UCLA’s Sienna Betts to Miss Season Opener with Injury

Sienna Betts, the No. 2-ranked incoming freshman in women’s college basketball according to ESPN, will miss at least the season opener against San Diego State due to a lower left-leg injury. The announcement was made by Cori Close, head coach of the UCLA Bruins, on Wednesday.

Despite the setback, Close expressed optimism about Betts’ future with the team, stating, “No question about that. So we’re really excited, actually, to get her back and to get her in the mix. She’s not in a season-ending situation at all.” Betts, a 6-foot-4 forward and sister to All-American senior center Lauren Betts, was expected to play a significant role in the Bruins’ frontcourt this season.

Team Adjustments and Player Development

Close highlighted Betts’ exceptional learning ability, noting, “I’ll tell you, she’s one of the most amazing learners I have coached in my 33 years.” She emphasized the potential benefits of this time away from competition, suggesting it could enhance Betts’ skill development. “Sometimes your adversity can force you into skill development in a way that maybe you wouldn’t have attacked the same way if you didn’t have this time,” Close added.

With Betts sidelined, No. 3 UCLA will rely on its experienced roster. Key players include senior guard Kiki Rice and senior forward Gabriela Jaquez, along with newcomers Charlisse Leger-Walker, who missed last season due to a torn ACL, and Gianna Kneepkens, a transfer from Utah who averaged 19.3 points per game last year.

The anticipated starting lineup is expected to feature at least three seniors, including forward Angela Dugalić, along with Leger-Walker and Kneepkens, who are graduate students. This combination of youth and experience aims to position UCLA strongly as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Innovative Pro-Day Practice for Bruins

On Wednesday, approximately 20 WNBA coaches, general managers, and scouts attended UCLA’s practice at Pauley Pavilion, providing a rare opportunity for draft-eligible players to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment. Senior guard Kiki Rice remarked, “It’s an opportunity to see what it feels like to play in a high-stakes environment. We don’t get a ton of opportunities before the season starts, and that’s going to be really valuable for us.”

Close credited assistant coach James Clark for the innovative idea of hosting a pro-day practice, claiming it as a first for women’s basketball programs. She noted, “The NBA does it with college men’s teams all the time; why aren’t we doing this for our women?” This initiative is seen as a valuable experiment to highlight the hard work and talent of UCLA players.

As the Bruins prepare for their season opener, the focus remains on resilience and development, with the hope that Betts will return to contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions this season.