UCLA Sets Record With Historic WNBA Draft Night/ Newslooks/ WASHIINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ National champion UCLA made WNBA draft history with five first-round selections and six players chosen overall. The record-setting night came just days after the Bruins won their first NCAA championship. Multiple UCLA stars were selected early, highlighting one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball history.
UCLA WNBA Draft Record Quick Looks
- UCLA wins first NCAA championship
- Five Bruins selected in first round
- Six UCLA players drafted overall
- Lauren Betts selected No. 4 overall
- Gabriela Jaquez picked No. 5
- Kiki Rice chosen No. 6 by Toronto
- Angela Dugalic drafted No. 9
- Gianna Kneepkens selected No. 15
- UCLA finished season 37-1
- Bruins set WNBA draft history
Deep Look: UCLA Sets Record With Historic WNBA Draft Night
The celebrations continued for UCLA’s national championship-winning women’s basketball team Monday night as the Bruins delivered a historic performance at the WNBA draft, setting a new record with five first-round selections and six players chosen overall.
Just over a week after capturing the program’s first NCAA championship, UCLA’s standout players dominated the draft, solidifying their team as one of the greatest in women’s college basketball history.
Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice were selected consecutively with picks No. 4 through No. 6, marking the start of a remarkable night for UCLA. Betts, a 6-foot-7 center, was chosen by the Washington Mystics, followed by Jaquez, who was picked by the Chicago Sky. The expansion Toronto Tempo selected Rice with the No. 6 pick, making her the franchise’s first-ever draft selection.
The rapid succession of picks highlighted UCLA’s depth and talent, drawing cheers from teammates and coach Cori Close, who sat nearby watching the historic moment unfold.
“It’s really hard to sum up because there’s so much,” Jaquez said, reflecting on the whirlwind week that followed UCLA’s championship win. She described celebrations that included appearances on national television, visits to NBA games, campus celebrations at Pauley Pavilion, and continued recognition across the country.
Record-Breaking First Round
The Bruins continued making history as Angela Dugalic was selected ninth overall by Washington, joining Betts on the Mystics. Later, Gianna Kneepkens was chosen with the No. 15 pick by the Connecticut Sun, completing UCLA’s record-setting five first-round selections.
The achievement surpassed the previous record of four first-round picks set by UConn in 2002, when Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Asjha Jones, and Tamika Williams were selected early in the draft.
While other programs — including Tennessee, Notre Dame, and South Carolina — previously had five players drafted in a single year, none matched UCLA’s record of five first-round selections.
Coach Cori Close acknowledged the significance of the moment, noting that while she typically avoids focusing on records, this one held special meaning.
She said the achievement reflected the program’s commitment to player development and teamwork, adding that the success also helps strengthen recruiting efforts for future Bruins teams.
Dominant Championship Season
UCLA’s historic draft performance followed a dominant season in which the Bruins finished 37-1. They capped the year with a decisive victory over South Carolina in the national championship game on April 5.
During the Final Four, UCLA’s senior players accounted for all of the team’s scoring, showcasing the experience and leadership that defined the championship run.
Players credited the team’s unselfish approach for both their championship success and their individual draft achievements.
Kiki Rice emphasized that while many players hoped to reach the WNBA, the team’s primary focus remained on winning and supporting one another throughout the season.
She said sacrificing individual statistics for team success ultimately benefited everyone, helping players achieve both collective and personal goals.
Team Bond Remains Strong
Even as players prepared to begin professional careers, the Bruins remained focused on celebrating together. The team gathered for dinner in New York ahead of the draft and planned additional time together afterward.
Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected in the second round by the Connecticut Sun, reuniting with Kneepkens and extending UCLA’s representation in the league.
Players emphasized that while they would soon be competing professionally, their bond would remain strong. Kneepkens noted that modern communication makes staying connected easier, and she expects teammates to remain close despite playing for different teams.
Legacy of a Historic Team
The 2026 UCLA team will be remembered not only for winning the national championship but also for its unprecedented draft success. The Bruins’ historic night underscored the depth, talent, and chemistry that fueled their dominant season.
Their achievements set a new benchmark for future college teams and demonstrated how team-oriented play can translate into professional success.
As UCLA players transition to the WNBA, the program’s historic season continues to resonate across women’s basketball, marking one of the most memorable years in the sport’s history.
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