UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) celebrates after a play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
UCLA women’s basketball has six seniors and graduate students entering the 2026 WNBA Draft after this season. As these Bruins approach the final games of their collegiate careers, UCLA’s program has helped set these players up for successful professional careers.
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“Not a lot of people get to play basically on a pro team,” senior guard Kiki Rice said, per Jack Maloney of CBS Sports. “That will help all of us.”
Rice added that she has had the opportunity to play with multiple star players throughout her four seasons at UCLA. In a recent mock draft by The Athletic, Rice and four other UCLA players were projected to be drafted in the first round.
“I see a lot of alignment in their current roles to what they will need to be as pros,” a WNBA talent evaluator told CBS Sports about UCLA players. “Identifying and projecting a role for players at the next level is a critical part of this process. Each of their key players is in a role where they can impact winning and a lot of what they need to do now for this year’s team will apply to what they’ll need to do to be impactful contributors as pros.”
In addition to Rice, senior center Lauren Betts, senior guard Gabriela Jaquez, graduate student guard Gianna Kneepkens, graduate student guard Charlisse Leger Walker and graduate student forward Angela Dugalić are entering the 2026 draft.
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Adding Michaela Onyenwere As an Assistant Coach Has Also Helped the Bruins
UCLA hired Michaela Onyenwere as an assistant coach this season, and she has given some advice to the Bruins entering the draft. Onyenwere was the No. 6 pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft and the 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
She played with New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky and is currently a free agent.
“I think we’re really fortunate to have someone who’s been through that and is currently still playing, so can give us some behind-the-scenes advice on what it’s gonna take to be successful,” Rice said.
The WNBA Draft will take place on April 13 in New York City.
Photo Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
