UCLA Shines in WNBA Draft with Record-Breaking Picks
UCLA Women’s Basketball Achieves Historic Milestone at WNBA Draft
UCLA’s women’s basketball program reached new heights on Monday evening, setting a record at the WNBA draft. The Bruins had five players selected in the first round and a total of six players overall during the three-round event held in New York.
The anticipation was palpable as players and their families joined UCLA head coach Cori Close on the orange carpet to learn their draft fates.
Lauren Betts made history as the first Bruin to be drafted, chosen by the Washington Mystics with the No. 4 pick. "These are like my sisters, and getting to watch your family do something like that is amazing," Betts told the Associated Press. "This team is just so special… to really have this night showcase all of the things that we’ve worked on all season is just amazing."
Following Betts, Gabriela Jaquez was selected by the Chicago Sky with the No. 5 pick, exceeding expectations. Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca lauded her as a "battle-tested three-level scorer."
Kiki Rice followed as the No. 6 pick for the Toronto Tempo, while Angela Dugalic was chosen at No. 9 by the Mystics, and Gianna Kneepkens was picked No. 15 by the Connecticut Sun. Sun general manager Morgan Tuck highlighted Kneepkens’ elite shooting ability and proven success at UCLA.
The evening took an unexpected turn when Charlisse Leger-Walker, who was not officially invited to the draft, attended as a guest and was selected in the second round by the Sun with the No. 18 pick. This made her the first player from New Zealand to be drafted. Leger-Walker revealed that Dugalic had given up two of her seats so she and her mother could attend. Tuck expressed enthusiasm for acquiring Leger-Walker, noting her impressive skill set and winning background.
Coach Cori Close, who celebrated with her players throughout the night, acknowledged the significance of the moment. "I sort of do care about this one actually… it helps us in recruiting," she said. "Just to be a part of a historic night and for them to be so excited for each other, that’s representative of how they’ve been all year long."
In other developments, the UCLA football team is buzzing with energy under new head coach Bob Chesney. As players engage in spring practice, inquiries about standout performances yield few specifics, as players focus on collective improvement. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava noted the commendable effort from the entire offensive line and receiving corps.
Iamaleava, aiming to enhance his physicality ahead of the upcoming season, mentioned his goal of gaining weight to better withstand hits. Meanwhile, safety Cole Martin emphasized the importance of developing good habits both on and off the field under Chesney’s leadership.
Adding to UCLA’s success, junior pitcher Logan Reddemann gained national attention after tying an NCAA record with 18 strikeouts against Rutgers. His outstanding performance earned him multiple weekly honors.
As the Bruins’ gymnastics team prepares for the NCAA championships in Fort Worth, Texas, all eyes will be on Jordan Chiles, who aims for another title.
Finally, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have welcomed transfers since the opening of the portal, strengthening their rosters for the upcoming seasons as they strive to defend their respective titles.
