Jamar Brown wasn’t the flashiest name in UCLA’s transfer portal haul, but he’s quickly proving he might be one of the most impactful. Alongside Donovan Dent, Xavier Booker, and Steven Jamerson II, Brown made the jump to Westwood after a standout run at Kansas City in the Summit League. And while his arrival didn’t generate national headlines, those who watched his tape knew exactly what the Bruins were getting: a knockdown shooter with a nose for the ball.
At Kansas City, Brown was a model of consistency from deep, hitting 36.8% of his threes over 62 games while hoisting up 5.6 attempts per game. That kind of volume and efficiency doesn’t happen by accident.
He was also a strong rebounder for his position, pulling down 6.7 boards a night - rare production from a shooting guard. Add in his 16 points per game and status as the Roos’ leading scorer, and it’s easy to see why UCLA saw him as a key piece in retooling their backcourt.
Mick Cronin and his staff made no secret about wanting to improve floor spacing this season. Last year, UCLA’s offense often looked cramped, with defenders sagging off shooters and clogging the paint.
Brown, with his quick release and deep range, offered a solution. Even if his role wasn’t going to be as prominent as it was in the Summit League, his skill set filled a clear need - especially with the departures of Kobe Johnson, Dylan Andrews, and Sebastian Mack.
Now, let’s be real - no one expected Brown to walk into Pauley Pavilion and immediately replicate his Kansas City stat line. The competition is tougher, the minutes are more contested, and the system demands more.
Early on, that adjustment was evident. The pace, the size, the athleticism - it took time.
But Brown has started to find his rhythm, and it’s showing in the box score.
Through the season so far, he’s averaging 20.4 minutes off the bench, putting up 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. But the real story is in the efficiency: 53.4% from the field, a scorching 42.4% from three, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line.
Those are elite splits, especially for a guy still carving out his role. His recent 14-point outburst against Cal Poly - where he went 6-for-7 from the field - was a perfect snapshot of what he brings to the table.
When he’s on, he’s a microwave scorer - instant offense, no warmup required.
For UCLA, Brown’s emergence as a reliable bench piece is more than just a feel-good story. It’s a strategic advantage. In a Pac-12 landscape that’s as competitive as ever, having a guard who can stretch the floor, rebound, and score in bunches gives Cronin options - especially when the starters need a spark or the offense stalls.
Brown may not have the spotlight every night, but his impact is undeniable. And as the Bruins push deeper into the season, don’t be surprised if his role continues to grow. He’s earned it.