• X
• Instagram

This year's All-Star game was one to remember. With record-breaking temperatures, the WNBA brought the heat to Phoenix.

The 20th annual game drew 3.4 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched All-Star game in WNBA history. The third most viewed event ever across all networks, according to ESPN PR, viewership peaked at 4.2 million, over a 300 percent increase from last year.

This year's format was unique, marking the second year in history to debut Team WNBA vs. Team USA. While some all-star games present as a fun, dynamic, flowing experience, this year's matchup was highly competitive, as reported by several players and coaches.

"We have to be locked in, our time together is so short," said USA Olympian Breanna Stewart prior to Friday's three-point contest. "Also knowing what happened last time we had Team USA vs. the All-Stars. It didn't go our way."

With that said, Stewart's been in this position before. In 2021, Team WNBA defeated Team USA, 93-85 in which Arike Ogunbowale was crowned MVP winner with 26 points. Four years later, it's a bit of déjà vu for Stewart and company. And there's something about Ogunbowale cooking up against the USA Basketball National Olympic Team.

In front of a crowd of 16,407 attendees at the Footprint Center, Team WNBA once again defeated Team USA 117-109. After admitting that she had pulled out of the Olympics due to "politics," Ogunbowale captured her second All-Star MVP against Team USA with 34 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 10-20 field goal shooting. Although it's the All-Star game, Ogunbowale wouldn't let Team USA stop her and her squad from competing at the highest level.

"They're [Team USA] getting ready to play, and they want to win," said Ogunbowale post-game. "We're not going to get embarrassed as well. They have plays they've been practicing. We just want to come out hard, and I love competition. If I hear someone is trying to beat me, I'm going to try to beat them twice as hard."

Your 2024 WNBA All-Star MVP Arike Ogunbowale #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/WsFd7mKPsZ

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) July 21, 2024

After scoring zero first-half points, the Dallas Wings star erupted for 21 third-quarter points, including 5-7 shots from beyond the arc. In true Arike fashion, the guard sauced up several guards with highly contested shots. Ogunbowale's 34 points were the most points ever scored in an all-star game, and the guard was extremely humble prior to the big matchup. Not one guard could stop her, including Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Jewell Loyd.

In the post-game, Ogunbowale admitted that Team WNBA head coach Cheryl Miller "called her out at halftime." In front of everyone, Miller told her, "Just take a deep breath and play your game," said Ogunbowale. "I guess you guys saw what happened."

Under coach Miller, Nneka Ogwumike (14 points), Angel Reese (12 points), Allisha Gray (16 points), and Kelsey Mitchell (13 points) all contributed points in double figures. For Chicago Sky's Reese, she became the first rookie in WNBA history to tally a double-double, which included 11 boards. Able to snag rebounds over Brittney Griner and Alyssa Thomas, Reese continues to show why she's the WNBA leader in offensive boards.

Although Reese and Clark are known for being opponents on the court, a definitive moment gave fans a chilling glimpse of the level of talent these two players produce. Able to split the defense, Clark unselfishly found Reese in the paint with the dime bounce. Having only finished with four points, Clark tallied 10 assists, a rookie WNBA All-Star record. This comes a week after Clark became the single-game assist leader with 19 against the Wings.

Aside from calling Ogunbowale the best "one-on-one player in the league," Clark, without question, opted to remain on the bench while Arike continued her dominance. Although ready for a break, Clark seemingly enjoyed her first WNBA All-Star experience.

"I had a lot of fun just playing, enjoying the atmosphere, talking with people courtside," said

For Team USA, Breanna Stewart and showcased their dominance, scoring a combined 53 points. With Stewart leading the way with 31 points and 10 rebounds, Diana Taurasi tallied 14 points, including a game-starting trey for the hometown fans. With 37 points off the bench, Griner was the only other player to contribute points in double figures.

Heading into the Olympics, Stewart was quick to point out a lack of defense from Team USA. Committing 14 costly turnovers, the Olympic team once found themselves down by a 20-point deficit.

"Understanding that we just gave up 117 points is kind of crazy," said Stewart post-game. "We don't want to peak too soon, and we know we can improve on a lot. I speak for A'ja [Wilson] here. We're excited to get to London and really focus on this team and what our ultimate goal is."

Overall, the experience was jovial and eventful. With the popularity of WNBA live, the weekend festivities drew in several celebrities, including Aubrey Plaza, Pitbull, Sheryl Swoops, Shannon Sharpe, and others.

Following one of the most exciting WNBA All-Star weekends, Team USA will play Japan this afternoon, beginning at 3 p.m. EST. Starting Aug 1, the Women's National Team will suit up against Belgium, and Germany on Aug 4. The USA Women's National Team is seeking their eighth straight gold medal.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She focuses on Women's Basketball, both college and the WNBA, and currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area. SJ received her undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Connecticut, with a minor in business administration.

The post 2024 WNBA All-Star game shatters viewership records appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Allisha Gray, of the Atlanta Dream made history Friday night, crowned winner of the WNBA 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at WNBA All-Star weekend.

PHOENIX- Prior to the WNBA events on Friday night, Allisha Gray continuously had the media in hysterics. She's made it clear she's visiting Disney World during Olympic Break. And when asked about the all-star game MVP, Gray responded, "I'm just here to have fun." In true Gray fashion, the guard remained humble as always. A woman of few words, little did the world know what she was about to accomplish.

Friday night at Footprint Center, Gray finished the evening a few bucks richer—well, $115,150, to be exact. For the first time in WNBA history, the 6-foot Atlanta Dream guard was crowned the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge winner. Gray joins Becky Hammon and Sabrina Ionescu as the only current and former players to win both contests throughout their careers.

Allisha Gray took home more than 62 percent of her salary

On the historic night, Gray donned nothing but smiles. Days before All-Star weekend, WNBA Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike announced that Aflac would supplement with a $55,000 bonus to the three-point contest and skills challenge winner. Indeed, a fantastic way to support women's basketball, Gray took home nearly 62 percent of her pay. She makes an annual salary of $185,000 and signed an extension with the Dream in 2023.

After the monumental performances, Gray told ESPN's Holly Rowe she may start a business with the extra earnings. "Now that I think about it, had a good nap. Maybe I'll go on a little golfing spree, shopping spree," said Gray.

As part of the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Gray earned a total of $5,150 from both events. As women's basketball evolves and grows, companies must continue to invest to increase the prize pool in future events.

Aflac made $110,000 in contributions to the winner of both events

Contributions from Aflac are a testament to the growth and direction of women's basketball, especially with the record-breaking viewership the league has seen just halfway through the season. Although the players were unaware of the contributions heading into the events, Ogwumike expressed her excitement and hope for future investors.

"I love that Aflac came in and stepped forward and really displayed their investment," said Ogwumike Friday afternoon. "They stepped in, and I think that's what's most important. We are in a very transformational and pivotal moment in women's sports, and I'm just really grateful to be actively experiencing it."

After all, the former Gamecock guard's Instagram handle is graytness_15. An avid gamer, her twitch name is the same. So how can you count out a player with "graytness" in their name?

Allisha Gray edged out Jonquel Jones 22-21 to win the 3-Point Contest

Phoenix Mercury's Sophie Cunningham, Brittney Griner, and Connecticut Sun's Mabrey Mabrina participated in the skills challenge. However, due to a global outage, Erica Wheeler could not participate (flight was cancelled), so Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell stepped in. Not only did Gray take home the victory, but she also defeated two hometown favorites, Cunningham and Griner. Competitively, the skills challenge is a timed event used to showcase passing, shooting, and dribbling skills.

For the three-point contest, Gray competed with five total candidates— Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty), Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun), and Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx). Gray finished with 23 points, in which she sunk a deep Starry ball on the left hash. Jonquel Jones tallied 25, pushing herself into the final round against Gray.

Allisha Gray kicks off the 3-point contest with 23 points, including a deep starry shot!#WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/Yd73jzlhxT

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) July 20, 2024

The final round was as exhilarating as anyone could've expected. Although both were slightly cold from beyond the arc, Jonquel Jones had an opportunity to claim victory, except she fell one ball short. With seconds to go, Jones missed the final shot, which excited Gray to the fullest. At 22-21, it was at that moment Gray was declared the winner of the 2024 WNBA 3-Point Challenge.

Admitting she was "nervous" competing against Jones, Gray had her biggest supporters on the sideline. Notorious for sporting goggles during games, the Dream guard admitted they aren't for vision. However, best friend A'ja Wilson was seen hilariously donning the same goggles courtside. In addition, Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery was seen cheering her on all night.

Gray jokes dinner is on her, as long as her team plans it

Post-event, Gray comedically told the media she's still a "cheap person." However, in light of her earnings, the next dinner is on her.

"I got them, dinner on me," said Gray. "They just gotta let me know early... because I'm still a very cheap person. For my team, yeah, they have to plan it, I'll just pay the bill."

In her 8th WNBA season, Gray will make her second all-star selection for the second consecutive year. Although it's been a trying year for the Dream, especially with injuries, Gray remains the leading scorer for Atlanta, putting up 15.6 points per game. The 2017 Rookie of the Year, there's a possibility she could make history tonight, possibly winning the All-Star MVP.

If you're looking to watch the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, Team USA will matchup against team WNBA. Set to tip off at 8:30 EST, the event will air on ESPN.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on Women's Basketball, both college and the WNBA, and currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post WNBA All-Star: Allisha Gray makes history, wins 3-Point Contest, Skills Challenge appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Originating from SEC rival universities, A'ja Wilson and Angel Reese find themselves a top of the WNBA player rankings.

What a week it's been for Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson. Wilson, of the Las Vegas Aces, was named Western Conference player of the week. Similarly, Reese, of the Chicago Sky, was crowned the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, including games on June 27 through July 7.

Reese, the former no. 7 overall pick, averaged 16.8 points, 14 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Although the Sky finished 2-3 over a five-game span, the rookie put up a career-high 27 points on 8-13 field goal shooting against the Seattle Storm. The game prior, "Chi-Town Barbie" notched a career-high 19 boards against the Atlanta Dream. With victories over the Storm and Dream, Reese has been relentless on the glass. Although some criticize her inability to finish at the rim, she leads the league in offense boards — by a mile. She's a fighter down below, and now she's classified in the same category as the all-time greats.

Angel Reese becomes the first player in WNBA history to put up 10 consecutive double-doubles in a single season surpassing Candace Parker (9 in 2015) pic.twitter.com/6Aac5nyzgN

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) June 30, 2024

Reese has made history in multiple ways in a week filled with awkward post-game pressers and social media chatter. She totaled her 13th consecutive double-double, passing the great Candace Parker for a WNBA all-time record. Putting up such numbers close to halftime, Reese accomplished the feat by the third quarter, and against an admirable Storm team. Now halfway through the season, she finds herself deep in the Rookie of the Year conversation alongside Caitlin Clark.

With that said, Sky guard Chennedy Carter didn't hold back after a post-game presser with ION. While the Rookie of the Year award verdict is still debatable, Reese earned her first WNBA All-Star nod in her rookie season. In her increasing list of accomplishments, she becomes the first rookie to win a Player of the Week award. What's more impressive was her dominant performance against the reigning champions. It's not every day you're given the opportunity to matchup against A'ja Wilson, and Reese understood the assignment, at least offensively. In the loss against the Aces, the Sky star tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds.

"Barbie [Angel Reese] is rookie of the year, there's no other way to put it," said Carter. Named Rookie of the month in June, Reese continues to make headlines.

As for , her energy is unmatched on and off the court. The heavy favorite to win her third MVP award, the former Gamecock averaged 25.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. During the stint, she managed to become the Aces all-time leading scorer. Passing Sophia Young-Malcolm with 4,301 points, Wilson's ability to accomplish this task only in her seventh season is remarkable. This time, she's etched her name in the history books, earning player of the week for the 19th time in her career. Throughout her illustrious vocation, Wilson is now no. 7 all-time in earning the honor.

Taking the league by storm, Wilson's emotions from last year's MVP results have translated to success on the court. Averaging a double-double for the first time in her career, the Aces center is putting up 27 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.7 blocks. Putting up more than four points compared to last season, Wilson has added a lethal addition to her game--- a three-point shot. We are talking about a superstar who didn't hit her first three until 2022. The latest addition to her game could be something fierce.

A’ja Wilson scored 31 and extended her WNBA record for most consecutive 20-point regular season games (20).

Angel Reese had 18 points, 11 rebounds and tied Candace Parker’s WNBA record for most consecutive double-doubles (9).

@LVAces pic.twitter.com/Jrjffn1I5V

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) June 28, 2024

With only two deep shots in last year's finals, we've been witnessing the evolution of Wilson's pre-game three-point shots. While that's translated to the court, the Center's drawn the likes and recent attention of NBA star LeBron James and Raiders Maxx Crosby. Just last game, Wilson matched a career-high 3-4 from downtown (75 percent) against Dallas, and a masterful 31 points against the Chicago Sky. With a favorable matchup against Angel Reese, Wilson finished with 10 free throws made alone from the stripe.

From rookie to the vet, women's basketball is in great hands. We are witnessing historic seasons from both athletes, the top two rebounders in the WNBA. Earning player of the month in June and July, Wilson will look to capture her third straight award before the start of the Olympics.

A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces (13-7) will next face the Storm in Seattle on June 10. Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky(8-12) will host the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday night.

RELATED STORY

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

The post Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson named WNBA players of the week appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Reese, drafted by the Chicago Sky no. 7 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is the only rookie to average a double-double on the season.

