Though UCLA handily beat Arizona on Tuesday night, Christian Koloko’s play was something Bruins coach Mick Cronin was quick to point out, calling Koloko the most improved player in the country.
He may also be the best defender in college basketball, or at least on the short list.
Koloko has been named to the watch list for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, it was announced Thursday. He is one of 15 players on the list, the only one from the Pac-12.
The 7-foot-1 junior is averaging 13.1 points, 7.