25 game check in Gianna Kneepkens has been the missing piece as a grad transfer

Giana Kneepkens has only needed 25 games as a Bruin to prove her value. She is one of the most efficient shooters in the nation and plays excellent defense. Coming over from Utah as a grad transfer, she has slid right into the starting lineup and succeeded. Looking to be the ultimate compliment to this Bruins team to try and win a championship. We already knew that she was an accomplished player with the Utes, but now she looks to play a role with a championship contender.

UCLA has everything they need to win a championship this year. They have a great starting five that can score the basketball and play defense. They also have developed a bench in case they need a spark plug for a game. Kneepkens was the perfect transfer to help them achieve their goals. She is averaging 13.1 points per game and doing so on shooting splits of 52.6/45.9/92.9. As she is on pace to finish the season with an elusive 50/40/90 shooting line.

Kneepkens also plays a big role on UCLA’s elite defense. A defense that has great communication and can play straight up or in a zone. She averages 1.1 steals per game, and her length can deflect passing lanes. The UCLA defense relies heavily on taking opponents best players out of games. Trying to force others to beat them. It has been very successful this season as they now sit at 24-1 on the year. While having a country leading 10 ranked wins.

This team will need Kneepkens at her best to ultimately win a championship. Last season the team relied way too heavily on Lauren Betts having 20 and 10. They now have a full starting lineup that has the possibility to go first round in the WNBA Draft. Kneepkens has been mentioned as a possible top six pick with her senior season she has had. One the Bruins are more than happy with what she has provided.