To all the critics who doubted Angel Reese, rest assured she's meant for this league. Not only is she destined to become a star in the WNBA, she made history this afternoon. With some worried about how exactly the forward's game would translate to the professional league, today was more than enough proof that she's poised to be one of the greatest ever to grace the game. Reese continues to make headlines this afternoon with her fashion expertise, swag, and confidence. And that confidence has translated into poetry on the court.

In the Chicago Sky's camp day 83-72 victory over the Dallas Wings, Reese finished with a career-high 18 rebounds and 16 points. Accompanied by two steals, "Chi-Town Barbie" became the first rookie in WNBA history to record seven straight double-doubles. Eight of those 18 boards came on the offensive end, leading to Chicago's 48-22 dominance in the paint. Her colossal game on the rebounds came just a week after she scored a career-high 20 points against the Connecticut Sun. +17 on the floor, Reese added three assists, and shot 7-13 from the floor.

Sure, the Dallas Wings are dealing with multiple injuries however, head coach Latricia Tramell chose to display a bigger lineup today.

With Natasha Howard back in the lineup on a minutes restriction, Reese had a field day in the early matchup. And she did so against Howard, Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Morgan Bertsch, and Stephanie Soares—the third-leading team in rebounds per game (35.8). For the record, not one of those front-court players is listed below 6 foot 2. Her monumental performance was truly a testament to who Reese is, especially against a Dallas team that ranks second in the league in paint points. It's a tough task to win in the WNBA, let alone rebound over women who are 6 foot 5 and above.

Angel Reese makes WNBA history by having her seventh consecutive game with a double-double the rookie record was held by Tina Charles previously pic.twitter.com/Jy653XSBCd

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) June 20, 2024

In fact, in her post-game interview, she admitted she watched a lot of films about Dallas. Always up for the "dirty work," Reese expressed her desire to do so.

"I'll step in, I'll mess up my nails, lashes, and stuff like that, just for my teammates," said Reese in a social media post by the Chicago Sky. "I'm willing to do whatever for this team." She represents attributes every team would wish for in their franchise start, heart, grit, hustle, and so on.

She now enters into a conversation with historic athletes who paved the way for women's basketball. Some of the greats to ever step foot on the court--- Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Candace Parker, to name a few. On pace to break Fowles's season offensive rebounding record, Reese has nothing but praise for the women who were the early trailblazers in women's basketball. Third in the league in rebounds, Reese leads the entire WNBA with 68 offensive rebounds. That puts her ahead of some of most elite--- A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Alyssa Thomas.

Reminding the broadcasters she has a close relationship with Fowles, Reese doubled down on her desire to win.

"I just want to do whatever it takes to win, and rebounding is what I do to win," said Reese postgame.

With her seven-straight double-double, Reese is off to a historic rookie season, chasing Fowles for the record at just 22 years old. With 11 rebounds at the half, the Baltimore native broke previous double-double records set by Cindy Brown and Tina Charles. Averaging 12.4 points and 10.8 rebounds on the season, she's the only rookie to average double figures this season. With the unfortunate injury news to Cameron Brink, she's now set herself far apart in the rookie class.

Angel, you gotta stop. Your game too tough. Your swag too different. #skytown pic.twitter.com/dx6VoLeXlg

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 20, 2024

The Sky was previously riding a four-game skid before today, marking losses against the Dream, Sun, Mystics, and Fever. Reese and her teammates gave the younger fans something to cheer about in the first of Chicago's annual Camp Day games. Not new to the league, Camp Day allows kids to attend an WNBA game, perhaps for the first time. A glimpse at their favorite players is special on this day, as it is crucial for the exposure and excitement of women's basketball at a young age. With thousands of children in attendance, Reese was ecstatic to receive the victory when asked about her personal performance.

"Man, I'm just happy we finally won," Reese told ESPN. "I'm excited to be in this league, and win some more."

Second behind Caitlin Clark in points, Reese leads the entire rookie class in rebounds per game (10.8), charity stripe attempts and makes, field goal attempts and makes, and steals. She's certainly making her case for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.

While much chatter has surrounded other players, we can't forget Reese, a bonafide national champion and four-year star at LSU under head coach Kim Mulkey. Drafted alongside Gamecock legend Kamilla Cardoso, many wondered how the college rivals would fit in Teresa Weatherspoon's front court. While there are contentious times with the media, she continues to put up impressive numbers night in and night out.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Reese also put up a double against the Fever, Mystics, Sun, Dream, and Liberty. Out of those seven games, three of those teams are in the top five in terms of rebounding. Today, we saw relentless aggression to rebound and put back several second-chance opportunities. A consistent mid-range or outside jumper would make Reese a triple threat.

Admitting she's excited to grow on ESPN, she's a genuine candidate for rookie of the year, and keeps dominating the only way she knows how--- with winning plays.

Improved to 5-9 on the season, Reese and the Chicago Sky will take on the Indiana Fever at home, Sunday evening.

Related story

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

The post Angel Reese makes WNBA double-double history appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The 2024 3x3 Olympic roster will feature Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith.

USA Basketball has announced it's starting 2024 Women's National 3x3 team. Headlined by Cameron Brink, the roster will include Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Selected by the committee, the Olympic Games will take place in Paris. And what a complete, dominant, and versatile roster this will be.

One year ago, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick led USA to a gold medal in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. With a combination of veteran and youthful leadership, the chemistry will only improve. For Van Lith and Burdick, they've shared the court since the 2022 World Cup.

And watching the player's reactions to their calling was a deeply emotional experience on social media.

Brink, 22, was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft. A four-year player out of Stanford, Brink is averaging 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in her rookie year. Known for her defensive prowess, Brink has certainly not disappointed at the pro level. Second in the WNBA in total blocks (21), No. 22 leads all rookies in that category and ranks third in rebounds among rookies. Brink is one of the most elite rim protectors in the league, leading the pack in defensive rebounds per game. Averaging 2.6 blocks per game, Brink's defense will be critical, especially in a 3x3 type play.

Scoring a career-high 21 points against the Fever last week, the Stanford alum was named the 2023 3x3 FIBA World Cup MVP after leading her team to a Gold Medal. Additionally, she was a member of the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women's World Cup teams. In bringing dexterity on the offensive end, Brink is a floor spacer who can not only shoot beyond the perimeter but post-up opponents as well. The x-factor will be her ability of grab the offensive boards.

Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun, is set to coach the 2024 USA 3x3 Women's Basketball team. This week, Rizzotti expressed her excitement in a press release:

“I say this all the time but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics,” said Rizzotti. “We understand that challenge in front of us as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3x3 teams. I am confident this roster gives us what we need to compete for another gold medal with experience, versatility and a commitment to USA Basketball excellence. I cannot wait to get started.”

USA Women's advance to the @fiba3x3 World Cup Final after defeating China in semifinal play. The ladies will compete against the winner of France vs Australia. #3x3WC @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/MizZxyrvQh

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) June 4, 2023

For Van Lith, it's been a wavering year for the guard. Having spent her first three years with Louisville, the Washington native took her talents to Baton Rouge to chase a National Championship under coach Kim Mulkey. Unfortunately, the LSU Tigers fell short of that goal against Iowa in the Elite 8, and Van Lith experienced playing a position outside her comfort zone. Surrounded by Angel Reese, Aneesah Morrow, Flau'jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, Van Lith took on a less prominent role.

Now, with one year left of eligibility, Van Lith officially declared her transfer to TCU for her final collegiate season. A remarkable scorer, the guard averaged 19.7 points per game, which ranked her no. 24 in the nation in 2022-2023 with Louisville. Named All-ACC player at Lousiville, Van-Lith has a total of five gold medals between 5-on-5 and 3x3 games. Suitable for 3x3, Van Lith has the ability to score in a multitude of ways.

Howard, selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 WNBA is now in her third season with the Atlanta Dream. One of the more dominant guards in the league, Howards been a two-way force, and will leave opponents checking their ankles. A two-time All-Star, the 6 foot 2 guard is just 24 years old. Having taken place in training camp earlier this year, the Dream guard shined in Belgium. Out of the entire roster, Howard has the most versatility, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Howard is coming off a double-double, and five-steal performance, against the Chicago Sky on Saturday.

This block felt PERSONAL!!! @cameronbrink22 @FIBA3x3 pic.twitter.com/uvyTAUsAPS

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) July 2, 2023

No stranger to USA Basketball, Burdick has been part of USA Women's Basketball since 2009. The former Tennessee Lady Vol played 56 professional games played in the WNBA, as a member of the six teams. A mix of veteran leadership and skills, Burdick has won three gold medals throughout her illustrious USA Olympic career. With extensive experience in 3x3 basketball, Burdick was a member of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup team, and a gold medalist in 2014.

According the USA Basketball, different than 5-on-5,?3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams "clear" the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins. It also helps, she has a longstanding relationship with coach Jen Rizzotti.

The 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games back in 2021. An exciting yet challenging style of basketball, Rizzotti and company will make their Paris debut in late July, early August.

Stay tuned for more WNBA-related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post 2024 USA Women's 3x3 Olympic roster is set: ?Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu are named the WNBA players of the week

MVP Periodt and the Queen of Brooklyn are making WNBA headlines.

of the Las Vegas Aces and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty have certainly left their mark, both on and off the court. Once rivals in the 2023 WNBA Finals, they have been named Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.

Ionescu has a signature shoe with Nike and debuted the Sabrina 2s last month. Coincidentally, around the same time, Wilson announced her own shoe, the Nike A'One. Set to debut in 2025, Wilson joins Ionescu as one of three active WNBA players with their own signature shoe.

Less than two months into the season Wilson and Ionescu are having significant impacts on their team's overall performance.

Although Wilson is a two-time WNBA Champion, MVP, and defensive player of the year, she simply still hasn't forgotten that one fourth-place MVP voter. Rightfully so, she continues to clap back at the doubters through her performance on the hardwood.

The current favorite to win the WNBA MVP, Wilson averaged 28.5 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists last week from May 27 to June 2. In addition, the former Gamecock was named Western Conference Player of the Month for a historic ninth time and fourth in a row. The streak leader is Tina Charles, who currently plays for the Atlanta Dream.

A'ja Wilson is once again performing at an MVP level

Off to a blistering start, the Aces star added eight blocks and three steals in both matchups against the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx.

4-2 on the season, Becky Hammon and the Aces suffered a rare 78-74 against the Dream on the road. However, how can we forget Wilson's unforgettable block on good friend Allisha Gray? It may not have traveled into the concession stand but was a statement block.

On pace for another historical season, Wilson started off the season with five straight double-doubles, owning the longest streak of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in WNBA history. The league leader in blocks with 12.4, Wilson boasted 29 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks against the Lynx. And a few days later, she put up 28 points, three assists, one steal, and four blocks against the Dream. Over the two games, Wilson shot 46.1 percent from the field.

Earning the weekly award for the 17th time in her career, Wilson has elevated her game significantly. Through six games into the 2024 season, the Aces star is averaging career-highs in points (26.5), rebounds (12.5), and blocks (2.8). Leading the league in player-estimated impact, Wilson is already poised as one of the all-time greats ever to grace the game.

Ionescu, now in her fifth season with the New York Liberty, was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the sixth time in her career. With an 8-2 record on the season, the former Oregon Duck led the Liberty to three consecutive victories over the Phoenix Mercury, Washington Mystics, and Indiana Fever. In that week span, Ionescu averaged 20.7 points, six assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.?Additionally, she shot an impressive 42.6 percent from long range.

The leader in three-pointers last season, the guard has now tied the New York Liberty record for most consecutive games with at least one three-pointer(35 games). While we know Ionescu as a sharpshooter, her interior presence has been well documented. Stating she's worked on her game tremendously this past offseason, we are witnessing an increased presence of floaters and inside attacks.

Sabrina Ionescu's game has evolved beyond the three-point shot

Nearly 21 percent (31) of Ionescu's 146 field goal attempts have been delivered as driving layups and floating bank shots. Compare this to last year, where she only attempted 17 floater shots. More confident than ever, the California native averages the most points since her rookie season, with 17.9 points per game. Given she only played three games in her first season, it's a testament to the dedication, growth, and evolution of her game.

Ionescu started off the week with a game-high 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists against the Phoenix Mercury at home. According to Liberty PR, ?Ionescu became the first player in franchise history to record double-digit points with at least five assists in a single quarter (10 points and five assists).

Just a few days later, No. 20 poured in 24 points, one rebound, three assists, on 50 percent three-point shooting against Washington at the Barclays. To end the week, the former Oregon star put up 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists in front of 17,000+ fans against the Indiana Fever.

The Las Vegas Aces (4-2) are set to match up against the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks this week. The New York Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky 88-75 on Tuesday night, and will matchup with Atlanta, Connecticut, and Washington later this week.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post WNBA players of the week: A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The WNBA officially announced its expansion to Canada on Thursday morning. Toronto, selected as the league's 14th team, will begin play in 2026.

It's official. After months of speculation, Canada is officially the home of the latest WNBA expansion team. Although Toronto was chosen as the next WNBA city, team president Teresa Resch made a very clear statement.

"This isn't just Toronto's team. This is Canada's team."

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Thursday morning Toronto has been selected as the 14th team. The league's first international team, Toronto, is slated to begin its augural season in 2026. First reported by CBCSports Shireen Ahmed, the WNBA officially confirmed the news today.

“Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and outside the United States,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in an official press release.

The news doesn't come as a surprise. Along with the growth of women's basketball have come increased opportunities. In addition to charter flights, the league is continuing to broaden. While the 2024 rookie draft class is special, the rise of the WNBA has been well-documented for some time. The latest team arrives on the heels of the successful 2023 season. With the exceptional talent continuing to pour in, the WNBA needs more roster spots. The addition of expansion teams will only resolve that issue. One of the most competitive leagues in sports, the league only has 144 spots, which makes it difficult to accommodate all of the talent. It essentially boils down to supply and demand.

