[BosCard]

Betts has never looked fluid at the post.  I would not be surprised if Close starts Bessoir and Dugalic (both 6'4), and quicker than Betts.  Close likes quickness.  There is a possibility that Betts does not start and finds herself (once again), competing for minutes.

It would really surprise if Betts doesn't start for UCLA and plays 20+ minutes per game.  You may not have followed the 2023 FIBA Women's Americup.  Betts had an outstanding tournament and was the best player for the Silver Medal USA Team competing against far more experienced opponents, particularly Gold Medalist Brazil (Team USA lost to Brazil twice).  Over seven games Betts averaged 11.4 points and 10.9 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.  Betts had a 20.1 efficiency rating compared to NCAA Tournament MOP Angel Reese's 11.9 and Rickea Jackson's 10.6.  Betts shot FGs at 72.7% and FTs at 59.3%.  Angel Reese averaged 8.3 pts and 11.1 rebs, 36.2% FGs and 48.5% FTs.

Betts went toe-to-toe with Americup MVP 6'7" Camilla Cardoso (Team Brazil/South Carolina) and held her own.  Betts certainly demonstrated her potential at the Americup.  As a freshman Betts had the misfortune of playing behind superstar Cameron Brink.  Still Betts got increased playing time as last season progressed and she produced.  Not sure why her minutes diminished at the Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments.

Unfortunately the Cardinal and Bruins play only once at Stanford in regular season conference play.  Brink versus Betts should prove a captivating matchup.

It was partly defensive matchups.  For teams like Utah and UCLA which played 5 out with 3 point shooting bigs, Betts struggled to defend the 3-point line and then get back to block shots when guards would drive into the now vacated paint.  Maybe she’s improved her defensive quickness or maybe Team USA athletes are much better individual defenders and don’t need as much paint protection.

[BosCard]

Betts has never looked fluid at the post.  I would not be surprised if Close starts Bessoir and Dugalic (both 6'4), and quicker than Betts.  Close likes quickness.  There is a possibility that Betts does not start and finds herself (once again), competing for minutes.

It would really surprise if Betts doesn't start for UCLA and plays 20+ minutes per game.  You may not have followed the 2023 FIBA Women's Americup.  Betts had an outstanding tournament and was the best player for the Silver Medal USA Team competing against far more experienced opponents, particularly Gold Medalist Brazil (Team USA lost to Brazil twice).  Over seven games Betts averaged 11.4 points and 10.9 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.  Betts had a 20.1 efficiency rating compared to NCAA Tournament MOP Angel Reese's 11.9 and Rickea Jackson's 10.6.  Betts shot FGs at 72.7% and FTs at 59.3%.  Angel Reese averaged 8.3 pts and 11.1 rebs, 36.2% FGs and 48.5% FTs.

Betts went toe-to-toe with Americup MVP 6'7" Camilla Cardoso (Team Brazil/South Carolina) and held her own.  Betts certainly demonstrated her potential at the Americup.  As a freshman Betts had the misfortune of playing behind superstar Cameron Brink.  Still Betts got increased playing time as last season progressed and she produced.  Not sure why her minutes diminished at the Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments.

Unfortunately the Cardinal and Bruins play only once at Stanford in regular season conference play.  Brink versus Betts should prove a captivating matchup.

It was partly defensive matchups.  For teams like Utah and UCLA which played 5 out with 3 point shooting bigs, Betts struggled to defend the 3-point line and then get back to block shots when guards would drive into the now vacated paint.  Maybe she’s improved her defensive quickness or maybe Team USA athletes are much better individual defenders and don’t need as much paint protection.