UCLA Women's Basketball: Top Recruit-Turned-Transfer Unpacks Decision To Join Bruins

The Bruins are in for a strong season!

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team entered the new college basketball season ranked No. 4 in the country, giving them some real expectations for the year. After reaching the Sweet Sixteen a year ago, the Bruins are looking to surpass that success this season behind some real talent.

Their big offseason acquisition was transfer center Lauren Betts from Stanford, and she should provide the Bruins with a major impact in the middle of the paint. Betts is a strong rebounder and should help alleviate the issues that the Bruins had last season in that area.

Betts is being reunited with her FIBA coach Cori Close, and she is very excited about that fact. It was one of the reasons why she decided to join the Bruins this offseason.

“She builds me up every day,” Betts said. “She’s hard on me, don’t get me wrong, but at the end of the day, I know she loves me on and off the court.”

Per Lauren Betts via The LA Times

Betts was the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class but decided that her one year at Stanford was enough. She wanted to be a part of what the Bruins were building and now has a chance to make a very strong impact this season.

Having Betts on the roster makes things easier for everyone else as well. Guard Charisma Osborne gave her thoughts on what Betts brings to the table, and how it opens the offense up even more.

“It’s just easier for me just getting in the paint,” Osborne said. “They can’t help off of me because now I’m just going to lob it to Lauren.”

Per Charisma Osborne via The LA Times

The Bruins were very good last season, but now they have a chance to do something special if they can execute well. It should be a fun ride, and hopefully, the team can gel together quickly to start the season off well. 

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