Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Bruins players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Jordin Canada, a 30-year-old point guard standing at 5'6" who graduated from UCLA in 2018 and received the All-Pac Co-Defensive Player of the Year award, is a prominent figure in the WNBA. Recently, she showcased her exceptional skills while playing for the Atlanta Dream in a resounding victory over the Connecticut Sun with a score of 91-75. In this game, she achieved a double-double by scoring 12 points and dishing out 10 assists, along with securing 4 steals in a 36-minute display of her prowess on the court. Despite the Atlanta Dream's somewhat modest 6-2 record this season, it is still early in the season, leaving room for potential changes and developments. Jordin Canada's standout performance against the Connecticut Sun highlighted her integral role in leading her team to victory as the champion of the game. Her impressive stat line of 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 10 assists underscored her significant contribution to the team's success. Throughout the season, Canada has maintained solid statistics, averaging 11.5 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, 6.9 assists per game (ranking fourth in the league), and 2.4 steals per game (ranking second in the league) in the eight games she has participated in so far. Her consistent performance and remarkable skills position her as a standout finalist in the league.
#2. Kennedy Burke, a 6'1'' guard and 29-year-old Bruins alumna from 2019 who received the All-Pac Honorable Mention award that year, currently plays professionally in the WNBA. In a recent game, she was a key player in the Connecticut Sun's 84-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, who had a record of 4-5. Burke's performance was exceptional as she scored 14 points, secured 6 rebounds, and made 3 blocks in just 24 minutes of play. Despite the Connecticut Sun's struggling season with a 2-9 record, Burke's efforts helped them clinch the win, making her the champion of the game. Throughout this season, Burke has maintained an average of 7.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the 11 games she has participated in so far. Her consistent contributions on the court demonstrate her skills and value as a finalist in the WNBA.
#3. Nigerian champion Michaela Onyenwere, a 6'0'' forward who is 26 years old and graduated from UCLA in 2021, currently shines in the WNBA. She received the WNBA Rookie of the Year award in her debut season. Recently, she led the Washington Mystics to a decisive victory over the Chicago Sky with a score of 90-72 in the Women's National Basketball Association last Tuesday. In that game, the champion scored 13 points, secured 7 rebounds, and provided 2 assists in just 22 minutes of play. Despite the Washington Mystics currently holding a 4-4 record this season, Onyenwere's exceptional performance against Chicago was instrumental in securing the win for her team. Her remarkable skills and contribution on the court highlighted her ability to lead her team to success. This season, the finalist averages 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in the four games she has participated in so far. It is interesting to note that she holds dual American and Nigerian citizenship, allowing her to play in Nigeria as a domestic player.
#4. Serbian Angela Dugalic, a 6'4'' forward aged 24 and a Bruins alumna from 2026, received the All-Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year award in that same year. Currently playing professionally in the WNBA, she is a teammate of the aforementioned Michaela Onyenwere, and the two recently competed together in the latest Women's National Basketball Association game. In a recent match against the Chicago Sky (3-6), Dugalic played a pivotal role in her team's dominant 90-72 victory. Despite only playing for 13 minutes, she managed to score 8 points and secure 7 rebounds, showcasing her talent and contribution to the game. Dugalic's exceptional performance against the Chicago Sky included 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist, proving instrumental in her team's success and ultimately earning her the title of champion of the game. Throughout this year, Dugalic has maintained an average of 5.1 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game in the seven games she has participated in so far.
#5. Lauren Betts, a 22-year-old center standing at 6'7'' who graduated from UCLA in 2026, is excelling in her professional career in the WNBA. Notably, she was honored with the All-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award in the same year. Betts now plays alongside her teammate, the talented Michaela Onyenwere, in the WNBA. In a recent game, Betts faced off against Angela Dugalic in the Women's National Basketball Association as her team emerged victorious against the Chicago Sky with a score of 90-72. During the game, Betts showcased her skills by contributing 8 points and securing 4 rebounds in just 15 minutes of play. Her remarkable performance against Chicago Sky, where she displayed her scoring ability and prowess on the boards, significantly aided her team in clinching the win. Betts' crucial contributions on the court were instrumental in leading her team to victory and reinforcing her reputation as a champion. In the current season, Betts has maintained an average of 6.3 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per game across the seven games she has played so far. Her consistent performance and valuable contributions highlight her importance to the team and her potential to continue excelling as a finalist in the league.
