Florida

Why They’ll Win

Sometimes, the best team just wins. Florida, at least since the beginning of 2025, has been one of the best teams in the country. They’ve been in the upper tier of championship caliber programs all year. And in a loaded SEC, it was Florida who finished on top, capturing the conference tournament crown. They’ve won ten in a row, including defeating last year’s champs UConn—a team with a ton of postseason resolve. Walter Clayton Jr. leads a Gators backcourt that can really shoot it. He’s proven that he can carry the responsibility of the team for stretches, even as the Gators are trying to mount comebacks after not playing their best. That matters in games where nerves are heightened and not everyone on the floor is an NBA-level player. Florida has a player who can rise above and deliver in the clutch, and the Tournament is made for heroes like Clayton Jr. to ascend to legendary status.

Why They Won’t

Florida’s ugliest loss of the season was a 64-44 drubbing at Tennessee. In that game, the Gators shot an abysmal 24.5% from the field—with much credit to the Volunteer defense, obviously. That game is likely more aberration than characteristic, but no team is impervious to bad shooting. They only played Saturday’s opponent Auburn once before this season, but that familiarity still accounts for something. The Tigers were also one of the best teams all year, so the game will come down to who performs better with higher expectations on the line. If Clayton Jr., Will Richard and the like struggle from distance, Florida’s title run could end before Monday night. 

Duke

Why They’ll Win

Having the best pro prospect in the Tournament isn’t necessarily a guarantee to be playing for the title. While, for example, newly cemented first ballot Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony led Syracuse to the title in 2003 and Derrick Rose and Memphis did lose to Kansas in the 2008 Championship game, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant did not make it to the Final Four in 2007 and John Wall didn’t in 2009, despite having other pro players on their collegiate teams. It is difficult to carry a team to a title in college offensively, specifically because of the way zone defenses and coaches’ schemes can secretly limit the number of shots a star can get in a 40-minute game. But that does not mean one player cannot be impactful. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is that player. As the potential number one pick in this June’s NBA Draft, Flagg is certainly at the top end of the talent pool in college. Having him gives head coach Jon Scheyer’s crew an advantage in San Antonio. Flagg is every bit as good as advertised, with wing versatility in a 6’9” athletic frame. The depth of young talent Dune has, including Tyrese Proctor and fellow freshman lottery prospect Kon Knueppel, the Blue Devils can definitely beat any of these teams to cut down the nets. They’ve proven it by beating Auburn 84-78 back on December 4^th.

Why They Won’t

Youth comes with a lot of perks. Youth brings an abundance of energy, a feeling of time on one’s hands, fewer moments of needing to stretch for hours before doing simple tasks. Youth is life. But youth rarely combines with experience and wisdom in a way that you can use it. Experience is a thing that can be gained after one needs it the most. Duke does not have much, college basketball experience on its roster, tournament experience. Going against other teams who both have more studied players and coaches could cost them in the intricate moments in close games. Could Duke overwhelm with their sheer talent and win both games by 20 and that lack of experience not matter? Sure. But these teams are all number one seeds—they’re the best of the best this year. It will be absolutely pertinent for the Blue Devils’ guards in particular to keep their composure this weekend.

Auburn 

Why They’ll Win

There are experienced teams like Houston, and then there is the Auburn Tigers starting lineup. Everyone in is a senior, including 25-year-old Chad Baker-Mazara, who’s as steady a forward there is in the country. That experience definitely allows for the Tigers to just be comfortable playing in big collegiate games. Aside from being good and talented, headed by National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, they are much more mature on the floor than their collegiate counterparts. Evidenced by their comeback victory against March Madness staple Tom Izzo and Michigan State, being down early does not faze the Tigers. Even with Broome suffering an arm injury, the Tigers were able to overcome the Spartans to earn a trip to San Antonio—aided by Broome returning and having 25 points and 14 rebounds in that game. Freshman sixth man guard Tahaad Pettiford provides that youthful exuberance needed to change the energy in some games, but it will be the maturation of the starting five that will carry Auburn to the title, if they win it.

Why They Won’t

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is one of the more charismatic figures in college basketball. During a time where more and more players and coaches seem to be less willing to be themselves, Pearl had never stayed from that going back to his Cinderella-leading days at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Now at Auburn, Paul has a chance to capture that elusive title. But having a team with valid championship aspirations means there are outside championship expectations. This leads to the pressure of winning, and Pearl’s teams have fallen short of those expectations in previous years. Just last year, Pearl’s Tigers won the SEC Tournament only to lose to Yale in the first round. Pearl was the coach at Tennessee in the 2007-08 season where the Vols won 31 games and lost in the Sweet Sixteen as a #2 seed. Pearl had to get over the proverbial hump one of these years. Unfortunately, a disappointing end to the regular season and other teams, including his conference tournament on Saturday, being as good as Auburn could thwart him from finally cutting down the nets.

