Where UCLA WBB Ranks in Preseason Top 25

Basketball season is almost here, which means one of UCLA's most anticipated programs is going to get back in action soon.

The Bruins women's basketball team came off a deep Final Four run that was cut short by the eventual national champion UConn Huskies, and recouped in the offseason through freshman landings like Sienna Betts and multiple transfer portal acquisitions.

ESPN released a preseason Top 25 poll just under a month ahead of the season. UCLA has regularly been one of the most highly rated teams in offseason polls and rankings, and ESPN's is no different.

Charlie Creme, ESPN women's NCAA Tournament projector, released his top 25 and had the Bruins ranked third in the country. Along with the rankings, Creme detailed each team's most impactful transfer. UCLA's was Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens.

Here's what Creme had to say about the sharpshooter:

"When Cori Close lost six players in the portal, including three rotation regulars, she needed to make a splash herself. Few come bigger than Kneepkens, who should fit in seamlessly with the veteran Bruins. Kneepkens, who ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 19.3 points per game, is a career 43.9% shooter from 3-point range and is the eighth senior or graduate student on UCLA's roster."