"It's kinda crazy": Lauren Betts makes her feelings known on being in the 'Player of the Year' conversation 

UCLA star Lauren Betts has emerged as one of the top players in the nation this season. The junior has been a driving force behind the Bruins' dominance, leading them to a 16-0 record and the No. 1 ranking in the country.

Betts has been unstoppable, scoring double figures in all 16 games this season. She is averaging 19.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 61.6% from the field.

Her consistent performance has put her in the conversation for National Player of the Year honors among other top contenders like UConn's Paige Bueckers, Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo and USC's JuJu Watkins.

During Tuesday's pregame media availability ahead of their game against Penn State, Betts shared her thoughts on being in the Player of the Year race.

"It's kind of crazy, to be honest, but I try not to really think about that or worry about that at all," Betts said.

"Right now, my biggest worry is just getting the team where we need to be and doing what I need to do to get us to a championship. So that's really all that matters, and what comes, comes," she added.

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Last week, the 6-foot-7 center was also named to The John R. Wooden Award midseason watchlist as one of the top 25 players in the country.

Lauren Betts describes father's influence on her basketball journey

When it comes to basketball, Lauren Betts has not had to look far for inspiration and guidance. Her father, Andrew Betts, a former English basketball player, enjoyed a professional career overseas.

Andrew was picked No. 50 overall in the 1998 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets but did not end up playing in the NBA.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Spanish-born opened up about the positive role her father has played in her development.

"I always grew up with great post coaches, obviously with Ervin Johnson, my dad, Keith Van Horn, and a bunch of really good posts who have basically given me all the skills I have today," Betts said.

"My dad always gives me advice, even when I don't ask for it sometimes. He always has something to tell me, and he always gives me great support before games. Whenever I go back home, obviously I know that I have a trainer whenever I want, so that's always really nice," she added.

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Her family moved to Colorado when Lauren Betts was eight years old. She attended Grandview High School in Aurora and blossomed into one of the top high school players in the country.