UCLA Sets WNBA Draft Record with Five First-Round Selections

Bassyonni

Published: April 13, 2026 10:04 PM ET

The UCLA women’s basketball team achieved a historic milestone during the latest WNBA draft, setting a record by having five players chosen in the first round. This remarkable feat highlights the team’s dominance and the talent they have nurtured over recent seasons.

Five First-Round Selections

On draft night, five Bruins were selected in the first round, a significant achievement in WNBA history. The selections include:

Lauren Betts: No. 4 overall to the Washington Mystics
Gabriela Jaquez: No. 5 overall to the Chicago Sky
Kiki Rice: No. 6 overall to the Toronto Tempo
Angela Dugalic: No. 9 overall to the Washington Mystics
Gianna Kneepkens: No. 15 overall to the Connecticut Sun

Stats and Achievements

Each player brought impressive statistics and accolades from their time at UCLA:

Lauren Betts: Averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 58.2%.
Gabriela Jaquez: Averaged 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, shooting 53.9% from the field.
Kiki Rice: Averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists with a 49% shooting rate.
Angela Dugalic: Averaged 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of 50.2%.
Gianna Kneepkens: Averaged 12.8 points, with a three-point shooting rate of 42.9%.

Milestone Moments

Kneepkens’ selection not only marked her as UCLA’s fifth first-round pick but also established a new record for the most players from a single school chosen in the first round. This was the first draft to feature 15 picks in the first round due to league expansion.

Comments from the Players

The drafted players expressed their excitement and gratitude:

Betts celebrated her joy and confidence in a post-draft interview, emphasizing the season’s positive energy.
Jaquez reflected on her improvement and the significance of achieving her WNBA dream alongside her teammates.
Rice highlighted her pride in being a supportive teammate and her eagerness to contribute in the WNBA.
Dugalic looked forward to reuniting with Betts, underscoring their synergy from UCLA.
Kneepkens felt blessed to be part of the Bruins’ legacy, showcasing the collective success of UCLA players.

Other Notable Picks in the Draft

Aside from the UCLA selections, several other players were drafted, adding to the excitement of the event. Notably:

Azzi Fudd was chosen first overall by the Dallas Wings.
Olivia Miles went second overall to the Minnesota Lynx.
Awa Fam Thiam was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.

The 2023 WNBA draft showcased not only the wealth of talent emerging from collegiate basketball but also highlighted UCLA’s pivotal role in the league’s growth. The Bruins’ success continues to resonate, as their players step onto the professional stage in pursuit of further excellence.