Lauren Betts Ascends to UCLA Center Pantheon, Draws Praise from Lakers Legend
LOS ANGELES — In the wake of a dominant performance that propelled UCLA into the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Women’s Tournament, Lauren Betts, the Bruins’ towering center, has found herself in rarified air. The sophomore sensation, after a 30-point, 14-rebound masterclass against Richmond, earned a comparison that would make any basketball player blush: a ranking alongside UCLA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton.
The accolade came courtesy of Mychal Thompson, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, who took to social media to express his admiration for Betts’ game. Thompson, known for his insightful basketball commentary, posted on X, formerly Twitter, a simple yet powerful statement: "UCLA Center ranking…1)Kareem…2)Walton…3)Lauren Betts…"
The weight of that statement is immense. Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, led UCLA to three consecutive national championships in the late 1960s, while Walton spearheaded the Bruins to two more titles in the early 1970s. Both went on to become NBA Hall of Famers, their names synonymous with basketball excellence. To be mentioned in the same breath as these icons is a testament to Betts’ burgeoning talent and impact on the game.
Betts herself was understandably taken aback by the comparison. "That’s crazy," she exclaimed, reacting to the news. Yet, on the court, she has consistently demonstrated the qualities that have drawn such high praise. Like Abdul-Jabbar and Walton before her, Betts possesses an imposing presence in the paint, a combination of size, skill, and athleticism that makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Against Richmond, Betts was virtually unstoppable, converting 14 of her 17 field goal attempts. Her 14 rebounds were crucial in controlling the boards, and her four assists showcased her ability to find open teammates when double-teamed. Beyond the offensive numbers, Betts is also a force on the defensive end, a legitimate candidate for national Defensive Player of the Year honors. Her shot-blocking ability deters opponents from attacking the basket, and her mobility allows her to switch onto smaller players and defend on the perimeter.
UCLA coach Cori Close, effusive in her praise of Betts, described her as a "generational player." "She is not…just a low-post player," Close emphasized. "I mean, watch her move out there. The way that she guarded and switched, and even when she made some mistakes, the way that she chased people at 6-7. And she’s really 6-8, by the way. But she’s just an elite player. She has basketball IQ. She’s incredibly competitive. She affects the game in so many ways on offense and defense. The list goes on and on."
Kiki Rice, UCLA’s star point guard, echoed Close’s sentiments, offering a succinct assessment of playing alongside Betts: "It makes life easy." Rice benefits immensely from Betts’ presence, as the center’s ability to draw defenders creates open looks for her teammates.
Now, Betts is chasing the ultimate goal: an NCAA championship, a feat accomplished by Abdul-Jabbar and Walton during their time in Westwood. UCLA, boasting a 32-2 record, entered the tournament as the top overall seed and is determined to capture the program’s first national title in women’s basketball.
The Bruins’ journey to the championship continues with a Sweet Sixteen matchup against No. 5 seed Mississippi. Having reached this stage for the third consecutive year, UCLA is eager to advance further and prove their status as a true contender.
"Now we’ve got to push the envelope," Coach Close asserted, signaling the team’s ambition to raise their level of play as the competition intensifies.
As UCLA navigates the challenges ahead, Betts will undoubtedly be at the heart of their efforts. Her exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the lofty comparisons she has drawn have placed her firmly in the spotlight. Whether she can lead the Bruins to the promised land remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lauren Betts has arrived as a force to be reckoned with, a player who is not only shaping the present of UCLA basketball but also carving out her place in the program’s storied history. Her journey is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of her coaches and teammates. The UCLA community is eagerly watching to see how far she can take them. The ghost of Walton and Abdul-Jabbar seems to be guiding her.
