Over the last six games, UCLA’s Trent Perry has gone from a rotational piece to a critical cog in the Bruins’ starting lineup-and he’s making every minute count. With Skyy Clark sidelined due to injury, Perry has stepped into the starting role and delivered his best stretch of basketball this season. And while his emergence has come at the cost of bench production, the Bruins are riding the hot hand-and for now, it’s paying off.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a case of a player filling in. Perry’s impact has been tangible.
He’s averaging 16.2 points per game during this six-game stretch, shooting 44% from the field and nearly 37% from beyond the arc. But maybe the most telling stat?
He’s 30-for-33 from the free throw line over that span-a massive boost for a UCLA team that’s struggled to find consistency at the stripe. In their last two games alone, the Bruins have gone just 13-for-24 as a team.
Perry, meanwhile, has been automatic, hitting 82% of his free throws on the season.
His breakout performance continued this week as UCLA picked up two home wins, including a 71-64 victory over Northwestern. Perry and Tyler Bilodeau each dropped 18 points in that one, helping the Bruins keep pace in a competitive Big Ten race. And while the starting lineup has been carrying the scoring load, Perry’s two-way play-his ability to score and defend-has made him one of the most valuable players on the floor.
This isn’t coming out of nowhere, either. Perry showed flashes last season as a freshman, mostly in a defensive role off the bench. But now, with extended minutes and a bigger role, he’s proving he can be more than just a spark plug-he can be a difference-maker.
The big question looming now: what happens when Skyy Clark returns?
The expectation is that Clark, once healthy, will reclaim his starting spot. That would likely push Perry back to the bench, but it’s not a foregone conclusion.
With the way Perry is playing, Mick Cronin has some decisions to make. One possibility?
A three-guard lineup that could shift Sebastian Dailey Jr. to the bench. It’s not the most traditional look, but Perry’s play has earned him a spot in the conversation.
Still, there’s a balancing act here. Relying too heavily on the starting five isn’t sustainable over a full Big Ten schedule.
The Bruins have seen their bench production take a hit with Perry in the starting lineup, and history has shown that teams with short rotations often struggle to finish strong. Just ask Creighton fans about tournament fatigue.
So, Cronin’s challenge is clear: find a way to keep Perry’s momentum rolling while also restoring some balance to the rotation. Whether that means keeping him in the starting five or turning him into a high-impact sixth man, one thing’s for sure-Trent Perry has earned his spot in the spotlight.