UCLA begins their reload with one of the best rebounding guards in the nation in Bonnie Deas

UCLA has begun their quest to start replacing all of the players that are leaving for the WNBA. Bonnie Deas is the first player to announce her transfer to UCLA. She was one of the best rebounding guards in the nation last year at Arkansas. Leading all SEC guards with nine rebounds per game. At 5’9 that is very impressive beyond as a staple that Cori Close loves in her guards. Kiki Rice was also one of the best rebounding guards in the nation in her time with the Bruins.

Deas averaged 10.2 points per game on the season. But she did so on 32% shooting from the field. So, her offensive game is very raw. But she was a freshman this last year and showed a ton of potential that she can score the ball effectively. and will have three years of eligibility remaining. Her timeline will fall on the same schedule as Sienna Betts and Lena Bilić. Close has always done very well with guards and she will do well to grow Deas game.

Deas also averaged 1.5 steals per game, showing to be a good defensive player. UCLA dominated their way to a championship this last season. Largely due to their defensive effort being one of the best we have ever seen. Close has her work cut out for her to retool this team on the fly. Deas has the potential to become a very good player for UCLA over the years.

One area that Close will need to work on with Deas is her 3-point shooting as well. She was 25-106 this year, which was only 24.5% from that range. But we also saw Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice struggle with their shot early in their career. Only to become very good shooters as their college careers went on. Deas can start building her legacy and Close is a great coach to help her reach her goals.