UCLA has not had strong attendance numbers since the program has joined the Big Ten Conference ahead of last season but that’s not where Mick Cronin’s focus is. The Bruins are struggling enough on the court, having lost two straight, that Cronin is not letting his attention drift to the crowd.
Cronin said as much during his media availability on Friday. When asked about the attendance, and what could be done to improve it, he passed the baton to his athletic director, Martin Jarmond.
“That’s a Martin Jarmond question.” Cronin said.
Cronin did use the holiday break as a bit of an excuse for the suboptimal home crowds but for the season, UCLA’s women’s basketball team has had higher attendance than their male counterparts. Cori Close’s team has averaged 5,412 at home games, while Cronin’s team has averaged 5,211.
“I don’t think you can expect over your holiday break,” Cronin said of having great crowds. “We’ve been on break for a long time. When you’re in a pro city, you’re probably going to have to wait till conference play and your kids are back in school.”
There’s no doubt that once classes resume, Pauley Pavilion will be a bit more filled but it is interesting to see the women’s program fare slightly better so far this season. The stardom of Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice eclipses anything on the men’s UCLA team, along with the fact that UCLA’s women’s team has been dominant, putting on a spectacle with how they crush their opponents during their 14-1 start to the season.
“There’s only so many things I can worry about,” Cronin said. “I’ll leave the marketing up to the marketing department. Not that I’d be any good at it anyway. Back to LaVar Ball, I’ll stay in my lane.”
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: ‘That’s a Martin Jarmond question’ – Mick Cronin at UCLA media session
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
