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UCLA Basketball: Baylor transfer Natalie Chou to join the women’s team

By Mike Regalado

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: UCLA Bruins mascot Joe Bruin poses on the court before the team's semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Arizona Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 78-67 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: UCLA Bruins mascot Joe Bruin poses on the court before the team's semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Arizona Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 78-67 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The women’s UCLA basketball team has added a transfer to next season’s roster as former Baylor shooting guard Natalie Chou has found a landing spot in Westwood.

The UCLA basketball women’s team might have lost two legends from last season as Jordin Canada and Monique Billings are settling into their respective WNBA teams, but the Bruins are reloading.

RELATED: UCLA Basketball: Canada, Billings make the cut for respective WNBA teams

Today, head coach Cori Close announced that UCLA is adding another baller to their roster as former Plano West High School (Plano, TX) standout is transferring from Baylor and heading to Westwood.

Back in 2016, the 6’1 Chou was a hot commodity. Not only did she own a 5-star rating in ESPN’s Top 100, but she was the no. 8 overall player and the no. 2 shooting guard in her recruiting class. Interestingly enough, UCLA was on her radar, though she decided on the more local Baylor.

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Last season, Chou averaged 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. She shot .333 from behind the 3-point line, though she has proven she can be even more deadly from downtown. In her freshman season, she led the Big XII in three-point field goal percentage (.423).

According to UCLABruins.com, she will begin taking classes this summer and will enter the fall as a redshirt junior. It was not stated if she has to sit out a year due to undergraduate transfer rules or if she will be immediately available to play.

If she is eligible, she will join an experienced team consisting of Kennedy Burke, Japreece Dean, Lajahna Drummer and Michaela Onyenwere.

To add to the talent Close is also bringing in 3-star PG Kiara Jefferson, post player Shayley Harris and 5-star guard Ahlana Smith, who is the no. 31 rated player according to the HoopGurlz 2018 rankings.

UCLA had one of their most successful seasons this past year as they finished 27-8 and made it to the Elite 8 for the first time since 1999. With the addition of Chou, Coach Close hopes to continue that success.

Next: UCLA Basketball: The women’s team moves into the future

Welcome to Westwood, Natalie!