Lauren Betts surges up WNBA draft boards, Azzi Fudd slides after NCAA Tournament

UCLA was crowned NCAA champions for the first time in program history to cap the 2025-26 women's college basketball season after an electric performance from the Bruins' senior core. Lauren Betts , Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez led UCLA to a stunning 79-51 win over South Carolina on the biggest stage and the trio will likely be back under the spotlight on Monday, April 13, when WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert ushers in the league's newest members at the 2026 WNBA Draft. In fact, UCLA's entire starting lineup could hear their names called.

Betts, Rice, Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens were all projected first-round picks ahead of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, while Charlisse Leger-Walker was on the outside looking in, but they may have moved up the draft board following a historic March Madness run. “I've been doing this for 33 years. This is the most intentionally hardworking group of people in terms of being prepared for the pro level," UCLA coach Cori Close said.

"They know what it takes to be a pro... They're ready. " On the other hand, Azzi Fudd was projected as the No.

2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, but her lackluster performance and UConn's exit in the semifinals could impact her stock. How the 2026 WNBA Draft shakes out remains to be seen. Until then, USA TODAY Sports compiled a list of players that'll likely move up or down the draft board following their performance at the 2026 NCAA Tournament: Risers Lauren Betts, C, UCLA The 6-foot-7 center led UCLA to the program's first NCAA title, but the Bruins' title hopes came down to Betts' game-saving block against Texas in the Final Four.