UCLA’s guard rotation faces a reported absence for Eric Freeny

UCLA’s backcourt preparation is proceeding with Eric Freeny reportedly away from the program. Bruin247’s October 6 account points to Perry, Petty and Robinson as the guards handling the positions in his absence.

Connor Morrissette’s October 6 report for Bruin247 said UCLA guard Eric Freeny was taking a leave of absence for an unspecified medical issue. Multiple sources told the outlet he was not currently with the program, and it was unclear whether he would play this season.

The report identified Trent Perry, Jaylen Petty and Azavier Robinson as the guards who would handle the positions with Freeny away. It described Freeny as a likely reserve who had been positioned for a larger role following the departures of Skyy Clark, Donovan Dent and Jamar Brown.

Bruin Report Online separately reported an October 6 statement from a UCLA spokesperson: Freeny was not practicing because of a medical issue, with no immediate timetable for his return. The spokesperson provided no additional medical details.

A returning contributor

UCLA’s official biography records 28 appearances for Freeny in 2025-26, following a redshirt year. He averaged 2.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 11.1 minutes per game and made ten of 27 three-point attempts.

His strongest scoring game came in the regular-season finale at USC, where he scored ten points on four-of-six shooting and grabbed five rebounds. He also recorded three steals in UCLA’s home win over Nebraska. The school lists him as a junior guard on its current roster.

The leave report concerns his present availability. It does not establish a departure from UCLA or a decision to end his season.

Freeny had already supplied bench minutes last season. His reported absence changes the group available to prepare, while the question of whether he plays this season remains unresolved.