It’s a quick turnaround from the NCAA Tournament to WNBA training camp for many of the biggest stars in women’s college basketball, including UCLA’s Lauren Betts.
Betts, who was the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics in last Monday’s WNBA Draft, is beginning her camp soon after helping the Bruins win the National Championship. The 6-foot-7 center should be a strong contributor for the Mystics, who finished 16-28 last season and missed the playoffs for their second-straight season.
She had a four-year career at UCLA under coach Cori Close, which included several NCAA Tournament appearances, before winning that big championship. And with that, Close had some special advice for Betts heading into her first WNBA training camp.
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“Just like I’ve earned being here. This spot wasn’t given to me. I’ve earned the spot and so, just being a sponge, learning from everybody, asking questions, showing up on time, making sure I’m doing all the right things, and just being a good teammate,” she told reporters regarding what Close told her.
And that quick turnaround will arrive in a few weeks. After playing in the championship game for UCLA earlier this month, Betts and the Mystics begin the WNBA season on May 8 against the new expansion team, the Toronto Tempo.
Betts indicated that the Mystics are “taking good care” of her after she just came away from a grueling college basketball season and the NCAA Tournament.
“I’ve already talked to all the staff, and they know that I just came off of a long season. Just making sure that I’m taking extra care of my body. Kiki [Iriafen] has done a really good job of making sure that I know that,” she said.
Iriafen joined the Mystics last season as their No. 4 pick in the WNBA Draft. She had a solid rookie season, averaging 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
In addition, Washington features other young, talented players, including Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore. Betts has shown her abilities through dominant two seasons in college, averaging 8.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks.
Once she gets acclimated to playing in the Mystics system with her new teammates, she will likely compete for a starting role this season.
And while the regular season starts on May 8, the preseason starts sooner for Betts and the Mystics. They’ll host the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, April 25, giving fans the potential to see Betts play for her new WNBA team, if they decide to let her have some time on the court.
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For more about the WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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