History was made at the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night, and it was painted in UCLA blue and gold. The reigning national champion Bruins didn't just celebrate a title; they shattered a league record by becoming the first program ever to have five players selected in the first round.
The historic quintet—Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic, and Gianna Kneepkens—heard their names called, capping a dominant collegiate season with an unprecedented professional send-off. This remarkable feat underscores the incredible depth and talent that powered UCLA's championship run, showcasing a program operating at its absolute peak.
For fans and aspiring players alike, this draft class is a testament to the power of teamwork and elite development. Seeing a core group succeed together at the highest level and then transition to the pros as a historic unit is a rare and inspiring sports story. It’s a proud moment for the Bruin family and a thrilling new chapter for these five stars as they bring their championship pedigree to the WNBA.
