The WNBA season tipped off this past weekend, and it was a historic moment for UCLA basketball fans. All six Bruins rookies selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft made their regular-season debuts, marking a proud milestone for the program. Just over a month after cutting down the nets at the Final Four, these champs have already traded their college jerseys for pro uniforms.
While none of the rookies put up staggering numbers, every Bruin earned meaningful rotational minutes right out of the gate. Here's a quick look at how each player fared in their first taste of professional action.
In Washington, the Mystics edged out the Toronto Tempo 68-65 on Friday night. Lauren Betts, selected fourth overall, had a quiet debut. She didn't score in 12 minutes of play, going 0-for-4 from the field, but she did manage to haul in five rebounds—showing she can still impact the game even when the shots aren't falling.
Joining Betts on the Mystics was Angela Dugalic, who managed to get on the scoresheet. She put up two points on 1-of-4 shooting, adding two boards in her 12 minutes. The Mystics secured the win despite limited production from their rookie frontcourt, proving that defense and grit can still carry a team on opening night.
Over in Toronto, Kiki Rice made history by playing in the Tempo's very first franchise game. Coming off the bench for 18 minutes, Rice didn't score (0-for-3) but contributed three rebounds and three assists. Interestingly, she posted a positive plus/minus for the Tempo, showing her value goes beyond the box score—a stat that coaches love to see from a rookie.
The most impressive Bruin debut belonged to Gabriela Jaquez. Starting for the Chicago Sky in their 98-83 win over the Portland Fire, Jaquez logged 32 minutes and delivered a well-rounded performance: 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two assists. She shot 3-of-7 from the field, proving she's ready to be a key contributor from day one. For a rookie to get the starting nod and produce like that? That's the kind of debut that turns heads.
In Connecticut, the Sun fell hard to the New York Liberty 106-75, but Gianna Kneepkens gave fans something to cheer about. The sharpshooter scored seven points in 13 minutes off the bench, knocking down her first career WNBA three-pointer (1-of-4 from deep). She also grabbed five rebounds, showing she's more than just a spot-up shooter.
As for Charlisse Leger-Walker, she rounded out the Bruin rookie class. While her stat line may not have popped, getting on the floor in a WNBA game is a massive step. Every minute played is a lesson learned, and for these six Bruins, the journey is just beginning.
It's a special time for UCLA women's basketball. To see six players from one college program make their pro debuts in the same weekend is a testament to the program's culture and player development. Whether they're starting or coming off the bench, these Bruins are proving they belong. And for fans of the game—and the Bruin gear in your closet—this is just the start of an exciting new chapter.