SACRAMENTO – The Dynamics of UCLA’s Men’s Scout Team

Recently, Lauren Betts emerged from the locker room to find two male practice players engaging with reporters. Usually the focal point, she found the scene amusing.

“Are you guys interviewing right now?” Betts exclaimed, prompting laughter from those nearby. “Who do you think you are?”

These players wear many hats—they’re not just defenders or screeners; they also carry bags, analyze gameplay, and cheer on the team.

They’re primarily dedicated to helping the UCLA women’s basketball team improve.

Whatever the title, these players feel privileged to be part of the journey that has led the top-seeded Bruins to the NCAA Tournament. With a record of 34-1, they’re set to face Duke in the Elite Eight, aiming for a return to the Final Four.

“They’re part of our basketball family,” said coach Cori Close. “We appreciate their dedication.”

Some members participate in individual skill sessions in the morning but wait around for lifting and film studies before jumping into practice.

“I’m not going to dunk,” shared Johnny Garnett, once a varsity football player at UCLA. “But we’re here to make sure our girls are ready for game time.”

For instance, sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens uses her agility to break through screens and challenge defenders, creating headaches for opponents.

Under Close’s guidance, athletes learn that mistakes in practice can lead to crucial wins during games.

“If we don’t apply enough pressure, she’ll be the first to say, ‘Come on, guys, we need you!’” noted Grant Boydell, a third-year scout team player.

Men’s scout teams have existed for a long time, but their roles keep changing. This season marked the first time UCLA’s scout team traveled consistently, and, despite facing the harsh Minneapolis cold, they shared memorable moments, like Garnett cutting down nets after a tournament victory.

“It was a life-changing experience,” he reflected.

Boydell, like his 19 teammates, wanted to stay involved in basketball after high school. Hearing about the scout team from friends, he joined to support talents from his former high school team in Sonoma Valley.

Before practices, coaches inform groups of 8 to 12 players on who to emulate for the opponents. For example, during the Sweet 16 match against Minnesota, Boydell mimicked guard Tori McKinney.

And how did he perform? In UCLA’s 80-56 victory, McKinney only hit four of seven shots and made two turnovers.

When Bruins scrimmage against the scout team, the outcome can be unpredictable.

“I think it’s pretty balanced,” Garnett said. Standing at 6-4, he’s one of the few who can hold his own against Betts, who towers at 6-7. “But soon, you’ll know what it means to step up.”

Betts has considered switching to a smaller guard during matches against the scout team, noting Garnett’s impressive athleticism.

“When we practice, what we face isn’t anything like the actual games,” Betts mentioned. “My scouts don’t take it easy. They keep me sharp.”

Kiki Rice, the point guard, said each of the men she practices against brings unique challenges.

Jordan Lee is quick and relentless, Kodi Yamaki is physical yet nimble, while Lucas Pichardo is tall, pushing her to adapt her shot techniques.

“Facing various styles in practice helps prepare us for tough defenses,” Rice concluded.

Additionally, Boydell contributes by analyzing gameplay. He crafts reports detailing opponent shot preferences, including styles like pick-and-rolls and off-ball screens.

Remarkably, UCLA’s scout team has gone undefeated this season in their head-to-head contests, beating scout teams from Rutgers and USC.

Yet, their victories hinge more on the success of the women’s team.

“Winning a national championship is definitely the goal,” Boydell asserted.