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Two incoming UCLA freshmen, grad transfer earn medals in FIBA Women's competitions | Sporting News

UCLA's Incoming Stars Shine on International Stage: Freshmen and Grad Transfer Secure Medals in FIBA Women's Competitions

In a summer filled with high-stakes international basketball, the UCLA women's basketball program has much to celebrate as three of its newest members have returned home adorned with medals from prestigious FIBA competitions. Two incoming freshmen and a graduate transfer have not only represented their countries with distinction but have also showcased the kind of talent that could propel the Bruins back into national contention. This influx of decorated athletes underscores UCLA's recruiting prowess under head coach Cori Close, who has built a reputation for attracting top-tier talent with global experience. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, these achievements highlight the depth and international flavor of the roster, blending youthful promise with seasoned expertise.

Leading the charge is incoming freshman Kiki Rice, a highly touted guard from Bethesda, Maryland, who has been turning heads since her high school days at Sidwell Friends School. Rice, widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the class of 2022, earned a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA U18 Women's Americas Championship held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The tournament, which featured some of the best young talents from across the Americas, saw the United States dominate from start to finish, culminating in a convincing victory over host nation Argentina in the final. Rice's contributions were pivotal; she averaged impressive numbers in scoring and assists, demonstrating her versatility as a playmaker and scorer. Her ability to penetrate defenses and facilitate for her teammates was on full display, earning praise from coaches and scouts alike. "Kiki has that rare combination of speed, vision, and fearlessness," noted one FIBA analyst. "She's going to be a game-changer at the college level."

Rice's journey to UCLA has been marked by anticipation. Committing to the Bruins early in her recruitment process, she chose UCLA over other powerhouse programs like Stanford and UConn, citing the program's emphasis on player development and its location in sunny Southern California as key factors. Her international success only amplifies the excitement surrounding her arrival. At UCLA, Rice is expected to compete for immediate playing time in a backcourt that already features experienced guards. Her gold medal performance serves as a testament to her readiness for the rigors of Pac-12 competition, where she'll face off against some of the nation's best. Beyond the court, Rice's leadership qualities shone through in the team environment, helping foster unity among a diverse group of American prospects.

Joining Rice in the freshman class is Gabriela Jaquez, another standout who secured a medal on the international stage. Jaquez, hailing from Camarillo, California, and the sister of former UCLA men's star Jaime Jaquez Jr., brought home a bronze medal from the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary. Representing Mexico, Jaquez played a crucial role in her team's third-place finish, contributing key points and rebounds in critical games. The tournament was a grueling affair, with Mexico facing stiff competition from powerhouses like the United States and Australia. In the bronze-medal game against Mali, Jaquez's clutch performance helped seal the victory, showcasing her scoring ability inside the paint and her defensive tenacity.

Jaquez's path to UCLA is steeped in family legacy. Growing up in a basketball household, she honed her skills at Camarillo High School, where she led her team to multiple championships and earned all-state honors. Her decision to join the Bruins was influenced by her brother's positive experiences at the university, as well as Coach Close's vision for the program. "Gabriela brings a winning mentality and a work ethic that's infectious," Close said in a recent statement. "Her international experience will help her transition seamlessly to college basketball." At 6-foot-1, Jaquez offers positional versatility, capable of playing both forward positions. Her bronze medal adds to the narrative of UCLA's ability to recruit players with proven international pedigrees, which could be a differentiator in a conference known for its physicality and depth.

Complementing the freshmen duo is graduate transfer Angela Dugalić, who brings a wealth of experience and another medal to the Bruins' fold. Dugalić, a 6-foot-4 forward from Serbia, earned a silver medal at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket tournament, one of Europe's premier senior-level competitions. Playing for the Serbian national team, she helped guide her squad to the final, where they fell just short against a formidable Spanish side. Dugalić's stats in the tournament were noteworthy, with strong showings in rebounding and interior scoring, often serving as a defensive anchor. Her performance against top European talents like those from France and Belgium highlighted her ability to compete at the highest levels.

Dugalić's transfer to UCLA comes after a successful stint at Oregon, where she contributed to the Ducks' deep tournament runs. Seeking a fresh start and proximity to her international roots—UCLA's diverse campus and strong Serbian community in Los Angeles were appealing—she committed to the Bruins for her final year of eligibility. "Angela is a proven winner with the size and skill to impact games on both ends," Coach Close emphasized. "Her EuroBasket silver medal is a badge of honor that reflects her resilience and talent." Dugalić's addition addresses UCLA's need for frontcourt depth, especially after some roster turnover in recent seasons. Her experience in high-pressure international settings will be invaluable as the Bruins aim to build on their Sweet 16 appearance from the previous year.

These medal-winning performances are more than individual accolades; they signal a bright future for UCLA women's basketball. The program, which has a storied history including multiple Final Four appearances, has faced challenges in recent years but is poised for a resurgence. With Rice, Jaquez, and Dugalić joining forces with returning stars like Charisma Osborne and Lauren Betts, the Bruins boast a roster that combines youth, experience, and global flair. This international success also reflects broader trends in women's basketball, where FIBA competitions are increasingly serving as proving grounds for college-bound athletes. Programs like UCLA are capitalizing on this by scouting talent from around the world, creating teams that are not only competitive but culturally rich.

Looking ahead, the integration of these players will be key. Preseason practices will focus on building chemistry, with Coach Close emphasizing team unity and defensive intensity. Rice's speed could pair well with Dugalić's size in pick-and-roll scenarios, while Jaquez's rebounding prowess might complement the Bruins' fast-paced style. Fans and analysts are already buzzing about the potential for this group to challenge for a Pac-12 title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The medals earned by these three athletes also highlight the growing intersection between international basketball and the NCAA. FIBA events provide young players with exposure to professional-level competition, accelerating their development. For UCLA, this means incoming players who are battle-tested and ready to contribute from day one. As the season approaches, the Bruins' faithful can take solace in knowing that their team is bolstered by global champions.

In a sport where talent is abundant but experience is premium, UCLA's newest additions stand out. Their summer triumphs in FIBA arenas are a prelude to what promises to be an exciting chapter in Westwood. Whether it's Rice's gold from the Americas, Jaquez's bronze from the World Cup, or Dugalić's silver from EuroBasket, these medals symbolize not just personal achievement but the collective strength of a program on the rise. As the women's college basketball landscape evolves, UCLA appears well-equipped to shine brightly once more. (Word count: 1,048)

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