Houston

Why They’ll Win 

There are some teams you just don’t want to face. Depending on the team, that reason to avoid them could be because of a unique style of play difficult to prepare for. Houston is that team, but not necessarily because their offensive identity is so rare that teams have to play different coverage to stop you. Simply put, Houston looks to beat teams up, imposing a physical and legal brand of basketball that tests the willpower of its adversaries. The Cougars hold teams to just 38.3 percent shooting, force over 13 turnovers with 7 steals a game, and out-rebound their opponents 40 to 36—all without a player taller than 6’8” on their roster. To call some of their, let’s say defense-oriented games rock fights would be offensive to rocks. Not only that, Houston brings catapults and boulders to these rock fights, overwhelming teams with the weight of their physicality. These other trans better be in both mental and physical shape to go 40 minutes with the Cougars. Sometimes, toughness in sports carries an embellishment with it, as everyone competing has to have some measure of it to even be here. Houston’s toughness is tangible and would be the driving force behind head coach Kelvin Sampson’s team being crowned champions. 

Why They Won’t

Putting the ball in the basket can be a struggle at times for Houston. Of the four remaining squads, Houston averages the fewest amount of points per game. The other three teams are over 80 a night while Houston averages less than 75 points. While that may not seem like a huge difference, it is in a 40-minute game where there just aren’t as many possessions. This means the Cougars will either have to shoot well or turn the game into a slog and hope the other team is more off from the field than they are. It’s not impossible, as it’s their form and nature to play those kinds of games. But consecutive misses and multiple scoring drought can add to the fatigue on defense. With each basket carrying more weight than just points on the scoreboard, a lot of responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of leading scorer L.J. Cryer to make sure quality buckets are taken. He and his backcourt mates are certainly up to the task, but said task is still a formidable. But it’s the final weekend in college basketball. It’s supposed to be difficult. 

That’s it from me. May this weekend’s games be legendary and entertaining and good luck to all teams involved. I’ll catch you next time!

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Texas

Why They’ll Win 

Defense, defense, defense. The Longhorns’ road to the championship starts on the end where their team does not have the basketball. Texas puts incredible pressure on their opponents’ guards, especially in inbound situations. Against TCU, Texas employed a, “three-on-two” method in which three defenders—led by senior guard Rori Harmon—defended the two closest TCU players to the inbounding player. This led to at least three five-second violations and a host of frantic turnovers and forced Big 12 Player of the Year Hailey Van Lith to have to expend more energy to bring the ball across halfcourt. And with a subpar performance from Sedona Prince, the Horned Frogs were leaned on and unable to ever truly threaten Texas in the second half. If Texas plays like that, along with Madison Booker living up to her All-American, Conference-Player-of-the-Year-in-two-separate-conferences ability, the Longhorns could very well cut down the nets. Head coach Vic Shaeffer will have his team prepared, and they will be formidable for South Carolina and possibly beyond.

Why They Won’t

 No matter how well a team plays defense, the name of the game of basketball is to score points. Texas will not shut out any opponent for 40 minutes, and the Longhorns themselves struggle to be dynamic on offense. Part of this is by design, as they lead the nation in two-point field goals. But part of those twos are out of necessity, as they just don’t have a lot of shooting. South Carolina can match Texas defensively, and has the added benefit of having beaten Texas twice earlier in the year. A fourth matchup means there won’t be anything new either team can surprise the other with, and in games like that, shot-making is mandatory. Booker is an incredible closer to be so young, but that does not dismiss the fact Texas is better equipped to wear teams down on defense than keep up scoring with them. Both teams on the other side of the bracket can get points up without becoming defensive sieves. Texas will have its hands full, for sure.

South Carolina 

Why They’ll Win

There is something to be said about championship experience and poise. While it is impossible to quantify in any tangible way, there is proof that prior experience in a situation improves one’s response to similar situations in the future. South Carolina is the most Tournament-tested team left, by far. And whether you believe they’re playing with fire facing second-half deficits in three consecutive games or that just cements how much valor the Gamecocks have in the face of basketball danger, South Carolina knows how to play in pressurized games—and their coach Dawn Staley has the patience of an entire convent. If South Carolina were to lose for the first time in the Tournament since 2023, it will not be because the moment is too big for coach nor team. That’s a big advantage, as nerves are natural to heighten this weekend. 

