The confetti had barely settled on UCLA's first NCAA women's basketball national championship before the next major season began: transfer portal season. With the portal opening just hours after the title game, the landscape shifted instantly, and for the Bruins, the challenge is monumental. Head coach Cori Close must rebuild a roster that lost every single player who scored in the championship victory.
Coach Close acknowledged the task ahead with characteristic optimism, noting, "The transfer portal just got easier," as she celebrated with the championship net around her neck. The reality is that with six key seniors and graduate students departing, UCLA's championship defense will be built largely through strategic portal acquisitions. Close has indicated the Bruins could target as many as five transfers to fill the void.
The good news for UCLA fans? The portal is brimming with elite talent. Over a thousand players entered within the first 24 hours, giving Coach Close and her staff a deep pool of potential game-changers. The returning core—including Timea Gardiner coming back from injury, Amanda Muse, and promising players like Sienna Betts—provides a foundation, but the Bruins need immediate-impact starters to stay atop the college basketball world.
So, who could be on UCLA's radar? One of the biggest names available is Audi Crooks from Iowa State. A two-time All-American and elite scorer who averaged 25.8 points per game, Crooks would be a perfect candidate to help fill the massive shoes left by center Lauren Betts. While Sienna Betts is expected to develop into a key player, adding a proven force like Crooks could provide immediate stability in the post and allow for a smoother transition.
Another intriguing prospect is Stanford's Lara Somfai. As a versatile forward, Somfai could offer the Bruins much-needed scoring and rebounding from the wing, addressing another critical area of need. Her experience in the competitive Pac-12 would allow her to potentially step into a significant role from day one.
For a program fresh off a title, the pitch to transfers is powerful: come help us defend the crown. The opportunity to play for a championship-caliber coach in Cori Close, within a proven system, and to wear the iconic UCLA jersey is a compelling package. The coming weeks will be a fascinating test of the Bruins' recruiting prowess as they look to reload, not rebuild, and prove that last season's magic was just the beginning.