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Best choice, not first choice: How Mick Cronin has revived UCLA hoops

In spring 2019, UCLA wanted to make a splashy hire.

The Bruins felt they needed a high-profile coach to reinvigorate a program that had declined in relevance over the previous decade.

They put together a massive offer to try to lure John Calipari. He shrewdly used it as leverage to negotiate a lifetime deal with Kentucky.

They pursued Tony Bennett in case he wanted a fresh start. He passed and then led Virginia to a redemptive national title.

They pivoted to Jamie Dixon. TCU refused to lower his $8 million buyout.

They moved on to Rick Barnes.