It’s not often you see a college team turn a championship run into a full-blown takeover of the pro draft—but that’s exactly what the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball just did.
Fresh off their national title, five Bruins didn’t just hear their names called in the 2026 WNBA Draft—they dominated it. In fact, UCLA became the first program ever to have five players selected in the first round, a milestone that speaks to both talent and chemistry at the highest level.
Let’s take a closer, more conversational look at the five players who turned one unforgettable season into the start of their professional journeys.
Lauren Betts – The Anchor in the Paint
If UCLA had a foundation, it was Betts.
Selected No. 4 overall by the Washington Mystics, Betts brought size, presence, and a calm dominance to the court. She’s the kind of player who doesn’t just block shots—she changes how opponents even think about entering the lane.
During UCLA’s championship run, she was the steady force inside, controlling rebounds and setting the tone defensively. Now, she heads to the pros as a franchise-building piece.
Gabriela Jaquez – The Versatile Playmaker
Picked right after Betts at No. 5 by the Chicago Sky, Jaquez is the definition of all-around.
She can score, defend, and create—sometimes all in the same possession. Her versatility made her one of UCLA’s most reliable weapons, and it’s exactly why she was such a high pick.
There’s also a certain toughness to her game—she plays like someone who’s comfortable in big moments, and that tends to translate well at the next level.
Kiki Rice – The Floor General
At No. 6, Toronto Tempo made history by selecting Rice as their first-ever draft pick—and it makes sense.
Rice is a true point guard in every sense: leadership, vision, and the ability to control tempo. She helped orchestrate UCLA’s offense during their title run and has long been considered one of the most polished guards in the country.
She doesn’t just play the game—she manages it.
Angela Dugalić – The X-Factor
Every great team has a player who does the little things that win games. For UCLA, that was Dugalić.
Selected No. 9 (also by the Mystics), she’s a versatile forward who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and bring energy off the bench or in the starting lineup.
Her journey—transferring, battling injuries, and still emerging as a key contributor—adds another layer to her story. She’s the kind of player coaches love because she fills gaps without needing the spotlight.
Gianna Kneepkens – The Sharpshooter
Rounding out the first-round group at No. 15 to the Connecticut Sun, Kneepkens brings scoring punch.
Known for her shooting and offensive instincts, she adds a different dimension—spacing the floor and making defenses pay from the perimeter. After transferring to UCLA for her final season, she made an immediate impact and proved she could thrive on a championship roster.
More Than Just Draft Picks
What makes this group special isn’t just that five players were drafted—it’s that they did it together, coming off a championship and showcasing what a cohesive, elite college team can produce.
Moments like this don’t happen often. One program. One season. Five first-round picks. That’s not just success—that’s legacy.
And now, instead of sharing the same locker room, they’ll be scattered across the league—building new stories, new rivalries, and, very likely, continuing to shape the future of women’s basketball.
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