Cori Close Breaks Down UCLA’s Title Run, Historic WNBA Draft, and What Comes Next
About this episode
Chantel Jennings interviews UCLA head coach Cori Close about the team's national title win and the future of college basketball.
Chantel Jennings chats with UCLA head coach Cori Close about the whirlwind following UCLA Women’s Basketball’s national title win, the lessons learned from past experiences, and what it takes to build a championship culture. Coach Close also shares the influence of John Wooden and discusses the evolving landscape of college sports—particularly the transfer portal and NIL era. She outlines her strategic approach to recruiting and emphasizes the importance of institutional support for sustained success. REFERENCES: How UCLA’s super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, set the championship standard by Sabreena Merchant Grading every 2026 WNBA first-round draft pick from Azzi Fudd to Lauren Betts by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings __ No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter! YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseason TikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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- Winners & Losers of the WNBA Offseason
- How Free Agency Moves are Set to Change the Game in 2026 + Flau’jae, Raven and More Draft Thoughts
- 2026 WNBA Draft Winners and Losers
- Where Will Audi Crooks, Kymora Johnson, and Other Top Players End Up?
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