South Carolina’s guards are also not going to cost their team the game. Sometimes, especially in college postseason play, guards have a tendency to let their egos guide their decision making. This can lead to them playing outside themselves and costing their teams on both offense and defense. South Carolina does not have that issue with the likes of Te-Hina Paopao, Raven Johnson and Bree Hall. Even sensational sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley has yet to know defeat in the Tournament, and she brought South Carolina back in the Sweet Sixteen game against Maryland with her speed and quickness. No team will be able to make South Carolina quit with an early deficit.

Why They Won’t

As much as South Carolina is as balanced as sturdy an operation on the floor, there isn’t much that’s dynamic about them. Sure, not having that phenomenal fulcrum in the post like Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso has stunted the kind of offensive mismatches the Gamecocks are used to having. But even with them there, the guards were not asked to be explosive on offense. Sometimes, a team needs a different spark that isn’t as buttoned-up. That can be Fulwiley and freshman Joyce Edwards, who is First-Team All-SEC this year, but no one on the team—by design—can consistently call themselves South Carolina’s go-to person on offense. That can result in some confusion when it’s time to go get a bucket. Again, Texas has seen them three other times this season, so it may just come down to individual ability during clutch time. South Carolina won’t be rattled, but not having a hero when the world needs saving may spell doom for the crew from Columbia and keep them from a second-straight title.

UConn 

Why They’ll Win

They have the best player left in the Tournament. They also have a coach whose won eleven championships. Even including the fact Huskies coach Geno Auriemma is closing in on a decade without a title, the last time he won one, he won four in a row. I do not think he has forgotten what is like to capture a title, and Paige Bueckers is the top pro prospect in the women’s game. Add senior Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong, and the talent is there to carry UConn to the title. 

The Huskies’ offense is the most explosive from the perimeter left in the Tournament. Four players in the team have made at least 50 threes this season, and they shoot over 38 percent from distance as a team. South Carolina experienced how hot UConn can get in their matchup, in which UConn won 87-58 back in February. Teams must be very wary that at any moment, Paige and the Huskies can go on a run their opponents can’t match. And that run will not feel like an outlet for them. 

Why They Won’t

Talent has never been an issue for the Huskies. Since Auriemma has been at the helm, the list of collegiate and pro legends to come through Storrs, Connecticut, is near-infinite (I’m writing for one’s publications, right now). Even looking at the roster and coach, it is very difficult to find a legitimate reason Connecticut won’t win the championship. However, UConn is not infallible. They have lost three games, and maybe the deterrent to the Huskies’ trophy run lies in those losses. In two of the three defeats, UConn did not make their threes. That’s a very simple formula for losing—it’s difficult to win when you don’t make shots. It could just be that simple, as any team can have an off night. Trusting so much in a shot made less than two-fifths of the time, while really good comparatively, still means you miss more than you make. The law of averages operates in, “as above, so below,” which means UConn can possibly perform better than their 38 percent average and they can perform worse. Just ask Tennessee, a team that both beat UConn and did not make it past the Sweet Sixteen shooting threes at a high clip. UConn doesn’t totally commit to the long ball like the Vols, but jump shooting is still a big part of their philosophy. If enough shots don’t go through the net, the Huskies could be denied from cutting down the nets.

UCLA

Why They’ll Win

Lauren Betts also has claim to arguably be the best player left in the Tournament, if not the best player so season. This claim is not solely about her being 6’7”. Her skill level is super high, with incredible agility, footwork, and instructional tape worthy sealing in the post. The junior plays 30 minutes a game, and I’m sure that number would be higher if UCLA didn’t have as many lopsided victories as they do. Betts is both in shape and foul-avoidant. In the game against LSU, Betts picked up two personal fouls in the first quarter for the first time in her career. So this means that teams will have to content with Betts for most of the game on both ends of the floor, and there won’t be many moments without her presence in the game. Of course, UCLA has so much talent that even without Betts playing in the second quarter of that LSU game, the team extended their lead going into the half. She’s not all the Bruins have, but she is certainly a joker the other teams just do not carry in their decks. If Lauren Betts can impose her will on Friday and potentially Sunday, the UCLA women’s team can very easily be this year’s champs.

Also, to make another simple point, UCLA has only lost two games this season. Those two games were to chief rival USC, and they avenged that loss to capture the PAC-12, uh, Big Ten conference tournament championship. The Trojans are no longer in the bracket, meaning no team can feel too confident in believing UCLA is vulnerable. In November, the Bruins handily beat the Gamecocks 77-62, and the game wasn’t that close. They did not play Texas or UConn but it can be argued that UCLA has been better then those teams all year even if they were behind them in rankings during parts of the season. UCLA is really good, and there are times when the best team simply wins. That was the case for South Carolina last year. Maybe it could be the case for UCLA this year.

