Lauren Betts WNBA mock draft profile: How the UCLA center projects with the Dallas Wings
Meghan L. HallThe 2026 women's NCAA Tournament has concluded after a stellar run for UCLA saw the Bruins cut down the nets. Now the tournament's biggest stars turn their attention to next week's WNBA Draft, where they'll be hoping they did enough to impress scouts at the next level.
It's a quick turnaround after the biggest weekend in college basketball with the 2026 WNBA draft scheduled to take place on April 13. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, UCLA's Lauren Betts is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the center's draft night will play out.
Our draft order factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Lauren Betts 2026 WNBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Dallas Wings
Hall's Analysis:
After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.
See USA TODAY's full WNBA mock draft here
Lauren Betts player profile
(all stats as of April 9)
- Position: center
- Current Team: UCLA
- 17.1 points per game
- 8.8 rebounds per game
- 3.2 assists per game
- 58.2% field goal percentage
- 0.0% three-point field goal percentage
Dallas Wings 2026 draft picks
- No. 1 and No. 31
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