-Courtesy of “Old Towel Head” Kris Johnson
“After the 2025-26 season, UCLA loses seven seniors and grad transfers, including starters Lauren Betts (6’7” C, 20 PPG), Kiki Rice (5’11” PG, 13 PPG), and Gabriela Jaquez (6’0” W, 9.6 PPG). That’s over 60% of the team’s scoring and rebounding gone. The Bruins’ future rests on rebuilding around three underclassmen: incoming freshman Sienna Betts (6’4” F/C), freshman Lena Billić (6’3” W), and sophomore Amanda Muse (6’4” C). With 12 roster spots to fill for 2026-27, Coach Cori Close must strike a balance between high school talent and portal experience. Here’s the plan.”
[Save this Name for Kiki Rice’s Successor]
“Kate Harpring (5’11” CG, GA | ESPN No. 1): Already visited UCLA (March 2025). A two-way star who averaged 32 PPG and anchored her AAU team’s defense. If UCLA lands her, she’d step into Kiki Rice’s role as a primary ballhandler.”
https://krisjohnson.substack.com/p/ucla-wbb-how-cori-closes-2026-class?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2271309&post_id=162965538&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=5fn1x4&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email