Why They Won’t

Unlike the men’s program, UCLA’s women’s basketball team has yet to win the NCAA Basketball Championship. Until this season, they had not reached the Final Four before. And like I explained with South Carolina, experience matters in highly-pressurized competitions. Some people are adept at performing well through nerves, but that doesn’t make them impervious to nervousness. This goes for player and coach, as Bruins head coach Cori Close had never reached the Final weekend, either. Close has been there since 2011, and this is her first and only head coaching gig. She’s been remarkable in Westwood upon arrival, winning nearly 70 percent of her games. Of course, the addition of Betts, guards Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez bolstered the program to further national prominence, but she is a very good coach and floor-raiser of her team. That said, UCLA was good enough to win it last year, and their guards and lack of feeding Betts factors in to their loss to LSU in the Sweet Sixteen a season ago. I mentioned guards and ego earlier. Another way that ego can manifest is in seemingly taking matchups personally and wanting so badly to show up the direct opponent in front of them. I do not know these players, so I cannot speak for their feelings. But last year against LSU, foregoing giving Betts the ball severely limited their chance to win. Credit to Kim Mulkey and the Tigers for defensive execution. However, to go back to the spades analogy, not feeding Betts is similar to keeping your aces for later in the hands—it’s too late to use them and now they aren’t as impactful. UCLA must avoid the trap of trying to go perimeter shot for perimeter shot, especially with UConn, and especially if UConn goes on a quick burst of scoring from deep. The temptation to be a hero is real during the Tournament, and UCLA must let the cape find them and not have players trying to put one on that’s too big for them. So that’s the Women’s NCAA Final Four Preview. Catch the games starting Friday at 7 p.m. Eastern on ESPN and continuing Sunday, April 6^th on the same network. Catch y’all next time!

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What We Know

The #1 Seeds: Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida are atop the bracket, with the Tigers nabbing the top overall seed. All four are the top four odds-on favorites to win the title, but championships aren’t won on sportsbook apps. 

The Field

Record conference dominance. Conference realignment has shifted the makeup of college sports all across the board. One of the main ways it has affected college basketball is in the fact there are more cross-country matchups within conferences. Another is that the bigger conferences have a chance to have more teams in the field than ever before. One year in to this new alignment and the SEC is already reaping benefits. The conference has a record 14 teams in the field, with Auburn and Florida headlining as #1 seeds

No 3-peat? UConn has won the previous two championships, the first team since 2006-07 Florida. But comparatively, they’ve had a disc season. Of course, losing four players, including two freshmen, to turning pro leaves some semblance of a void in talent. Yet UConn still managed to make the field as an #8 seed. They have a potential second round date with—oddly enough—with Florida, and Huskies head coach Dan Hurley certainly believes his team can pull off the upset. We will see just how close icon can come to winning a third-straight title.

Underappreciated Players To Watch 

Derik Queen, Maryland. Queen is a post player with a bevy of skills. To only be a teenager, his footwork (I day “feetwork” like Shaq) is polished both close to and away from the basket. Queen is averaging nearly 17 points a game with 9 rebounds. Maryland could see Memphis in the second round, and possibly either UConn or Florida to start the Sweet Sixteen.

D.J. Wagner, Arkansas. If you are a basketball fan of a certain age, you will recognize the name and face of D.J. Wagner. Son of former Memphis Tiger and former #4 overall pick Dajuan Wagner—who was also coached there by John Calipari—Wagner followed the coach from Kentucky to Arkansas for his sophomore season. The 6’4” guard has all the markings of a future pro and could be a tough matchup for 7-seeded Kansas to open the round of 64. The Razorbacks could be one of the double-digit seeds to win a game this year. 

Kam Jones, Marquette. Marquette seems to always keep quality upperclassmen guards. From Dwyane Wade to Jimmy Butler, there have been players in the backcourt that oka6y sound, impactful basketball. Kam Jones fits that mold. The 6’5” senior leads the Golden Eagles with 19.3 points per game on 48% shooting. He also dishes out 6 assists a game with a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Jones will take care of the ball and apply pressure as a scorer, and could be a tough matchup for New Mexico in the first round and potentially Michigan State afterward. It would be interesting to see the senior Jones against the freshman Jase Richardson as two talented guards on opposite portions of their collegiate journeys.

