UCLA’s top-ranked women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting weekend in Indiana, taking on two games that carry a special connection to legendary coach John Wooden. The Bruins, currently undefeated with a 14-0 record, will not only face tough competition but also embrace the deep basketball history of Wooden’s home state.

John Wooden, known for leading UCLA’s men’s basketball team to an unmatched 10 NCAA championships, remains a key influence on the program. Even after his passing in 2010 at age 99, his legacy lives on. Wooden frequently attended both men’s and women’s games at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, where a gold seat now honors his presence.

Head coach Cori Close, who met Wooden while she was an assistant coach at UCLA, continues to carry his teachings into her work. Close fondly remembers her connection with Wooden, who noticed her name was the same as one of his granddaughters. His values have deeply shaped her coaching philosophy and her goal to leave a meaningful legacy. “It’s about touching hearts the way Coach Wooden touched mine,” Close shared.

This weekend, the Bruins will embark on their first true Big Ten road trip since joining the league alongside Washington. They’ll play Indiana on Saturday at the iconic Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Known for its steep-sided design and roaring fans, the 17,222-seat arena will provide an electric atmosphere. The location also holds historical significance—it’s just 28 miles from Martinsville, where Wooden led his high school team to a state championship in 1927.

Players like guard Kiki Rice are eager to soak up Indiana’s rich basketball culture. “Growing up on the East Coast, you hear how much Indiana loves basketball. I can’t wait to experience it,” she said. Forward Angela Dugalic, who hails from nearby Chicago, is especially excited to play in front of family and friends in Bloomington. “Indiana’s gym is legendary, and their fans are passionate. It’ll be packed, but we’re ready,” Dugalic noted.

Indiana’s women’s team, currently 10-3, has been dominant at home with a 7-1 record this season. They also draw big crowds, averaging over 10,000 fans per game—more than double UCLA’s average attendance at home. Head coach Cori Close sees this as a great opportunity for women’s basketball. “Indiana shows so much love for basketball—men’s and women’s. It’s inspiring to see how much they support the game,” she said.

After Indiana, the Bruins will head to Purdue on Tuesday to play in Mackey Arena—a venue rich in Wooden history. Wooden was a three-time All-American while playing at Purdue in the early 1930s, and the arena is located on John R. Wooden Drive in West Lafayette. Mackey Arena is known for being one of the loudest venues in college basketball thanks to its domed aluminum roof.

The Boilermakers haven’t had a stellar season so far with a 7-3 record and no Big Ten wins yet, but hosting the No. 1 team in the country is sure to draw a larger-than-usual crowd. For players like Kiki Rice, these high-energy environments are thrilling. “Playing on the road when everyone is against you is so motivating,” she said.

While the Hoosiers and Boilermakers present different challenges, UCLA is ready to take on both teams and embrace Indiana’s basketball heritage. “We’re going to feed off the energy from those packed arenas and let it fuel us,” Close said confidently. For the Bruins, this road trip is about more than just basketball—it’s a chance to connect with history and honor the legacy of one of the game’s greatest icons.