Tyler Bilodeau isn’t just UCLA’s leading scorer - he’s become the heartbeat of this Bruins squad. Through 25 games, Bilodeau has been the most consistent offensive weapon on the roster, and when he missed time, it showed.
In the one game UCLA played without him, they stumbled to a surprising loss against Cal as heavy favorites. That wasn’t just a bad night - it was a clear reminder of how vital Bilodeau is to this team’s identity and success.
What makes Bilodeau so valuable isn’t just the points - though the 18.3 per game on elite shooting splits (52.2% from the field, 45% from deep, and 85.3% at the line) certainly pop off the page. It’s how he gets those buckets.
He’s a true three-level scorer who can stretch the floor, attack off the bounce, and finish through contact. That versatility makes him a matchup nightmare, especially when he’s slotted at the four.
And that’s where he thrives - at the power forward spot. While he’s logged minutes at center during his two years at UCLA, the physical toll of banging with bigger bodies tends to wear him down.
When he’s at the four, though, he’s more mobile, more efficient, and more dangerous. He spaces the floor, forces opposing bigs to defend on the perimeter, and opens up the offense in a way few forwards in the Big Ten can.
Bilodeau’s NBA potential is real. He’s currently projected as a possible second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and scouts are already paying close attention. His smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and ability to play within a system - while still taking over when needed - make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to add a reliable contributor off the bench.
The numbers speak for themselves, but his impact goes beyond the box score. Take his 34-point performance against UC Riverside.
In just 30 minutes, he lit it up - 12-of-19 from the field, 4-of-7 from three, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the line. He added six rebounds, a block, and an assist, but most importantly, he controlled the game.
That kind of efficiency and poise is what separates a good college player from a potential pro.
And then there are the moments - the ones that define a season. Bilodeau delivered one in a big way with a game-winning three-pointer to lift UCLA over No.
4 Purdue. That shot didn’t just win a game; it was a statement.
A reminder that this Bruins team, led by Bilodeau, can hang with anybody - and that he’s not afraid of the spotlight.
His journey has been one of steady growth. At Oregon State, he was a solid contributor, averaging 10.7 points over 64 games.
But at UCLA, he’s elevated his game, transforming from a role player into a go-to guy. He’s playing with confidence, showing leadership, and proving he belongs in the conversation for All-Big Ten honors.
With seven regular-season games left and the Big Ten Tournament looming, Bilodeau has a golden opportunity. If he can lead UCLA to a few key wins down the stretch, not only could the Bruins punch their ticket to March Madness, but he could also solidify his draft stock in the process. We’ve seen it time and again - a strong finish, a couple of big March moments, and suddenly a player goes from second-round afterthought to first-round lock.
UCLA has a tough stretch ahead, facing three straight top-10 opponents. They’ll need Bilodeau at his best - and if the season so far is any indication, he’s more than ready for the challenge.