Gianna Kneepkens is up there at the top of the list as most impactful transfers of 2025. After having a very successful career at Utah that included parts of four seasons. She had one year of eligibility left as a grad transfer, since her 2023-24 season was cut short. That allowed her that extra year and many options to choose from. The option she chose was to add the missing piece UCLA needed after a Final Four run. A floor spacer that could slide in right away and play.
Kneepkens has provided that and more as she is shooting 45.6% from 3-point range. She also plays good defense and communicates on the floor well. Showing her veteran presence and in many games leading the Bruins in scoring. She was the leading scorer at 19.3 points per game last year at Utah. Those numbers were not reachable with UCLA being so deep on offense, but her efficiency is way better. Her eFG% is up to 64.9% and she has a ton of space to operate with. To the likes that she did not see at Utah although her numbers were still very good there as well.
Gianna Kneepkens is one of the most efficient offensive players in CBB history
— Hunter Cruse (@HunterCruse14) December 22, 2025
◾️She's NEVER graded below the 85th %tile on spot-ups, PnR, or transition play-types
◾️Career 86% FT shooter & only 1.7 TOV pic.twitter.com/0ynkj3S8MX
Kneepkens is a perfect fit in the starting lineup for Cori Close. It is filled with veterans, and the best part is everyone takes pride in defense. The entire starting lineup can score the ball, but they will also defend a high-level. Not one player is in there as a weakness. This is the deepest and most talented team that the Bruins have ever had. Kneepkens is a large part of that and helping keep the engine moving.
Gianna Kneepkens profiles as the ideal connector. Gold Tier (10.3 C-RAM) with an elite 90.8 3PE. Her 66.1% True Shooting and 2.8 A/TO ratio highlight a mistake-free, highly efficient offensive game that fits modern spacing concepts perfectly. #WNBADraft #UCLA pic.twitter.com/MM6ylK3Obp
— Cerebro Sports (@CerebroSports) December 16, 2025
Kneepkens is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. With some boards having her in the top seven. She will continue to play a large role on this UCLA team. Trying to be the missing piece in getting them over the hump. UCONN, Texas and South Carolina will not be easy to get through. But having the most options as possible, helps out a ton. Kneepkens being a game changer on both ends helps that cause.