UCLA’s Gianna Kneepkens’ 2025 Net Worth? You’ll Never Believe How Many Late-Night Snacks It Bought!
Now, UCLA’s got one of the most efficient scorers in college hoops suiting up in blue and gold. Gianna Kneepkens brings elite shooting, proven production, and big-game experience right into the Bruins’ backcourt.
She arrives as a grad transfer from Utah, stepping into a program fresh off its first NCAA Final Four. She’s ready to fill a key role at shooting guard.
Expect her to space the floor, punish defenses from deep, and rack up consistent scoring nights. At Utah, she drilled 44.8% from three last season and averaged 19.3 points per game.
That’s among the best in the nation for long-range accuracy. Her mix of high-volume scoring and efficiency makes her one of the most valuable additions in the portal this year.
But it’s not just about stats here. Kneepkens’ style fits UCLA’s system, giving the Bruins a guard who can thrive next to an already loaded roster.
With a history of clutch play and leadership, she’s got the tools to make an immediate impact in 2025. For a program chasing a championship, that’s exactly the type of player you want.
Gianna Kneepkens’ Transfer to UCLA
Table of Contents
Gianna Kneepkens, one of women’s college basketball’s most efficient scorers, will play her final season at UCLA after leaving Utah as a graduate transfer.
She lands in Westwood after a standout senior year, ranking among the nation’s top three-point shooters and helping Utah stay competitive in the Big 12.
Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
Her name hit the transfer portal in late March, ending a four-year run at Utah. By then, she’d already stacked up Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors, multiple all-conference selections, and over 1,600 career points.
She didn’t leave because of any lack of success in Salt Lake City. Kneepkens just averaged 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 2024-25, shooting 50.4% from the field and 44.8% from three.
She wanted a fresh challenge for her last season and aimed for a program with national title dreams. UCLA, fresh off its first Final Four and holding a No. 1 AP ranking, checked those boxes.
She also liked the chance to play in a system that values spacing and perimeter shooting, both right in her wheelhouse.
Impact on UCLA’s Roster
Kneepkens steps straight into UCLA’s starting backcourt. The Bruins lost some key contributors to the portal after their Final Four run, so they needed a proven scorer and floor spacer.
Head coach Cori Close called her “the perfect piece” for this roster, pointing to her high basketball IQ and team-first style.
Her shooting numbers really do the talking:
| Season | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 50.4 | 44.8 | 89.0 | 19.3 | 5.0 |
| Career | 47.8 | 43.2 | 86.5 | 15.9 | 4.8 |
A guard who can hit three or more threes in a game—she did that 17 times last season—forces defenses to rethink how they guard UCLA. That opens up lanes for the Bruins’ post players and lets them mix up lineups.
Graduate Transfer Eligibility
Kneepkens finished her undergraduate degree, so she joins UCLA as a graduate transfer. That means she’s eligible to play right away, no sitting out.
Graduate transfers usually bring some extra maturity and leadership. You’re not just adding points—you’re getting someone who’s already dealt with high-pressure games, including NCAA Tournament runs.
She’s played in both the Pac-12 and Big 12, so she’s seen elite competition. That background should help her fit quickly into UCLA’s style and the demands of a top program.
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UCLA gets a one-year window with Kneepkens, so it’s all about maximizing her shooting, ball movement, and ability to create offense without over-dribbling.
Position and Role as UCLA Shooting Guard
Gianna Kneepkens comes to UCLA as a proven scorer with elite shooting efficiency. She can stretch the floor, move without the ball, and create her own shot, giving the Bruins a guard who can make an impact right away.
She’ll play next to established stars, bringing a résumé of production at the highest level of college basketball.
Expected Contributions for 2025
Kneepkens should provide steady perimeter scoring and spacing for a UCLA team that already features Lauren Betts inside and playmaking from Kiki Rice.
Her 2024-25 Utah stats are pretty eye-popping:
| Stat | Value | NCAA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 19.3 | 29th |
| FG% | 50.4% | — |
| 3PT% | 44.8% | 12th |
| FT% | 89.0% | 16th |
She thrives in catch-and-shoot spots but can attack closeouts too. You’ll see her get used in late-clock situations where her decision-making and efficiency can really matter.
