Get ready for a potential record-breaker in the WNBA Draft world! UCLA is poised to make history by shattering a decades-old record for the most players selected in a single draft. With the Dallas Wings securing the top pick again and the NCAA season heating up, all eyes are on the 2026 WNBA Draft. Last year, Paige Bueckers was the undisputed favorite, but this time, the top pick is anyone's guess. And here's where it gets exciting: UCLA's Lauren Betts is a strong contender for the number one spot, but she's just the tip of the Bruin iceberg.
Betts, a 6-foot-7 center, is dominating the court with averages of 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. But she’s not the only UCLA star catching the attention of WNBA scouts. The Bruins could set a new record with up to six players selected in the upcoming draft, surpassing the long-standing record held by Tennessee and matched by Notre Dame and South Carolina. But here's where it gets controversial: Can UCLA truly dethrone these powerhouse programs, or is this just a one-time talent surge?
Let’s dive into the Bruin lineup. Alongside Betts, guards Kiki Rice and Gianna Kneepkens are projected to be top-10 picks. Rice is having a breakout season, averaging 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while Kneepkens, a transfer from Utah, is lighting it up from beyond the arc with a 45.8% three-point shooting percentage. But this is the part most people miss: UCLA’s depth doesn’t stop there. Charlisse Leger-Walker, Gabriela Jaquez, and Angela Dugalić are all expected to hear their names called on draft night, though later in the proceedings.
Jaquez, in particular, is turning heads with performances like her 29-point game against Tennessee. Dugalić, a dominant big, is averaging 11.1 points and 6.6 rebounds, making her a valuable asset for any WNBA team. If all six Bruins are drafted, UCLA will break the record set by Tennessee in 1999 and matched in 2008, and later by Notre Dame in 2019 and South Carolina in 2023. But is this Bruin squad truly the deepest in WNBA Draft history, or are we overestimating their impact?
What do you think? Is UCLA’s potential record-breaking draft a sign of a new dynasty, or just a fluke of exceptional talent? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
