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UCLA's WNBA Draft prospects discuss the jump to the WNBA
TL;DR
The WNBA Draft is set to take place in New York City, with up to six players from UCLA's national championship team expected to be selected. Key prospects include Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Gianna Kneepkens, all projected as first-round picks.
We’re soon going to learn where the UCLA Bruins star basketball players land at the next level. The WNBA Draft will occur Monday night in New York City and we’ll see how many members of UCLA’s national championship team will hear their name called.
The entire team made the trip out to New York for the draft, where as many as six UCLA players could get selected. The Bruins have four consensus first round picks in Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice and Gianna Kneepkens. Both Angela Dugalic and Charlisse Leger-Wallker have developed games and will likely garner draft consideration as well.
The WNBA released Prospect Media Availability responses from WNBA Draft attendees. Of the 15 players in attendance, UCLA had five players selected as a part of the group. Here’s their questions and answers.
Angela Dugalic
Q: How do you think your style of play translates to the WNBA?
A: “My versatility. I’m able to pull people out with my shooting ability but also as a low post presence – so I can pick and choose how I want to score. I also feel like I’m a pretty good passer. That passing role has been my role the past few years playing with UCLA … And then defensively, I can switch really well so I can guard one through five.”
Gabriela Jaquez
Q: What will it be like playing against your former UCLA teammates?
A: “It’s going to be a little weird. I played against Gianna [Kneepkens] before. I played against [Charlisse Leger-Walker] before, and Lauren [Betts] when she was at Stanford. But obviously we’re teammates for life. So, it will be a little weird, especially Kiki [Rice] because we've been teammates for four years. We were even thinking like, dang, we need to learn new plays now and go to a new team. We’ve been running the same system for four years. So, it will be an adjustment, but it'll be fun and really competitive.”
Gianna Kneepkens:
Q: How does it feel to go through this moment with your UCLA teammates?
A: “It’s been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. It’s cool to see the behind-the-scenes of what they have done and the work they’ve put in. To see them get to this point and be able to do it alongside them has been really special.”
Kiki Rice:
Q: We’re two days out from the WNBA Draft; can you describe your emotions?
A: “Just excited. This is a moment I’ve been dreaming of for a very long time. So, finally to be in New York, to be at the Draft, is honestly really exciting [and] a little bit surreal. I’m really just excited to see where I end up and get to the new organization and meet my teammates.”
Lauren Betts:
Q: Who are you most excited to match up with?
A: “I think any of my [UCLA] teammates. Once I see them in their W jerseys, I’m probably going to cry after the game just because I’m so proud of them. I feel like that’s going to be a surreal experience, seeing everyone on their different teams.”
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Hear from five UCLA WNBA Draft prospects from their media availability
Q&A
Which UCLA players are expected to be first-round picks in the WNBA Draft?
Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Gianna Kneepkens are all projected to be first-round picks in the upcoming WNBA Draft.
When and where is the WNBA Draft taking place?
The WNBA Draft is scheduled for Monday night in New York City.
How many UCLA players could be selected in the WNBA Draft?
As many as six players from UCLA's national championship team could be selected in the WNBA Draft.
Who are the other UCLA players likely to garner draft consideration?
Angela Dugalic and Charlisse Leger-Wallker are also likely to receive draft consideration due to their developed skills.
