The WNBA’s rookies are taking over the league as multiple young stars rank higher in most of the stats. While the fans are already gushing over the current rookie class, many are also checking on the future prospects. Country’s third-place UCLA has plenty of seniors ready to jump in the ‘W’, and one of the top prospects is Gianna Kneepkens.
The UCLA took on the Oklahoma Sooners at Golden 1 Center. A night earlier, cameras caught Lauren Betts vibing and matching lyrics at the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings game at the venue. And she did so in the game against the Sooners also. But the star of the show was senior guard Kneepkens.
Fans React To Gianna Kneepkens’ Brilliant Move
In the third game of the season, UCLA took over Oklahoma with both teams yet to face defeat. Two players were on the radar, with fresher Aliyah Chavez also making waves with her debut game. Amid this, Kneepkens’ prolific scoring and eye-catching ball handling stole the show.
As Oklahoma focused its defense on Betts, the guard took advantage of it and scored 20 points. In one play, the six-foot guard showed a cheesy move to beat her defender, Zya Vann, and then raced to the basket, scoring over towering Payton Verhurst.
Gianna Kneepkens ??? pic.twitter.com/5tB84SWR1A
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) November 11, 2025
Her play amazed the spectators, who appreciated it with loud cheers. It also took over social media as many lauded her impact in the game and reacted to the particular move.
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A fan wrote, “People aren’t ready for that conversation.”
She’s the 3rd best prospect in the 2026 draft but people aren’t ready for that conversation
— Gio (@jsmove7) November 11, 2025
One fan agreed with the idea and wrote, “It’s time to talk about Kneepkens in WNBA 1st round.”
It’s time to talk about Kneepkens in the WNBA 1st round.
— Niners559 (@Pete_Denno) November 11, 2025
Another fan said, “She cooked.”
She cooked
— Noweez (@Brewin07) November 11, 2025
One fan declared her top pick and said, “She’s a baller I wasn’t familiar with her game.”
She’s a baller I wasn’t familiar with her game. Top pick for sure
— sheafan (@ballinnhoopnew2) November 11, 2025
Another fan called her a ‘beast’
She’s a beast
— Jeffrey Sondheimer Birdwatcherhawk Po go trainer (@JSondheimer) November 11, 2025
The former Utah guard joined one of the top colleges to boost his chances of winning the title and also help Betts, who had been the sole performer for UCLA in the last two seasons.
Gianna Kneepkens Looking To Win It All With Lauren Betts And UCLA
The transfer portal movement was shocked by Oliva Miles’ move to TCU. When everyone was busy talking about it, UCLA made a smart move by adding Kneepkens to the roster. With one of the top 5 WNBA draft picks on the roster, they needed a high-scoring playmaker to share the load.
She forms a perfect partnership with Betts. With players like Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez as other potent guards on the roster, they could be serious contenders. UCLA can be even better with the return of Sienna Betts. Angela Dugalic also delivered a double-double performance, showing an encouraging sign for Cori Close’s side.