“Predictions”

The Men’s Tournament is a little more unpredictable than the women’s bracket, but the trends are generally similar. The upsets happen in the first weekend, but eventually, the higher seeds win out and the bracket leans closer to chalk when we reach the second and third weekend. In the lone bracket I filled out, I picked the Houston Cougars to win it all. Senior experience, tenacity and heady guard play will push Kelvin Sampson’s team to cut down the nets this year. 

No matter what happens over the next three weeks, here’s to an exciting Tournament filled with dreams, intrigue and all the Madness of March.

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The NWSL was first established in 2013, with eight charter teams. The first championship was won by the Portland Thorns FC with the New York Flag winning the NWSL shield due to then playing in their fourth league in four years. A dozen years later, the NWSL has 15 teams now, with the Orlando Pride winning last year’s championship. 

The league has expanded to the point where regular season matches can be seen in multiple ways. Games will air on Amazon Prime, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+, CBS and CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, ION and NWSL+. Roku just announced an NWSL Zone, exclusive to Roku Sports. The Zone will showcase live and upcoming games, popular programming and more for the league. “With the popularity of women’s sports soaring, we’re focusing on amplifying the talent that makes it all happen,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports at Roku. “Curating a dedicated zone for the NWSL is another step in our mission to champion female athletes, their record-breaking achievements, and their inspiring stories.”

The Orlando Pride will be in the first game of the season, with Championship MVP Barbra Banda leading Orlando alongside Brazilian soccer legend Marta against Chicago Stars FC. Last year’s runner-up, the Washington Spirit, will play in the other opening night match against the Houston Dash.  Trinity Rodman, Olympian and USWNT member, plays for the Spirit and returns as the team’s leading goal-scorer. 

As I previously stated, the NWSL has grown exponentially as part of the overall growth in interest and support of women’s sports. The league has an assortment of major partners. These entities include Nationwide, CarMax, Nike, Adobe, Ally, EA Sports, Amazon, Google Pixel, Bobbie and Deloitte. The league has also partnered with e.l.f Cosmetics on a multi-year deal as The NWSL’s official makeup and skin care partner. Kory Marchisotto, Chief Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Beauty, said, “Soccer’s global momentum is unstoppable. In the U.S. specifically, soccer attracts the youngest, most inclusive and diverse fanbase, with 54% under age 45 and 40% fans of color. By breaking barriers and connecting communities with the NWSL, e.l.f. furthers its mission to democratize access for every eye, lip and face. We help level the playing field so everyone wins.”

Before the regular season begins, the NWSL had a Challenge Cup that saw last year’s championship opponents, Orlando and Washington, square off again. This time, it was the Washington Spirit coming away with the penalty shootout victory after an Orlando goal late in regulation was ruled offside. Washington’s Aubrey Kingsbury came away with Challenge Cup MVP honors for scoring during the shootout. The spirit were able to win that Cup without Rodman in the lineup, signifying their depth of talent.

With a new slate, all 15 teams will be looking to vie for the 2025 NWSL championship. Players have changed teams and the shuffle of ever-growing talent can only hope to produce better on-field play. Over the next seven-and a-half-months, everyone will be in pursuit of teaching the top of the NWSL mountain. It should be a bun and thrilling journey, and I hope even more people tune in. 

That’s it for me. Catch y’all next time.

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Normally, I pick a couple general topics or happenings around basketball and give a little additional perspective that’s hopefully different and insightful. Today’s post rightfully focuses on one person. Let’s talk about Diana Taurasi.

For nearly 25 years, Diana Taurasi has been a staple in the landscape of women’s basketball. One of her first landmark moments in hoop came in college. However, as much as she won in her life, it is with a loss where this moment occurs. In her freshman year at UConn, Taurasi and the Huskies lost in the 2001 Final Four to Notre Dame. She vowed that UConn, “would never lose another Tournament game while I’m wearing this uniform.” Three straight National Championships later, Taurasi backed up her claim and demonstrated that she is determined to do what she wants to do.

UConn women’s head coach Geno Auriemma once proudly proclaimed that, “We have Diana and you don’t.” I’d like to think alongside that, Taurasi’s core principle is something similar:

“I’m Diana and you’re not.”

I don’t mean this is such a way that it frames Taurasi as haughty or so self-absorbed—nothing along those lines. Yet I do mean that fully-honed and cemented, partially-irrational confidence that comes with the growth of the immensely talented into the great. In my research of the concept of greatness, talent, desire and commitment are three key components the person must have to even attempt to pursue greatness. They work as a triumvirate of complete harmony, balancing and supporting each other should the person begin to doubt. For example, I commit to being a great writer because I have a desire to do so, even if I may sometimes doubt my talent. The development of desire, commitment and talent leads to what most superstar athletes have: a whole lot of confidence. Taurasi has never been short of confidence. But that’s because she is one of basketball’s most dedicated stewards. She never cheated the game.

