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‘It’s honestly my biggest delight,’ says UCLA women’s basketball coach.
The nation’s second-best team spent the day before its biggest game of the season honoring tradition with something its players have done regardless of ranking or victories.
Giving something back.
According to Coach Cori Close, this part of her program is critical to the team’s experience and performance.
“It’s not enough to give kids a diploma and a trophy,” he remarked. “We’ve got to make a difference in their hearts.”
No. 2 UCLA women’s basketball planned a basketball camp for young children in the Cayman Islands one day before their game against then-No. 6 Connecticut, a team the Bruins defeated for the first time in school history.
This tradition did not originate because the Bruins are in the spotlight due to the attraction of the No. 2 position. Close stated that her squad has been doing camps every year, regardless of where they travel for a competition.
Despite concerns that the camps may be a distraction, Close said she is eager to prove them wrong.
“If you don’t win, people are like, ‘Oh, you’re distracted, you don’t have your priorities straight,’ whatever else, and what I love about being able to have such a signature win after that – it shows you can do both,” he added. “You can make a difference in your community, and you can be competitively excellent at the same time.”
During the camp, the players led an hour-and-a-half clinic that included basketball drills and camaraderie. UCLA collaborated with The West Project and OOFOS to put on the camp, with OOFOS also supplying complimentary shoes for the attendees.
Camryn Brown, a graduate student guard, noted that in addition to the camp, the kids were able to attend the tournament, and it was equally remarkable to watch them in the stands cheering for the Bruins when they were over 2,500 miles away from their home floor.
Brown, who has been with the program for five years and has attended several of these basketball camps, said seeing the youngsters in the crowd in the days following the event made the Bruins’ accomplishment in the tournament mean more.
“It just makes everything so much better.” “Our faces light up when we realize, ‘OMG, our kids are at the game,'” Brown added. “They get to see us play, and it keeps instilling in us that we are role models to them.”
Close has made it her purpose to train her squad not just as players, but as individuals as well, assisting them in leaving UCLA as better people in all aspects. Close stated that when asked about her recruitment techniques, she points to this component of her leadership and program, which she fashioned after John Wooden’s famed leadership.
“It’s honestly my greatest joy because the ball will go flat at some point.” And, you know, banners hang in gyms and rings accumulate dust, but who they become and who they affect lives on,” Close remarked. “And so for me to be able to watch them make great choices and connect those dots, it’s my greatest honor as a teacher.”
Close notably brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in 2022, which has positioned five athletes – including new addition sophomore transfer center Lauren Betts – as cornerstones of UCLA’s success on the field. As a result, the coach has recently signed the No. 3 overall recruiting class for 2024.
Christeen Iwuala, a sophomore forward in the top-ranked 2022 group, said Close’s devotion to service was crucial in her choice to call Westwood home.
“All in all, the opportunity that I’ve had in basketball to be able to help other people, … I came here for that reason,” Iwuala was quoted as saying. “I really enjoyed just having the opportunity in basketball to be able to give back and help others in whatever way that may be.”
With the inclusion of athletes’ capacity to earn off their name, image, and likeness, the basketball environment as a whole has transformed. And the narrative around UCLA’s program has shifted dramatically since its 500 conference record two seasons ago. However, Close stated that the team’s nature has not changed.
“Sometimes me, sometimes you, always us,” Iwaula and Close repeat, is at the core of their team. Close went on to say that the principles she instills go beyond this phrase and include being “humble,” “hungry,” and “selfless.”
“We play basketball.” “It’s not who we are,” stated Close. “And I think when you put yourself in intentional circumstances to be around people that have less than you do, and you get a chance to make a difference in their lives, it comes back to you tenfold.”
Women’s Basketball Streaming & TV Channel Information for the UCLA vs. USC Game on December 30
The UCLA Bruins (11-0) will seek to extend their 11-game winning streak when they face the USC Trojans (10-0) on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET. The Trojans have won ten straight games.
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UCLA Women’s Basketball Live Stream and TV Channel Information
When: December 30, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Los Angeles, California’s Pauley Pavilion
Pac-12 Networks on TV
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Comparison of UCLA and USC Scores
The Trojans average 81.5 points per game, which is 21.4 higher than the Bruins’ 60.1.
