UCLA makes WNBA history with six draft selections

NEW YORK - The Bruins just can't seem to stop making history. 

A little over a week after UCLA women's basketball won the program's first-ever national championship in the NCAA era, all six of UCLA's seniors travelled to New York City for the 2026 WNBA Draft and all six UCLA seniors heard their names called by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. 

Six selections from one school in a single draft set a new WNBA record and with five of those draftees going in the first round, that too sets a new WNBA record, and they did it all with head coach Cori Close in attendance.

Lauren Betts, fourth overall, Washington Mystics

Center Lauren Betts came into the draft with one of the most impressive resumes in UCLA history, her most recent accolade being named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament. Unsurprisingly was one of the most highly touted prospects going into the draft.

With such a stacked draft class, Betts was a surefire top five pick, but where exactly in that five she would end up going was more of a mystery. 

The answer was revealed when Betts was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, joining Sonia Citron, former USC star Kiki Iriafen and Betts' own assistant coach from this season Michaela Onyenwere, who signed a multi-year contract worth over $1.4 million with the Mystics just a few days prior.

The addition of Betts, who averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game this season while shooting 58.2% from the field, adds a crucial infusion of size and toughness to Washington. 

Gabriela Jaquez, fifth overall, Chicago Sky

Immediately following Betts was Gabriela Jaquez, who made one of the most surprising leaps up mock draft boards when she was selected fifth-overall by the Chicago Sky, who have recently revamped their roster by adding players like Rickea Jackson, whom they acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks, and DiJonai Carrington. 

Jaquez made a statement in the NCAA championship game with a 21 point, 10 rebound double-double while shooting 8-14 from the field. Jaquez set the pace in UCLA's eventual blowout of South Carolina with scrappy play and crucial cuts through the zone, earning herself a spot on the All-Tournament team and clearly putting the WNBA on notice. 

The 6'0 forward/guard took a major step up this season, particularly beyond the arc with a 39% three point percentage and averaged a career-high 13.5 points per game on 53.9% shooting from the field with 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Kiki Rice, sixth overall, Toronto Tempo

The Bruins weren't done there. Kiki Rice became the third UCLA player to be drafted in a row, going sixth overall to the newly-founded Toronto Tempo, becoming the first draft pick in Toronto's history. 

Rice was the cornerstone of the Bruins for all four seasons of her college career, averaging 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds. 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game and shooting 49% from the field in her senior season. 

She's a dynamic scorer with strong playmaking ability, able to drive to the paint and weave through defenders for creative layups and even displaying the occasional step-back three point shooting. 

With the Tempo fielding their first-ever roster, made up mostly of players acquired from the Expansion Draft like Marina Mabrey, Rice's ability to create opportunities for her teammates just as well as she can score herself will be a huge boon in Toronto's debut season.

Angela Dugalic, ninth overall, Washington Mystics

Angela Dugalic became the next Bruin to hear her name called. Dugalic was selected ninth overall by the Mystics, joining Betts and Onyenwere. Dugalic came off the bench for the Bruins in her final season of eligibility, a decision she approached Close with to better accommodate the team, and brought crucial size, shooting and leadership to the team.

At 6'4, Dugalic was one of the driving forces behind UCLA's defense this season and was able to dominate the paint and provide a switch-in for Betts. She averaged 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season, shooting 50.2% from the field. 

Dugalic also has a three point shot in her back pocket. She shot 32.6% from beyond the arc this season, giving her the ability to stretch the floor and threaten from inside the paint or on the perimeter. 

With Betts and Dugalic joining Iriafen and Shakira Austin, the Mystics have put together one of the tallest teams in the WNBA and that size should be a nightmare for opposing offenses.

Gianna Kneepkens, 15th overall, Connecticut Sun

Gianna Kneepkens was selected 15th overall by the Connecticut Sun, becoming the record-setting fifth Bruin to be selected in the first round of the draft. Kneepkens sank lower than many mock projections had her, especially with both the Golden State Valkyries and Indiana Fever passing on the three point shooter, resulting in a steal for the Sun.

Her three point shooting is the most obvious tool at Kneepkens' disposal and for good reason. She shot 42.9% from beyond the arc this season and 49.3% overall to average 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. 

Kneepkens can get hot from any spot on the perimeter, but she's also shown herself to be a well-rounded scorer than can drive in and land midrange shots as well. 

On top of that shooting has been her defense, which was on full display in the NCAA tournament. Kneepkens' high motor makes her one of the most complete guards available in this year's draft.

Charlisse Leger-Walker, 18th overall, Connecticut Sun

Rounding out UCLA's historic draft class was Charlisse Leger-Walker, who was selected in the second round, 18th overall by the Connecticut Sun, joining Kneepkens to form another pair of UCLA teammates to enter the league together. Leger-Walker made her own personal history with the selection, becoming the first player from New Zealand to be drafted into the WNBA.

Leger-Walker transferred to UCLA ahead of the 2024-25 season, but was forced to sit out that season due to a torn ACL. When she finally made her UCLA debut this season, she didn't disappoint, averaging 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game on 45.7% shooting. 

Her best strength is her playmaking. Leger-Walker is the definition of a point guard, with premier passes and a high basketball IQ that allowed her to facilitate so much of UCLA's championship-winning ball movement and playmaking.

The past few days have been a whirlwind for UCLA and with the demands of their new WNBA teams fast approaching, the Bruins spent one of their last times together doing what they've been doing all season: making history.