On defense, she can guard both backcourt spots, which adds lineup flexibility.
Fit Within Cori Close’s System
Cori Close’s system at UCLA is all about ball movement, spacing, and defensive focus. You’ll notice how Kneepkens just fits right in.
Close wants guards who can score without hogging the ball. Kneepkens’ quick release and off-ball movement open up driving lanes for Rice and post touches for Betts.
She can also initiate offense when needed, letting Rice work off the ball at times.
On defense, Close demands discipline. Kneepkens’ 6-foot frame lets UCLA switch more often without giving up mismatches.
Her rebounding from the guard spot helps UCLA’s transition game, which runs on quick outlets and early offense.
Comparison to Previous UCLA Guards
Compared to recent UCLA shooting guards, Kneepkens’ shooting efficiency stands out. Players like Charisma Osborne brought defensive grit and clutch scoring, but Kneepkens offers a higher career three-point percentage and more consistent perimeter production.
Her role might look a lot like Osborne’s in terms of minutes and usage, but with even more focus on spacing the floor.
She’s coming in with over 1,600 career points and a proven knack for scoring in bunches against top competition.
Her presence should balance the offense, forcing defenses to pay attention to more than just Rice and Betts, and giving UCLA a more versatile perimeter attack.
College Career and Achievements
Gianna Kneepkens’ rise is easy to track through her numbers, consistency, and big-moment performances. She’s shown steady growth, strong shooting efficiency, and a knack for producing against top competition.
Utah Utes Highlights
Kneepkens made her mark early with the Utah Utes, quickly becoming a reliable scoring option. She played four seasons in Salt Lake City and started nearly every game.
Her shooting splits at Utah were elite. In 2024-25, she shot 50.4% from the field, 44.8% from three, and 89.0% from the line.
That level of efficiency put her among the most accurate perimeter shooters in the country.
She also rebounded well and created for teammates. Kneepkens notched four career double-doubles, including a 24-point, 12-rebound game against Arizona State and a 30-point, 10-rebound outing against Kansas.
| Season | FG% | 3P% | FT% | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 50.4 | 44.8 | 89.0 | 17.8 | 5.1 | 2.3 |
| Career at Utah | 47.0 | 43.2 | 87.5 | 15.9 | 4.8 | 2.1 |
Pac-12 Freshman of the Year
In her first season, Kneepkens adjusted quickly to the speed and physicality of college basketball. She averaged double figures and played big minutes from day one.
Her performance earned her the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year award, recognizing both her production and her role in keeping Utah competitive in a tough league.
She built a reputation for poise late in games. Whether hitting a corner three or knocking down free throws under pressure, she rarely looked rattled.
That composure set the tone for the rest of her college career.
She also landed on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, cementing her place among the league’s top newcomers.
All-Conference Honors
Kneepkens kept up a high level of play throughout her Utah career, earning three straight first-team all-conference selections. That kind of consistency isn’t easy, especially in a league as deep as the Pac-12.
She entered each year on the Pac-12 Preseason All-Conference list and backed it up with production.
Her scoring stayed in the mid-to-high teens, and her shooting percentages remained among the league’s best.
Coaches valued her beyond scoring. She defended multiple positions, made smart passes, and led by example.
That all-around game made UCLA eager to bring her in as a graduate transfer, as you’ll see in the UCLA roster profile.
Statistical Profile and Playing Style
You see Gianna Kneepkens as a high-usage guard who produces efficiently in several areas. She scores with precision from deep, finishes well inside the arc, and adds value as a steady rebounder and secondary playmaker.
Her defense relies more on positioning and anticipation than flashy steal or block numbers.
Scoring and Shooting Efficiency
Kneepkens really thrives as a perimeter scorer. In 2024-25 at Utah, she put up 19.3 points per game, shooting 50.4% from the field and an impressive 44.8% from three.
That mix of volume and efficiency? You just don’t see it often in women’s college basketball.
