Even though it’s early in the college season, the WNBA draft predictions are changing daily with the players’ performances in the games. Just before the start of the season, Lauren Betts was leading the Top 5 Prospects for the 2026 WNBA Draft. But after nearly a month into the season, Azzi Fudd gets a significant boost in racing to the top spot while the UCLA star drops down in the pecking order.
The UConn superstar continued with her 2024-25 championship form and already delivered some eye-catching performances, including a game-winning steal. But as for Betts, the season is a bit tricky and affecting her performances.
Lauren Betts Drops Down To Fourth Position In New Mock Draft
The UCLA Bruins are looking to win their first NCAA Championship in women’s basketball, with their star Lauren Betts entering her final season. The team started off well, winning all six opening games. But the nation’s number 3 side dropped their first game against the Texas Longhorns, a team one place below their ranking.
One of the key reasons for the loss was Lauren Betts’ ineffective game. The player had a single-digit stat line, which is rare for a centre. Once a transformable and impactful player is struggling in the 2025-26 season, they are having a rough time at the moment.
Lauren Betts vs SEC opponents this season:
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) November 26, 2025
8.5 PTS
8.5 RBS
2.5 AST
2.5 BLK
42.1% FG
Thoughts? ✨ pic.twitter.com/ho2gANRKcM
Importantly, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year is struggling to maintain the defensive numbers, and at the offensive end, the Bruins are running the game through Kiki Rice, giving Betts fewer opportunities to score. She is now the fourth draft pick in the recent mock drafts.
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But landing fourth in the WNBA could also help Betts to be a more impactful star in the WNBA, given that the Mystics hold the fourth overall Pick.
Washington Mystics Could Benefit From Lauren Betts’ Addition
Earlier, the Minnesota Lynx were linked to Betts after Cheryl Reeve and Danielle Robinson spotted scouting at the program’s game against Texas. The Lynx have a second overall pick and might well go for a backup guard and strengthen their forward lineup in free agency.
2026 WNBA Draft Order:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) November 23, 2025
1. Wings
2. Lynx
3. Storm
4. Mystics
5. Sky
6. Tempo/Fire
7. Fire/Tempo
8. Valkyries
9. Mystics
10. Fever
11. Mystics
12. Sun
13. Dream
14. Storm
15. Sun
Tempo and Fire will flip a coin for the No. 6 and No. 7 draft picks at a later date. pic.twitter.com/GhTNYt2Qzy
The Mystics might have finished outside the playoffs in the 2025 season, but they showed their potential with two rookies making the All-Star first team and also earning WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. The young team is basically built from the draft pick, and 2026 might not be a different case.
Pairing with Sonia Citron, who finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting and with top forwards like Kiki Iriafen and Georgia Amoore around her, the 22-year-old could focus on her defensive gameplay and chip in with some crucial baskets for the side. She could play with less pressure and burden, given that the team is already in rebuilding mode, and yet make a significant impact, putting them within the playoffs.