UCLA women’s basketball is riding high after an extraordinary season. Not only did they reach the Final Four, but they also clinched their first-ever National Championship.
The Bruins showcased their dominance with a resounding 79-51 victory over South Carolina in the championship game. Now, the offseason’s here, and it’s brought some big changes.
Head coach Cori Close is facing the challenge of rebuilding the team through the transfer portal. She lost her top six scorers to the WNBA, which is just wild when you think about it.
With the landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals shifting so quickly, Close has had to rethink her recruiting strategy. It’s a whole new world for college sports, and she’s adapting on the fly.
The Road to the National Championship
The 2022-2023 season? Unforgettable for UCLA women’s basketball. The Bruins didn’t just make it to the Final Four—they claimed their first National Championship.
That decisive win over South Carolina, 79-51, was something fans won’t stop talking about for a while. It’s set a new bar for the program.
Key Players and Their Impact
This run was fueled by a stacked roster. Those top six scorers who moved on to the WNBA left some big shoes to fill.
But hey, that opens up chances for new faces. Sienna Betts, for example, didn’t have to do much as a freshman, but now? She’s got the keys to the team.
Rebuilding Through the Transfer Portal
With so many departures, Cori Close turned to the transfer portal. She brought in talent like KK Bransford from Notre Dame and Addy Brown from Iowa State.
Donovyn Hunter came over from TCU, Elina Aarnisalo from North Carolina, and Bonnie Deas from Arkansas. That’s quite the haul, honestly.
These new additions could help fill the gaps left behind. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll give the Bruins a shot at defending their title.
The Influence of NIL on Recruiting
Close recently opened up about how NIL deals are shaking up recruiting. She’s not thrilled about how these deals can take away opportunities from freshmen.
Now, the focus is more on transfers than high school players. She even estimates her strategy is about 60/40 in favor of transfers these days.
*I don’t like it. First of all, it’s taking away freshman opportunities. But my job is to lead effectively into this new landscape. And, you know, I think if you’re not able to have a freshman that makes an immediate impact, you’re really paying them and training them to leave*.
Challenges and Opportunities
Close admits the new recruiting world isn’t easy. She compares the transfer portal to speed dating—quicker decisions, and you sort of know what you’re getting.
There’s less time and money spent on recruiting, but it’s not all upside. Risks are part of the package.
Future Prospects
Even with the focus on transfers, Close and her staff are still watching high school talent. Last year, they landed Sienna Betts, who happens to be Lauren Betts’ younger sister.
Sienna didn’t have a huge role as a freshman, but now she’s expected to step up and lead. Mixing experienced transfers with promising freshmen could be the recipe for keeping the Bruins on top.
Looking Ahead: The Quest for Back-to-Back Championships
The upcoming season will be all about meshing the new players into a real team. The goal? Back-to-back championships, of course.
Sure, losing top talent hurts. But with the transfer portal additions and players like Sienna Betts ready to take charge, there’s a real shot at another deep run.
Conclusion
UCLA women’s basketball is standing at a crossroads. The team just wrapped up its best season ever.
Expectations are sky-high, and honestly, who can blame them? The whole NIL thing and the transfer portal have really changed the way head coach Cori Close has to think about recruiting.
It’s not all smooth sailing, but there are some pretty big chances to make a splash, too. They’ve got a mix of seasoned transfers and some hungry freshmen.
The Bruins look ready to defend their title. Maybe they’ll even add another chapter to their story.
Curious about UCLA’s offseason moves or how NIL is shaking up recruiting? You can check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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