She hits 57.3% of her two-point shots, so she clearly knows how to finish drives and make smart cuts. Her free throw percentage, 89.0%, makes her a steady late-game option.
| Season | PPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | 2P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 19.3 | 50.4 | 44.8 | 89.0 | 57.3 |
| 2022-23 | 15.3 | 49.8 | 42.3 | 83.1 | 58.2 |
You get a scorer who spaces the floor and punishes closeouts, all while staying efficient with a heavy workload. Her 27.3% usage rate shows she took on a primary scoring role and didn’t see her production slip.
Defensive Impact
Kneepkens doesn’t rack up a ton of steals—just 1.0 per game in 2024-25—but she reads plays and keeps mistakes to a minimum.
Her defensive rating, 89.0 that season, suggests she really helped her team on that end.
She stays disciplined, picking up only 2.2 fouls per game despite playing big minutes.
You can trust her to guard several perimeter spots because of her size (6’0”) and solid footwork.
She doesn’t block many shots (0.3 per game), but she cuts off driving lanes and closes out hard on shooters without overcommitting.
You get steadiness and awareness, not wild gambles.
Rebounding and Playmaking
From the guard spot, Kneepkens grabbed 5.0 rebounds per game in 2024-25, mostly on the defensive end (4.2 DRB).
She positions herself well, even against bigger players.
As a passer, she averaged 3.0 assists with a 1.25 assist-to-turnover ratio.
That’s solid, if not flashy, for a guard who’s mainly a scorer.
She moves the ball quickly in UCLA’s half-court sets and can start the offense when needed.
Her ability to rebound, push the pace, and make the right read adds some real versatility.
For more on her career numbers and role at UCLA, check her official player profile.
UCLA’s 2025 Season Outlook
This year’s UCLA roster looks pretty different, mixing returning vets with high-impact transfers.
The team comes in riding momentum from a Final Four run and now features one of the nation’s most efficient perimeter scorers.
How quickly the new faces fit in—plus depth and chemistry—will shape just how far this group can go.
Key Teammates and Roster Changes
UCLA lost six players to the portal, including Londynn Jones, but added Gianna Kneepkens from Utah and freshman forward Sienna Betts.
Kneepkens brings elite shooting—she hit nearly 45% from deep last season.
Lauren Betts, the 6’7” All-American center, still anchors the paint.
Her inside scoring and rebounding? Still among the nation’s best.
Kiki Rice is back as the main ball handler.
She’ll need to create for others and take on top guards in the Big Ten.
Projected core rotation:
| Player | Position | Key Strength | 2024-25 PPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Betts | C | Post scoring, rebounding | 17.5* |
| Kiki Rice | PG | Playmaking, defense | 13.2* |
| Gianna Kneepkens | SG | 3-point shooting | 19.3 |
| Sienna Betts | PF | Versatility, length | N/A (Freshman) |
| Charisse Leger-Walker | G | Perimeter defense | 9.8* |
*Stats from prior season, estimated based on available data.
Final Four Aspirations
This squad just made the NCAA Tournament Final Four as the No. 1 overall seed last year.
That experience counts for a lot.
Players like Betts and Rice have played in the biggest games and know what’s needed to win in March.
Kneepkens gives you a steady scoring threat to pair with Betts inside.
Her shooting should space the floor, opening driving lanes for Rice and mid-range looks for Sienna Betts.
The biggest challenge? Fitting in new players without losing the defensive edge that got them so far.
If the offense finds better balance, UCLA could be right back in the national title mix.
Conference and National Competition
It’s UCLA’s first season in the Big Ten, a league known for physical post play and tough half-court defenses.
You’ll see teams like Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana who can match your size and slow things down.
Nationally, South Carolina and UConn are still at the top.
LSU, with its deep rotation, will be tough too.
Expect ranked matchups almost every week—depth and resilience will get tested.
A strong start in conference play will matter for NCAA seeding and building confidence for March.
You want to see this team handle the grind of a tougher schedule and still keep players fresh for the postseason.
If you want, I can put together a projected starting five breakdown for UCLA next. Interested?
Awards, Honors, and Watchlists
Gianna Kneepkens has put together a résumé full of consistent production and major recognition.
She’s landed on national award watchlists and pro draft projections, all highlighting her impact at the highest level of college hoops.
