UCLA women’s basketball lands Texas A&M standout in transfer portal

The UCLA women’s basketball team added standout forward Janiah Barker from Texas A&M through the transfer portal. Barker, who announced her commitment on social media Tuesday, brings an impressive resume to a UCLA team that is already considered a strong contender in their upcoming move to the Big Ten.

Barker, a 6-foot-4 forward from Georgia, was a highly-touted recruit, ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2022. During her time at Texas A&M, she made an impressive impact despite facing some challenges. Her freshman season was cut short due to injury, limiting her to just 19 games. However, she still managed to lead her team in scoring, averaging 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. As a sophomore, Barker averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game, as reported by Alexa Philippou of ESPN.

The Bruins are entering the 2024-25 season with high expectations, particularly after their 78-69 loss to LSU in the Sweet 16 this past season. The addition of Barker complements an aggressive offseason strategy in the transfer portal. UCLA also secured commitments from former Washington State guard Charlisse Leger-Walker and Oregon State forward Timea Gardiner. These acquisitions, along with Barker, enhance an already talented roster that includes standout juniors Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice.

Head coach Cori Close has assembled an impressive lineup, featuring ESPN HoopGurlz's top-ranked recruits from the class of 2022. With Barker joining Betts, Rice and Gardiner, the Bruins boast a roster with impressive depth and talent.

Janiah Barker recruitment helps offset loss of key players

Janiah Barker's arrival is part of a broader strategy to offset the loss of key players from last season. Charisma Osborne moved on to the WNBA, while Cameron Brown has exhausted her eligibility and Christeen Iwuala transferred to Ole Miss.

Timea Gardiner's addition to the Bruins further strengthens their frontcourt. Gardiner, who spent two seasons at Oregon State, had a breakout sophomore year, helping the Beavers reach the Elite Eight. She averaged 11.6 points, seven rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, and was named the final Pac-12 Sixth Player of the Year. Her versatility and scoring ability will be a valuable asset for the Bruins.

Charlisse Leger-Walker, another high-profile transfer, is set to fill the void left by Osborne. Leger-Walker, who was a standout at Washington State, suffered a season-ending knee injury but remains a highly regarded player. Before her injury, she averaged 13.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game, leading her team to the Pac-12 Tournament title and earning the Most Outstanding Player award.

UCLA's strategic moves in the transfer portal, coupled with a strong incoming recruiting class, position them as a formidable force in the Big Ten. The Bruins are set to welcome four highly touted freshmen for the 2024-25 season, further adding to their potential.