UCLA Women's Basketball Team Wins National Championship with Potential Record WNBA Draft Picks
The UCLA women's basketball team defeated South Carolina 79-51 to win its first national championship. Six senior players from the team are eligible for the WNBA Draft on April 13. The team could set a record for the most players selected from a single university in one draft.
NewsweekThe UCLA women's basketball team won the national championship on Sunday by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51. This victory marked the program's first national title. Center Lauren Betts was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, while seniors Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez were selected for the All-Tournament Team.
Head coach Cori Close led the team, which featured six seniors among its top seven players. The players eligible for the WNBA Draft include Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Angela Dugalic, and Gianna Kneepkens. The draft is scheduled for April 13.
Tracy Pierson, UCLA could set a record for the most players drafted from a single university in one WNBA Draft.
The current record is five players. Projections indicate that Betts, Jaquez, Rice, and Kneepkens are likely first-round selections, with Betts potentially among the top three picks. Angela Dugalic, from Chicago, represented Serbia in international play.
She demonstrated skills as a versatile forward with mobility during the tournament. Dugalic is expected to be drafted based on her performance. Charlisse Leger-Walker contributed to UCLA's offense and is capable of shooting three-pointers.
She is considered a possible draft pick, potentially as a backup point guard. The team's success highlights the program's development under Close's leadership.
athletics history includes strong performances across sports, and this championship adds to its legacy.
The WNBA Draft will determine the professional futures of these players, affecting team rosters league-wide. Fans and scouts will monitor the selections closely as the event approaches.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- Sunday
UCLA defeated South Carolina 79-51 to win the national championship.
1 sourceNewsweek - April 13
WNBA Draft is scheduled, with six UCLA seniors eligible.
1 sourceNewsweek - Post-championship
Lauren Betts named Most Outstanding Player; Rice and Jaquez to All-Tournament Team.
1 sourceNewsweek
Potential Impact
- 01
UCLA could break the WNBA Draft record if six players are selected.
- 02
Senior players like Betts and Rice may join WNBA rosters as first-round picks.
- 03
The championship boosts UCLA's recruiting appeal for future women's basketball talent.
- 04
Dugalic and Leger-Walker's drafts could enhance international representation in WNBA.
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