UCLA Women’s Basketball: Aiming for the 50-40-90 Club

The first rule about the 50-40-90 club? Well, it’s not to talk about it. But that’s not really the main thing on their minds.

What matters more is making plays that help the UCLA women’s basketball team succeed.

Across the nation, only a few players are eyeing this prestigious club, which requires shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line.

The Bruins might actually have three candidates this season.

First up, Janna Neepkens, affectionately known as “G-Money.” She’s showcasing impressive stats, shooting 51.8% from the field, 44.2% from three-point range, and an outstanding 95.2% from the free-throw line as they gear up for their NCAA Tournament opener against Cal Baptist.

Then there’s Gabriela Jaquez, who isn’t too far behind. She boasts a 54.3% shooting percentage from the field, 41.1% from downtown, and 86.7% from the charity stripe.

Kiki Rice might be the long shot here but is still in the running. She’s hitting 50.3% from the field, 38.1% from three, and 89.1% from the line.

As for discussing their shooting skills? Don’t count on it.

“Honestly, we don’t chat about it all that much,” Kneepkens mentioned. “I think it’s good that we don’t because what truly matters is making the right play.”

This achievement isn’t something to take lightly. Historically, Madeline Poteet is the only player from UCLA to achieve 50-40-90, and she did it with limited attempts back in the 2014-15 season, averaging just 2.1 points a game.

In contrast, Neepkens, Jaquez, and Rice are all leading the team with double-digit scoring. Their success is partly thanks to strong post players like Lauren Betts and Angela Dugaric, along with several efficient shooters on the roster.

“They draw double teams,” Jaquez pointed out. “That opens up a lot of opportunities for us to take wide-open threes. Lauren often kicks it out, and we find ourselves in a great position to shoot.”

A mix of consistent practice, some minor adjustments, and solid confidence contributes to their reliability. Spending countless hours honing their form in the gym gives them faith that their shots will land.

“There are no shortcuts for these three,” UCLA coach Cori Close commented.

She also compared Kneepkens to Lakers player Luka Doncic regarding their ability to navigate around defenders creatively.

“Gianna doesn’t have the speed contest with Luka, but they both bring creativity and a high basketball IQ that helps them score,” Close added.

Close highlighted Rice’s athleticism as the most explosive among the three, while Jaquez is noted for her quick shooting.

“With shot timing, it’s all about precision,” Close noted, mentioning that Jaquez could be the quickest to perfect her shot.

Rice and Jaquez have come a long way; only a season ago, Rice shot just 21.7% from three, while Jaquez was at 63.2% from the line. What changed?

“I’ve put in a ton of work in the gym,” Rice explained, reflecting on her extensive training. “Late-night and early-morning sessions. Coach T has been amazing in helping me find areas for improvement each year.”

Neepkens recalls her workouts having her mom rebound for her before games. Now, she has support from a manager and a practice player to assist her.

“Mom jokes that she’s feeling overwhelmed by the resources we’re giving her,” Close teased.

Achieving 90% on free throws might be the most challenging part of reaching the 50-40-90 goal.

“You don’t usually shoot as many free throws as field goals or threes,” Rice acknowledged. “If you miss one, it stings more.”

To reach 90%, Rice would need to make six in a row, ensuring her practice includes a strong focus on free throws, aiming for ten successful attempts before leaving the gym.

That usually doesn’t take Neepkens long.

“Usually, it takes only one or two tries,” she noted, proud of her record of 40 out of 42 free throws this season.

Interestingly, all three players have mentioned they avoid tracking their shooting stats throughout the season. For them, it’s more about doing their best and focusing on teamwork.

Kneepkens emphasized their collective goal: “I just aim to make great shots and good passes.” Her unselfish approach has played a crucial role in the team’s potential to achieve something historic.

While they might have aspirations for the 50-40-90 club, the Bruins are primarily focused on clinching their first NCAA Championship. As Coach Close pointed out, “No one cares about individual shooting stats. We don’t discuss it, which I think is fantastic about our team.”