#6. Monique Billings, a 6'4'' forward and 30-year-old Bruins alumna from the class of 2018, played a crucial role in helping her team win the WNBA Eastern Conference Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently playing professionally in the WNBA, Billings recently faced a tough challenge when her team, the Indiana Fever, went up against the formidable Golden State Valkyries. Despite her best efforts, Billings only managed to score 4 points and grab 5 rebounds in 19 minutes of play as her team narrowly lost 90-88 in the Women's National Basketball Association. In the game against the reigning champion, Billings displayed an impressive performance by contributing 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. However, her individual efforts were not enough to secure a victory for her team. This season, Billings has been averaging 5.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game across seven games.
#7. Rebekah Gardner, an experienced 6'1'' guard at 35 years old, graduated from UCLA in 2012 and received the prestigious All-Pac First Team award that year. She currently plays professionally in the WNBA and recently made a significant contribution to New York Liberty's triumph over the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 75-68 in the Women's National Basketball Association. In the game, she showcased her skills by recording 6 points and 1 rebound in just 15 minutes of play against Phoenix Mercury, ultimately helping her team secure a crucial victory. Gardner's performance on the court was pivotal in guiding her team to success, ultimately earning her the title of the champion of the game. Throughout this season, Gardner has been maintaining solid averages of 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the 10 games she has played, demonstrating her consistency and value as a finalist.
#8. New Zealand's star player Charlisse Leger-Walker, a former Bruins alumni from 2026 who was instrumental in helping them clinch the NCAA Championship that year, now showcases her skills in the WNBA. She currently plays alongside Kennedy Burke, her teammate from the last Women's National Basketball Association game. In a recent game, Leger-Walker played a crucial role in leading the Connecticut Sun to a narrow 84-81 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. Despite scoring just 2 points and making 3 passes in 13 minutes of play, her impact on the game was undeniable. Leger-Walker's performance was highlighted by her 2 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists against the LA Sparks, ultimately contributing significantly to her team's success. Her efforts on the court proved pivotal in securing the victory, establishing her as a key player in the championship-winning team. This season, Leger-Walker has maintained an average of 6.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 11 games, showcasing her consistent contribution to her team's success.
#9. Gianna Kneepkens, a 6'0'' guard who graduated from UCLA in 2026, was recognized as a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year award that year. She currently plays professionally in the WNBA and is a teammate of Kennedy Burke. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Kneepkens played a pivotal role in helping the Connecticut Sun secure a narrow 84-81 victory. Despite only scoring 3 points in 7 minutes on the court, her performance was crucial in leading her team to triumph. This victory ultimately crowned her team as the champion of the game. Throughout this season, Kneepkens has been averaging 3.5 points per game and 1.5 rebounds per game in 11 appearances.
#10. Kiki Rice, a 5'11'' guard and 22-year-old Bruins alumna from the class of 2026, is currently playing professionally in the WNBA. Recently, she showcased her skills and talent as a major contributor in Toronto Tempo's impressive victory over the Seattle Storm, with a final score of 93-72 in the Women's National Basketball Association last Saturday. Rice's stellar performance earned her recognition, as she scored 17 points, secured 6 rebounds, and remarkably made all 9 of her free throw attempts in just 28 minutes on the court. In a standout game against the Seattle Storm, Rice's impact was undeniable, with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Her exceptional display was vital in clinching the victory and propelling her team to become the champion. Throughout the season, Rice has maintained solid statistics, averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over nine appearances. Her consistent contributions on the court have undoubtedly solidified her reputation as a formidable champion in the making.
Other former University of California at Los Angeles players, who play in pro basketball:
Japreece Dean (5'6''-G-1996, played in 2017-20) plays for Kibirkstis in Lithuanian Moteru Lyga
Emily Bessoir (6'4''-F-2001, played in 2020-24) signed for Jairis in Spanish LF Endesa
Gina Conti (5'10''-G-1999, played in 2021-23) plays for San Giovanni in Italian Serie A1
Charisma Osborne (5'9''-G-2001, played in 2019-24) plays for PolskaStrefaInwestycji Enea Gorzow Wielkopolski in Polish OBLK
Gabriela Jaquez (6'0''-G-2003, played in 2022-26) plays for Chicago Sky in the WNBA
Lina Sontag (6'3''-F-2003, played in 2022-24) plays for GiroLive Panthers Osnabrueck SC in German DBBL
Chinyere Ibekwe (6'1''-F/C-1987, played in 2005-09) plays for Oda Haneda Vickies in Japanese WJBL
Natalie Chou (6'1''-G-1997, played in 2018-18) plays for Essex Rebels in British WSLB
Chantel Horvat (6'0''-G-1998, played in 2018-22) plays for Sydney Comets in Australian NBL One
Iimar'I Thomas (5'10''-G/F-2000, played in 2021-22) plays for El Calor in Mexican LNBPF
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of California at Los Angeles basketball alumni.
|
|
|
Ex-Players
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
