Lauren Betts Says Transferring From Stanford Backup To UCLA Was One of Her Best Decisions

The UCLA recorded an 80-60 win over the Wisconsin Badgers, bettering their record to 27-1. While the Bruins are on a strong run of form, Lauren Betts delivered a 14-rebound double-double. The center keeps lighting up the UCLA senior year, proving she’s worth every no. 1 pick hype.

In the press conference, which might be her final interaction with the press in a regular season, the star reflected on her move to UCLA.

Lauren Betts Happy With Move To UCLA

With the March Madness approaching, everyone is betting on the probable champion in the NCAAW. ESPN’s Holly Rowe said fans must keep an eye on UCLA in the national championship race, and a key reason for the backing is its depth, led by Betts.

In a recent game, the former Stanford freshman scored 19 points and collected 14 rebounds. Happy with the performance, Betts reflected on her time with UCLA. In a post-game interview, she said, “I’m just so happy to be here. Coming to UCLA has been the best decision I’ve ever made and I love these girls so much. I love these coaches, they’ve done so much for me and I’m just forever grateful to be here.”

The side won its first-ever Big Ten title, a fitting sendoff for its senior forward. Last season, they made it to the final four for the first time, and they will be aiming for the championship in 2026. Before UCLA, Betts was a backup forward for Cameron Brink.  

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She added that playing for Coach Cori Close transformed her basketball career and lauded her impact on her personal life, too.  

A WNBA Analyst Predicts Lauren Betts As Biggest Bust For Dallas Wings

UCLA is poised to shatter the WNBA draft record with six Bruins projected in the 2026 class, and the mega star forward leads the pack. Many predictions put her at the first overall pick with her current form, but as for Melissa Triebwasser, it would be a massive disaster for both player and franchise.

In her analysis, Triebwasser wrote, “This is going to be controversial, but hear me out: bust to me means a high pick that doesn’t quickly become a contributor, and that’s why I am going with Lauren Betts. Betts to me is the hardest player to quantify in this class; she’s incredibly talented and dominating at the collegiate level, but there are questions about whether there is a place for a “traditional” center in the modern WNBA.”

Lauren Betts tonight 🔥

• 18 points
• 10 rebounds
• 5 steals
• 4 blocks
• 8/14 FGpic.twitter.com/1jggj3Glm3

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) January 12, 2026

Adding to her analysis mentioned that a perfect system would help the powerful star develop in the WNBA and allow her to be an impactful player. With so many expectations already resting on the star’s shoulders, the analyst also wished her to prove every criticism wrong.