We’re excited about the growth of the league. The WNBA’s 14th team has been granted to the city of Toronto!

: @WNBA pic.twitter.com/xN15fao5XM

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) May 23, 2024

In a league-wide presser, Engelbert addressed the roster spot issues. Often referring to her economic model, the Commissioner has strong plans to build beyond Toronto and Golden State. In fact, she's set a goal to create nearly 48 roster spots and four additional teams by 2028.

Entering a new era, the WNBA saw record-breaking viewership and attendance. With viewers up 21 percent from the 2022 season, the league saw attendance increase by nearly 16 percent. Now in its 27th season, the league is soaring.

Poised for takeoff, the WNBA has been steadily growing over time. With the 2024 season just underway, the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever's matchup drew 1.71 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game ever broadcast on ABC.

Although the team does not have a name, according to Raptors sideline report Savanna Hamilton, WNBA team president Teresa Ranch is opening to suggestions. In fact, she hopes the logo can "represent everyone and women strongly."

You heard it here first

Commissioner Engelbert has officially announced our exciting expansion to the 6ix

Welcome to the W, @WNBA_Toronto pic.twitter.com/NC5wJopwAF

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 23, 2024

“With Larry Tanenbaum’s distinguished record of leading successful sports franchises and Toronto’s appeal as a dynamic, diverse city that cares deeply about the game of basketball, we are confident that this new team will thrive as a first-class WNBA organization and become a great source of inspiration and support for the Toronto-area community and across Canada," said Engelbert.

With the historic news, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was present, along with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Ontario Premier, Doug Ford.

Committed to growing the women's game, the team announced a new state-of-the-art training practice facility will be built. An issue in years past was that many players didn't even have names on their lockers. In addition to Toronto, Seattle and Las Vegas have invested heavily in their players with state of the art practice facilities. It's only a matter of time where every athlete get's the proper training and recovery centers in the league.

Women's sports is here, and it's only expected to rise. In fact, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has officially declared May 23 as WNBA Day in Toronto. After the arrival of Engelbert, the league has only been on the rise. Negotiating the CBA, adding charter flights, and expanding the league to two new cities- the future is bright for the WNBA. It may not be perfect, but changes are happening.

Fans who wish to buy season-tickets can do so by placing a deposit at WNBA.com/Toronto.  

Stay tuned for more related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post The WNBA set to expand to Toronto in 2026 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

After 16 seasons, the 3x WNBA Champion announced her retirement from the league. Now, with the WNBA season starting, she's been named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas. More about her career and reactions from players and coaches around the league.

Three-time WNBA Champion Candace Parker sent shockwaves across the basketball world when she announced her retirement from the league. Promising she'd never "cheat the game," Parker is ready for the next chapter of endeavors in her life. In doing so, the former WNBA Champion is leaving the game in a better place and going out on her terms. While some athletes opt for a retirement tour, Parker ended her career in private. The former WNBA MVP is going out the same way she entered the league, with her daughter Lailaa.

All business aside, her top priority remains being a mom and wife.

In a heartfelt post on social media, the WNBA veteran had two words, "I'm retiring." And for all the current and new players entering the league Parker had a short piece of advice, "enjoy it."

Having spent 16 years in the league, Parker, best known as "ACE," revolutionized the game of basketball. One of one, Parker will surely be missed on the court.

Before the announcement, Parker announced she would return to the Las Vegas Aces in February. After signing a one year-deal with the reigning champions, Parker was limited to just 18 games due to a fractured foot. Unable to return to the court, she watched on as the Aces were named back-to-back champions. A competitor her entire career, no. 3 made a decision that was best for her. Admitting rehabbing in the offseason "hasn't been fun," Parker's fractured foot simply hasn't cooperated to the fullest. Overall, she did remind us the ten surgeries she's had in her career.

For quite some time, Parkers been featured as a commentator and analyst with NBA on TNT, which includes NCAA Tournament coverage. Headlined by Shaquille O"Neal, the former NBA legend is a close mentor and friend to Parker.

And now, Parker lives out her new dream of entrepreneurship. Less than a week after retirement, Parker was named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas. Although she won't physically be on the court, she will remain a key factor in elevating women's sports. The first woman to have her own "signature shoe" with the brand, Parker is now tasked with building the brands of current women Adidas Athletes. That list includes, but not limited to Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Alysha Clark, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Chelsea Gray, Erica Wheeler, Chiney Ogwumike, Kahleah Copper, and Nneka Ogwumike.

"I want to congratulate her as well on her new position with Adidas," said Dallas Wings head coach Latricia Trammell. "She actually has a seat at the table. Helping make those decisions of what's going on, not just being a mascot of Adidas. I think that's really big for her, and I know that she's going to continue to grow out game. It may not be on the court. She is definitely going to continue to grow our game."

Congrats, Candace Parker
The new President of Women's Basketball at Adidas!

@DUNKC0MP pic.twitter.com/3UoIRJVHYr

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) May 8, 2024

Although she's stepped away from the hardwood, the former WNBA champion remains involved with the league. Featured in the newest SKIMS' Fits Everybody underwear campaign, Parker was featured in a series of photoshoots, alongside with her former teammate Kelsey Plum.

In her 16 years, Parker's had a profound impact on the league. She's had to opportunity to play alongside some of the WNBS greats: Nneka Ogwumike, Kahleah Copper, A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, just to name a few. After heading home to win her second championship with the Sky, Parker had significant influence on then Chicago guard, Kahleah Copper.

"Being in Chicago, I had Candace Parker," Copper said in a league wide zoom interview. "I was able to learn how to continue to grow-- even after being a winner."

Growing up, I started idolizing Parker since I was just a teenager. Watching her, Diana Taurasi, and others fueled my passion for basketball at young age, which has only strengthened over time. Similar to Parker, I indeed to "fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old." It wasn't very often Parker matched up with UConn. But when she did, I figured out a way to get to downtown Hartford, Connecticut.

The legendary battles between Coach Pat Summitt of the Tennessee Vols and Coach Geno Auriemma of the Huskies are permanently etched in my memory. Even though I grew up as a UConn fan, there were many great aspects about Parker that left a profound impact on me. Her love for the game, professionalism, and authenticity. It didn't matter that Parker didn't choose UConn as her first choice. As someone who bleeds blue, I loved the way she captured and changed the game.

A generational talent, there's only ever been one Candace Parker to leave the mark she did on women's basketball. The first woman ever to dunk in NCAA tournament history, she did it twice. In fact, I'll never forget her first WNBA dunk as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks just weeks after I graduated high school. Although she didn't face the Huskies often, who can forget the famous Parker "slam dunk in Hartford."

The McDonald's All-American's famous dunk is one that set the stage for her career. Appearing on ESPN, Parker competed against several future legendary NBA players, including Rudy Gay, Josh Smith, and J.R. Smith, among others. In fact, she was the first woman ever to win the co-ed 2004 jam fest.

Because of the former Lady Vol, I developed a deep love for sports and Women's basketball as a whole. Now, following her retirement announcement, I'm writing a column about her illustrious career. She's forever known as a trailblazer in women's basketball; however, she's much more than just a hooper. A businesswoman, mom, wife, analyst, astute broadcaster and analyst, are just a few of her many designations. I even made the trek to visit the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame just prior to the pandemic.

A Naperville native, Parker was recruited out of high school by the late Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols. Opting to play for Summitt over coach Auriemma and the Huskies, Parker led the Vols to back-to-back National Championship titles in 2007 and 2008. At 6-foot-4, the former Lady Vol primarily played the four and five. However, she was most known for her versatility. Not defined by a position, Parker. Not only was she the first collegiate woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, she threw down twice in a single game.

Drafted no.1 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2008 draft, Parker went on to spend the next 13 years of her career with the Sparks. The only player to win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP Award in 2008, Ace shot a career-high 42.3 percent from deep. Listed as a power forward, I'll forever remember her post moves and ability to play any position. Considering how many forward forwards and and centers are able to shoot outside the arc now a days, Parker set that tone. No matter what position, she introduced and manifested positionless basketball.

Back in 2008, I'll never forget her astonishing rookie debut against the Phoenix Mercury. A rookie, straight from Pat Summits system, single handedly defeated the defending champions. In a box score full of various statistics, the rookie finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block. From that day on, Parker played the game how she knew, regardless of her height. The ability to play one through five, along with her rookie impact, crowns her as one of the best to ever play the game.

Her passing ability, athleticism, rebounding--Parker could bank a shot anywhere on the court. She's truly a player that could "do it all." Although the Las Vegas Aces acknowledged "the majority of her career was played in opposing uniforms," the Aces released a genuine statement:

The dunks. The dimes. The boards. The blocks. The smile. The swagger. The memories Candace Parker created for a generation of women’s basketball fans will remain ingrained in our collective conscience forever, but she has given so much more to the game beyond her accolades and statistics."

Candace Parker was the first and only WNBA player to win ROOKIE OF THE YEAR & MVP in the same season!!

She led rookies in scoring (18.5), blocks (2.3) & minutes and led the league in rebounds (9.5) & double-doubles.pic.twitter.com/5xHQWOjBrD https://t.co/FBrlhNWhiZ

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 9, 2024

It wasn't until 2016 where Parker won her first WNBA championship, alongside Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray, and Kristi Toliver. The finals MVP, Parker is the only player in WNBA history to win a championship with three different teams: The Sparks in 2016, the Chicago Sky in 2021, and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. Throughout her illustrious career, she has several accolades. That list includes the following, but not limited to: 2x MVP, 7x All-Star, All-Star game MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the year, 3x WNBA Champion, blocks leader, rebounding leader, and 7x All-First team.

Speaking of defense, Trammell was an assistant coach at the same time Candace Parker won Defensive Player of the Year Award. A defensive minded coach, Trammell reflected on CP3's career and her time with Los Angeles in a league wide press conference.

"I think she's a legend," said Trammell. "She set that standard early on. Just what I've seen her do-- helping the rookie along the way. She was definitely one that you would want to go talk to, to see how it's done."

In addition, Parker was named to the 20th and 25th anniversary teams, and had quite the career overseas. A 5x Russian League Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Parker is walking away from game giving it everything she had.

"I'm grateful for the 16 ears I PLAYED A GAME for a living time & DESPITE all the injuries, I hooped," Parker wrote on her personal Instagram. "I'm grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers & fans who made this journey so special."

Thank you Candace for all of the memories, on and off the court. Not only was CP3 a role model on the court, she's showing the world you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Those endeavors go well beyond the basketball court.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Manager at Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Candace Parker retires, named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

Stanford's beloved head coach Tara VanDerveer announced her retirement after 38 seasons. Stanford announced their long-time women's basketball coach will work with Stanford's Athletics department in an "advisory capacity."

The Women's basketball world said goodbye to the best to ever coach the game. Late Tuesday evening, Stanford announced their longtime coach will be hanging up her playbook. Tara VanDerveer, 70, became the NCAA's all-time winningest coach earlier this year. With 1,216 wins, she will step back from the game she coached for over four decades.

Related Article: Tara VanDerveer is now the winningest coach in NCAA history

A Massachusetts native, VanDerveer turned to coaching after playing basketball for the University of Albany and Indiana. Less than five years after her collegiate career, Tara VanDerveer was named head coach of Idaho University for two seasons. After becoming the head coach of Ohio State University for five seasons, California called her home. In 1985 she was named head coach of Stanford University, where she was the women's basketball head coach for the next 38 seasons.

And 38 years later, VanDerveer is largely considered one of the pioneers who helped shape and pave the way in women's basketball. With dreams of playing basketball as a child, she became more than just a player. A legend in the basketball world, she leaves behind a legacy that is inspiring, and deeply impactful.

As for VanDerveer, she feels she "is leaving" the game in a great place, especially since women's basketball is in the greatest place it's ever been. Passing on the baton, VanDerveer said it's "exciting" to see where women's basketball is. Even as a young woman, she always saw the vision of women's basketball to where it is now.

Throughout her illustrious career, VanDerveer is a three-time NCAA Champion, with 14 Final Four appearances. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, the Massachusetts native is a 15-time Pac-12 Champion, and five-time National Coach of the Year, who's coached several high-profile athletes. She coached several legendary stars, including Cameron Brink, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, Jennifer Azzi, Nicole Powell, and numerous others.

An NCAA Champion in 1990, 1992, and 2021, VanDerveer has a 1158-242 coaching record. In 38 seasons with the Cardinal, the long-time coach compiled a 1065-220 win/loss record.

Coach VanDerveer and the Cardinal fell short in this year's NCAA Tournament after they were bounced by NC State in the Sweet 16. VanDerveer retired just days after the tournament concluded, marking the end of an era for the Pac-12. While one of the most competitive conferences is dissolving after this season, Stanford will join the ACC next season.

Speaking of the ACC, VanDerveer firmly stated the conference change did not affect her retirement decision. If anything she felt it was a "motivator to stay," and anticipates the ACC will be a "great, great, league."

Wednesday afternoon, VanDerveer hinted at reasons why she decided to call it a career during a livestream:

"I felt it was time, VanDerveer told the media during the livestream. Although she is stepping down from coaching, she hopes to remain involved as an "ambassador" or "advisor" with the Stanford Athletics Department. Admitting she "retired 20 times" in her mind, VanDerveer stated her mom is 97 years old, and the game has "changed a lot over the last four years."

