UCLA women's basketball signs fresh talent Lina Jerkovic for next season
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 2:57 AM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
UCLA women's basketball announced the signing of Slovenian guard Lina Jerkovic for the 2026-27 season. Jerkovic joins Spanish guard Somto Okafor as the second freshman on the team, which is undergoing a rebuilding phase after winning the national championship last season. The Bruins lost six players to the 2026 WNBA Draft but retained five key players from their championship roster. Head coach Cori Close noted the shift towards recruiting more transfers due to the evolving of college basketball, where freshmen may be less likely to remain with a program.
- •Lina Jerkovic signed for the 2026-27 season as UCLA's second freshman.
- •UCLA women's basketball is rebuilding after last season's national championship.
- •The team lost six players to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- •Five players from the championship team are returning next season.
- •Cori Close emphasized recruiting more transfers over freshmen.
- 2:57 AMYahoo Sports — UCLA women’s basketball signs Slovenian guard Lina Jerkovic
- 7:23 PMYahoo Sports — UCLA Women’s Basketball Adds Second Freshman to Roster
"UCLA women’s basketball signed Slovenian freshman guard Lina Jerkovic for the 2026-27 season, the team announced on Sunday. Jerkovic is just the second incoming freshman to join the squad alongside Spanish guard Somto Okafor. UCLA is entering a rebuilding phase after winning the national championship last season. Part of that rebuild involved signing five players […] The post UCLA Women’s Basketball Adds Second Freshman to Roster appeared first on LA Sports Report.
"As part of her efforts to get back to a familiar place, Cori Close has gone overseas. The UCLA women’s basketball coach on Sunday imported an international prospect in Lina...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 2:57 AMUCLA women’s basketball signs Slovenian guard Lina Jerkovic
As part of her efforts to get back to a familiar place, Cori Close has gone overseas. The UCLA women’s basketball coach on Sunday imported an international prospect in Lina...
- Yahoo SportsJun 7, 2026, 7:23 PMUCLA Women’s Basketball Adds Second Freshman to Roster
UCLA women’s basketball signed Slovenian freshman guard Lina Jerkovic for the 2026-27 season, the team announced on Sunday. Jerkovic is just the second incoming freshman to join the squad alongside Spanish guard Somto Okafor. UCLA is entering a rebuilding phase after winning the national championship last season. Part of that rebuild involved signing five players […] The post UCLA Women’s Basketball Adds Second Freshman to Roster appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAM•Oct 18, 2026, 2:31 AM“Hasn’t Played a Soul”: Urban Meyer Warns Utah’s Weak Schedule Could Hurt Big 12 Program’s CFP Hopes Despite 5-0 Start
NCAAM•Oct 18, 2026, 12:01 AM“Get Julian Sayin Out of Columbus”: Fans React as OSU QB’s Interception Puts Buckeyes in Trouble vs Indiana
NCAAM•Oct 17, 2026, 2:34 PMNCAA sues Ohio governor over state executive order for player eligibility
NCAAM•Oct 17, 2026, 1:41 PMWofford honors Mike Young in emotional return with Virginia Tech
NCAAM•Oct 17, 2026, 12:41 PMAlijah Arenas will emerge as the Trojans' top scorer this season
NCAAM•Oct 17, 2026, 8:10 AM“Bench Marcus Stokes”: CFB Fans Left Frustrated as Memphis QB Commits Three Fumbles, Two Interceptions vs Tulane