Mick Cronin’s UCLA men’s basketball team has been on the road a lot in the 2024-25 season, traveling to locations like New York, Nebraska, and Maryland. Asked about the travel challenges faced by teams coming to California to play UCLA and USC, Cronin didn’t mince words in a news conference after the Bruins’ win against Iowa. He pointed out the disparity in travel between Big Ten teams and UCLA, highlighting the luxury of playing in Los Angeles compared to the frequent trips eastward that UCLA has had to make. Despite UCLA’s struggles in games played east of the Mississippi River, Cronin’s frustration with the demanding travel schedule was evident in his passionate response. The Bruins, in their first season in the Big Ten, have faced significant travel distances and logistical challenges, with more road games and the Big Ten tournament still ahead. Cronin’s candid comments reflect his recent trend of openly expressing his frustrations with various aspects of his team’s performance and circumstances.
UCLA’s head coach Mick Cronin found himself ejected from a recent game after engaging in a heated argument with officials. Following the game, Cronin revealed that his intention was to be thrown out, citing that he was “sending a message” to both the league and its referees. Cronin, who is currently in his sixth season leading the Bruins, has notably guided the team to the NCAA tournament on three occasions, with a standout Final Four appearance in 2021.
Having spent five seasons coaching in the Pac-12 prior to his tenure at UCLA, Cronin had become accustomed to a more convenient travel schedule within the conference. The geographic proximity of the Pac-12 teams allowed for easier logistics compared to his current coaching environment in the Big Ten. In the Big Ten conference, the nearest school to UCLA is Nebraska, a considerable distance away on the west coast.
Cronin expressed his frustration with the challenges posed by the Big Ten’s travel schedule, particularly emphasizing the disparity compared to his previous experience in the Pac-12. Regarding the adjustment to the new conference dynamics, Cronin humorously remarked on the contrasting perspectives, stating, “He’s asking me to feel sorry because Iowa had to come to LA for a few days.”
The contrasting travel demands between the Pac-12 and Big Ten have presented a notable shift for Cronin and his team. Despite the challenges, Cronin’s passion and dedication to coaching remain unwavering as he navigates the intricacies of the Big Ten basketball landscape.
This article was originally featured on USA TODAY, highlighting Mick Cronin’s candid reflections on the differences in basketball travel schedules between the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences.