Coaching Women's basketball is a 24/7 job, between recruiting, meetings, and coaching. Even on vacation, VanDerveer dedicated every moment she had to coach.

As for her successor, former Stanford and WNBA player Kate Paye is likely to her place. Having spent the last 17 years as an assistant and assistant to coach VanDerVeer, Paye has extensive experience with the program. Having nothing but praise for Paye, VanDerveer described her as "brilliant" and "hardworking." If Paye is the successor, the Stanford Cardinal will start a new chapter in the ACC, without star Cameron Brink. However, junior forward Kiki Iriafen showed just how valuable she is to the program.

Leaving her legacy in Paolo Alto, Tara VanDeveer has forever changed the landscape of women's basketball. Now she gets to enjoy life after coaching, witnessing the sport she contributed to evolving, soar to new heights.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Tara VanDerveer: the winningest coach in NCAA history, retires appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

In a historic outing, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75 to capture the NCAA Women's Championship. South Carolina dominated in every way, from bench points to rebounds and defense. Iowa simply could not match their prolific three-pointer shooting and size.

One year ago, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes knocked off South Carolina, ruining their perfect season in the Final Four. This time around, the Gamecocks were crowned champions, finishing a perfect 38-0 to finish out the season. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks cruised into the history books on Sunday. For Gamecocks sophomore guard Raven Johnson, she got the last laugh.

Defeating Iowa 87-75, the Gamecocks are just the 10th team in Women's NCAA history to finish with a perfect season. As for Dawn Staley, she's built a dynasty in her tenure as head coach of South Carolina. Since taking over for Susan Walvius in 2008-2009, she's led the Gamecocks to three national championships. What's even more impressive is the fact she's captivated three trophies over the last seven seasons. Over the last decade, she's coached 10 WNBA first-round picks, soon to be 11.

Heading into the biggest game of the year, Staley was in attendance for the UConn vs. Iowa game. She had the perfect plan all along on how to perfectly utilize every single player on her roster. She figured out a way to stop the most prolific scorer in NCAA history, Caitlin Clark, which speaks volumes in itself. In a highly anticipated matchup, Staley brilliantly mapped out her masterful scheme to attack the Hawkeyes on the boards and utilize depth and size to crush them.

Although the 2022-2023 squad finished with a 36-1 record, it was a tough task to fill those shoes in the offseason.

Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks made history

Not only did South Carolina finish their first undefeated season in program history, but Staley is the first black Division 1 basketball coach, men's or women's, to lead her team to a perfect season. In doing so, Staley fully reconstructed her roster after losing all five of her starters--Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke,?Laeticia Amihere,?and?Victaria Saxton to the 2023 WNBA Draft.

Johnson was the subject of several memes and viral highlights after she was disrespected in their last matchup. In last year's Final Four, Clark waved off Johnson, leaving her wide open at the three-point line. While Johnson had the opportunity to shoot the trey ball, she passed up the rock. After that matchup, Johnson confessed to watching the film over 100 times.

One year removed from the March Madness tournament, Johnson found herself as the primary lockdown defender on Caitlin Clark, Although Johnson struggled on the offensive end, she was tasked with guarding the Iowa sensation. Clark shot just 5-21 from the field when defended by Johnson. After she finished with 18 first-half points, coach Staley called for a change. She switched out Bree Hall on Clark, for Johnson. A menace on the defensive front, Johnson finished with four steals and two blocks. She understood her assignment, which was arguably the hardest task of anyone on the team.

Before the game, Johnson had a simple game plan in mind, "don't let her [Clark] score." She took the loss personally last year and had some words about her defensive approach:

"I was ready for the moment and take defense very hard, said Raven Johnson. "I studied her moves[ Caitlin Clark], and I was ready--I had confidence this year, and I was telling myself last year wasn't going to happen again."

Caitlin Clark was smothered by Raven Johnson

In the end, Clark couldn't lead her team to a National Championship, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, on 10-28 shooting from the floor. Falling to win a championship for the second consecutive year, let's not take away from coach Lisa Bluder and the exceptional work she's put into the Iowa program. While Clark headlined the entire season, it was the story of her teammates, and her friends, that made the Iowa program so great. Sophomore Hannah Stuelke who's a rising star, had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the championship game.

With South Carolina chosen as heavy favorites entering the championship game, it was Iowa that held a 27-20 first-quarter lead. After an early 10-0 run, starting with a Kate Martin trey ball, the Hawkeyes looked untouchable and unbeatable. It wasn't until Te-Hina Paopao's three-point jumper that sent South Carolina in front with 27 seconds left in the second quarter. After commanding a 49-47 first-half lead, the Gamecocks never looked back. Paopao, who transferred to South Carolina for this very moment, finished with 14 points, on 75 percent three-point shooting. She announced her return to Columbia for next season.

Kamilla Cardoso had a career night on the boards

With defensive player of the year Kamilla Cardoso the anchor for South Carolina, it was the bench that grabbed the spotlight. Having one of the deepest rosters in the nation, the bench added 37 points for Staley and the Gamecocks. While the scoring was evenly distributed throughout the 10-player roster, it was the freshman who shined through.

Minnesota native Tessa Johnson was recruited by Staley to produce off the bench in her first season. A 6'1 guard, Johnson had a season average of 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. In 35 games played, she earned the starting nod just two times for Staley and the Gamecocks. Although her minutes and scoring remained inconsistent for a great part of the season, Johnson has been a staple for the Staleys stay-ready group off the bench.

However, it's clear the freshman guard was recruited for a reason, and eventually earned coach Staley's trust. As the NCAA tournament progressed, so did her contributions to the team. After a season-high 30 minutes played against Presbyterian in the first round, the former McDonalds All-American continued to show why she's such a valuable asset to this squad. She finished with a combined 26 points against UNC in the Sweet 16, and Oregon State, in the Elite Eight. The trust was there for Johnson to earn 25 minutes of playing time against Iowa, and she shined in the biggest stage.

South Carolina's freshmen stole the show

And what a career night it was for Tessa Johnson. In front of the entire nation, and 18.9 million viewers, the freshman put up a career-high 19 points on 7-11 (63.6 percent) from the floor, and 3-6 (50 percent) from beyond the arc. Let's call it the "Tessa Johnson effect." In transition, or inside, Johnson was a bucket.

For Dawn Staley, her rotations were set for this matchup. While Iowa's bench didn't produce a single point, the Gamecocks capitalized on that. For freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, she proved why she's the next generational talent. At 5'10, she possesses the quickness, speed, and finesse that no other athlete has proven in the game. In 18 minutes, she added nine points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and one block.

Overall, all of Staley's players had a crucial role in the Championship game. Running double bigs with Cardoso and Chloe Kitts was brilliant, as Iowa was a bit undersized. Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin--everyone had a piece of the pie. It was the overall collaborative effort that impressed me the most. While it's normal for coaches to shorten their rotations during championship moments, Staley put the nation on full display who in fact plays for her.

As for Kamilla Cardoso, she certainly increased her draft stock on Sunday. Declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft as a senior, center shined, even while battling an injury. It was in the Final Four matchup, where she injured her knee against NC State. Although she received treatment, Cardoso made sure the injury didn't stop her from competing in the biggest moment.

South Carolina Gamecocks were too powerful in depth and size

The bottom line, the Iowa Hawkeyes weren't able to match South Carolina's size, especially with Cardoso listed as 6'7. Cardoso has been a problem the entire season for opponents and showed exactly why in the title game. Although Staley managed her minutes to perfection, Cardoso finished with 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. While 10 of those came on the defensive end, seven helped the Gamecocks control the offensive boards and second-chance opportunities. South Carolina ultimately obliterated Iowa on the boards, 51-29.

Cardoso, named Most Outstanding Player, put it all on the floor in her last collegiate game. Adding three blocks and two assists, the Brazil native was simply getting it done on both ends of the floor. When Iowa continued to drive inside, Cardoso was there to lock it up. With several and one opportunities, not even Iowa standout Hannah Stuelke could stop her. Outscoring Iowa 48-32 in the paint, Chloe Kitts poured in a double-double as well, with 11 points, and 10 rebounds.

Sunday was the ultimate matchup between the most outstanding offensive in the nation (Iowa) vs. the top defense (South Carolina).

After the game, the tears were flowing for coach Staley. In a post-game interview with Holly Rowe, Staley stated "We serve an unbelievable god," before breaking down in tears. With all of the hard work she's put into the program, it's always been her relationship with her faith and God that's made all things possible this season.

Hats off to both teams. No matter what the outcome, the growth of both teams has shaped the future of women's basketball for years to come.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post South Carolina Gamecocks are the 2024 Women's National Champions appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

South Carolina rolls by NC State to reach their second NCAA Women's Championship game in three years.

You have to give credit where credit is due. Head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks were expected to regress after losing a bulk of their starters last season. Instead, for the first time in program history, South Carolina finished undefeated on the year. A perfect 37-0, the no. 1 Gamecocks secured themselves a Final Four victory over no. 3 NC State Wolfpack. In attendance were former Gamecocks, Aliyah Boston and A'ja Wilson.

And now they are the first team to head to the NCAA Finals with an undefeated record for the first time since the UConn Huskies in 2016.

South Carolina entered this matchup as the heavy favorites by an 11.5-point spread after knocking off Presbyterian, UNC, Indiana, and Oregon State in the previous rounds. Leading the nation with a +29.3 point differential, they showed the basketball world just who they were on Friday.

In a post-game interview with Indiana Fever center on ESPN, Staley shared a heartfelt moment with her former player. While Boston was a staple of their championship run, it was Iowa that sent them packing in last year's Final Four. Stating how proud she is of the former Gamecock, she reiterated they want to seek redemption for Boston. Boston was a four-year player for Staley at South Carolina and was drafted No.1 overall by Indiana in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

"We're excited", Staley told ESPN's Aliyah Boston. "This is the place we wanted to be. We want to do it for you. We really want to take care of Sunday for you and the freshies because you gave basketball everything you had, and you came up short in your senior year."

The Gamecocks broke the game open in the third quarter

Tied 16 all in the first quarter, the Wolfpack kept the game relatively close, 32-31 at the have. While NC State had an incredible season, they truly never had a chance against the Gamecocks. Undefeated. Dominant. South Carolina steamrolled past another team in the tournament. Led by 6'7 center Kamila Cardoso, she finished with a game-high 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, on 10-12 field goal shooting.

And just like that - GAMECOCKS UP 1⃣2⃣!! TIMEOUT NC STATE

@espn pic.twitter.com/1piImuZ1WN

— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 6, 2024

Heading into the third quarter, the Gamecocks turned on the Jets, outscoring NC State 29-6 in the third quarter. Yes, you heard that right, NC State scored just six points. Showing their defensive prowess, this team plays their best when they run plays on both sides of the ball through Cardoso. Aside from a pair of free throws, Wolfpack guard Aziaha James scored the lone bucket in the third quarter. NC State shot 1-11 as a whole in the third. In fact their 29 points in that quarter was the most scored in given period in Women's Final Four history.

Credit James, who finished with a team-high 20 points on 6-17 shooting. Although South Carolina put the clamps on her, James was the glue to their magical March Madness run. While Cardoso had a field day in the paint, it was more about the depth of South Carolina and their contributions off the bench.

Saniya Rivers, who won a title with South Carolina, transferred to NC State her sophomore year. This season, she averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. A main staple for their success, Rivers struggled, shooting just 2-11 from the floor with five turnovers.

Lucky for Staley, she had the luxury of resting Cardoso in the fourth quarter. This came after she suffered an apparent leg injury in the third quarter. Although she returned, the center donned a black leg sleeve for the rest of the matchup.

Staley built talent around Kamilla Cardoso

Speaking of the bench, it was Ashlyn Watkins who received heavy minutes of playing time. Standing at 6 foot 3, the guard became the first player in South Carolina women's basketball history to record a dunk in 2022 vs. Clemson. Showcasing her incredible vertical leap and spacing, Watkins grabbed 20 boards against NC State. South Carolina dominated NC State on the rebounds, 46-32.

A force on the inside, 15 of her 20 rebounds came on the defensive end. Limiting NC State to just 32.3 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from deep, it was securing defensive stops and rebounds which led to offensive opportunities. In addition to her enormous efforts on the glass, Watkins poured in eight points, one assist, and two blocks.

During that colossal third quarter, the Gamecocks missed only seven field goal attempts. It was third-year guard Raven Johnson who impressed the most. Initially headed to the locker room with an apparent injury, she came back to finish with 13 points, on 3-5 three-point shooting. A lockdown defender, Johnson added three steals and five assists on the night. She shot 4-5 from the floor in the second half.

SOUTH CAROLINA IS HEADED TO THE FINALS

The Gamecocks defeat NC State 78-59 and cover the -11.5 point spread pic.twitter.com/ibXdnTxQgG

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) April 6, 2024

In a talented backfield, Senior transfer Te-Hina Paopao finished with 10 points on 2-5 three-point shooting. Dishing out six dimes, the guard hit 100 percent of her three-point shots in the third quarter. Up 21 points with seconds remaining, Bree Hall splashed a three to end the quarter. This shows beyond the talent and rim protection of Cardoso, there's a multitude of players that can step up at any given time. And the fact that Staley refuses to let off the gas shows how dangerous this team is.

South Carolina's bench produced 30 points

Although NC State outscored South Carolina 22-17 in the final quarter, Dawn Staley received 30 points from the bench alone. While freshman Milaysia Fulwiley struggled on the offensive end, she was a menace on the defensive side with four steals. I do believe she is a rising star and could become an X-factor in the championship game. Tessa Johnson, Fulwiley, Watkins, and Sania Feagin--they are such important members of this team.

