11-12-2025, 12:05 PM
(11-12-2025, 11:33 AM)Spiny_Norman Wrote: Back to basketball, I watched UCLA play Oklahoma on Monday night. Looked like the same UCLA team we have seen lately with one big addition - they have a player who can shoot. Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens (who scored 28 points as a freshman in a win over Stanford) could be a difference maker for the Bruins. UCLA has built up a reputation for playing tough defense, rebounding relentlessly (especially on the offensive end) and missing a lot of shots. Kneepkens could change that for UCLA and give them the piece they need to compete with UConn, South Carolina, Texas and USC. UCLA certainly has tons of experience. Their 12 person roster includes 8 seniors and grad students.
Kneepkens does seem like a great addition. After this season, they will lose Betts, Rice, Kneepkens, Jacquez, Gardner, Dugalic, Leger-Walker. It's pretty much an all or nothing season for UCLA. They are gonna have to reload and rebuilt big time next year. I think they will be a Final 4 contender this year though and have some big non-conference games coming up.