Three new UCLA Bruins athletes have achieved success in international basketball competitions this summer. Sienna Betts, Lena Bilic, and Gianna Kneepkens earned medals while representing the USA and Croatia.
Upperclassmen Gabriela Jaquez from Mexico and Angela Dugalic from Serbia also participated in FIBA events with their national teams.
Sienna Betts played a key role for the US junior national team at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Czechia. The team won gold, going undefeated with a 7-0 record. Betts averaged 14.6 points and 10 rebounds per game, ranking second in rebounds for the tournament. Her standout performances included scoring 25 points against South Korea and achieving five double-doubles during the competition.
Lena Bilic helped Croatia’s junior national team secure a third-place finish at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket Division B in Lithuania. Bilic led the tournament in scoring with an average of 23.6 points per game. Her efforts contributed to Croatia’s promotion to next summer’s top division tournament.
Gianna Kneepkens made her debut with USA Basketball at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025 in Chile, averaging 9.7 points per game over seven appearances. She had notable performances against Chile and Mexico, showcasing her offensive skills on an international stage.
Gabriela Jaquez represented Mexico at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025, where she averaged 12 points per game and received the Rising Star award for her performance. Angela Dugalic competed with Serbia at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket in Italy, leading her team in rebounds during group play.
These achievements highlight the talent of UCLA Bruins athletes on an international level as they prepare to join or continue their college careers.