Overall, the Gamecocks showed everyone their true selves. A physically dominant team on both sides of the ball that continues to hammer teams. The most complete team in the NCAA tournament, it's time we hand coach Staley her flowers. National champions in 2022 and 2017, this is Staley's sixth finals appearance since her first season as head coach (2008). One of the best coaches to ever grace the game, Staley is revolutionizing women's basketball.

We can't forget when Caitlin Clark waved off Raven Johnson in last year's Final Four victory over South Carolina. While Iowa destroyed their perfect season, Staley, the Naismith Coach of the Year, will look to build on the dynasty she's created in South Carolina.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

The post NCAAW Final Four: South Carolina defeats NC State, 78-59 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

In an exhilarating Final Four matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and UConn Huskies, Iowa will play South Carolina in the NCAA Championship game on Sunday.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are headed to their second straight NCAA Women's Final.

Friday evening was an unforgettable matchup between the no. 1 Iowa Hawkeyes and no. 3 UConn Huskies. While headlines swirled around stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, it was the supporting casts that made the matchup so impressive. A blood bath until the end, Iowa defeated UConn 71-69 to advance to the NCAA Championship game vs. South Carolina.

Unfortunately, the matchup didn't come without controversy. Down by one point with less than 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, UConn center Aliyah Edwards was nabbed for the offensive screen against Gabbie Marshall. Foul or not, Marshall has excelled in drawing charges her entire career.

While it's generated buzz around social media, it was a call that secured the victory for Iowa. While Bueckers downplayed the call, the Huskies were cut short of a potential game tying bucket to win the game. No matter if the call was right or not, it was heart breaking for the Huskies.

pic.twitter.com/qvMbjaqmo3 https://t.co/CzNgZb69Ys

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 6, 2024

Visibly upset in the post-game conference, Geno Auriemma gave his thoughts on that final possession call.

There’s probably an illegal screen call that you could make on every single possession,” said Auriemma. “I just know there were three or four of them called on us. And I don’t think there were any called on them. So, I guess we just gotta get better at not setting illegal screens." (CBS Sports).

While there was scrutiny towards the referees for the end of gameplay, we can't let that take away from the brilliance between these two teams. A revenge game for Iowa, they were previously bumped from the Sweet 16 during Clark's freshman season by UConn. This time, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder and the Hawkeyes simply had too much chemistry and depth to slide by the Huskies.

UConn vs. Iowa made history

One for the history books, the highly anticipated Final Four matchup generated 14.2 million viewers on ESPN. According to the network, the viewership peaked at 17 million spectators, making it the most-watched Women's college basketball game in history. Per ESPN, it was the most-viewed college event to air on ESPN+, and ESPN's second-best non-football telecast ever.

Those incredible stats not only emphasize the importance of this match-up but also the growth and evolution of women's basketball. No matter what the outcome, this will go down as one of the most impactful matchups the game has ever seen.

All eyes have surrounded Caitlin Clark and her quest to pass Pete Maravich for the all-time NCAA scoring record. The nation-leading scorer passed Maravich for the record with 49 points against Michigan, making her the most prolific scorer of all time. Notorious for her lengthy three-point attempts, she struggled against the Huskies early on.

UConn entered the matchup as three-point underdogs, in large part due to injuries. With a six-player rotation, head coach Geno Auriemma knew the high possibility of foul troubles.

UConn put the clamps on Clark, yet her team shined

Up by a game-high 12 points, the Huskies defense was stifling. Forcing the Hawkeyes to turn the ball over 14 times, it was their defensive poise that kept the score close for most of the game. Clark was smothered by UConn guard Nika Muhl, limited to six points and zero three-pointers in the first half. Quick on their feet, Auriemma's defensive scheme was nothing short of incredible while guarding Clark. Heavily utilizing their double-team system, Clark was forced to pass up the ball on several occasions.

The Huskies are putting the CLAMPS on Caitlin Clark

UConn Leads 13-7 pic.twitter.com/IbxJhuiYCq

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) April 6, 2024

After the game, Clark commented on UConn's defense, especially Nika Muhl, who held the Hawkeyes to 8-25 three-point shooting.

"UConn is a really good defensive team, one of the best defensive teams we’ve seen all year, said Clark. I think Nika did a tremendous job guarding me." (March Madness PR)

For the Huskies, freshman guard KK Arnold was largely responsible for their lead, as she finished with 14 points, on 6-10 field goal shooting. While Arnold compiled 5 steals, she entered foul trouble early on. Although the Wisconsin native never fouled out, her time off the court deeply impacted the Huskies.

UConn had limited depth and fell into foul trouble

Center Aliyah Edwards had no choice but to let some Iowa buckets slide due to foul trouble. However, she was a force for the Huskies on the defensive end, adding five steals and one block. Able to take advantage of the mismatches below, she finished with 17 points, and eight rebounds, on 8-15 shooting.

As for UConn star Paige Bueckers, she was bottled up by Iowa's box-and-1 defense, who has been in play all season. Over the matchup, Bueckers finished with just 17 points, on 7-17 field goal shooting. Just 3-8 from three-point range, the guard had trouble finding her rhythm on the offensive end. While it wasn't her best performance, the Hawkeyes forced Bueckers to pass up the rock. In this case, we saw UConn's impact of injuries and lack of experience come back to haunt them.

Ashlynn Shade, Ice Brady, and KK Arnold have been extremely influential as freshmen on this Huskies team. While Brady banked two massive shots towards the end of the game, Shade struggled from the three, hitting just 1-5 from deep. UConn was never supposed to be in this position, and having such success put enormous pressure on the freshman.

Although the Huskies were ultimately defeated, the future is very bright for these young players. How many coaches can say they led their team to the final four with three of their six players listed as freshman?

W.#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/pEAxsd2Nz9

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 6, 2024

Iowa is headed to the NCAA Women's Final Championship for the second straight year

For Clark, she found herself and Iowa down by 32-26 at the half. And in true Caitlin Clark fashion, she stepped up when it mattered most. While the overall performance was uncharacteristic of her overall play, Clark finished with 21 points on 7-18 shooting. Adding in nine rebounds and seven assists, Clark was just 3-11 from deep.

The momentum began to shift with 3:49 remaining in the third quarter for Iowa. Down 44-42, Clark completed a four-point play after fouled at the three-point line by Shade. Tied 51-51, Clark sunk seven of her 21 points in the final quarter.

A close game until the final seconds, it was Nika Muhl who put up a bucket after compiling her third steal of that game. While the Huskies closed the gap to just one point, it was Sydney Affolter who came up with the colossal offensive board after a Clark miss at the charity stripe.

Iowa's Hannah Stuelke was the real mvp

Sure, Clark and Bueckers had significant effects on the game. However, for Iowa, it was the story of sophomore center Hannah Stuelke. Able to dominate in the paint, she finished with a team-high 23 points on 9-12 shooting. Arguably the best player on the court, her 11 third-quarter points brought the Hawkeyes back to life. Similar to a quarterback and their tight end, Clark and Stuelke have undeniable chemistry.

For Stuelke, it was all about aggressiveness and confidence. While she finished with one of the prime games of her career, it's the entire team that showed out.

"I think the confidence is everything," said Stuelke. "Especially hearing Caitlin Clark talk about me like that, it gives me a confidence boost. I think anyone would say that. But they just fed me the ball very well. The ball was going in for me tonight." (March Madness PR)

Overall, it was an impressive showing for two teams who had dreams of making the final stage. An overall effort by every single player on Iowa's roster, they will face South Carolina in the NCAA Women's National Championship game. While the Gamecocks remain undefeated, it was Clark and the Hawkeyes that ended their perfect run last season in the 2023 Final Four.

With tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. ET Sunday, it will be a dogfight between South Carolina and Iowa for the National Championship. For Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso, they will see one more game in their collegiate uniforms.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA-related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

The post NCAAW Final Four: Iowa survives UConn 71-69 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

UConn star Paige Bueckers is thriving more than ever, this time leading the Huskies to the NCAA Women's Sweet 16.

"We have the best player in America."

Those were confident words from Geno Auriemma on Monday night. And whom might he be referring to? Paige Bueckers, no. 5 for the Connecticut Huskies.

When it comes to sports, the stories behind the athletes on the court are often moving and emotional. For Paige Bueckers, she's been nothing short of inspiring. While women's basketball is filled to the brim with incredible storylines, we simply cannot forget UConn's brightest star and her journey back to the hardwood.

Talk about Paige Bueckers resilience and passion for basketball. This is her comeback narrative, driven by her faith and determination to return to the game. It's oftentimes not about the setback, but about the comeback.

Paige "Buckets" is back, and so are the UConn Huskies.

Bueckers, now technically in her third season with the Connecticut Huskies, is undoubtedly one of the most prevalent players in the nation. While she's an elite scorer and tenacious defender, the Minnesota native's been plagued by unlucky injuries. The former McDonald's All-American suffered a tibial plateau fracture in late December 2021 in which surgery was performed. Along with the fracture, Bueckers suffered a meniscus tear.

While many expected No. 5 to miss the bulk of the season, she made a miraculous, yet limited comeback in Feb. of 2022. Despite being restricted on the court, Bueckers fueled the Huskies through the 2022 NCAA Tournament. A team that once fell out of the AP top ten was destined to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 NCAA Championship game.

Although South Carolina barreled through UConn 64-49 for the championship title, it was the story of no. 5 and her persistence to return to the court. While the outcome didn't sway in the Huskies favor, Bueckers was the only player on the UConn roster to put up points in double figures.

How many players can claim they led their team to the championship game despite not being fully healthy? This is what sets Bueckers apart and makes her exceptional among the pack.

Paige Bueckers missed the entire 2022-2023 season

Unfortunately, that was the last time Bueckers would hit the floor for quite some time. Heading into her junior season, the guard suffered a torn ACL in the off-season. Having missed all of the 2022-2023 season, the Minnesota native spent the majority of the season cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.

Paige Bueckers' IG post about her torn ACL:

"It's gonna be one hell of a comeback...I’ve worked too hard for the little kid in these pictures to keep going for the dreams I've had since I first picked up the ball, so why would I stop now?" pic.twitter.com/f7lsyYQCiN

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) August 3, 2022

Despite missing Bueckers from the lineup, the Huskies managed to make the 2023 NCAA Tournament. However, for no. 5 it was a punch to the gut, especially since she wasn't available to play. After conceding to Ohio State 73-61 in the Sweet 16, the Huskies were once again eliminated from the tournament.

But for Bueckers, she was exceptionally emotional after their 77-58 victory over Baylor in the second round. Although UConn pulled off the victory, it pained her to watch from the sidelines. Bueckers wanted more than anything to contribute on the floor with her teammates. Not only does she love the game of basketball, but she bleeds blue. Her loyalty to UConn and coach Auriemma is unwavering.

"Last year against Baylor in the second round at home, I just remember going back in my car and just being very emotional," Bueckers told ESPN. "Not being able to play in this atmosphere, in this environment, and this high stakes game. I prayed about it."

While the journey back to the court hasn't been an easy task, Bueckers heavily leaned on her faith during hard times. Over a year of rehabbing her injury, the guard made her season debut against Dayton in late 2023.

Not only did no. 5 overcome such a tragic injury, but she elevated her game in a way that's turned heads across the basketball world. Despite the Huskies facing multiple injuries, including Azzi Fudd, it was Bueckers' moment to stand out.

And surely, she did so. Bueckers, who was recently named AP All-American, averaged a career-high 21 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In 36 total games, the UConn star shot an efficient 54 percent from the floor, and 41.8 percent from deep. The UConn star was recently named Naismith Player of the Year finalist.

It's been nearly two years since Bueckers appeared in a March Madness game

And 720 days later, Bueckers would take part in her first March Madness game since the South Carolina matchup. This comes after Bueckers sensation performance that led UConn to their fourth straight Big East Championship. In the blowout over Georgetown, the guard put up 27 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and five blocks.

In the Huskies first-round matchup against Jackson State, the guard finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. From there, UConn faced off against Syracuse in the round of 32. In front of an electric crowd at Gampel Pavilion, Bueckers was surely a bucket. Stepping up when it mattered the most, she matched a season-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block.

Paige Buckets last 2 games

32 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL (56% FG)
28 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL (58% FG)pic.twitter.com/sXDxzpENsV

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 26, 2024

While Syracuse cut the deficit to two points, Bueckers knew the moment was all hers. With 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, without hesitation, no. 5 sunk a contested mid-range jumper. At this moment, her shot put the Huskies in the lead, 67-63. From there, Bueckers was seen firing up the crowd at Gampel.

Not only did she lead the Huskies to their 30th straight Sweet 16, but it was also a sure sign of a dominant comeback. Paige Bueckers, a five-star recruit in 2020 was officially back. It was visible in her eyes, her body language, and in her tone. It's incredible moving to see the return of a player who was heavily plagued by injuries.

Bueckers has been lights out in this year's tournament

Following her first two matchups of the tournament, Buecker's energy is unmatched. With 60 points in the first two games, Bueckers is now the first player in nearly 25 years to put up a cumulative 60 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. While she announced her return to UConn next season, she's laid everything out on the court for the Huskies. Amid questions if she could return to her freshman form, she never lost sight of her dreams and goals. For sure, optimism has gone a long way for Paige Bueckers, and all of the hard work that's been poured into her craft.

Bueckers had an inspirational journey back, and one that speaks to many. When you come to Storrs, Connecticut, you come to play for coach Auriemma, and you come to win. In the small town of Tolland County, Connecticut, Bueckers and the Connecticut Huskies will aim for their first championship of the 2016 season and nothing more.

