzang, Chris Smith and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
With this incident and Cronin's tense interaction with a reporter, it's clear that the pressure is getting to him. If he isn't careful, this season might be his last.
The Bruins host the No. 10 Illinois Fighting Illini at 8 p.m. ET Saturday on Fox and the Fox Sports app.