College Basketball
Gianna Kneepkens Transfer: UCLA Still Chasing South Carolina for Best Player Left in Portal
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Gianna Kneepkens is the top uncommitted player left in the women’s basketball transfer portal. And it’s not close. After a dominant final season at Utah—averaging over 19 points per game while shooting nearly 45% from three—Kneepkens has been a top target for elite programs. South Carolina leads the race, but UCLA and head coach Cori Close are still working to change that.
South Carolina Lead the Way for Kneepkens
Dawn Staley has already added top-tier talent this offseason, including ACC scoring champ Ta’Niya Latson. Adding Kneepkens would be a luxury move—an elite shooter to space the floor around their physical post game. There are several reasons they are believed to be in the lead when it comes to the race for Kneepkens:
- She visited South Carolina earlier this month.
- The Gamecocks offer a national spotlight and a clear shot at a championship.
- With Latson on board, Kneepkens would face less pressure as a primary scorer.
All signs currently point to South Carolina being in the driver’s seat.
Why UCLA Still Has Hope to Land Kneepkens
Cori Close isn’t out of the running yet. with zero sophomores) that lacks the consistent perimeter shooting Kneepkens brings. Her fit in their backcourt—next to Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones—would be seamless.
Some reasons the Bruins are still believed to be in the running include:
- Kneepkens visited Westwood after her Texas and Oklahoma stops.
- UCLA’s pitch: top-5 program, deep tournament run potential, and a featured scoring role.
- Cori Close has built a strong development reputation that could appeal ahead of the 2026 WNBA Draft.
It’s a harder sell than Staley’s offer. But if the Bruins can convince Kneepkens she’ll be more than a role player, they’re not out yet.
Decision Timeline
Kneepkens hasn’t set a public commitment date, but with workouts and summer sessions coming soon, expect a decision in the next 1–2 weeks. If South Carolina close it out, it strengthens their hold on preseason No. 1. If UCLA pull it off, it’s the final piece to a legit title run.
For now, the Gamecocks are ahead. But the Bruins haven’t given up.
