Lauren Betts Surges Back Into Top WNBA Draft Contention

UCLA standout overcomes mid-season slump to reassert herself as potential No. 1 pick

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Lauren Betts, the UCLA basketball standout, began the 2025 season as the consensus top prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft. However, a mid-season slump, partially attributed to an elbow injury, briefly opened the door for Azzi Fudd and Awa Fam to challenge her draft position. Now, Betts is surging again, reaffirming her status as a potential cornerstone player for a WNBA franchise.

Why it matters

The 2026 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be a battle between three exceptional talents: Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, and Awa Fam. Betts' resurgence has positioned her right back in contention for the top pick, and teams will likely weigh factors like positional needs and long-term strategic fit when making their selection.

The details

Despite a dip in her scoring average from 20.2 points per game to 16.4, Betts remains a dominant force, averaging 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Her recent form, scoring in double digits in 16 consecutive games, demonstrates her ability to elevate her game when her team needs it most. The addition of talented players like Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker to the UCLA roster has also contributed to the statistical shifts.

  • Betts sustained an elbow injury during a game against Texas in the middle of the 2025 season.
  • Betts has scored in double digits in 16 consecutive games, showcasing her recent resurgence.

The players

Lauren Betts

A standout basketball player at UCLA, widely projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Azzi Fudd

A top prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft, currently considered a strong contender for the No. 1 pick alongside Betts.

Awa Fam

A top prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft, also considered a strong contender for the No. 1 pick alongside Betts and Fudd.

Gianna Kneepkens

A talented addition to the UCLA basketball roster, contributing to the team's increased strength.

Charlisse Leger-Walker

Another talented addition to the UCLA basketball roster, contributing to the team's increased strength.

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What’s next

Keep an eye on Betts' performance in the Big Ten tournament – it could significantly influence her draft position.

The takeaway

The emergence of top prospects like Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, and Awa Fam signals a bright future for the WNBA. Betts, in particular, possesses the potential to be a transformative player at the next level, with her versatility and ability to impact the game on both offense and defense making her a highly coveted asset for any team.