Historic Draft Outcomes for UCLA
In a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball, UCLA made waves during the recent WNBA draft by achieving a remarkable feat—being the first college team to have five players selected in the first round. This accomplishment, highlighting the talent and dedication of the Bruins, is even more significant as six of their athletes were chosen throughout the draft.
Among the standout selections, Lauren Betts was picked fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, closely followed by Gabriela Jaquez at fifth to the Chicago Sky. Hot on their heels, Kiki Rice was selected sixth by the new franchise, the Toronto Tempo. Angela Dugalic also joined Betts in Washington, snagging the ninth pick, while Gianna Kneepkens was selected fifteenth by the Connecticut Sun, making her the fifth Bruin chosen in the first round. The second round saw Charlisse Leger-Walker also picked by the Sun, rounding out a historic night for the Bruins.
A Season to Remember
Just a week after celebrating their first NCAA championship victory, the Bruins showcased their exceptional team spirit during the draft. Betts expressed profound joy in the moment, stating, “These are like my sisters, and getting to watch your family do something like that is amazing. This team is just so special. We knew the type of players that we had on the team, and to really just have this night showcase all of the things that we’ve worked on all season is just amazing.” This echoes the camaraderie and hard work that led them to this pinnacle of success.
Previously, the record for most first-round selections in a single year was held by UConn, who had four players drafted in 2002. This achievement has elevated UCLA’s status in college basketball, highlighting their influence in shaping future professional players. Other programs like Tennessee and Notre Dame have had multiple players drafted but did not match the first-round success of the Bruins. UCLA’s historic night is sure to inspire the next generation of players and solidify their legacy in women’s sports.
