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5mo ago

Gianna Kneepkens Transfers to UCLA, Boosting Bruins' Final Four Aspirations

The elite 3-point shooter and three-time all-conference honoree joins a UCLA roster retaining four starters and adding top recruit Sienna Betts.

Gianna Kneepkens, left, seen playing for Utah while defended by Southern Utah’s Daylani Ballena on Nov. 4, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah, has decided to transfer to UCLA. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
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Overview

  • Gianna Kneepkens, a standout guard from Utah, has officially committed to UCLA via the transfer portal, enhancing the Bruins' shooting depth.
  • Kneepkens averaged 19.3 points per game last season while shooting 50.4% from the field, 44.8% from three, and 89% from the free-throw line.
  • UCLA retains four starters, including All-American Lauren Betts, and welcomes top-ranked freshman Sienna Betts to solidify its title contention.
  • The Bruins address a key weakness in 3-point shooting, where they ranked 165th nationally in 3-point rate last season, by adding Kneepkens' efficiency from deep.
  • Kneepkens chose UCLA over Texas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, further underscoring the Bruins' competitive recruiting strategy.