UCLA center Lauren Betts played a significant role in making her side the Big Ten champions, but WNBA star, Sophie Cunningham believes she needs to improve before making it to the W league.

Cunningham knows her priorities clearly when it comes to the top picks of this year's WNBA Draft. On the March 12 episode of her podcast Show Me Something, the Fever guard listed her two favourites ahead of the 2026 draft scheduled for April 13. The 29-year-old chose UConn's Azzi Fudd as her top pick saying, “She’s dynamic, and she can shoot. She’s a smart and a team player."

But despite picking Betts as her second choice, 'Soph' desired improvement in her game. She said, "I also think if I were on a team that needs a big, I would get the UCLA girl, Betts. She’s big. She has a lot of potential. She needs some work, but great body, great feel for the game. She’d be good.”

While Cunningham's takes were honest, it also makes sense as to why she believes Betts needs improvement going into her rookie season in the WNBA.

Lauren Betts is currently on an excellent run with the UCLA Bruins, averaging 16.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. But statistics tell half the story.

The biggest debate is whether Betts can thrive in her role only through her sheer presence alone, standing at 6'7. In a league that favours perimeter-oriented offences, critics have argued that the American might struggle against quicker forwards who play away from the basket or in pick-and-roll defensive situations.

However, Cunningham also believes that Fudd is the overwhelming favourite for Dallas to be the top pick for the draft, especially after her performance this season, where she is the frontrunner for all major National Player of the Year honours.

Not to mention, her well-established chemistry and relationship with former Huskies star Paige Bueckers. The Dallas Wings have all the right things to worry about going into draft season.

While Fudd is the perfect fit to form a partnership alongside Bueckers with her shooting efficiency outside the arc that Dallas so desperately needs, they can also opt for a traditional big like Betts or Awa Fam for increased defensive contributions and versatility.

The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 13, barring any further surprises in the ongoing CBA negotiations that could delay other key league events.

Sophie Cunningham Sets Next Off-Season Plans Ahead of WNBA Uncertainty

A torn MCL abruptly ended Cunningham's 2025 WNBA season back in August, as she entered the offseason as a free agent after her contract with the Fever expired.

While the 29-year-old is looking to stay at Indiana, a new contract cannot be negotiated, thanks to the ongoing CBA deal's restrictions for players or their agents to sign or renew contracts with teams until the deal is finalised.

But this did not stop Cunningham from signing with Project B last November, a global 5-on-5 circuit launching in late 2026. It features seven two-week tournaments across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Project B offers ownership stakes to marquee signings as partners/stakeholders, with Cunningham set to receive over $2 million annually in addition to equity, as reported by Front Office Sports.

Cunningham joins Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell, along with Nneka Ogwumike, Jewel Loyd, and Jonquel Jones, in this venture, which will offer her roughly eight times more than a supermax WNBA contract.

The league recently confirmed its first official tour steps in Valencia, Spain, from March 12-21, 2027, quickly followed by Tokyo, Japan, which is to be held from March 26-April 4, 2027.

However, given the CBA fiasco, do you think Cunningham will take to the WNBA paint this year?

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Written by

Joy Bassy