After a loss against Texas, the UCLA Bruins raced to eight wins in a row, staying hot on the regular-season run. The 2025 NCAA Finalists are one of the top contenders for the title this season, and expect more eyes on the games, at least from the media.
However, their recent game saw no reporter in attendance. It angered Cori Close. The UCLA side is poised to shatter the WNBA draft record with six Bruins projected in the 2026 class.
This should have been a sufficient reason for the media to give importance to the UCLA games. But Close was not happy by their treatment during the game against Ohio State.
Cori Close Slammed Media Availability For UCLA Game
As the year drew to a close, UCLA looked to finish on a high note. They did so with an 82-75 win over Ohio State. While the coach was happy with the team’s performance, she couldn’t share it with the media as there was no press conference.
A freelance reporter later caught the UCLA boss, who showed her discontent with the media availability. She said, “Honestly, if I’m being really blunt with you, the energy in the building was great, but having no media here at all from either team or either—no AP, no nothing, doesn’t say a lot,”
UCLA women's bball coach Cori Close said that I (from Los Angeles, not in Columbus), was the only media member to to talk with her after UCLA's win vs OSU. Close said she didn't mind if I printed her response, so here it is in full.
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) December 28, 2025
Close's full remarks are in the photo below: pic.twitter.com/lQ3kiMcBXf
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
“We’re the only double-ranked game out today; the only one in the country, and we had no media day today. No media here. You’re the only one that’s asked to talk to me. And credit to you, but I don’t mind if you print that either. Like for the only game that had two ranked opponents to not have more coverage over this particular game—disappointing, honestly,” close added.
Having no media and press conference is certainly an extraordinary event at the college basketball games.
Talking about the media coverage, one player who attracts the most media attention is Caitlin Clark, as the Fever guard regularly makes the headlines. She also impressed the UCLA HC, who recently lauded her impact on women’s sport.
Cori Close Lauds Caitlin Clark’s Impact
Before the start of the college season, the 54-year-old coach was with Stephen A Smith, who already declared Clark as the ultimate superstar of the WNBA. When SAS asked Close’s view on the same, the UCLA coach sided with the analyst.
Close said, “I actually had the opportunity to coach Caitlin Clark in USA basketball. Even back then, she had a charisma about her that’s infectious around everyone she comes in contact with. The reality is Caitlin has risen a level of fanbase that has broadened it that we are all benefitting from.”
Cori Close on Caitlin’s impact
— correlation (@nosyone4) December 9, 2025
“I actually had the opportunity to coach Caitlin Clark in USA basketball. Even back then she has a charisma about her that’s infectious…The reality is Caitlin has risen a level of fanbase that has broadened it that we are all benefitting from.” pic.twitter.com/aIwFAZ1EKe
The infectious player is also happy with the growth of Women’s sport and mentioned that it’s a great opportunity for the players to showcase their talent.