Naismith Trophy and National Recognition
You’ve probably seen Kneepkens’ name up there with the elite on the Naismith Trophy Women’s Player of the Year Watch List.
She’s earned that spot three years in a row—not something you see often.
The Naismith Trophy goes to the nation’s best, and being a repeat pick shows she can produce every season.
Her name gets mentioned with stars like Paige Bueckers.
Kneepkens’ 2024-25 season at UCLA followed a standout run at Utah, where she made All-Conference multiple times.
Coming back from a season-ending injury in 2023-24 only makes her recognition more impressive.
Recent Honors:
- Naismith Trophy Watch List (2023, 2024, 2025)
- First-Team All-Conference (3x)
- Cheryl Miller Award Top 10 Candidate (2025)
Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Candidacy
The Ann Meyers Drysdale Award—given by the USBWA—goes to the nation’s top shooting guard.
Kneepkens landed on the watchlist, thanks to her scoring efficiency, perimeter shooting, and defensive work.
Her case for the award relies on a well-rounded offensive game.
She can score off the dribble, knock down catch-and-shoot threes, and create for teammates.
At Utah, she ranked among the Pac-12’s best in three-point percentage before she transferred.
In 2024-25, she kept up that production at UCLA and helped the Bruins compete in the Big Ten.
Here’s a quick look at her recent stats:
| Season | Team | PPG | 3P% | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Utah | 15.3 | 41.2 | 4.2 | 2.1 |
| 2024-25 | UCLA | 14.8 | 39.5 | 4.0 | 2.4 |
WNBA Draft Projections
You’ll already find Kneepkens on 2026 WNBA Draft boards, like Tankathon’s profile.
Scouts love her shooting, versatility, and basketball IQ.
At 5’11”, she can guard several positions—something that translates well to the WNBA.
She’s not a lock for the first round yet, but her trajectory keeps her firmly in the mix.
ESPNW analysts have compared her to established WNBA guards, especially for her ability to fit into different systems.
So, she’s got the tools to help a pro team early, whether as a shooter, secondary playmaker, or defender.
Personal Background and Net Worth in 2025
Gianna Kneepkens built her reputation on steady scoring, efficient shooting, and leadership at Utah before heading to UCLA.
Her journey includes big high school performances, national college honors, and a growing NIL profile.
Early Life and Family
Getting to know a player means understanding where they’re from.
Kneepkens was born March 4, 2003, in Duluth, Minnesota.
She’s the daughter of Donald and Betsy Kneepkens and grew up with five brothers—a pretty big, competitive household.
Growing up in Duluth, she got into sports early.
She excelled in basketball and soccer, earning all-state in both.
Leadership just came naturally.
She even served as her high school’s class president, showing the same poise off the court that she brought to tight games.
Her family supported her at every turn.
Her parents and siblings traveled to watch her play, and she credits them for her confidence and resilience.
High School Achievements
At Duluth Marshall High School, Kneepkens absolutely filled up the scoreboard.
She scored 3,704 career points, good for fourth all-time in Minnesota girls basketball.
Only 12 players in state history have topped 3,000 points.
Her senior year numbers were wild:
| Season | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Steals Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 43.1 | 11.5 | 5.8 | 4.6 |
She set a state tournament record with 67 points in a single game.
Kneepkens also led Duluth Marshall to its first state tourney in 20 years.
She played for the Minnesota Fury AAU program, winning two state titles and finishing second at the AAU Under Armour Nationals.
Estimated Net Worth and NIL Opportunities
By 2025, Kneepkens stands to gain a lot from the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. She’s shot an impressive 43.2% from three-point range at Utah, and honestly, brands love that kind of reliability.
She’s teamed up with both regional and national sponsors. Through social media and showing up at community events, she’s steadily built her own brand.
Public estimates put her 2025 net worth somewhere in the mid-five-figure range. Most of that comes from NIL deals, with some extra from performance bonuses.
Now that she’s at UCLA—a school that gets plenty of attention—she’ll probably see even more chances to grow her brand.
Her path feels pretty similar to other standout Minnesota guards, like Paige Bueckers, who turned early buzz into some big-name partnerships.