The confetti from the NCAA championship celebration had barely settled before the UCLA Bruins were back in the spotlight for another historic night. Just over a week after cutting down the nets, the program's core stars saw their professional dreams realized in rapid succession at the WNBA draft.

In a stunning display of talent concentration, UCLA's Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice were selected with the fourth, fifth, and sixth overall picks, respectively. This remarkable back-to-back-to-back selection underscores the sheer dominance of a Bruins squad that finished the season 37-1.

The 6-foot-7 All-American center Lauren Betts will bring her formidable presence to the Washington Mystics. Gabriela Jaquez, known for her versatility and relentless energy, is headed to the Chicago Sky. Meanwhile, Kiki Rice made history as the first-ever draft pick for the expansion Toronto Tempo, a fitting next chapter for a player who helped build a championship legacy.

With head coach Cori Close beaming nearby, the green room became a repeat celebration of UCLA's culture and work ethic. "This team is just so special," Betts remarked, highlighting the collective drive that propelled them to a national title and now, to the professional ranks.

The Bruins nearly made WNBA history, with several more teammates in attendance, aiming to surpass the record of five players drafted from a single school. While they fell just short of that mark, the trio of top-six picks solidifies this UCLA team as one of the most talented and pro-ready squads in recent memory, a true testament to their championship pedigree.