UCLA stars Betts, Jaquez, Rice selected in WNBA Draft's first round

The trio of Bruins were picked back-to-back-to-back just days after winning the NCAA championship.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:27am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down the UCLA women's basketball team's championship celebration and WNBA Draft success into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of vibrant team colors.The UCLA Bruins' NCAA title and WNBA Draft success are captured in a cubist, geometric interpretation of the team's celebratory energy.Chicago Today

Just a week after leading UCLA to its first NCAA women's basketball championship, stars Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice were selected with consecutive picks in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft. Betts went 4th overall to the Washington Mystics, Jaquez was taken 5th by the Chicago Sky, and Rice was the 6th pick by the expansion Toronto Tempo.

Why it matters

UCLA's historic NCAA title run and the subsequent WNBA Draft success of its top players highlights the program's ascent to the elite level of women's college basketball. Having three players chosen in the draft's first six picks is an impressive feat that showcases the Bruins' talent and depth.

The details

The 6-foot-7 Betts, an All-America center, was the first Bruin selected, going to the Washington Mystics. Jaquez, a standout wing, was then taken by the Chicago Sky. Rounding out the trio, point guard Kiki Rice was the 6th overall pick by the new Toronto Tempo franchise.

  • On April 14, 2026, Betts, Jaquez, and Rice were selected back-to-back-to-back in the first round of the WNBA Draft.
  • Just a week earlier, on April 7, 2026, the trio helped lead UCLA to the NCAA women's basketball championship.

The players

Lauren Betts

A 6-foot-7 All-America center who was selected 4th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Gabriela Jaquez

A standout wing player who was chosen 5th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Kiki Rice

A talented point guard who was the 6th overall pick by the expansion Toronto Tempo franchise in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who was present at the WNBA Draft to support her players.

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What they’re saying

“This team is just so special and we knew the type of players we had on the team.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Center

What’s next

The three Bruins will now begin their professional careers in the WNBA, joining a growing list of UCLA players who have made the leap to the pro ranks.

The takeaway

UCLA's historic NCAA championship and the subsequent first-round WNBA Draft selections of Betts, Jaquez, and Rice showcase the program's ascent to the elite level of women's college basketball. The Bruins' depth of talent and ability to develop pro-caliber players is a testament to the work of coach Cori Close and the entire coaching staff.