The celebration isn’t over for UCLA Bruins women’s basketball. Fresh off their NCAA championship, the Bruins turned the WNBA Draft into another historic night, cementing their place among the greatest teams in college basketball history.
UCLA makes WNBA Draft history
Stars like Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice were selected with picks No. 4 through No. 6, highlighting the program’s incredible depth and elite talent pipeline. UCLA became the first team ever to produce five first-round picks and six total selections in a single WNBA Draft class.
Betts landed with the Washington Mystics, Jaquez was picked by the Chicago Sky, and Rice made history as the first selection for expansion franchise Toronto Tempo.
A championship run to remember
After finishing the season 37-1 and dominating the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball in the title game, the Bruins carried that momentum into a whirlwind week filled with celebrations, national appearances and now WNBA Draft success.
“These are like my sisters,” Betts said. “To see your family achieve something like this is incredible.”
Under head coach Cori Close, UCLA showcased the power of team-first basketball, proving that championship culture and player development can translate into both team success and individual pro careers.
Legacy of a historic team
The Bruins didn’t just win a title – they set a new standard. Their record-breaking draft night surpassed legendary programs like UConn Huskies women’s basketball and Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball, reinforcing their place in history.
For this UCLA group, the journey doesn’t end here – it’s just the beginning of a new chapter in the WNBA, where a championship core now looks to make an immediate impact at the professional level.