{"id":296757,"date":"2025-11-17T09:08:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/296757\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T09:08:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:08:08","slug":"ucla-could-have-three-of-the-top-eight-picks-in-the-wnba-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/296757\/","title":{"rendered":"UCLA could have three of the top eight picks in the WNBA Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

UCLA Women\u2019s Basketball has a great chance to win it all this year. They are loaded with seniors that have great chemistry all around. Their ball movement and communication seem to be at an all-time high. All culminating in them having three seniors who are projected to be in top eight selections of the WNBA draft. As Bleacher Report has put together their mock draft<\/a>. The draft isn’t until April 2026, but the hype is already building as the women’s season is underway and off to a hot start. <\/p>\n

Lauren Betts is expected to go number one, Gianna Kneepkens at number seven and Kiki Rice at number eight. All three girls are playing great basketball for the Bruins and are expected to play at the next level. Kneepkens was a huge addition to the Bruins after being a graduate transfer<\/a> from Utah. She has provided more scoring and could be the missing piece for the Bruins to finally get past UCONN in their quest.<\/p>\n

When Gianna Kneepkens gets going \u2026 it\u2019s different. <\/p>\n

Another elite showing from one of the best in the game, leading the No. 3 Bruins to a huge win over the Sooners! @jerseymikes<\/a> | Credit: @UCLAWBB<\/a> & @WomensHoops_USA<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XPudDGJyMl<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) November 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Kiki Rice who is one of the better point guards<\/a> in the nation, is still getting her footing under her. She battled a shoulder injury last year, that affected her shot. But she is playing tremendous defense and being a good facilitator and rebounder. When healthy she can change a game and plays very smart basketball.<\/p>\n

Kiki Rice (11\/13\/25) pic.twitter.com\/qbLG5kSkXN<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 @balapattyszn (@balapattyvids) November 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Then there is not much more that needs to be said about Betts. She is possibly the best player in the nation and is a two-way player. She can dominate a game on offense and defense and will change whatever franchise is lucky enough to get her. Most likely with the first pick in the draft. These girls have one mission in mind before it all though and that is winning their first title since it has been called the NCAA tournament.<\/p>\n

No. 6 Oklahoma at No. 3 UCLA tonight! \ud83c\udfc0 <\/p>\n

The Bruins’ Lauren Betts, potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, is shooting a dominant 74% from the field, all in the paint (via CBB Analytics). pic.twitter.com\/Dh0ZNPPVKG<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 10, 2025<\/a>