PHILADELPHIA - If there's one player who’s felt the heat from UCLA's Mick Cronin this season, it's Steven Jamerson II. Even setting aside the Michigan State incident where Cronin thought Jamerson crossed a line, the coach has been vocal about his expectations for the senior. During UCLA's NCAA Tournament opener against UCF, Cronin didn't hesitate to express his frustration when Jamerson made mistakes, often confronting him directly.
For Jamerson, a Los Angeles native who transferred from San Diego for his final year, adapting to Cronin’s style has been a journey. "It's been challenging at times to fully understand coach [Cronin]," Jamerson shared. "But each day is a new opportunity to connect and grow with him."
Despite the tough love, Jamerson recognizes the value in Cronin's intensity. "He gets energetic, and I have to focus on the core message," Jamerson explained. "I believe he has my best interests at heart, even if the message gets mixed."
Cronin's lessons have centered on defense and rebounding, areas where Jamerson is expected to excel. "I'm a hustle guy," he said. "I focus on defense, grabbing boards, and bringing energy to help us transition."
Averaging 9.7 minutes, 1.9 points, and 2.0 rebounds per game, Jamerson is a grinder. His journey from being denied a walk-on spot at Michigan State to leading San Diego in rebounding and now contributing at UCLA speaks volumes about his work ethic.
"It's a grind [at UCLA]," Jamerson admitted. "Effort is key.
Even when you're down, you have to keep pushing and improving. Coaches notice hard work, and that's something I can control."
Off the court, Cronin’s approach softens. "He reinforces what he says on the court in a calmer way," Jamerson noted. "It helps me understand better."
Jamerson has quietly been honing his three-point shot, even though he hasn't taken one in a game yet. Cronin's noticed the improvement. During a practice in Chicago, Cronin encouraged Jamerson to take a three-pointer, which he nailed, boosting his confidence.
"We all celebrated," teammate Eric Dailey Jr. said. "Steve's hard work paid off, and we want to keep him encouraged."
With Tyler Bilodeau potentially sidelined for UCLA's next game against UConn, Jamerson is set to play a crucial role. He understands the stakes and is ready to step up. "It's important that I put my best foot forward," he said.
Jamerson's resilience and determination make him a key asset for UCLA as they push for the Sweet 16.