Was Charlisse Ledger-Walker even invited to the WNBA draft?
It’s a bit disappointing, honestly. Anyway, the UCLA point guard showed up in New York with her teammates and might end up making some league officials question their decisions.
Five UCLA players—Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Knepkens, and Angela Dugalic—got official invites to the WNBA Draft. Most projections suggest that the Bruins could see four of their players picked in the first round, which would tie the school record set by UW back in 2002. Dugalic and Reger Walker could still push UCLA ahead of that record, though they’re considered borderline first-round picks.
“Char is projected to go somewhere between 13 and 17, likely late first round to early second,” UCLA coach Cori Close mentioned to the California Post.
“For instance, her ability to translate what I want from her into team dynamics is invaluable. She’s one of the best locker room presences I’ve ever coached. Any WNBA team picking her up would be making a very wise choice. I genuinely think she’ll be a standout in this draft.”
Before the draft, UCLA threw a team event in New York for players and their families. The Crows invited their entire staff, except for assistant general manager Sam Skinner, who had to stay back in Los Angeles to manage the transfer portal.
“This is unprecedented, so we really wanted to celebrate it,” Close explained. “It’s important for us to show appreciation to our staff. Everyone had a part in getting these players to this point. Certainly, the biggest credit goes to the women for their choices, but we felt this was a nice way to say thanks.”
These are the UCLA players expected to get drafted, along with USC guard Carla Dunn, who’s forecasted as a second or third-round pick.
Lauren Betts 6-foot-7 Center
Expected draft range: Early first round
Last season stats: 17.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 bpg
Strengths: Betts stands out as one of the most impactful players in college basketball, set to make an immediate impact in the league with her combo of size and skill. She scores in various ways close to the basket and possesses an accurate mid-range jumper. Additionally, she excels defensively and as a passer from the post. Some mock drafts even place her among the top picks, potentially vying for the second spot behind UConn’s Azzi Fudd or Spain’s Awa Fam.
Kiki Rice | 5-11 Guard
Expected draft range: Early first round
Last season stats: 14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.5 spg
Strengths: Rice brings a lot more to the table than just running plays. She has an extremely reliable pull-up jumper and is an impressive rebounder for a guard. Her knack for finishing in transition, especially with her effective Eurostep, adds depth to her game. Many mock drafts suggest the Sky might be eyeing her at No. 5.
Gabriela Jaquez | 6-0 Guard
Expected draft range: Mid to late 1st round
Last season stats: 13.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.1 apg
Strengths: Jaquez shares some traits with her older brother, Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr., being a well-liked, selfless teammate. She can score efficiently, from slashing to shooting threes (sinking 39 percent in her senior year), while also contributing on rebounds and making smart passes. Her performance of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the championship highlight her versatility.
Janna Knepkens | 6-0 Guard
Expected draft range: Mid to late 1st round
Last season stats: 12.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.9 apg
Strengths: Knepkens has been a significant contributor, stepping up her game in her final collegiate season. She remained one of the nation’s top shooters, hitting 42.9 percent from three-point range, all while showing off her unselfishness and savvy play, which could translate well in the WNBA.
Angela Dugalic | 6-4 Forward
Expected draft range: From late first round to early second round
Last season stats: 9.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.2 apg
Strengths: Though incredibly talented, Dugalic’s choice to come off the bench in her final season may have made her appealing to both her teammates and WNBA scouts looking for a selfless player. She showcased her skills during the NCAA Tournament, lifting her draft prospects, especially with her perimeter shooting and ability to finish around the basket. Given her age and background with the Serbian national team, she might make an immediate impact.
Charlisse Ledger-Walker | 5-10 Guard
Expected draft range: Late first round to early second round
Last season stats: 8.4 ppg, 5.6 apg, 4 rpg, 1.6 spg
Strengths: Ledger-Walker, who goes by “The Connector,” has been instrumental in unifying her team with her calm demeanor and leadership both on and off the court. Hailing from New Zealand, she’s highly regarded by her teammates for her patience and high basketball IQ, which could work in her favor as she transitions to the next level. Is it possible the Sparks might consider Ledger-Walker in the early second round?
