UCLA men's basketball season ticket holders had the opportunity to attend practice on Saturday, Oct. 29, less than two weeks before the team's regular-season opener and just three days prior to an exhibition game against The Master's University.
 
Getting an inside look at the Bruins' practice, season ticket holders listened to head coach Steve Alford address the crowd before observing drills and an hour-long intrasquad scrimmage. Following practice, season ticket holders had opportunities to meet UCLA's student-athletes and coaches, take photos, get autographs and pose for portraits with Joe and Josie Bruin.
 
Saturday's scrimmage provided these season-ticket holders with an up-close view of a UCLA team that has been ranked as high as No. 16 in the Associated Press preseason poll. Back from last season's squad are four starters – Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton, Aaron Holiday and Thomas Welsh – and key contributors Prince Ali, Gyorgy "G.G." Goloman and Alex Olesinski.
 
Among the highlights of the open practice included the opportunity to get an early look at UCLA's highly-regarded freshmen – guard Lonzo Ball, forward TJ Leaf and center Ike Anigbogu. All three freshmen excelled as seniors in high school last year and all hail from southern California. Both Ball and Leaf were McDonald's All-Americans, competing in the McDonald's All-American Game last March in Chicago.
 
The Bruins will open their regular season against Pacific on Friday, Nov. 11. Game time in Pauley Pavilion is 6 p.m. The UCLA women's basketball team will take the court against Pacific later that night, with tip-off slated for approximately 8:30 p.m.
 
UCLA's 17-game regular season schedule is highlighted by a primetime non-conference matchup against Michigan on Saturday, Dec. 10, and nine Pac-12 games – including visits from No. 10 Arizona on Jan. 21, No. 5 Oregon on Feb. 9 and crosstown rival USC on Feb. 18.
 
Fans can purchase season tickets and enjoy other exclusive invitations, perks and opportunities to meet the team. Season tickets start at just $199 and can be purchased by visiting uclabruins.com/tickets or by calling UCLA's Central Ticket Office at (310) UCLA-WIN.