From the time she was selected first overall in 2004 until her announcing retirement recently, Taurasi has accomplished so much. It’s almost better fitting that she has only one WNBA MVP that stands lonesome in her trophy case. Three WNBA championships, 14 first and second team All-WNBA selections, 5 scoring titles and making the 15th, 20th and 25th Anniversary teams only scratch the surface of her resulting impact over 20 professional seasons. This does not include her work overseas and the multitudes of winning she’s done there.

One of my favorite things about basketball is that a player’s personality shows up in their game, giving it its uniqueness. No two players shoot alike, choose to attach off the dribble alike, regardless of mimicry and study. There is no one that plays like Diana Taurasi. Again, she’s Diana and you’re not. She plays like she knows that, with her long-distance shooting, gamesmanship with trash talk and brash desire to win. It’s appropriate that she spent her entire W career with the Mercury: she plays with a fire that only someone close to the Sun can have, and that allowed her to ascend to celestial greatness.

As popular as the “G.O.A.T.” conversation is these days, it’s still a subjective matter that is based on feelings and an amalgamation of how an athlete’s feats and accomplishments make people feel. The certainly lies in the fact that Diana Taurasi is so uniquely great that it is a must that we acknowledge that uniqueness. Even in retirement, she did what she wanted to do—be interviewed, announce it and that’s it. Yes, she addressed the crowd after her final home game while it was not clear to us if she was done with basketball. But that’s the thing: if she had an interview with Time, then she had already made up her mind for some time that she was retiring. Just like her game on the court, she kept us guessing until it was time for her to reveal her already thought-out plan to leave the game as a player.

Diana Taurasi is timeless. She is a living legend worthy of celebration and worthy of her being able to rest and join us as we watch where the game of basketball goes from here. Thank you, DT, for being who you are. Basketball is thankful because we have Diana and other sports do not.

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Young has been a sublime scorer and shooter even going back to college. In his one season at the University of Oklahoma, he led the nation in scoring and assists—the first player ever to do so. But to carry that level of production into the NBA as one of the league’s smaller players—he’s listed at 6’0”—is remarkable in itself. Factor in that Young is a three-time All-Star and he truly is, in a foundational sense, really good at basketball.

If there is one area that Young and the Hawks would need to improve is more postseason success. Atlanta has reached the Eastern Conference Finals once in Young’s seven seasons, and have lost three times in the first round. Of course, failure or success is not solely dependent on one player. But Young is the face of the franchise, so he does carry some measure of responsibility to lift the team to be better.

That’s one of the factors of growth in a star player. It’s very easy to forget both how young these players are and simultaneously seeing how quickly these careers matriculate. Yes, we know how long the giants like LeBron, Steph and KD have been in the league. But those other players are creeping up there as well. Even with being in the NBA for seven seasons, he’s only 26. For perspective, Michael Jordan did not win a title until he was 28, and LeBron was 27. But even with that perspective, Young’s talent can be argued should elevate the Harms to more consistent second round appearance, at least.

Even with Young being a bit of an antihero—and a downright archnemesis to Knicks fans—his maturation is evident. There is far less on-court irritation, particularly with referees. And while he remains productive on offense, he has allowed other players to blossom, like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. He’s still “Ice Trae,” doing his signature shivering celebration after a big shot and mimicking shooting dice on the Knicks logo. But his growth is in his he plays the game. And the Atlanta Hawks have benefitted from it. Hopefully it will turn into more playoff success, but it will not be because Young hasn’t matured as a player and leader.

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Congratulations to the New York Liberty got winning their first championship in franchise history. One of the original teams that are still around finally has a title in its trophy case. Center Jonquel Jones was named Finals MVP and the Liberty defeated and incredibly tough and competitive Minnesota Lynx team in five closely-contested games. The atmosphere in the Barclays Center was beyond electric. It was fitting for the kind of year that W had. Not to mention the edition of Ellie the Elephant, the wonderful mascot of the New York Liberty, who was one of the brightest spots in the W.

From stellar rookies, record-setting attendance and individual statistical campaigns to competitive games and drama in the final days of the regular and postseasons, the 28th WNBA season was worth all the attention it garnered and then some. The product will be even better with the addition of more teams in the next couple years along with the continual edification of the league as a whole and its stars and their personal shine. There is room for so much more to grow if we continue to genuinely support women and women’s sports. It’s been time for us to catch up. Let’s see what happens in 2025.

