UCLA Women's Basketball: Charisma Osborne Lands in Big Market in New WNBA Mock Draft

Matt Levine | Apr 14, 2024

The UCLA women's basketball team produced one of its better seasons again this past year. For the second straight year, UCLA reached the Sweet Sixteen. However, they couldn't get past the middle round of the NCAA Tournament, ultimately not reaching their goals.

But the Bruins still have a lot to hang their hats high on, especially given the talent that should be back next season. However, they will be losing guard Charisma Osborne to the WNBA. Osborne was one of the leaders on the Bruins this season and she is expected to be selected within the first round of the WNBA Draft.

In a recent mock draft done by ESPN, Osborne lands with the New York Liberty. This would be an ideal landing spot for her, given that she is used to playing in a larger market such as Southern California and should be able to handle the bright lights of New York.

"Osborne, like Fair, played five seasons in college -- in her case all at UCLA. The Liberty might be looking for a guard who can score at a decent level, but more importantly really defend well. That would help the guards that New York already has."

This past year for the Bruins, Osborne averaged 13.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and four assists per game. The way she carried herself both off and on the court set the example for the Bruins, giving them someone to set the tone.

Landing in New York could be a nice spot for Osborne, especially with the Liberty coming off a loss in the WNBA Finals. She could be the missing piece to help them get over the hump this season. The UCLA product could bring some new flare to the mix while adding some depth to the squad.