UCLA women's basketball is wasting no time reloading after cutting down the nets. Head coach Cori Close has secured her first transfer portal commitment of the offseason, landing former Arkansas guard Bonnie Deas, as reported by On3 Sports.

Deas brings immediate experience and production to Westwood. The 5'9" guard started all 32 games for the Razorbacks in her freshman season, averaging a strong double-double threat of 10.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Her impressive rebounding numbers for a guard highlight her tenacity and nose for the ball.

This addition is crucial for a Bruins roster undergoing a major transformation. Following Sunday's national championship victory, UCLA bids farewell to six seniors, leaving significant minutes up for grabs. With only one other guard currently on the roster, Deas has a clear path to making an immediate impact in the starting lineup.

While her shooting percentages (32% FG, 25% 3PT) have room for growth, Deas fits the defensive identity of a Close-coached team, averaging 1.5 steals per contest. Her proven ability to contribute on both ends will be vital as UCLA looks to defend its title.

As the transfer portal window heats up, all eyes are on Coach Close to see how she will continue to build around this promising first piece of the 2024-25 puzzle. The chase for back-to-back championships starts now.