UCLA Bruins Poised for Dominance in the Big Ten

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team is set to make a splash in their debut season in the Big Ten Conference. After a standout 2023-24 campaign that saw them reach the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament, the Bruins are primed to continue their success and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in their new conference.

Bruins Tipped for Big Ten Supremacy

Preseason Predictions Favor UCLA

The Big Ten Conference has released its preseason rankings for the 2024-25 season, and the UCLA Bruins are projected to be the second-best team in the league, trailing only their crosstown rivals, the USC Trojans. This lofty ranking is a testament to the Bruins' impressive performance last season and the high expectations surrounding the team as they transition to the Big Ten.The Bruins' inclusion in the top five, alongside powerhouses like Ohio State, Maryland, and Indiana, underscores the respect and recognition they have earned within the college basketball landscape. This preseason ranking serves as a clear indication that the Bruins are poised to make an immediate impact in their new conference.

All-Big Ten Selections Highlight Bruins' Talent

The Bruins' strong preseason positioning is further bolstered by the individual accolades earned by their standout players. Junior guard Kiki Rice and junior center Lauren Betts were both named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team, with Betts earning the distinction of being a unanimous selection by the conference's coaches.Rice, who has been a key contributor for the Bruins since her freshman year, has continued to showcase her versatility and leadership on the court. Last season, she averaged 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, earning a spot on the All-Pac-12 Team. Her ability to impact the game in multiple facets will be crucial to the Bruins' success in the Big Ten.Betts, a transfer from Stanford, made an immediate impact in her debut season with the Bruins, averaging a double-double with 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Her dominant presence in the paint, coupled with her defensive prowess, earned her recognition on both the All-Pac-12 Team and the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Betts' continued development and dominance will be a significant factor in the Bruins' quest for Big Ten supremacy.

Bruins Aiming to Build on Past Success

The Bruins' preseason accolades and projections are a testament to the program's recent success. Last season, the team exceeded expectations by finishing with a 27-10 overall record, reaching the finals of the Pac-12 Tournament and the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.As the Bruins transition to the Big Ten, they will be looking to build upon this momentum and establish themselves as a perennial contender in their new conference. The team's combination of experienced leadership, talented newcomers, and a proven coaching staff suggests that they have the necessary ingredients to achieve sustained success in the Big Ten.The Bruins' journey in the Big Ten will undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but their preseason recognition and the high expectations surrounding the team indicate that they are more than ready to rise to the occasion. With their sights set on conference dominance and a deep NCAA Tournament run, the UCLA Bruins are poised to make a lasting impact in their new home.