Bueckers and company will face the Kara Lawson and the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16. Scheduled for Mar. 30, tip-off will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Paige Bueckers remarkable journey back to the hardwood appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

USC Trojans freshman JuJu Watkins passes legend Cheryl Miller for the single-season scoring record with 833 points.

USC freshman phenomenon JuJu Watkins has shined in her first year in the Trojans, collecting all sorts of personal accolades. Having a profound effect on the program, Watkins and the Trojans are headed to their first Sweet 16 since the 1993-1994 season.

The irony in all this? In 1994, WNBA stars Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson were key members of the team, while USC standout Cheryl Miller briefly served as head coach.

And now, Watkins passed Miller for the USC Trojan's all-time single scoring record in her first season. While there's a magnitude of talent, especially among freshmen in NCAA Women's basketball, Watkins has set the stage to become the next generational star. Right front and center, Cheryl Miller has been her no. 1 supporter and mentor through it all.

JUJU WATKINS
Broke the USC freshman record for most points scored in a season!

Last 8 Games
30 PTS, 3 BLK, 3 STL
42 PTS, 4 STL
18 PTS, 11 REB
33 PTS, 8 AST, 4 STL
32 PTS, 7 AST, 4 BLK
31 PTS, 7 REB
29 PTS, 4 STL
51 PTS, 11 REB

VIDEO: @btweenxthelinespic.twitter.com/Q6uYl5Bth5

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 26, 2024

And you love to see former trailblazers who paved the way by helping young stars in the game today. Watkins is full of toughness, and grit, and has what it takes to be great. Although she's towards the beginning of her journey, she's a rising star in the game. While several legendary athletes tend to disappear after their careers, it's incredible to see the involvement and faith Miller has in the USC program and Watkins.

Calling Miller the "goat," Watkins reflected on the Icon after their first-round victory.

"She trusts in my mentality," Watkins told the media via March Madness PR. "I think we're similar in some ways, as far as the competitiveness to want to win. She's always encouraged that, and encouraged me never to lose that." (March Madness PR)

Watkins broke several USC records in her freshman campaign

What's not to love about Watkins? Not only did she help lead her team past Stanford for the Pac-12 Championship, but no. 12 continues to break every USC record. She had an unforgettable 51-point performance against Stanford, which sent shockwaves across the basketball world. In that matchup, Watkins became the first Trojan to ever score 51 points in a game.

Related article: Rising Star: Freshman JuJu Watkins stuns with 51-point performance

While she had a season-low nine points in the conference championship, her impact of just appearing on the court is profound. It's her innate ability to fill the box score in other ways, and her maturity to handle pressure at such a young age.

Averaging 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in her first year, the LA native is bringing excitement back to Los Angeles. Under coach Lindsay Gottlieb, USC punched their way to a second consecutive NCAA appearance, breaking an eight-year drought for the program. Although the Trojans had brief first and second-round exits under coach Cynthia Cooper and Mark Trakh, Watkins and Gottlieb are brewing something special. There's something to be said about "JuJu and the nerds." Gottlieb has built a a force of talent around Watkins, which includes Harvard transfer McKenzie Forbes.

With USC making headlines, Watkins was named AP All-American first team. She was honored next to Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), and Cameron Brink (Stanford). That in itself speaks volumes.

She passes Cheryl Miller for the all-time USC single-season scoring record

833 total points is nothing to sniff at. While the headlines have mainly surrounded other athletes in women's basketball, it's Watkins and the upcoming freshman that will define the evolution and growth of women's hoops in the future. FurthWatkins finished her sensational freshman campaign with the third most points among freshmen in NCAA history. She trailed only Kelsey Mitchell from Ohio State, who scored 873 points, and Tina Hutchinson from San Diego State, who is the all-time leader.

Entering the NCAA tournament as the no. 1 seed for the first time since 1986, the Trojans faced the no. 16-seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the Regional 3 in Portland. Limiting AMCC to just four points in the first quarter, it was Watkins that led the way with 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Although she was cold beyond the arc, she was automatic from the midrange. Her ability to pass up the rock on fast breaks and drive to the basketball is a staple of her game. With a uniqueness to her offensive game, Watkins is hard to be stopped anywhere on the court. The second leading scoring in the nation, she's a walking bucket, and it extends well beyond the arc.

Watkins and USC are headed to the Sweet 16

While Watkins has shown several MVP-esque performances this season, JuJu Watkins continues to show why she makes a two-way impact on the game. Many will argue the talent gap was enormous between the two teams. However, four blocks and two steals is a statement, and the Trojans had 14 combined steals and blocks as a team.

JuJu Watkins poses with Bianka and Capri Bryant after breaking USC's single season scoring record

VanessaBryant/IG https://t.co/xJbSGcPa8G pic.twitter.com/yd80SGh840

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 24, 2024

On Monday night, it was Watkins's double-double performance that lifted USC over Kansas 73-55 in the round of 32. This time around, she showcased her full talents on the court. Her ability to maneuver around screens from the three-point line, and drive through traffic was stellar. A true versatile three-way scorer, Watkins was blowing by the defenses in the paint. Her dominance was so effective on the offensive end, Kansas was forced to switch to a zone defense. She finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

For Watkins and her teammates, it's all about confidence moving forward in the NCAA Tournament.

JuJu Watkins key to victory: having confidence

"It's important to have confidence," said Watkins. "I have a lot of confidence in this team. It's a lot on the line. But at the end of the day, I trust my teammates and I are going to get the job done." I didn't know what to expect. Still don't really know what to expect. I'm just here for the ride, knowing what I need to do every game. I'm just going to give all I can, and hopefully, that ends with the result that we want." ( March Madness PR)

Watkins can't be stopped, and most teams have run into this issue on the defensive front. A force to be reckoned with, the USC Trojans are a no.1. seed for a reason. Joining Iowa, South Carolina, and Texas as the top seeds in the nation, Watkins has was it takes to power her team to a deep run in the tournament. With 16 remaining teams, the Trojans will face off against no.1 Baylors on Saturday, Mar. 30.

If they survive against the Bears, USC has a shot of facing either Connecticut or Duke in the elite eight. With South Carolina showing they are once again the team to beat, how far of a run can USC make? Either way, Watkins is poised and ready for the moment.

Stay tuned for more NCAAW and March Madness related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post JuJu Watkins breaks USC scoring record, Trojans advance to Sweet 16 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies Women's basketball team defeat Georgetown 78-42 to earn their fourth straight Big East Tournament title. Riddled with injuries, the Huskies are ready for a NCAA Championship run.

It's not about the setback, it's about the comeback. This may be the year that the Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team shocks the world.

Out of the seven players available for the Big-East championship title, four of them are freshman.

Despite coach Geno Auriemma's playful comment that his team might be a bit "delusional," every player on the team has faith in their abilities, even amidst the challenges they've faced this year. After watching Saint Peter's make headlines in 2022, it's hard to count any team out, especially Connecticut.

The UConn Huskies are largely considered one of the most prolific programs in all of NCAA women's basketball, leading the way with 11 national championships. Led under coac h Auriemma, UConn hasn't won a title since 2016, and are two years removed from the championship finals loss against South Carolina. We can never forget how Paige Bueckers single handedly carried her team to the finals.

PAIGE BUECKERS scored 15 of her 27 PTS in the 2 overtimes to lead UConn to their 14th straight Final Four!

1st Half: 4 PTS (2/6 FG)
2nd Half: 23 PTS (8/9 FG)

VIDEO: @swishcultures_ pic.twitter.com/QkiqXkiKod

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 29, 2022

While Auriemma is among the most winningest coaches in Division 1 basketball, UConn's story is defined by their resilience and determination to overcome several injuries not only this year, but seasons past.

Prior to the start of the season, UConn was ranked no. 2 in the nation, by the Associated Press. With high hopes and expectations, the injuries piled up, reflecting a recurring unfortunate trend. Specifically the last few seasons, Auriemma and the Huskies have faced unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.

UConn is the definition of resiliency

This group has been all bout resiliency. After a turbulent 4-3 start, UConn suffered losses to NC State, UCLA, and Texas all within the first two weeks. They went on to win their next 25 of 27 matchups, and finished with nine straight victories, including the Big East Championship game. Perhaps, the motto for this year should be "impossible is nothing," by Nike.

Speaking of the Big East, more than 7,000 fans crowded Mohegan Sun Arena to watch Connecticut play against Georgetown for their 22nd Conference championship appearance. With a 25-9 season record, the Huskies faced a Georgetown team that made their first ever appearance in a Big East Conference championship game. Defeating the Bulldogs 78-42, the story mainly revolves around UConn's defensive prowess and discipline.

In all of Division 1 basketball, the Connecticut Huskies rank no 23 in the nation, tied with South Carolina in opponent points allowed per game (56.3).

Limiting Georgetown to just seven fourth quarter points, the Bulldogs finished shooting 11 percent from deep, and 32 percent from the floor. Not only did Connecticut play stellar defense along the perimeter, they crushed them on the boards and inside the paint. Forcing 17 turnovers, the Huskies starters combined for 12 total steals. In the backcourt, Buecker's and KK Arnold combined for seven alone.

Auriemma calls this team "remarkable"

For coach Auriemma, he's been at this a long time, having led the Huskies to 34 years of NCAA tournaments. Fighting back emotions at the end of the matchup, he admitted it's not easy winning in the month of March. While teams such as South Carolina and LSU remain the most dominant and spoke about, UConn's comeback year has been a bit under shadowed by all the excitement across women's hoops.

Doesn't matter who was available and who wasn't.

This was a full-team win pic.twitter.com/Uc4GMz14n2

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 12, 2024

In just a few days, the Huskies had their share of challenges yet again. Despite Aliyah Edward's injury, they had a strong 86-53 win against Providence. Even without Edwards, they managed to defeat Marquette, holding them to just 29 points.

"Obviously, these have been three pretty interesting days," coach Auriemma said about the Big East Tournament. "The energy that it took to finish this off was really pretty remarkable. Couldn't be prouder of them." (UConn Huskies PR).

The Huskies were dealt several injuries this year

The focus has heavily been on Buecker's determination in returning to the hardwood after succumbing to several injuries over the years. With a strong connection to her faith, she returned to the court just 19 games following a meniscus tear, but suffered an ACL tear last season. Bueckers, who's the heart and soul of the Huskies, remained sidelined for the entire 2022-2023 season.

She had her healthiest season yet, ending her third year with a career-high 21.3 points and 1.4 blocks. Buecker excelled on both ends, averaging 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.7 assists. Through a career-high 34 games, she shot an impressive 53.8% from the field and 42.4% from deep. Buecker's stellar two-way performance continued in the Big-East championship game, where she led with 27 points and five blocks.

Initially, freshman Jana El Alfy was sidelined for the entire 2023-2024 season after an Achilles injury. With Fudd already out, junior Caroline Ducharme played only four games before injury ended her season. Then, in January, guard Aubrey Griffin tore her ACL.

Despite dropping to rank no. 17, UConn rebounded and is now ranked no. 10 heading into the NCAA National Tournament.

How many Championships is she winning at UCONN? pic.twitter.com/qTP0gIW2oL

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 22, 2021

The steady ready freshman core has stepped up for UConn

Auriemma leaned on senior Edwards and Bueckers, but the focus shifted to freshmen Ashlynn Shade, KK Arnold, and Ice Brady stepping up in the biggest of moments. Despite limited bench depth, UConn's dependable group has been key. With just healthy seven players, the Huskies get yet another shot of a title. And this time, several freshman have the opportunity to shine on the brightest stage, next to Edwards, Bueckers, and Nika Muhl. Let's not forget freshman Qadence Samuels, who put up 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Huskies.

Brady, a California native, stepped up remarkably over the tournament. Only averaging 4.6 points on the year, the forward 23 points combined in the tournament matchups against Georgetown and Marquette. And on a back-to-back, Brady led UConn with 40 minutes played. A part of the stay ready group, she was a force on both sides of the ball, with Edwards unable to suit up.

And for the Auriemma and the Huskies, they just have to remain confident through all of the ups and downs.

The Huskies remain confident regardless what's thrown their way

"Nothing good is going to happen unless you're confident in yourself that you can make it happen, " coach Auriemma told SNY. "It would have been easy to feel sorry for yourself, why us again? Why are we dealing with this again? The resilience is remarkable. They inspire me, a lot of times, to be better for them because of how positive they are."

While Selection Sunday will take place this weekend, the Connecticut Huskies will gear up for the first-round of the NCAA Tournament, which will begin on Mar. 22. With Edwards and Muhl expected to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, Bueckers announced her return to UConn for a final and last season. Although Edwards has missed the last two games, she'll return, this time, wearing the mask yet once again.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA?related?articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post UConn Huskies secure fourth consecutive Big East Tournament Title appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

Two-time Pac-12 Player of the year, Cameron Brink officially declared for the WNBA Draft on Tuesday afternoon.

Cameron Brink's left her legacy at Stanford University ,and she is set to make her mark in professional women's basketball.

Stanford University star Brink has officially declared for the WNBA Draft. While she was given a year of extra eligibility due to the pandemic in 2020, Brink decided it's time to move into the next exciting phase in her life. On Tuesday afternoon, the center shared a heartfelt message on X, formerly known as Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/0OI09aBIgd

— Cam (@cameronbrink22) March 12, 2024

Stating the Stanford Cardinal have "unfinished business," the New Jersey native expressed gratitude to all those who have played a part in her journey in becoming one of the nation's emerging stars.

