At 6-foot-7, UCLA center Lauren Betts not only stands out in a crowd but also on the basketball court. Her towering presence has proven to be a formidable advantage in the collegiate basketball scene. However, Betts’ journey to becoming the most dominant inside player in women’s college basketball involved a unique challenge: finding suitable training partners who could push her limits.
An NBA-Caliber Mentorship
From an early age, Betts faced the difficulty of finding peers who matched her in height and skill. The solution? Training with NBA players. Growing up in Denver, Betts was coached by former NBA professionals who did not see her height as an anomaly but as a potential to be harnessed. Among her mentors were Keith Van Horn and Ervin Johnson, who brought their extensive professional experience to the training sessions.
The Rigors of NBA-Styled Training
Johnson’s approach to training was uncompromising. He focused on making Betts comfortable with physical play, an aspect she initially struggled with due to her height.
“Those little guards are going to get it,” Johnson would say, emphasizing the need to keep the ball high and use her size as an advantage. This tough love approach extended to game situations where Betts learned to handle the physicality of the sport without expecting fouls to be called in her favor.
A Star in the Making
This season, Betts’ hard work and adaptability have paid off spectacularly. Averaging 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds a game, she has not only led UCLA to its first-ever NCAA Women’s Final Four but also cemented her status as a top player. Her training with NBA veterans has equipped her with a versatile skill set that challenges traditional roles and expectations in women’s basketball.
As Lauren Betts continues to dominate the college basketball scene, her story is not just about basketball. It’s about overcoming challenges through innovation and mentorship. Her journey reflects the potential of specialized training and the importance of adaptability, qualities that aspiring athletes can draw inspiration from.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.