UCLA's Lauren Betts is arguably one of the top players in the NCAA this season as she continues to boast her elite scoring and resilient defensive talents. However, after hitting the transfer portal and making the move to the West Coast, Gianna Kneepkens has already showcased just how valuable she will be as the University of California aims to feature in the Final Four when March swiftly rolls around.
Despite being a shining light for the Utah Utes throughout the 2024-25 season, it was fair to question how seamless the transition would be for Kneepkens as she attempted to become accustomed to an offensive game plan manufactured around such a dominant center like Betts.
Nevertheless, things could not have gone much better for the senior over her first three games in a Bruins jersey.
Kneepkens shows her worth
Offensively, players do not come more well-rounded than Gianna Kneepkens. The 22-year-old has exhibited traits of a three-level scorer that WNBA franchises are desperate to acquire on their rosters. Come the end of the year, these impressive attributes could majorly boost her draft stock, making her an invaluable asset to an expansion team or even a franchise that is undergoing major changes.
Even though Kneepkens is not the main priority in UCLA's offense, the versatile guard has shown that she can plug the scoring when her six-foot-seven partner in crime takes a seat on the bench. Kneepkens is averaging 16.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, while shooting 50% from the floor.
In the Bruins' 73-59 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners, the former Utah floor general drained 20 points and grabbed four rebounds. This was a vital contribution to the win, as Lauren Betts registered an inefficient performance that hindered her team's ability to put points on the board, scoring just nine points on the night.
What may have been a worrying performance from UCLA's star player resulted in a positive revelation for15-year head coach Cori Close. There will be moments this season in which Betts is not at her devastating best, and other players must contribute to the offensive game plan. Kneepkens has now shown she can be that option.
UConn will continue to hold the mantle as the NCAA Tournament favorites while players such as Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd continue to showcase their exceptional talents in the post-Paige-Bueckers era. However, with the strength in depth that the UCLA Bruins now possess, Gianna Kneepkens and her teammates will feel confident that they are championship contenders.