UCLA will debut its revamped roster and newly renovated stadium with a season opener on Nov. 9 against Indiana State, the Associated Press is reporting.
The Bruins’ historic Pauley Pavilion has undergone $136 million renovations in recent months, including new locker rooms, concession stands, and video boards.
The decision to play Indiana State is a nod to legendary head coach John Wooden, who coached at Indiana State before coming to Los Angeles, where he coached the Bruins to 620-147 record and 10 national championships.
During his two seasons at Indiana State, Wooden compiled a record of 44-15. In 2010, he passed away at the age of 99.
Not only will UCLA be unveiling renovations to Pauley Pavilion, but they will be debuting one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, headlined by guards Kyle Anderson and Shabazz Muhammad, both top five players in the country, and forwards Tony Parker and Jordan Adams, both in the Top 100.
The Bruins will be looking to improve on a 19-14 record from this past season, which included an 11-7 mark in the Pac-12.
After the season opener against Indiana State, UCLA will host the preliminary games of the 12-team Legends Classic, which then moves to the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_