Johnny Juzang explains how he's feeling physically amid NCAA Tournament run for UCLA

On3 imageby:Tyler Mansfield•03/20/22•

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While Johnny Juzang had to miss some time during the 2021-22 season with an ankle injury, the UCLA standout is starting to get back into a consistent groove as the Bruins try to put together an NCAA Tournament run. Coming off a 14-point performance in fourth-seeded UCLA’s second-round win over No. 5 Saint Mary’s on Saturday, Juzang could be a pivotal factor for the Bruins throughout March Madness.

Following UCLA’s win over Saint Mary’s, Johnny Juzang met with the media and was asked if he feels that he’s starting to get back into a rhythm – and he made it clear that he’s doing all he can to get back to his usual play.

“Yeah, man – trying to,” Juzang said. “But really, I just got great looks. The sets that we were running for those plays, and then my teammates finding me, and the big men just hitting me so wide open. They were screening and I was pretty wide open.

“Feeling good, man. Just trying to build up. But it’s my teammates finding me and getting good looks.”

Fresh off their win over Saint Mary’s, Juzang – who is averaging 15.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 43.4% shooting – and UCLA return to action Friday in the Sweet 16 against No. 8 North Carolina.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin provides latest on Jaime Jaquez injury

UCLA advanced to the Sweet 16 with a victory over Saint Mary’s on Saturday. While the Bruins celebrate their achievement, it wasn’t all good news from their win, as star guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. left the game with an apparent leg injury.

Afterwards, UCLA coach Mick Cronin provided the latest on Jaquez’s unfortunate injury.

“We got until Friday to play. And trust me, if he can walk, he’ll play,” Cronin said. “I know him. He’ll probably — most guys that have what he has would have sat the rest of the season out. So, he’s got some issues. Plus, he’s had so many sprained ankles. I don’t know how much he can sprain it anymore. So we’ll see. Fortunately, we got until next Friday.”

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.