The UCLA Bruins are wasting no time in the transfer portal, making a key backcourt addition to address a massive roster overhaul. With six players drafted into the WNBA on Monday, head coach Cori Close has secured a commitment from former TCU guard Donovyn Hunter, a familiar face on the West Coast.

Hunter, a 6'0" guard from Medford, Oregon, began her collegiate career at Oregon State before spending the last two seasons at TCU. Her experience is a major asset for a Bruins team losing a legendary senior class. While her career averages of 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game are solid, her value lies in her proven reliability and winning pedigree, having started 93 games and helped guide TCU to an Elite Eight appearance this past season.

This move is a strategic homecoming. Hunter not only played in the Pac-12 but was teammates with current UCLA forward Timea Gardiner at Oregon State. Her size and experience will be crucial in replacing the length and savvy of departed stars. She joins fellow portal additions Bonnie Deas and Elina Aarnisalo in a rebuilt backcourt tasked with filling the void left by WNBA-bound talents like Charlisse Leger-Walker and Kiki Rice.

For the defending national champions, the work is far from over, but landing a battle-tested, versatile guard like Hunter is a significant step. It raises the floor for the 2026-2027 Bruins as they begin their title defense with a new-look roster.