Lauren Betts already looks like a player built for the WNBA. At 6-foot-7, the UCLA star uses her size, strength, and touch around the basket to dominate college opponents on a nightly basis. But as the women\u2019s game continues to evolve, Betts knows that being great near the rim may not be enough on its own. That\u2019s where advice from Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston could make a long-term difference.<\/p>\n
The WNBA has been moving away from traditional post players who only score in the paint. Today\u2019s top forwards, like A\u2019ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier, can score at all three levels and stretch defenses with their shooting. Even more traditional bigs, including Boston herself, have worked to expand their range to stay effective in the modern game.<\/p>\n
Betts is still developing that part of her skill set. She has attempted just one three-pointer this season, but she has been focusing on improving her mid-range shot. After UCLA\u2019s win over Penn State, Betts shared that Boston had encouraged her to be confident taking shots away from the basket.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lauren Betts today \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n
\u2022 25 points \u2014 Women\u2019s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) December 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Betts said she spoke with Boston at a USA Basketball training camp and was surprised that the Fever star had watched her games. Boston\u2019s message was simple but powerful: trust yourself. She told Betts not to worry about missed shots and to take open mid-range looks when they are available. Hearing that from someone she looks up to made a big impact.<\/p>\n That advice matters because Betts already checks many boxes for WNBA success. She is an efficient scorer inside, a strong rebounder, and an elite rim protector. Adding a reliable mid-range jumper and possibly extending her range further could take her game to another level and make her harder to defend at the next level.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Lauren Betts SEASON HIGH\u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n \u25aa\ufe0f25 PTS #4 UCLA dominates Penn St 97-61 \ud83d\udc3b pic.twitter.com\/7j1PfyEzG4<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 7 rebounds
\u2022 11\/19 FG
\u2022 25 minutes playedpic.twitter.com\/0OdmGZDwj4<\/a><\/p>\n
\u25aa\ufe0f7 REBS
\u25aa\ufe0f2 ASTS
\u25aa\ufe0f11-19 FG
\u25aa\ufe0f25 MIN.<\/p>\n