UCLA Women’s Basketball Primed for Success in 2023-24 Season with Addition of Elite Recruit
After an impressive Sweet 16 appearance last season, the UCLA women’s basketball team is gearing up for an even stronger performance in the upcoming 2023-24 season. Led by head coach Cori Close, the Bruins are focused on making a statement and exceeding expectations once again. With the majority of their players returning, including four starters, UCLA is ready to reload and compete at the highest level in the Pac-12 conference.
One of the keys to the team’s success lies in the strong leadership displayed by the players themselves. Coach Close believes that a player-led team is more powerful than a coach-led team, and she expects her players to step up and lead both on and off the court. During a recent practice, grad student Camryn Brown emphasized the importance of focusing on the small things and supporting each other, a sentiment that resonated with the entire team. These moments of encouragement and unity contribute to building a winning culture within the program.
To bolster their roster, UCLA has added Stanford transfer Lauren Betts, the number one recruit in the 2022 class. Standing at 6-foot-7, Betts brings much-needed rim protection and post defense to the team. She will not only be a force on the defensive end but will also create opportunities for her teammates with her ability to set up better shots. Although Betts has yet to play an official game with UCLA, she has already formed a strong bond with top returner Charisma Osborne through their time together on Team USA, where they earned a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Their on-court chemistry and camaraderie bode well for the Bruins’ upcoming season.
Osborne, coming off a stellar performance in the 2023 Women’s NCAA Tournament, is poised to continue her impressive play. As the team’s leading scorer and rebounder last season, she will be a vital presence on the court. Also returning are key contributors Kiki Rice and Emily Bessoir, who provided valuable scoring and rebounding for the Bruins. Rice, the number two recruit in the 2022 class, showcased her scoring prowess with multiple double-digit scoring games, including a standout performance against Betts’ former team in the Pac-12 tournament. In addition, Angela Dugalić, a redshirt junior who missed last season due to injury, is expected to make a significant impact. Coach Close believes that Dugalić’s experience and versatile skill set will be a major asset to the team.
Despite the heightened expectations and recognition UCLA has garnered, Coach Close wants her players to remain focused and not get distracted by outside noise. She encourages them to prioritize improving and challenging themselves daily, rather than comparing themselves to other teams. The team’s ultimate goal is to achieve competitive greatness, as espoused by legendary coach John Wooden.
UCLA’s journey begins on November 6, when they will host Purdue at Pauley Pavilion in their season opener. The Bruins are determined to build upon their success from last season and continue their ascent in the world of women’s college basketball. With a talented roster, dedicated players, and a coaching staff committed to fostering a winning culture, the UCLA women’s basketball team is poised for another special season in 2023-24.
In summary, UCLA women’s basketball is set to reload for the 2023-24 season with the addition of elite recruit Lauren Betts. The team is driven by a strong player-led culture and aims to build on their Sweet 16 appearance from the previous season. Led by top returners Charisma Osborne, Emily Bessoir, and Kiki Rice, the Bruins have the talent and determination to make a statement in the Pac-12 conference and beyond. Coach Cori Close emphasizes the importance of focusing on continuous improvement and not getting distracted by external expectations. With their season opener against Purdue approaching, UCLA is ready to showcase their skills and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.
