The Art of Reloading: UCLA Women’s Basketball and the Post-Championship Puzzle
There’s something profoundly fascinating about the aftermath of a championship. The confetti falls, the trophies are lifted, and then… what? For UCLA Women’s Basketball and head coach Cori Close, the answer isn’t about resting on laurels. It’s about reloading—not just the roster, but the entire philosophy. Personally, I think this is where the real artistry of coaching shines. Winning a title is one thing; rebuilding after it is another. And Close’s approach? It’s less about replicating success and more about refining the process.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Close’s framing of her program as an art project. She’s not chasing a repeat championship; she’s chasing a repeat process. This raises a deeper question: Can the blueprint for success be replicated, or is it more about evolving the system? In my opinion, Close’s emphasis on the 98% of the game played without the ball—screening, rebounding, defensive communication—is a masterclass in fundamentals. It’s easy to focus on the flashy plays, but what many people don’t realize is that championships are often won in the unglamorous moments.
Take Sienna Betts, for example. Her breakout performance in the Big Ten Tournament wasn’t just a fluke; it was the result of a player stepping into a new role with confidence. Close’s comment about it being “Sienna’s world” wasn’t hyperbole—it was a recognition of growth. What this really suggests is that Close isn’t just coaching players; she’s cultivating environments where they can thrive. From my perspective, this is where the art project analogy clicks. It’s not about painting the same picture again; it’s about creating something new with the same principles.
Then there’s the transfer portal, a modern-day wildcard in college sports. Close didn’t just dip her toes in—she dove headfirst, landing a top-five class. Donovyn Hunter, KK Bransford, Addy Brown, and Bonnie Deas aren’t just names; they’re pieces of a puzzle. But here’s the thing: integrating transfers isn’t just about talent. It’s about culture. Close’s accountability-driven program isn’t for everyone, and that’s the point. If you take a step back and think about it, this is where the rubber meets the road. Can these players buy into the 98% philosophy? If they can, UCLA might just be onto something special.
One thing that immediately stands out is the mental side of the game. Tasha Brown’s work as UCLA’s mental performance coach was groundbreaking. The Mind Gym, Mental Mondays—these weren’t just buzzwords. They were a recognition that basketball is as much a mental game as a physical one. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of infrastructure is rare in college sports. Brown’s departure to Washington is a loss, but it also highlights the impact she had. Personally, I think this is a trend we’ll see more of: mental coaching becoming as integral as physical training.
Close’s own journey post-championship is equally intriguing. The media circuit, the contract extension, the Winged Foot Award—it’s a lot to manage. But what’s most impressive is her ability to stay grounded. She’s not just the CEO of UCLA Women’s Basketball; she’s the architect of its culture. A detail that I find especially interesting is her reunion with Shannon LeBeauf, her longtime lieutenant. In a sport where relationships are everything, this move feels like a strategic masterstroke.
Looking ahead, the exhibition against Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team is more than just a game. It’s a test. Canada, ranked 7th in the world, will push UCLA in ways few teams can. Close’s comment about creating “remember whens” is telling. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about bonding, learning, and growing. If you take a step back and think about it, this is the essence of Close’s art project. It’s not about the outcome; it’s about the journey.
In conclusion, UCLA Women’s Basketball isn’t just reloading—they’re redefining what it means to build a championship program. From Close’s process-oriented philosophy to the mental fortitude of her players, this is a team that’s thinking several moves ahead. Personally, I’m excited to see how this art project unfolds. Because in the end, it’s not about repeating history—it’s about writing a new chapter.