USC has a perfect record in games where it scores more than 60.1 points.
UCLA is 11-0 when it allows less than 81.5 points per game.
The Bruins average 90.5 points per game, which is 33.8 more than the Trojans allow (56.7).
When scoring more than 56.7 points, UCLA is 11-0.
When allowing less than 90.5 points, USC is 10-0.
This season, the Bruins are shooting 51.4% from the field, which is 15% higher than what the Trojans allow.
The Trojans hit 47.7% of their field-goal attempts, which is 13.7% better than the Bruins’ defensive field-goal percentage.
UCLA Executives
Kiki Rice: 13.5 points, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 54.4 field goal percentage, 32.1 three-point percentage (9-for-28).
Lauren Betts had 16.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and a 77.1 field goal percentage.
Charisma Osborne: 14.5 points, 1.5 assists, 43.9 field goal percentage, and 45.6 three-point percentage (31-for-68).
Gabriela Jaquez: 13.7 points, 54.0 field goal percentage, 21.9 three-point percentage (7-for-32).
Londynn Jones had 13.4 points, 1.2 assists, 38.0 FG%, and 38.3 3PT% (31-for-81).
Leaders at USC
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UCLA Calendar Date Arena of Opponent Scores 12/10/2023 Florida State triumphed 95-78. Arena at Mohegan Sun 12/18/2023 W 77-71 Value City Arena at Ohio State W 85-46 Hawaii 12/21/2023 The Pauley Pavilion 1/5/2024 Oregon – Pauley Pavilion 1/7/2024 Oregon State – Pauley Pavilion 12/30/2023 USC – Pauley Pavilion Schedule Date Opponent Score Arena USC 12/10/2023 W 85-53, UC Riverside The Galen Center CSU Fullerton W 93-44 Galen Center 12/18/2023 Long Beach State W 85-77 12/21/2023 The Walter Pyramid 1/5/2024 At Oregon State – Galen Center 12/30/2023 @ UCLA – Pauley Pavilion 1/7/2024 – Galen Center, Oregon
The Legacy of UCLA Women’s Basketball
When it comes to college basketball, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a name that is synonymous with excellence. While the UCLA men’s basketball team has long been recognized as a powerhouse in the sport, the rise of the UCLA women’s basketball program in recent years has been equally impressive and deserving of recognition.
With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the UCLA women’s basketball team has become a force to be reckoned with. Their rise to prominence has been marked by a combination of talented players, a dedicated coaching staff, and a commitment to building a winning culture.
A Winning Culture
One of the key factors behind the success of the UCLA women’s basketball team is the establishment of a winning culture. The coaching staff, led by head coach Cori Close, has instilled a sense of discipline, hard work, and teamwork among the players. This has created an environment where players are motivated to push themselves to their limits and strive for greatness.
Close’s emphasis on team chemistry and unity has also played a significant role in the team’s success. The players have developed a strong bond both on and off the court, which has translated into a cohesive and well-coordinated team. This unity has allowed them to overcome challenges and come out on top in many close games.
Talented Players
Of course, no successful basketball program can thrive without talented players, and the UCLA women’s basketball team is no exception. Over the years, the team has been fortunate to have a roster filled with exceptional athletes who possess both skill and determination.
Players like Jordin Canada, Monique Billings, and Kari Korver have made significant contributions to the team’s success. Their talents, combined with their ability to work together as a unit, have been instrumental in the team’s rise to dominance.
A Commitment to Excellence
Another factor that sets UCLA women’s basketball apart is the program’s commitment to excellence. The coaching staff and players are constantly striving to improve and reach new heights. This dedication is evident in their relentless pursuit of success both on and off the court.
From rigorous training sessions to maintaining high academic standards, the UCLA women’s basketball team embodies the true meaning of student-athletes. They understand the importance of balancing their responsibilities as students and athletes, and this commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind their success.
Looking Ahead
As the UCLA women’s basketball program continues to rise, the future looks bright. With a strong foundation in place and a winning culture established, the team is well-positioned to achieve even greater success in the coming years.
Fans of the sport should keep an eye on UCLA women’s basketball as they continue to dominate the court and make a name for themselves on the national stage. With their talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence, there is no doubt that the UCLA women’s basketball team is here to stay.
