The NCAA women’s basketball national champions, the UCLA Bruins, are still enjoying their national championship run. A big part of that championship run was all thanks to the team’s core of seniors who refused to enter the transfer portal and chose to stay with the Bruins to win a natty together. That decision had paid off well, and now those seniors may be entering the WNBA draft together as well.
This core have been together for around four years and have had plenty of ups and downs, including that loss to UConn in the Final Four last year to this year’s big national championship win, which is the first in UCLA’s history. Where would each of these seniors go?
UCLA Seniors’ 2026 WNBA Draft Projections
Lauren Betts – No. 4 Overall
Betts was undoubtedly the Bruins’ biggest star this year and was originally seen as the possible No. 1 pick by the Dallas Wings. However, the Wings may go another way and she has seen her stock go down to No. 4 despite leading the team to a national title. The Washington Mystics have the No. 4 pick.
Kiki Rice – No. 5 Overall
If Lauren Betts was UCLA’s imposing heart, Kiki Rice was the brains of the operation. Along with Raven Johnson from South Carolina, she is one of the most sought-after playmakers this year, and this may mean she might land with the rebuilding Chicago Sky.
Gianna Kneepkens – No. 9 Overall
Kneepkens was the team’s sharpshooter, draining threes from deep and trusting Betts to clean up her misses. She is one of the best shooters from this year’s draft and is projected to go high at No. 9, which means she might end up with Lauren Betts with the Washington Mystics.
Gabriela Jaquez – No. 10 Overall
Jaime Jaquez’s little sister is projected to also turn pro and she may be teaming up with Caitlin Clark over at Indianapolis to play for the Fever.
Angela Dugalić – No. 22 Overall
The Bruins’ sixth woman could go as early as No. 13 but a more realistic outlook could see her in the second round. Still, she has a lot of potential and could be a diamond in the rough for many teams.
Charlisse Leger-Walker – No. 20 Overall
Backup point guard Charlisse Leger-Walker may be living in the shadow of Keke Rice, but she is still a solid pick and can go No. 20 in the second round given ll the quality point guards in the draft right now.
Read More:
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Tennessee Women’s Basketball Transfer Portal: Full List of Players Entering and Exiting
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