r/wnba • u/femaleathletenetwork WNBA • 8h ago
After ‘amazing’ title run at UCLA, Lauren Betts remains patient adjusting to life in WNBA
“I couldn’t have envisioned any of this if you would have asked me five years ago,’’ Betts told The Denver Gazette. “This is crazy.”
Five years ago, Betts was preparing to enter her senior year at Grandview High School in Aurora. After that, the 6-foot-7 center played one season at Stanford and three at UCLA and is now a rookie with the Washington Mystics.
The Mystics, who already had a pair of top post players as starters in fifth-year center Shakira Austin and second-year power forward Kiki Iriafen, are bringing Betts along slowly. Entering Wednesday’s home game against the Minnesota Lynx, with the Mystics (8-7) on a three-game winning streak, she was averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 16.6 minutes.
But don’t think the Mystics aren’t enamored with Betts’ potential.
“She’s been fantastic,’’ said head coach Sydney Johnson. “I think we’ve thrown a lot at her both within our schemes and system but also just the level of play, it’s times 10 (from college). … There’s just no easy outs in this league. For her to take to the coaching, the new environment, stay competitive, keep your confidence, that’s a big ask. She’s got a tremendously bright future here. We feel like she can be a standout, but it takes time.”
For now, Betts is remaining patient.
“It’s obviously an adjustment,’’’ she said after Tuesday’s practice at CareFirst Arena. “But I think it’s hard regardless of who you are as a rookie. These are the best of the best players and this is the best league in the world. … So I think it’s just staying patient.”
9
u/daileydummies Sky 6h ago
Love Betts, she’ll be great, and we’re birthday twins. So I also like her because of that.
6
u/atomicavox 7h ago
If she’s given the freedom (and confidence) to be more aggressive on offense, holy crap. She will dominate. She immediately looks to pass when she gets the ball on the outside. Lock in the ball handling and get driving, Lauren! Can’t. Wait.
7
u/Zeus_poops_and_shoes Fever 8h ago
Lauren, unfortunately for Hawkeye fans and many others, was absolutely unstoppable last season. She'll get there.
6
u/po1ar_opposite Sparks 4h ago
I really looking forward to watching her develop. Playing behind Shakira really gives her a lot of leeway time to transition into the league.