Lauren Betts keeps steady through whirlwind UCLA-to-Mystics jump

Lauren Betts went from a Tuesday win in Canada to an ESPYs stage in Los Angeles to a rough Mystics loss on the East Coast in less than two days.

That blur has fit the 22-year-old center’s first season in the WNBA. According to CBS Sports, Betts helped Washington beat the Toronto Tempo 79-62 on Tuesday, a result that kept the Mystics in the playoff hunt and sealed their season series against Toronto. On Wednesday, she accepted the ESPY Award for Best Women’s College Athlete after leading UCLA to a national championship.

On that stage, Betts used the moment to speak about mental health. “Your mental health is not separate from your success,” she said, according to CBS Sports. She added that strength includes allowing someone else to help during difficult stretches.

Less than 24 hours later, Betts was back with Washington for a 75-56 loss to the Portland Fire, one of the Mystics’ poorest outings of the season, CBS Sports reported.

A fast jump from champion to rookie

Betts entered the league after a monster senior season at UCLA, where she averaged 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, according to CBS Sports. She also became the first Big Ten athlete to win conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, and helped deliver UCLA’s first NCAA Tournament title.

Her draft night did not go exactly as many expected. CBS Sports reported that Betts had been discussed as a possible No. 1 pick, but Dallas selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd first. Betts went fourth overall to Washington, after Olivia Miles went to Minnesota and Awa Fam went to Seattle.

The pro adjustment has been uneven. Through 23 games, Betts had started once and averaged 6.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in about 16 minutes per game, according to CBS Sports.

Betts told CBS Sports the speed of the change has felt “surreal,” saying she still had not fully processed UCLA’s championship. She said she is trying to stay present and handle the season “day by day.”

A WNBA welcome, courtesy of Brittney Griner

Betts also got a blunt introduction to life in the pros: Brittney Griner blocked her shot. Betts told CBS Sports she saw it as “an honor,” adding that she admired Griner and could not be upset about the play.

The 6-foot-7 rookie was a force near the basket in college, but told CBS Sports she understands that reaching that level in the WNBA will take time.

Washington has given her familiar support. Michaela Onyenwere, who was on UCLA’s coaching staff during the title season, is now Betts’ Mystics teammate. Betts said Onyenwere still gives her advice, and teammates still call her “Coach Mic” as a joke, according to CBS Sports.

Betts also said former UCLA coach Cori Close continues to check in. Close recently sent her a video of children at camp who looked up to Betts and her sister Sienna, Betts told CBS Sports.

The Mystics also recently hosted Elena Delle Donne, who led Washington to its 2019 WNBA championship. Betts said Delle Donne worked with her on post-up details and shared tips with the team.

Small steps in a long rookie season

There have been flashes. CBS Sports reported that Betts scored a career-high 18 points in 21 minutes against Toronto on June 12, then made her first career start five days later against the Connecticut Sun.

Betts said she has improved at reading ball screens, picked up defensive techniques and is working on her perimeter game. Against Portland, she finished with six points, four rebounds and one steal in 12 minutes.

For now, Betts told CBS Sports she is focused on staying calm, letting the game come to her and building through the rest of the season. She said the next step will come with time, especially since she has not yet had a full offseason with Washington.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.