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Lauren Betts Leads UCLA to Final Four as Top 2026 WNBA Prospect From a Family of Pros

Her ascent traces to a Spanish-born childhood with pro player parents.

Overview

  • The 6-foot-7 UCLA center has powered the Bruins back to the Final Four and is widely projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
  • She is a two-time All-American and the 2026 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, honors that signal elite standing entering the draft process.
  • After one season at Stanford, she transferred to UCLA in 2023 and has averaged 17.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks across 98 college games.
  • Her father, Andrew Betts, was the Hornets’ 50th pick in the 1998 NBA Draft and built a long career in Europe with 62 caps for England, while her mother, Michelle, won a 1993 national title in volleyball at Long Beach State.
  • Born in Spain during her dad’s ACB stint, she now shares UCLA’s frontcourt with sister Sienna, as younger brother Dylan emerges as a 7-foot-3 five-star recruit at IMG Academy.