"To my family and especially my parents-who would've thought that basketball would bring me the wonder it has. I attribute every ounce of success to your guidance and unconditional love" (via X )

Brink, who leads NCAA Division 1 basketball in blocks, is regarded as one of the premier two-way centers in the sport. Standing at 6'4", there's several aspects of her game to rave about. From baseline jumpers, to inside post play, and outside three-point shooting, Brink finished the season with 19 double-doubles, in 31 games, which ranks no. 8 in all of women's basketball.

Brink's is a defensive juggernaut

RECORD BREAKING GAME FOR BRINK

Cameron Brink record her first triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, & a single-game record 10 blocks!@StanfordWBB | #Pac12WBB pic.twitter.com/BP9odP6El8

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) January 29, 2023

Her blocks are ionic, which she'll take with her to the WNBA. In fact, she put up a season high eight blocks against Pac-12 rival USC back on Feb. 2. Yes, that's correct, eight blocks.

She surely didn't disappoint in her fourth and final season with the Cardinal. Through 31 games, she boasted an incredible stat line of 17.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game. Shooting 51.2 percent from the floor in her senior year, Brink improved drastically from the free-throw line, increasing her percentage over 20 points from the 2021-2022 season.

Although she may not be the highest-scoring player, Brink has versatility, and that's important for a center, especially with the ability to stretch the floor. Able to excel with inside-outside basketball, she's not only a force on the glass, but she's developed exceptional passing skills, especially when doubled teamed. She's had some enormous games over her career, however, we can't forget career-high 24 rebounds against Oregon State on Feb 29. In the matchup, Brink also finished with team high 25 points.

Brink is Stanford's all-time leading shot blocker

Led by legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, filling the shoes of Stanford University's elite athletes is no small challenge. Brink stands among Stanford greats like Candice, Wiggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jennifer Azzi, to name just a few. After all, she plays for one of the most winningest programs in all of women's college basketball. In the history of the program, Brink is all-time leader in blocks (402), block percentage (13.4 %), blocks per game (3.1), defensive rebound percentage (29.2 %), total rebound percentage (22%), box out plus/minus (19.7), among several other statistical categories.

It's not everyday you get to lace up for the all-time winningest coach in NCAA history.

Related article: click here

A four-year player for the Cardinal, Brink was recruited out of Mountainside, located in Oregon. An integral part of the team, the center led Stanford to their first NCAA title in 2021, signaling the end of a 29 year drought.

Earning tons of accolades during her illustrious career, Brink is a 3x Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, 2x Pac-12 Player of the Year, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Among other individual honors, she's a 3x olympic gold medalist, which she was included in the FIBA under 19, FIBA under 17 World Cup, and 3x3 World Cup.

Announced today, Brink headlines ESPNs All-American team, next to Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers(UConn), JuJu Watkins (USC), and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame).

Brink is expected to be a top selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft

Cameron Brink will enter the 2024 WNBA draft! She announced via social media pic.twitter.com/oQIzNAC9G2

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) March 12, 2024

The former McDonald's All-American is expected to be a top selection in the 2024 WNBA Draf. With Caitlin Clark likely to be chosen as the first pick, Brink's stock is increasing, especially with Paige Bueckers returning to UConn.

Predicted to be picked second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks, she would be an excellent fit . This is especially given Nneka Ogwumikes stunning move to the Seattle Storm in free agency. By improving her three-point shot, she could become the next Nikola Jokic or Victor Wembanyama of the WNBA.

Should she drop to the third overall pick in the draft, there's a chance she could be chosen by the Phoenix Mercury. While nothing is set, I can't see Brink falling lower than the third pick.

Despite Brink and the Cardinal loss in the Pac-12 championship to USC with a final score of 74-61, the Stanford Center is determined to finish the season strong and compete for an NCAA National title.

Cameron Brink is determined to help bring a second title to Stanford during her career

"I am excited to announce I will be declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft," said Brink in her post on X. "Although I am excited for that next chapter, we still have unfinished business and so much to accomplish in my final season at Stanford."

Aside from her improvement in free-throws, it's been incredible to watch the transformation following her Freshman season. A force on both ends of the floor, she's incredibly valuable to Stanford. 28-5 on the season, Brink missed only two games, but was great missed in Stanford's 68-61 loss against Oregon State.

Bidding her final goodbyes to Palo Alto, Brink was eligible to declare for the 2023 WNBA Draft, yet decided to return for one last dance. One of the most prolific shot blockers in women's basketball, she will undoubtedly be missed by so many at Stanford.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Stanford's Cameron Brink declares for the WNBA Draft appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

No. 5 USC Trojans defeat No.2 Stanford Cardinal 74-61, earning their second and final Pac-12 championship.

What a fitting farewell to the Pac-12 Championship.

Under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the USC Trojans secured the Pac-12 Championship, marking their first conference victory in ten years. Despite Stanford being the favored team, USC took an early lead and maintained their momentum throughout. Demonstrating their strongest win percentage since the 1993-1994 season, the Trojans have consistently impressed with their physical prowess throughout the season. It's been a real honor to watch them this season.

TROJANS WIN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/nRyrILGTJZ

— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) March 10, 2024

It all began with a three-pointer sunk by Senior guard McKenzie Forbes. As a first-year transfer from Harvard University, and formerly Cal, Forbes scored a game-high 26 points, making 11 out of 21 field goals and hitting 4 out of 8 three-point attempts. Additionally, she grabbed five rebounds, two of which were on the offensive end, and contributed two assists along with three steals.

McKenzie Forbes was an unstoppable force

On Dec. 21, the senior scored a career-high 36 points against Long Beach State, and came up immense in the most unforgettable moment, the Pac-12 championship.

Clearly emotional after the game, Forbes was truly unstoppable all over both ends of the court. Steals and pull up threes, the senior was locked in. Second on the roster in scoring with 13.1 points per game, Forbes was the glue that secured USC their final ever Pac-12 championship. And with her stellar game play, the California native was named the conference MVP.

Surrounded by reporters, Forbes gave an tearful interview with on the court. In her post game speech, the senior shed tears, yet was visibly passionate about her team's victory.

Speaking of rebounds, acting as a strong force on the glass was the difference maker for the USC. By out rebounding Stanford 48-28, there were a plethora of second chance opportunities, along with 21 points off turnovers. There's outplaying a team on the glass, and then there's completely dominating a team on the rebounds. In USC's case, it was a display of absolute masterclass on the rebounds.

JuJu Watkins' first 7 games of her college career (all wins).

32 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
18 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
35 PTS, 9 REB, 6 STL, 6 3PT
15 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
31 PTS, 12 REB
30 PTS, 5 STL, 4 AST
30 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST @USCWBB | @ballislifewbb_ pic.twitter.com/HC4UJ6NiOu

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 4, 2023

What an incredible freshman season it's been for Watkins. The next generational talent, she led the Trojans with 27 points per game, and broke several records in her first season. In fact, the Sierra Canyon product is now the most scoring freshman in NCAA women's basketball history. While Caitlin Clark finished with 799 points following her freshman year, Watkins is at 801.

An integral part of the Trojans success this season, Watkins poured in 33 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in the Pac-12 semifinal against no. 7 UCLA. Making history all season long, the guard broke Cheryl Miller's record for the most 30-point games in a season for the USC Trojans.

USC defeated Stanford twice this year

JUJU WATKINS
Broke the USC record for points in a game as a freshman!

51 Points
14/26 Shooting
6/11 Threes
17/19 Free Throws
11 Rebounds
4 Steals

In an upset win over No.4 Stanford pic.twitter.com/c9PtftXwQV

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 3, 2024

Despite being ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 this season, the Cardinal suffered only five losses, one of which was against USC on Feb. 2, with a final score of 67-58. In a remarkable display, JuJu Watkins made history by becoming the first Division 1 freshman to score 50 points in a game since Elena Delle Donne in 2010. With an impressive 51 points, she propelled the Trojans to their first victory at Maples Pavilion, the Cardinal's home court, in 24 years.

While USC has long demonstrated their ability to compete with Stanford and head coach Tara VanDerveer, it's Stanford that has largely dominated the Pac-12, clinching five conference titles since 2015. Despite USC's recent championship win, it marks a significant shift in the landscape of one of women's basketball's most competitive conferences. With VanDerveer's influence shaping the trajectory of women's hoops, this victory undoubtedly evokes a range of emotions. Two notable sentiments include disappointment and sadness.

With 12 teams part of the Pac-12, USC will move to the Big Ten, along with UCLA next season. Meanwhile, while Arizona, Utah, among others, will join the Big 12. Stanford, along with Cal, will join the ACC. The irony in this all? The Pac-12 is one of the strongest conferences in women's basketball history, including six ranked teams. Cameron Brink, JuJu Watkins, Alissa Pili, the list goes on. The amount of talent in the Pac-12 is enormous, and it will indefinitely be missed.

In a bittersweet day, the USC Trojans will move onto the NCAA tournament, where they will receive a chance to compete for a National Championship title.

Related article: Click here

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post USC shocks Stanford to capture first Pac-12 tournament title in a decade appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

Caitlin Clark is just 18 points shy of the all-time scoring record, while her last home game has become the priciest in college basketball history.

Caitlin Clark is bidding a regular season farewell at the Carver, with tickets commanding the highest prices in NCAA basketball history. As she approaches the milestone of becoming the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, the stage is set for an epic matchup. All eyes are on Clark for the chase in Pistol Petes's [Pete Maravich] all-time scoring record.

In the highly anticipated showdown between the two top-seeded teams, the most affordable ticket is priced at $297, available in corner F section on VividSeats. At present, the priciest seat available in the house is listed at $1,356, located in sideline section BB.

Related: Caitlin Clark declares for the 2024 WNBA Draft

ESPN's College Gameday is headed to Iowa

ESPN's College GameDay is set to return to Iowa City for the second consecutive year. Starting at 10 a.m. CT, the show will be hosted by a stellar lineup of basketball analysts, including Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, Carolyn Peck, and Holly Rowe.

Anticipation mounts for the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes' showdown against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This game holds extra significance as Iowa bids farewell to its seniors, notably Caitlin Clark, who recently declared for the WNBA Draft.

Announcing the guard will forgo a fifth season at Iowa, Clark stated she wanted full transparency headed into senior night with her teammates. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment, and celebrating the growth of the program. Following the game, Iowa will celebrate senior night, with Caitlin Clark having one goal in mind: defeating Ohio State.

"My main goal is beating Ohio State," said Clark in post game press conference. "I think we are all just super excited for another opportunity at them. "(Owen Siebring on X)

Earlier this year, Ohio State secured a victory over Iowa in overtime

OT | @cotiemcmahon23 has a CAREER-HIGH 31 points #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/49zSvfmAge

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) January 21, 2024

With tip off at 1 p.m. ET, the Buckeyes (25-3) will face the Hawkeyes (25-4) in a monumental BigTen matchup. All eyes are on Iowa, who are out for revenge, after losing to Ohio state 100-92 in overtime back on Jan. 21. With Iowa as the heavy favorites with 18,660 spectators at Value City Arena, Ohio State came back from a 12-point deficit. They outscored the Hawkeyes 25-8 in the fourth quarter, and Jacy Sheldon sealed the deal with two made free-throws in the final 26 seconds of overtime.

It was a matchup Caitlin Clark would rather forget. Despite her stellar performance, she found herself accidentally knocked to the ground as Buckeye fans stormed the court in celebration. Thankfully, Clark emerged from the incident without injuries, but it was a frightening moment for the nation's top player. Plus, they snapped Iowa's 15 game win streak.

In that meeting, Clark finished with a season high (at the time) 45 points, 2 steals, 1 block, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. Finishing 12-25 from the field, the Iowa native finished 14-16 from free-throw line. Hannah Stuelke and Molly Davis combined for 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Ohio State applied the pressure defensively, holding the Hawkeyes to 46.2 percent from the field, and 35.7 percent from deep.

Caitlin Clark accounts for 34.7 percent of the Hawkeyes offense

@caitlinclark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/jqB75v6U5O

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) January 21, 2024

7-1 in the BigTen, the Hawkeyes find themselves in a similar position as last season, where they finished 31-7. Under coach Lisa Bluder, Iowa is 12-1 at home, and won their last two games against Minnesota and Illinois. In five games against ranked teams, the Hawkeyes have impressive victories over Virginia Tech, Kansas State, and Indiana.

Indeed, Caitlin Clark has been the central focus with her extraordinary career accomplishments. Averaging 32.2 points per game, she constitutes 34.7 percent of the team's offense. However, her teammates have played a crucial role, offering support both on and off the court. Averaging the most points in NCAA women's basketball with 92.7 points per game, they will look to keep it rolling on Sunday.

Clark's been incredible at home, averaging 32.9 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.9 rebounds, on 40.8 percent three-point shooting.

For the Buckeyes, they showcased why they are the real deal this season. With a 6-1 record in the conference, they earned a signature win at home. Jacy Sheldon, who closed tings out, finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. The no. 18 seed at the time, Cotie McMahon put up a career high 33 points and 12 rebounds.

Senior Day

Caitlin Clark's full interview from today...
She explains why now was the right time to announce her decision to leave Iowa; and reflects on the last 4 years with the Hawkeyes. pic.twitter.com/PTWNH7Esbr

— Owen Siebring (@owensiebring) March 1, 2024

Sophomore Hannah Stuelke stands as the team's second-highest scorer, averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Alongside Stuelke, senior guard Kate Martin contributes significantly with 13 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Although they aren't the highest ranked team, Clark along with the rest of the roster make the team a formidable presence once again this year. Tomorrow night, Clark, Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Sharon Goodman, and Molly Davis will all the proper senior sendoff post game.

