All-Pac-12 Timea Gardiner posted the first looks of herself in a UCLA Bruins jersey. The forward entered the transfer portal this summer from the Oregon State Beavers, where she averaged 11.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, shooting 44.5%.
The 6-foot-3 junior will be monumental in the Bruins’ first year in the Big Ten, transitioning after a Sweet 16 exit in the NCAA tournament.
"Vibes for year 3 #4sup @uclawbb," Gardiner's post read.
Kiki Rice and other Timea Gardiner's new teammates passed the vibe check as they commented on the post to hype up the transfer junior:
"Y’all see the sleeve 👀👀👀," Lauren Marie Betts commented.
"YUHHH," Kiki Rice wrote.
"Yesssuhh," Tessa Musser commented.
"whooo is sheeee 👀🔥," Charlisse Leger-Walker wrote.
"Stunningggg," UCLA alum Brynn Masikewich commented.
Moreover, college stars from different programs also followed suit:
"What is 30 divided by 3.75?," Texas Tech's Clara Adlee Blacklock wrote.
"Okay sleeeveee🔥," USC’s Aaliyah Gayles commented.
"YES MAAM," Amari Whiting from BYU wrote.
"Arm sleeve go crazy," Oregon’s Sammie Wagner commented.
"Tatted upppp 🔥🔥🔥," Gardiner’s former teammate Bendu Yeaney wrote.
Moreover, Martha Pietsch (UC Santa Barbara), Saylor Poffenbarger (Maryland), Marya Hudgins (BYU), UCLA's Angela Dugalic, Londynn Jones, Valerie Vargas, Kendall Dudley, Gabriela Jaquez and Oregon State's Noelle Mannen, Sela Heide, Mersayis Shedd and AJ Marotte also flooded the comment section.
What will Timea Gardiner bring to UCLA?
Timea Gardiner is a part of the solid transfer group coach Cori Close plans to harmonize with returning stars Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez and Londynn Jones.
However, as its star players are anticipated to unlock a new level in their production, UCLA will have its fair share of tough games against a more physical and tiring Big Ten schedule.
Gardiner should help the Bruins maintain a deep and versatile roster. It will not only take the pressure off its stars but also help the program ease into the new league.
Gardiner is coming off a Pac-12 sixth player of the year honor, which reflects that she knows how to gel into the role. Moreover, she also brings NCAA tournament experience with the Beavers' Elite Eight run.
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