​The UCLA women’s basketball team won its first NCAA championship in April. Now, it’s vying to stay on top.Based on Thursday’s practice, after which UCLA spoke with the media for the first time since its dominant title run, it’s clear that the Bruins intend to remain on top, even with a target on their back and a revamped roster.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOne would think a defending champion pursuing a repeat would, well, just try to run it back.But not Cori Close’s bunch.Entering her 16th season as UCLA coach, Close is emphatic about the importance of process over outcome — or journey over destination — and leaning into the beauty of the grind.Read more: ‘I want to have fun with it.’ Katelyn Ohashi chasing joyful L.A. Olympic dream at 29“We get to walk out and live out what we learn from the championship run,” Close said. “But we’re also not trying to repeat a championship outcome. We’re trying to repeat a championship process. And success leaves clues. There are things that we want to make sure we carry over from what we learn.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“But this is a new art project. This is a new identity. This is a new chance. The standards don’t change, but the way we go about it is going to be unique to this team, and that’s really fun to explore.”UCLA coach Cori Close speaks during a news conference on April 4. (Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)Part of the “championship process” Bruins fans can expect to hear about is the “98%.”Close repeated it. Players repeated it. It’s a mentality Close wants the Bruins to keep in mind throughout the season.“What I mean by that is 98% of the game is played without the ball,” Close explained. “Can you become a better screener? Can you learn someone else’s tendencies? Can you talk more on defense? Can you become a better rebounder? How many ways can we learn from each other and be better ‘98%’ players? And if we do that, we’ll be on our way.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPossessing the ball — the two percent — does matter. But players who can thrive without the ball will establish a team that, in Close’s eyes, is one that can be difficult to beat.UCLA forward Sienna Betts, left, speaks to her older sister, UCLA center Lauren Betts before a game in December. (Caroline Brehman / Associated Press)Sienna Betts, the younger sister of UCLA icon and Washington Mystics rookie Lauren Betts, is set to have a key role this season, especially as a returning sophomore on a team with many new players.“It’s going to be different,” Sienna said, referencing the Bruins losing six players to the WNBA. “But I mean, I’m excited. And it’s not the first time I’ve been in a position like this; I mean, not at this level, obviously. So, I’m just excited to be in this new role. And I have coaches who are here to help me.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I’m just planning on doing whatever coach Cori needs fr