UCLA Stars Dive into the Transfer Portal

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UCLA women's basketball team showcasing their competitive spirit.

News Summary

Following a successful NCAA season, UCLA women’s basketball stars Janiah Barker and Londynn Jones have entered the transfer portal, leaving fans curious about their next steps. The Bruins, fresh off a historic Final Four run, saw both players depart unexpectedly, along with the entire freshman class. With returning talent and new prospects, UCLA aims to maintain its势在必得 trajectory for the future.

Exciting Times Ahead: UCLA Stars Seek New Opportunities

In sunny Los Angeles, the women’s basketball scene has witnessed a whirlwind of changes after the UCLA Bruins made a historic run to the NCAA Final Four this past season. Two standout players, Janiah Barker and Londynn Jones, have decided to enter the transfer portal, creating quite a buzz among fans and college basketball enthusiasts alike.

A Bit About the Players

Starting with Janiah Barker, she was no stranger to expectations as the highly-touted No. 3-ranked prospect of the class of 2022. Having previously played for Texas A&M for two seasons, she made the big move to UCLA, where she contributed significantly in her one season with the Bruins. During her time in Los Angeles, Barker tallied an impressive 7.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while spending about 17.4 minutes on the court.

On the other hand, Londynn Jones, who was ranked No. 22 in the same recruiting class, also made waves at UCLA over her three-year stint. Emerging as a starter in the last two years, she played a crucial role for the team, averaging 8.5 points per game and showcasing her sniper skills with a 35.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

An Historic Season

The Bruins had quite the season, finishing with a record of 34-3 and clinching the Big Ten tournament championship. Their journey reached new heights as they made it to their first NCAA Final Four, igniting hope and excitement among fans. However, their dream came to a close when they faced the formidable UConn women’s basketball team in the national semifinals.

Who’s Leaving and Where Are They Going?

Interestingly, Barker and Jones aren’t the only ones heading out, as they join the entire freshman class from UCLA—consisting of players Kendall Dudley, Elina Aarnisalo, Avary Cain, and Zania Socka-Nguemen—who have also opted to enter the transfer portal. Notably, Kendall Dudley has already confirmed her commitment to Michigan, sparking discussions about where the other players will land.

What’s Next for UCLA?

The news of these transfers came as a surprise, especially since UCLA was not anticipated to lose any players this offseason due to various eligibility factors. However, the Bruins still have a spectacular roster to build on, with returning players like Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Charlisse Leger-Walker—the latter of whom is on track to return from injury. Together, they will form a formidable team as UCLA seeks to continue its upward trajectory.

Add to that, the Bruins are set to welcome top prospect Sienna Betts, Lauren’s younger sister, into the fold. This infusion of talent alongside experienced players means that UCLA is projected to be serious contenders for the 2026 Final Four.

A Look Ahead

With head coach Cori Close in her 14th season at UCLA, it’s clear that the Bruins are on a path to maintain their standing in women’s collegiate basketball. While Janiah Barker and Londynn Jones embark on new adventures, the UCLA program appears well-positioned to build upon its historic success and produce even more thrilling moments in the seasons to come. Fans are left eagerly anticipating what’s next for both the departing players and the program as a whole.