"My dad gives me advice even when I don't ask for it sometimes": Lauren Betts shows gratitude for her father's constant support

Lauren Betts has propelled the UCLA Bruins' resurgence to an undefeated start in the Big Ten play. The junior center’s outstanding performance coupled with her leadership on the court, makes her a key pice for the Bruins.

After a historic victory over South Carolina, Betts has cemented herself as one of the brightest stars in the game this season. On Tuesday, Lauren Betts and UCLA coach Cori Close spoke to the media before the Penn State tip-off.

During the conversation, Betts spoke about the role her father plays in her growth as a player.

"My dad always gives me advice, even when I don’t ask for it sometimes," she said (3:25). "He always has something to tell me, and he always, you know, gives me great support before games.

"Whenever I go back home, I know that I have a trainer whenever I want, so that's always really nice."

Since joining UCLA, the 6-foot-7 center has transformed the team’s dynamics. In their game against Purdue, Betts delivered a stat line of 17 points and seven rebounds in just 22 minutes of play.

These attributes were instrumental in UCLA’s ascent to the top of the rankings, which began with their win over South Carolina. The game also ended UCLA’s previous 0-20 record against the Gamecocks and marked a turning point.

Lauren Betts's growth as a player

A week ago Betts was named to the John R. Wooden Award Mid-season Top 25 Watch List, joining fellow UCLA players Kiki Rice and Charlisse Leger-Walker. This honor highlights her as one of the frontrunners for the Wooden Award, which recognizes the most outstanding players in college basketball.

Betts currently leads the Bruins with averages of 19.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Her efficiency boasted a field goal percentage of 61.5% (112-182 FG), which ranks her fourth in the Big Ten. Additionally, her contributions include 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

This season, Betts has achieved personal bests in several categories, including a career-high 31 points against Colgate and five assists in games against Louisville and Michigan. She has also recorded nine double-doubles in just 13 appearances, becoming a dominant force for UCLA.

Lauren Betts delivered a 25-point, 12-rebound performance against Indiana, drawing praise from three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who was present at the game. Betts’ remarkable season also made her approach milestones such as 1,000 career points as well.