UCLA Sets WNBA Draft Record with Five First-Round Selections
National champion UCLA achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 WNBA draft, securing a record-breaking five first-round picks and six selections overall. The event, held in New York on April 13, 2026, highlighted the dominance of the UCLA women's basketball program. Key draftees included center Lauren Betts, who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, and guard Gabriela Jaquez, chosen fifth overall by the Chicago Sky. Additionally, guard Kiki Rice was picked sixth overall by the Toronto Tempo. These high-profile selections underscore the exceptional talent pool produced by UCLA during their championship season. The unprecedented number of early-round picks from a single university marks a significant moment in WNBA draft history, reflecting the growing depth and quality of collegiate women's basketball. The atmosphere in New York was celebratory as players posed with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and embraced their families, cementing UCLA's legacy in the professional league.
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UCLA Sets WNBA Draft Record with Five First-Round Selections
National champion UCLA achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 WNBA draft, securing a record-breaking five first-round picks and six selections overall. The event, held in New York on April 13, 2026, highlighted the dominance of the UCLA women's basketball program. Key draftees included center Lauren Betts, who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, and guard Gabriela Jaquez, chosen fifth overall by the Chicago Sky. Additionally, guard Kiki Rice was picked sixth overall by the Toronto Tempo. These high-profile selections underscore the exceptional talent pool produced by UCLA during their championship season. The unprecedented number of early-round picks from a single university marks a significant moment in WNBA draft history, reflecting the growing depth and quality of collegiate women's basketball. The atmosphere in New York was celebratory as players posed with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and embraced their families, cementing UCLA's legacy in the professional league.
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