LOS ANGELES — After COVID-19 put his high-jumping career on hold, William Kyle III shifted his focus to basketball, where his athleticism helped him secure the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year title. In a recent game against Wisconsin, his game-winning block showcased his instincts and agility, key factors in UCLA’s 85-83 victory. Coach Mick Cronin strategically used Kyle and Aday Mara, both effective big men, to match up against different opponents, contributing to the team’s success in a varied conference.
Despite initial struggles adapting to the speed of the game, Kyle and Mara have shown improvement under Cronin’s guidance. The coach’s ability to mix and match his frontcourt players has been crucial, as seen in recent performances. Friday’s game against Washington will be another test for UCLA, where Kyle and Mara will need to step up against tough competition. Cronin’s strategic approach to utilizing his players based on matchups has been instrumental in the team’s success, with Kyle and Mara playing key roles in recent wins.
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