UCLA made WNBA history on draft night, seeing a record six players selected overall, including an unprecedented five in the first round alone. This incredible haul for the Bruins program has sparked plenty of discussion, and USA TODAY Sports has handed out its grades for where these elite prospects landed.
The first round was a showcase of UCLA talent, headlined by standout guard Charisma Osborne, who brings a polished two-way game to the Phoenix Mercury. The Los Angeles Sparks kept local star Cameron Brink close to home, adding a dominant defensive presence and floor-spacing ability to their frontcourt.
Meanwhile, the versatile Angela Dugalić will bring her international experience and inside-out scoring to the Seattle Storm, and the Connecticut Sun secured a tough, physical post player in Lauren Betts to bolster their frontcourt rotation. Rounding out the historic first-round run, the Dallas Wings added defensive dynamo Kiki Rice, a guard known for her tenacity and playmaking.
This draft class not only cements UCLA's status as a premier developer of professional talent but also injects a wave of exciting new players into the league, giving fans of the Mercury, Sparks, Storm, Sun, and Wings plenty to look forward to this season.