In a season marked by unusual challenges for WNBA teams, UCLA has emerged as an invaluable resource. Last weekend, despite a winter storm warning, the Chicago Sky’s front office made the trek to Evanston. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca, Head Coach Tyler Marsh, and their support staff took over the bleachers at Northwestern’s arena to keep a close eye on the impressive talent from UCLA.
Ranked No. 2 with a record of 19-1, the Bruins are brimming with players who are not just ready for the WNBA but are likely to be first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Think of the Bruins as your ultimate destination for all things related to the WNBA draft.
Do you need a dynamic point guard known for her defensive skills and exceptional playmaking? Kiki Rice is your go-to player, consistently scoring an average of 15 points, along with 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
Looking for a towering 6’7” shot-blocker who can dominate the paint? Lauren Betts fits the bill perfectly; she’s one of the few college players invited to Team USA tryouts this winter.
Or perhaps you're in search of a versatile wing who excels at making sneaky cuts? Gabriela Jaquez is the answer, having scored a significant portion of her 19 points in a recent victory over Northwestern through backdoor cuts alone.
And if a reliable shooter is what you crave, then look no further than Gianna Kneepkens, a fifth-year transfer from Utah who knows how to score.
However, if you find yourself in the position of building a WNBA roster, you might be unsure about what exactly your team needs.
As UCLA’s head coach Cori Close noted in her conversation with the Sun-Times, a common thread among WNBA front offices is uncertainty. She should know since she receives calls from league presidents, general managers, and coaches nearly every day, seeking insights and advice.
This confusion often stems from stalled collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations that have left the league in limbo. Typically, by now, the landscape of free agency and expansion drafts would provide teams with a clearer picture of their roster needs and draft strategies. Instead, timelines have become delayed, prompting many teams to widen their searches for potential draft talent. Fortunately, UCLA's wealth of skilled players can significantly streamline this process.
So, what’s the strategy for the Sky as they navigate this offseason?
In contrast to UCLA’s abundance, the Sky find themselves operating under constraints. Following two lackluster seasons, this offseason is less about pinpointing specific positional needs and more about enhancing the overall talent level of the team.
The No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft could play a crucial role in this process. Although it may not guarantee a top-tier talent like Betts—who will likely be off the board by the time the Sky make their selection—there will still be promising players available.
In fact, there’s still the remainder of UCLA’s starting lineup to consider.
Jaquez, affectionately nicknamed “All Gas Gabs” by her teammates, is a perfect fit for modern basketball. At 5’11”, she not only shoots effectively from long range but also understands how to keep the ball moving within the offense. Against Northwestern, she repeatedly exploited gaps in the defense, scoring without needing specific plays called for her.
Rice also shone brightly during the game, showcasing an instinctive defensive prowess reminiscent of former Northwestern standout Veronica Burton, who was picked No. 7 in 2022 and has since earned a spot on the All-WNBA Defensive Team. This bodes well for Rice’s professional prospects.
Then we have Kneepkens, a career 44% shooter from beyond the arc, taking 5.5 attempts per game. Before her transfer to UCLA, she was the leading scorer at Utah. Initially, there were concerns about her defensive abilities, but Coach Close believes she has made significant improvements this season in the competitive Big Ten.
The Sky's coaching staff has been closely monitoring UCLA games throughout the season, weighing their options carefully.
Meanwhile, the UCLA players are on the brink of transitioning from March Madness directly into training camp, with their professional futures looming just around the corner. Have they been checking the draft order online? Are they discussing their ideal landing spots?
“You can’t be asking these questions,” Jaquez responded after the game, brushing off the Sun-Times’ inquiries. “Wherever opportunity comes, we will embrace it.”
Kneepkens shared a similar sentiment, stating, “I’m thankful for any opportunity that comes my way.”
Jaquez further emphasized, “Our focus is solely on UCLA basketball right now.”
And therein lies the difference: players remain grounded in the present while front offices grapple with the complexities of future planning.
