Gianna Kneepkens caps off historic first round for UCLA as fifth player selected

Gianna Kneepkens helped cap off a record setting draft for the UCLA Bruins. Becoming the fifth first round pick to come out of UCLA. As she went No. 15 overall to the Connecticut Sun and will pair up with UCLA teammate Charlisse Leger-Walker. Who went three picks later at No. 18 overall to them. Kneepkens is a very good shooter and plays tough defense on the wing. Her ability to space the floor was one of the best in the nation.

Many mock drafts had Kneepkens going in the top 10. So, this seems like tremendous value to get her all the way at No. 15. Not many players in college basketball were able to shoot the ball like she could. She was the perfect transfer for UCLA and it all culminated in a national championship. After starring at Utah for four years, she became a grad transfer and landed with the Bruins for one last ride and it was a good one.

Kneepkens stats were down at UCLA compared to her time at Utah. But she had so much talent that surrounded her and she didn’t need the score of the ball as much. Her efficiency rose through the roof though and allowed her to build a great WNBA Draft resume. She landed in a very good spot and she will have a big role with Connecticut this upcoming season. Joining former Bruin Kennedy Burke on the team as well.

Kneepkens will forever be known in UCLA women’s basketball history. She quite simply was the perfect transfer to make everything happen. She spaced the floor for the team and helped build the UCLA defense into an all-time great one. Without her contributions, it is quite possible that UCLA does not have a championship this season. Kneepkens came right in and fit in with this team from the very first minute of the season. Now she’s a first round pick.

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