In a sport often shaped by relentless recruiting wars and constant roster turnover, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin believes one of his peers has managed to stand apart.
Few names draw more respect from Cronin than Purdue’s Matt Painter. For him, Painter represents a quality that has become increasingly uncommon in college basketball: honor.
Mick Cronin Holds Matt Painter in Utmost Regards
In a conversation with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Mick Cronin made clear just how much he respects Painter.
“Matt Painter and I are friends. I have as much respect for him as a coach that has honor, which is lost in this cutthroat era, as anybody in our business. So we’re very similar,” Cronin said.
Cronin’s respect goes beyond words. He recalled their days as young head coaches, when they crossed paths as competitors. Cronin was leading Murray State, and Painter was guiding Southern Illinois. Cronin recalled a December matchup during the 2003–04 season that left a lasting impression.
“We had a game, it was at Murray State… that was a big-time game,” Cronin said. “I didn’t think I was going to be coaching a big-time game in my time at Murray State. We came back to beat him in the final seconds, and the place was going nuts.”
At the time, both programs were mid-majors fighting for national recognition. Southern Illinois went on to make the NCAA Tournament that season, while Murray State finished with more than 30 wins before falling in March.
The clash was more than just a regional rivalry between two schools an hour apart. It was an early glimpse into the competitive drive that would push both coaches toward national prominence.
Where UCLA’s Mick Cronin Ranks Among Big Ten Coaches?
The countdown to the new season is still underway, but the conversation around UCLA basketball is already heating up.
Cronin has built a reputation for turning setbacks into fuel. After last year’s tough tournament exit, he wasted no time reshaping the roster, ensuring the Bruins remain a serious contender. That resilience is part of why he continues to be viewed among the premier coaches in the Big Ten.
On3 Sports’ James Fletcher III recently ranked the league’s top coaches, placing Cronin at No. 5. He trailed only Painter, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, Michigan’s Dusty May, and Illinois’ Brad Underwood.
Weekday 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 in 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝.#GoBruins 💪🏀☀️ pic.twitter.com/X19z9ABXGr
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) July 24, 2025
Cronin’s offseason moves back up that ranking. UCLA added Donovan Dent from New Mexico, Xavier Booker from Michigan State, Jamar Brown from Kansas City, and Steven Jamerson II from San Diego.
KEEP READING: Insider Leaks UCLA Coach Mick Cronin’s Plans for Xavier Booker’s Major Position Change
Dent headlines the group. The Riverside native returns for his senior year after three seasons at New Mexico, bringing scoring punch and the ability to run the offense from the point guard spot.
This will be Mick Cronin’s 23rd season as a head coach.
He’s NEVER had a point guard like Donovan Dent.
“He changes things offensively.”
🎧 https://t.co/c9JLel2QnF (Apple)
🎧 https://t.co/EsZxIkca32 (Spotify) pic.twitter.com/V3ccxdeoor— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 18, 2025
By mixing proven transfers with his developing core, Cronin has created both balance and depth. That combination makes UCLA one of the most dangerous teams entering the season.