Till Take!
The NBA season is set to begin and while I do not do predictions because they are sure to go wrong, I do believe the Association is poised to have a memorable season itself. To me, the NBA is better when its historically core franchises—the Knicks, the Celtics and the Lakers—are all relevant and at least good teams. This is the case this year, as well as last year’s contenders either improved or are still very good. There will be some teams that surprise and play better than expected, and that means there will be contenders who struggle more than we thought. From now until April, there is a lot to figure out and I can’t wait to watch it all unfold. Let’s enjoy the journey together.

That’s it for this recap. See you next time!

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This post will be mostly dedicated to two-time MVP and consensus best player in the W, A’ja Wilson. Now, those who faithfully watch the W will already know all the superlatives that come with the way A’ja plays. So this won’t be a running just of her baby, baby achievements and abilities. Instead this is a perspective based around three broader view of 2024—which starts with the end of the 2023 season. 

For most, A’ja at the very least was a runner-up for the 2023 regular season MVP. Instead, she finished third in voting—with one infamous fourth-place vote—keeping get from winning her third MVP award. Rather than allow that slight to send her game into a rut, A’ja led the Aces to their second-straight championship. Then, she adds on with this season by having a record-breaking scoring season while maintaining her elite defensive play. She has scored the most points in a single WNBA season with still a handful of games to go. I didn’t even mention her being the Most Outstanding Player is the Summer Olympics and a big reason why Team USA won their eighth straight gold medal.

One of the things I about people who push for greatness, especially professional athletes, is the ability to mentally lock in and unlock a higher level of ability, productivity and focus—and everyone can see it. There is no denying that A’ja Wilson has elevated her play even beyond being the MVP she’s already been. There’s something admirable about not letting negativity hinder anything about ones progress towards their own desires. Everyone wants to be better at whatever it is they pursue. But it is natural for negativity to make us stumble and falter along the way. For A’ja to all but guarantee her third MVP when it’s very easy to lament the fact it is not her fourth, is commendable and a lesson in maintaining focus and intention with a purpose. Her 2024 has been wonderful to witness. 

Till Takes as the season winds down! 

• Another single season record fell recently as Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks is the new leader in rebounds for the franchise. Hamby surpassed Hall of Famer and living legend Lisa Leslie in a game against the Seattle Storm.
• I do not know who will win the WNBA championship this year. There are more contenders than the have been in recent years. But what I do know is that the Minnesota Lynx will be a tough out during the playoffs. They have the W’s best defense and okay with crisp ball movement and spacing. Led by Olympian Napheesa Collier and veteran Courtney Williams, they are a formidable team and will make any series long and arduous.
• I’d be remiss if I don’t acknowledge the passing of music legend Frankie Beverly. The title of this post is a song by him and the band Maze, and I felt it appropriate to use given the main subject matter of it. I’ve if the best and most profound lines in song is at the begging of the record, “Happy Feelin’s”: “I’ve got myself to remind me of love.” May you all remember that, and from deep in my soul, I wish you happy feelings. 

That’s it for this WNBA Recap. As always, support Montgomery & Co. h checking out this site as well as the podcast. We’ll catch up next time.

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Overall, the Olympic Games were the spectacle we have known them to be. From an outstandingly visual opening ceremony, to all the old and new events, the two weeks in August were fantastical in every way. When it comes to hoops, both US National Basketball Teams did what was expected—win gold—even if the results were somewhat unexpected. 

Both teams defeated the host nation, France’s, teams in their respective gold medal games. And in both contests, Team USA found itself in an intense battle. In the women’s game, France held a ten point second half lead, before players like A’ja Wilson (MVP of the event) and Kahleah Copper took over in the fourth. That game came down to France’s Gabby Williams, a former WNBA player, hitting a shot with her foot on the three-point line, causing France to come up on point shy of tying the game in the final seconds.

 On the men’s side, the final two games of the knockout phase required the heroics of all-time great and first-time Olympian Steph Curry to both wow spectators and secure victories on the path to gold. In those two games, Steph hit a combined 17 threes, including one over two French defenders (with both Kevin Durant and LeBron James wide open) to seal the win. He celebrated with his signature “night night” gesture and have basketball fans something spectacular to behold and remember for a long time. This was the men’s fifth-straight gold and the women’s record eighth-straight.

