Cronin teaches Bruins about financial responsibility, as well as hoops

January 24, 2026 - 20:07

UCLA men's basketball coach Mick Cronin is adding a new playbook to his program's regimen: financial literacy. While offense and defense remain pillars of daily practice, Cronin now emphasizes money management as a critical life skill for his athletes.

The coach confirmed that his players are provided with comprehensive financial education. This initiative includes formal classes and workshops designed to prepare them for the realities of managing newfound wealth, whether from future professional contracts or current Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Cronin views this guidance as an essential part of his duty, preparing young men for life beyond the court.

In today's collegiate sports landscape, where financial opportunities can arrive suddenly, Cronin believes proactive education is key. He aims to equip his team with the knowledge to build lasting security, stressing that financial missteps can be more costly than any turnover in a game. For the Bruins, mastering budgets and investments is becoming as fundamental as mastering the pick-and-roll.