Betts, Jaquez, Kneepkens Named Finalists for National Position Awards

In Los Angeles, three UCLA players were named finalists on the Naismith positional award top-five lists. The announcement covers guard, forward and center categories.

Finalists and awards

Graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens is a finalist for the Ann Meyers-Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award. Senior Gabriela Jaquez is up for the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award. Senior Lauren Betts aims to repeat as the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year.

Betts won the center honor in 2024-25. The release noted Betts, Jaquez, Kneepkens Named Finalists for National Position Awards. Filmogaz.com reported the selections.

Gianna Kneepkens

Kneepkens, a graduate guard, joined the 50-40-90 club this season. Her shooting splits are .518/.442/.952 and she averages 13.4 points per game.

She is one of five active players with more than 300 career three-pointers. Her 324 makes rank 85th all-time.

Gabriela Jaquez

Jaquez is a senior from Camarillo, California. She has started every game this season.

She is averaging career highs of 13.6 points and 1.1 steals per game. Her shooting splits are .543/.411/.867.

Lauren Betts

Betts earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year honors. She is the first player in conference history to win both awards in one season. She is a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year award.

She leads UCLA with 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Betts has recorded 98 assists this season, a single-season career high, and she averages 3.2 assists per game.

Betts is closing on 1,000 career rebounds and 250 career blocks. She has scored more than 1,800 career points.

Winners will be announced later this season. Filmogaz.com will track updates and results.