International basketball is tricky for American basketball fans. On one hand, we would like for the game of basketball to extend worldwide and see just how good players from other countries are and have become. On the other, there seems to be a desire to be forever dominant in hoops that extends beyond patriotism. Meaning, if Team USA struggles to win or even lose, there is a panic that causes the country to want to assemble like the Avengers not just to win but to eradicate any notion that any other country could ever defeat America in basketball. From my personal perspective, I don’t need USA basketball to be imperialistic in its approach to international basketball. To me, it is more than okay for Team USA to not field all of its legends and try to ensure that every game is won by at least 20. We acknowledge that factually, the rest of the world has all but caught up from a talent standpoint. The past five NBA MVPs were not born in the United States. That only scratches the surface for how much depth of talent is abroad. The USA only had one First-Team All-NBA player representing. And whether or not you agree with if he should have played more in the Olympics, the fact remains that it is clear the top talent on the Association is worldwide.

 And that is a good thing, even if it means there will be fewer gold medals going forward. One thing is for sure, 2028 will be yet another incredible time for global hoops.

Post-Olympic Till Takes!

• The W returns August 15^th. So here is a reminder that the New York Liberty have the best record at 21-4, with the Connecticut Sun behind them at 18-6. Every team has 15-16 games left in the season, so the action will be intense and there will be a race to the playoffs. 
• This is the Season of A’ja. Her leading Team USA to gold is just another accomplishment in a year that surely see her accumulate more awards. 
• Speaking of Team USA, it was great to see both Brittney Griner return to the podium as well as Diana Taurasi receive her sixth gold medal, especially after Taurasi did not play in the gold medal game. The 42-year-old legend understood that she is there to help usher in the current and next wave of stars and she did not get in the way of that. As for Griner, her tumultuous time in Russia surely has such an effect on her that it was good for her to have some basketball joy.

That’s it for this recap! Let’s jump back into the W and we’ll catch up later!

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What a weekend for the W! All-Star festivities were in Phoenix this past weekend, with the Skills Competition and the Three-Point Contest on the same night. That night belonged to Atlanta’s Allisha Gray, as she won both events. The Dream’s All-Star guard defeated host favorite Sophie Cunningham of the Mercury by 2.4 seconds in the final round. Then, Gray squared off against the Liberty’s Jonquel Jones in the final round of the three-point contest. It came down to Jones’ final shot, which missed, giving Gray the win. Gray became the first player to win both competitions in the same night. This was a truly remarkable night for 2017 first-round pick and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist. 

Speaking of Olympians, night two of the W’s All-Star weekend saw the 2024 US Women’s Basketball Team take on the WNBA’s All-Star selections. This is the second time the game has gone to this format, and the results were similar to the 2021 edition. Three years ago, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale earned MVP honors as Team WNBA defeated Team USA 93-85. In this past game, Arike upped the score, netting an All-Star Game record 34 points. Team WNBA again beat Team USA 117-109. Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 30 points and 10 rebounds and remarked on a similar feeling from 2021. “It was like a little bit of a déjà vu feeling, honestly,” Stewart said.

Rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese also showed out in their first All-Star games. Clark nearly tied Sue Bird’s record of 11 assists, dishing out 10. Reese had her usual double-double. All in all, it was a great night and even greater weekend in Phoenix for the W. This is evidenced by the viewership, which continues to grow exponentially in every way. This past All-Star Game had 3.44 million viewers, surpassing the previous record by 2 million. The year of 2024 continues to be one of foundational and momentous growth for the W, and we can only be optimistic for its future. 

As for the women of Team USA, they will look to capture their eighth consecutive gold medal, and are still heavy favorites to do so. We wish all of the ladies much health and success as they head to Paris to face the best the world has to offer. As for the W as a whole, the Olympic break will be a time to rest and reset. Once the season resumes, the playoff push will be activated, and the games will get more intense. It should be a fun and competitive finish to the regular season. 

Olympic break Till Takes!

• It was great to see Cheryl Miller coach Team WNBA at the All-Star Game. She is basketball royalty and a living legend, and should always be treated as such. 
• As far as living legends go, Diana Taurasi is certainly one. She is going to her sixth Olympics and just recently, the Phoenix Mercury unveiled a new practice facility that is named after her. For twenty years, Taurasi has helped build that facility and fan base, and it honorable by the Mercury to name the practice court after her. 
• Aside from the W, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier have started a 3-on-3 women’s league called Unrivaled. They already have 10 players locked in to participate, including Reese, Ogunbowale and Kahleah Copper. This, alongside Athletes Unlimited, will provide even more domestic options for the women of the W in the off-season. 

That’s it for this recap. Catch you next time with the next update!

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