It’s a fast transition from the NCAA Tournament to WNBA training camp for many of the top names in women’s college basketball, including UCLA’s Lauren Betts.
Betts, who was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics in last Monday’s WNBA Draft, is preparing for her first training camp shortly after helping the Bruins win the National Championship. The 6-foot-7 center is expected to be a key player for the Mystics, who finished with a 16-28 record last season and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
During her four-year tenure at UCLA under coach Cori Close, Betts made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament before ultimately winning the championship. Close provided some valuable advice to Betts as she prepares for her first WNBA training camp.
“Just like I’ve earned being here. This spot wasn’t given to me. I’ve earned the spot and so, just being a sponge, learning from everybody, asking questions, showing up on time, making sure I’m doing all the right things, and just being a good teammate,” Betts shared with reporters, reflecting on what Close told her.
The quick turnaround will soon begin. After playing in the championship game for UCLA earlier this month, Betts and the Mystics will start their WNBA season on May 8 against the new expansion team, the Toronto Tempo.
Betts mentioned that the Mystics are taking good care of her after she wrapped up a demanding college basketball season and the NCAA Tournament.
“I’ve already talked to all the staff, and they know that I just came off of a long season. Just making sure that I’m taking extra care of my body. Kiki [Iriafen] has done a really good job of making sure that I know that,” she said.
Iriafen joined the Mystics last season as their No. 4 pick in the WNBA Draft. She had a solid rookie season, averaging 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
In addition to Iriafen, Washington features other young and talented players such as Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore. Betts has demonstrated her skills over two dominant seasons in college, averaging 8.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks.
Once she gets used to the Mystics’ system and her new teammates, she is likely to compete for a starting role this season.
While the regular season begins on May 8, the preseason starts earlier for Betts and the Mystics. They will host the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, April 25, giving fans a chance to see Betts play for her new WNBA team, if the coaching staff decides to give her some court time.
For more about the WNBA, head over to Sports.
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