Could UCLA Break the WNBA Draft Record?
The Dallas Wings have won the draft lottery again, and with the NCAA season in full swing, fans are eagerly anticipating the 2026 WNBA Draft. Last season, Paige Bueckers was a top contender for the number one pick, but this time, the question remains: who will the Wings select? Some mock drafts predict UCLA star Lauren Betts to be the first overall pick. With impressive stats, including 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, she's a strong contender. But she's not the only Bruin in the spotlight.
UCLA has a talented lineup of guards and bigs that could make waves in the draft. Kiki Rice and Gianna Kneepkens are standout guards, with Rice averaging 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds, and Kneepkens showcasing sharp three-point shooting skills. Both are expected to be top-10 picks. Adding to the talent pool, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Gabriela Jaquez, and Angela Dugalić are also elite players. Leger-Walker, Jaquez, and Dugalić have been making their mark, with Jaquez particularly impressive, scoring 29 points against Tennessee and 23 against Duke. These players are expected to be drafted higher up on the board.
Breaking the Record
If all six players are drafted, UCLA will set a new record for the most players selected in a single WNBA Draft, a record held by Tennessee since 1999. Tennessee has had five players drafted in the same draft multiple times, including Chamique Holdsclaw, Tonya Edwards, and Candace Parker. South Carolina also tied the record in 2023 with five players drafted. UCLA's talent-rich roster gives them a real chance to claim the top spot.
The WNBA Draft is an exciting prospect, and with UCLA's potential to break the record, fans are eagerly awaiting the results. Will UCLA's stars hear their names called? The draft promises to be a showcase of talent, and the competition is fierce. Stay tuned to see who makes the cut and who will be the next WNBA sensation!
