Friday, March 29

UCLA women’s basketball’s Michaela Onyenwere commits to WNBA Draft


Senior forward Michaela Onyenwere has been UCLA women’s basketball’s leading scorer for three straight seasons, averaging more than 18 points per game in each of the last three campaigns and notching 1,888 points in her career. (David Rimer/Daily Bruin staff)


It’s the end of an era for Michaela Onyenwere.

The senior forward announced via Twitter on Monday that she was forgoing a potential fifth season with UCLA women’s basketball to join the player pool for the 2021 WNBA Draft. The announcement comes five days after the Bruins were eliminated in the NCAA Tournament.

“I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for my journey,” Onyenwere said in her statement. “I am so honored that I got the privilege to represent and wear the four letters across my chest, and for that I am eternally thankful.”

Since graduating from Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, and joining the Bruins in 2017, Onyenwere has helped the UCLA program achieve postseason success rarely matched in its history.

During Onyenwere’s four-year career, UCLA reached at least the semifinals of the Pac-12 tournament every year, including this year’s trip to the championship game – the program’s first appearance since 2006. The Bruins also won at least one NCAA tournament game every year Onyenwere was with the team – excluding last year’s COVID-19 shortened season – and made two Sweet 16 appearances.

In addition to team success, Onyenwere leaves behind a career that will be remembered in the UCLA record books.

After 123 career games, Onyenwere ranks fourth in points, sixth in field goals made and field goals attempted and eighth in rebounds. She led the team in scoring the final three seasons of her career and was top-five in the Pac-12 in scoring and rebounding this season.

ESPN’s most recent mock draft has Onyenwere being taken with the first pick in the second round – 13th overall – to the Dallas Wings. She was projected as the seventh overall pick just one month ago in an older version of the mock draft.

Sports staff

Carlson is currently a staff writer on the football, men's basketball and women's basketball beats. He was previously a reporter on the softball and men's golf beats.


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