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Mystics Rookie Lauren Betts Has to Unlearn Everything She Did at UCLA

Mystics Rookie Lauren Betts Has to Unlearn Everything She Did at UCLA

Summary

Lauren Betts, a top college basketball player from UCLA, joined the Washington Mystics in the WNBA as a rookie. She is adjusting to new team strategies that differ from what she learned in college while playing alongside her former UCLA teammate Angela Dugalić.

Key Facts

  • Lauren Betts won Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year twice during her time at UCLA.
  • She helped UCLA win the first NCAA women’s basketball national championship for the school.
  • Betts was named Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament.
  • The Mystics picked Betts with the 4th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
  • Mystics coach Sydney Johnson uses different tactics than UCLA coach Cori Close, requiring Betts to change her playing style.
  • Betts and Dugalić, also drafted by the Mystics, are adjusting to a style that does not focus on playing inside the post as much.
  • Betts is coming off the bench, averaging 5.5 points and 3 rebounds per game in about 15 minutes of play.
  • The Mystics have a very young team and aim to make the playoffs this season.
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