Gianna Kneepkens has been the perfect transfer for UCLA

Gianna Kneepkens played the first four seasons of her college career at Utah. With one year of eligibility remaining as a grad transfer. She decided to transfer to UCLA. Giving both her and the Bruins an opportunity to show that she can be the missing piece. Kneepkens averaged 15.6 points per game at Utah and did so on an efficient 49.5/43.2/86 shooting splits. Leading Utah to four straight 20 win seasons and totaling 1,621 points good for 11th in school history.

UCLA made it all the way to the Final Four in 2025. But their championship dreams came crashing down as they lost UCONN. Which has been the fate of many teams with championship aspirations. UCONN simply has dominated women’s basketball over the past 20 years. The Bruins returned most of their core. But were able to make a splash and add even more fire power with the transfer of Kneepkens. Allowing them to go a rotation of eight girls that can help keep them fresh as the season rolls along.

Kneepkens has slipped right into the starting lineup and helped them. Any worries of chemistry being disrupted have been put to rest. She isn’t scoring at the clip she was in Utah. But she doesn’t need to do that with a team that also has Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez. She is averaging 13.3 points on 50/42.9/88.9 splits. Putting her in play for a coveted 50/40/90 season which is seen as elite in any level of basketball. She also has played her best basketball against top tier oopoents as she was one of the best players on the floor against Texas.

UCLA has an open window this season to chase after a championship. With all their players that returned plus Kneepkens. This is the year to be able to do that, as they are set to graduate six players. Ultimately closing this window of time. Adding a player of Kneepkens caliber who is expected to go in the top eight of the 2026 WNBA Draft. Gives the team an even better chance of making that dream come true.