Not sure how I decided to reminisce about this game of all games, but the talent difference on UCLA is stark and immense when comparing the 2002 UCLA vs 2026 team. To be fair, that 2002 underachieved over the course of the season and underachieved again in the next game vs Missouri, but it feels spoiled to know they were at least playing in the second weekend, unlike now. It feels like it would be impossible for UCLA to get back to that talent level now, especially watching high school basketball on TV these last few days and noticing where all the local talent and non-local talent is signed up to play.