As Iowa aims to host the NCAA tournament's first round, it's a prime opportunity to honor the athletes who have made significant contributions to the program's success. The core of this team, consisting of five players, boasts a combined total of 100 wins and played pivotal roles in leading Iowa to its inaugural NCAA Championship title game last season.

Ohio State has won 15 consecutive games

The moment everyone knew. Beat TTUN and became undisputed champions on the same night! pic.twitter.com/Q84iLEy3Ir

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) March 1, 2024

Following their season-opening loss to USC, Ohio State has been unstoppable, remaining undefeated since their matchup against Michigan on December 30th. During this impressive streak, they've ascended in the rankings, securing 15 consecutive victories. Notably, these wins include triumphs over formidable opponents such as ranked teams Indiana, Iowa, Penn State, and Tennessee.

Senior Jacy Sheldon stands out as the team's leading scorer, averaging an impressive 18 points per game. She is closely followed by Cotie McMahon, Taylor Thierry, and Celeste Taylor, all of whom contribute points in double figures, showcasing the depth and scoring versatility of the team.

While they failed to make it to the final four last year, the Bucks scored big by locking up Taylor, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year transfer from Duke. With March Madness right around the corner, Ohio State recently had colossal victories over Michigan, Maryland, and Penn State. Over the last five games, they've had a total point differential over Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Maryland, and Michigan.

Key Players

Iowa

• Caitlin Clark (Senior, guard): 32.2 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 8.7 APG | 1.7 SPG | 39.5 % 3PT
  
• Molly Davis (Senior, guard): 6.3 PPG | 2.3 RPG | 3.2 APG | 1 SPG | 40.7 % 3PT
  
• Hannah Stuelke (Sophomore, guard): 14.1 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 1.4 APG | 1 SPG | 63.9 FG %
  
• Kate Martin (Senior, guard): 13 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 2.6 APG | 52.3 FG %

OSU

• Cotie McMahon( Sophomore, forward):14.3 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 2.2 APG | 2.0 BPG | 47.2 FG %
  
• Jacy Sheldon (Senior, guard) : 18 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.6 APG | 2.1 SPG | 38.4 % 3PT
  
• Celeste Taylor (Senior, guard): 10.3 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 3.4 APG | 2.3 SPG
  
• Taylor Thierry (Junior, guard) :11.4 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 1.5 APG | 1.8 SPG | 46.2 % 3PT
  
• Rebeka Mikulasikova (Senior, forward) :9.1 PPG | 2.9 RPG | 2.5 APG | 38.3 % 3PT

The Buckeyes are beatable

Ohio State has continued to build an impressive record, positioning themselves for a potential No. 1 seed with a victory over Iowa. However, their scoring average of 80.6 points per game ranks 15th in the league. While defensively they've allowed an average of 62.9 points per game, their struggle with rebounds has persisted as a season-long weakness.

For Iowa to craft a Cinderella story on senior day, they must prioritize ball control, as Ohio State thrives on fast-paced basketball and capitalizes on turnovers. Iowa has honed their defensive strategies, including the utilization of the box-and-one defense. If they can execute defensively, victory could be within their grasp.

And again, it all may come down to Caitlin Clark. After all, she scored all the overtime buckets for Iowa in their last matchup vs. Ohio State. With the Buckeyes named the outright Big Ten Champions, there's not as much on the line.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post NCAAW: Iowa Hawkeyes set to face Ohio State Buckeyes in season finale showdown appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

18 points away from the all-time scoring record, Iowa's Caitlin Clark has officially declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft.

It's a leap day fans will never forget. Hoop fans get ready, Caitlin Clark is taking her talents to the WNBA.

This afternoon, Caitlin Clark sent shockwaves through the basketball world. The all-time leading scorer in NCAA division 1 women's basketball is turning pro.It's a bittersweet moment for Iowa fans, yet there's hope that they will follow her WNBA journey.

Thursday afternoon saw Caitlin Clark deliver the long-awaited news that basketball enthusiasts had been anticipating. Following her four-year stint at Iowa, Clark officially confirmed her intention to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft. This declaration coincided with the WNBA's announcement, made a day prior, regarding the draft's location in Brooklyn, with provisions for 1,000 fans to attend.

Caitlin Clark is 18 points away from owning the all-time NCAA Basketball scoring title

pic.twitter.com/9bd3w390Ka

— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) February 29, 2024

At the collegiate level, Caitlin Clark is on the cusp of a historic achievement. She is merely 18 points away from surpassing Peter Maravich for the all-time Division 1 scoring record. Beyond individual accolades, Clark has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to Iowa, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court.

Under her guidance, Iowa reached the Final Four for the first time since 1993, and despite falling short in the 2023 NCAA tournament, Clark is determined to lead the Hawkeyes on another championship pursuit. Her impact extends far beyond statistics; Clark has left an indelible mark on the program, the university, and the basketball community as a whole.

Clark's professional demeanor both on and off the court is unmistakable, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. It's clear that she is destined for success at the next level in the WNBA.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, previously known as Twitter, Clark revealed her decision regarding her future endeavors in the basketball world. The standout from Iowa took a moment to express gratitude to all the significant individuals in her life who have contributed to her journey thus far, including the fans.

"While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa," said Clark on a social media post. "I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft."

Caitlin Clark in college

49 PTS, 13 AST, 9 3PT
46 PTS, 10 AST
44 PTS, 8 AST
41 PTS, 12 AST, 10 REB, 8 3PT
39 PTS, 10 REB, 9 AST
38 PTS, 12 AST, 8 3PT
35 PTS, 17 REB, 10 AST
35 PTS, 10 AST, 7 STL
33 PTS, 12 AST, 10 REB, 8 3PT
20 PTS, 18 ASTpic.twitter.com/Vum6JkFL3w https://t.co/9Y4D0NezfN

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 29, 2024

Basketball fans have been eagerly awaiting Clark's decision, particularly because she has been relatively quiet about her future until today. Personally, I didn't expect the news to come this soon; I anticipated the announcement to coincide with the end of March Madness or in early April.

Despite playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes for four years, Clark was eligible to return for a fifth season at Iowa due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clark has been spectacular this season, averaging 32.2, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.7 rebounds in 29 games. In Wednesdays victory over Minnesota, the guard finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. With this stat line, she broke another record. Clark became the Big Ten's all-time leader in three-pointers made, and in fact scored the first 15 points of the game. It was her 17th career-triple double as a member of the Hawkeyes.

From filled arenas to bustling football stadiums, Caitlin Clark's impact is unmistakable. As a genuinely exceptional talent, she has inspired fans across the nation to eagerly attend her games. Her energy and skillset is contagious, and her following is one of a kind.

Clark is anticipated to be chosen as the top overall pick by the Indiana Fever

we're just simply reminding you that there are only 46 days until the 2024 WNBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/23AA4xClug

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) February 29, 2024

While this excitement is certainly rewarding for Clark, it's also a significant boon for the WNBA, a league that continues to flourish and expand. For the second year in a row, the Indiana Fever hold the no.1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. After selecting South Carolina's Aliyah Boston no.1 in the 2023 Draft, Indiana has much optimism for the future.

Get ready, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana is preparing for the arrival of the biggest sensation from college basketball. With Clark practically guaranteed as the No. 1 pick, Indiana is poised to secure a much-needed star alongside Aliyah Boston. While Clark is renowned for her shooting prowess, she has also showcased exceptional playmaking abilities and a knack for rebounding. She'll fit like a glove in Indiana, who desperately needs a scoring guard, that's able to run the pick and roll with Boston.

While Indiana finished no. 10 last season at 13-27, they haven't sniffed the playoffs since the 2016. Overall, it's been a long road for Fever fans ever since Tamika Catchings retired back in 2016.

Clark, Iowa have one remaining regular-season game against Ohio State

With just one regular-season game left against Ohio State on March 3rd, Clark stands on the brink of becoming the all-time scoring leader in NCAA basketball history. Progressing and refining her skills since her freshman year, the Iowa standout boasts an impressive career tally of 3,650 points, 1,049 assists, and 917 rebounds. Over the years, she has notably enhanced the versatility of her game, particularly in rebounding and playmaking, showcasing a relentless dedication to improvement.

With that game approaching, Caitlin Clark will command everyone's attention, solidifying her status as a talent of a generation.

The final home game at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena is sure to evoke strong emotions. All eyes are fixed on Clark as she strives to surpass Maravich while making her announcement regarding the WNBA. Among the attendees will be her family and friends, whom she wholeheartedly thanked in her post on X.

While she thanked everyone who's helped her along the way, she saved the most important message for last.

"Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without my family and friends who have been by my side through it all," said Clark on X. "Because of all of you, my dreams came true."

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Swish to success: Caitlin Clark declares for the WNBA Draft appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Witten by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

The WNBA Draft shifts its venue from Manhattan to Brooklyn, marking the first opportunity for fans to attend since the drafts held at Mohegan Sun Arena from 2014 to 2016.

It's official. The 28th WNBA annual draft presented by State Farm, will relocate to Brooklyn.

As the WNBA's popularity continues to soar, the Draft will feature a plethora of events. This year, 1000 fans will have the chance to witness the draft live, marking the first occurrence since the 2014-2016 season. That being said, the event is scheduled to occur on April 15th at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).

Why not shine the spotlight on some of the most talented athletes in the world in front of their fans? This move by the WNBA, spearheaded by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, is nothing short of brilliant.

WNBA DRAFT RELATED ARTICLE

1,000 fortunate fans will be given the chance to attend the draft.

For fans, this provides a firsthand and up-close experience, a rarity not seen in eight years. According to the WNBA, tickets will be available to the public starting from March 7. Following in the footsteps of the NBA, the WNBA is prioritizing its fans, spotlighting the exceptional talent in this year's draft.

Moreover, Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark is eligible to declare for the draft, adding to the anticipation. Alongside Clark, a wealth of talent is poised for the upcoming season, igniting excitement among fans and viewers alike.

“We are focused on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won’t want to miss, at a time when the energy for the WNBA has never been higher,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a press release statement.  “Last season resulted in our most-watched-regular season in over two decades, our highest total attendance in 13 years and set record figures across WNBA digital and social platforms.

The WNBA's exponential growth highlights the need for the league and its players to receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. While there are several areas needing improvement, women's sports, in general, are on the rise.

The future is NOW

The 2024 WNBA Draft presented by @statefarm will be OPEN to the fans at an all NEW location!

April 15th
Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, N.Y. (BAM)
Tickets go on sale Thursday March 7th – https://t.co/7JTr1YylLV
Airing exclusively on ESPN… pic.twitter.com/vxMzzxQLHb

— WNBA (@WNBA) February 28, 2024

Viewership among national television partners surged by nearly 21 percent, reflecting the WNBA's remarkable growth throughout the season. The 2023 WNBA Draft, in particular, garnered an average of 572,000 viewers, marking the most-watched draft since 2004. Attendance rose by 16 percent, and the WNBA experienced significant increases in social media engagement, sports betting activity, and digital platform interactions.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music will host the event

The Brooklyn Academy of Music has been home to numerous renowned events in music, theater, film, dance, and more. With a legacy spanning over 160 years, the Academy will serve as the host venue for the highly anticipated event come April.

Having previously been held in Manhattan and the Mohegan Sun Arena, the evening will be filled with various festivities. To begin, players will have the opportunity to flaunt their fashion and personalities on the "Orange Carpet" and will speak to the media before they get their names called. Before the event commences, the prospects will visit the Empire State Building to kick off the draft festivities with a lighting ceremony.

As the talent pool continues to expand, the WNBA will unveil "Draft Central" in March. Modeled after the NBA's platform, this initiative will spotlight the skills and analyses of draft prospects. Moreover, it will offer fans and media the opportunity to access team-specific information, including transactions, news, and picks.

This development marks a significant milestone for the WNBA and underscores the league's evolution. Providing comprehensive draft prospect and team information is crucial for the league's growth and visibility.

As the official start to the WNBA season, we knew the WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm should be transformed into a larger, fan-focused event to celebrate the incredible talent set to enter the draft, "said Engelbert.

Despite the draft lottery taking place on December 10, the Indiana Fever retain the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. However, due to a series of transactions, the draft order now looks markedly different compared to the time of the lottery.

Below is the updated draft order for the teams:

2023 #WNBADraft

No. 1: Aliyah Boston (IND)
No. 10: Zia Cooke (LA)
No. 24: Brea Beal (MIN) pic.twitter.com/EqFXK5zbXP

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 11, 2023

Round no.1

1. Indiana Fever
2. Los Angeles Sparks
3. Chicago Sky (via Phoenix Mercury)
4. Los Angeles (via Seattle Storm)
5. Dallas Wings (via Chicago Sky)
6. Washington Mystics
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Los Angeles Sparks (via Atlanta Dream)
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Atlanta Dream (Las Vegas Aces)

Round no.2

1. Phoenix Mercury
2. Seattle Storm
3. Indiana Fever
4. Los Angeles Sparks
5. Chicago Sky
6. Las Vegas Aces (via Washington Mystics)
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Atlanta Dream
9. Washington Mystics (via Dallas Wings)
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Las Vegas Aces

Round no. 3

1. Phoenix Mercury
2. Seattle Storm
3. Indiana Fever
4. Los Angeles Sparks
5. Chicago Sky
6. Las Vegas Aces (via Washington Mystics)
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Atlanta Dream
9. Washington Mystics (via Dallas Wings)
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Las Vegas Aces

The 2024 WNBA Draft is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on April 15th. Viewers can catch the action live on ESPN, with the event featuring WNBA Countdown presented by Google on the ESPN app. For fans eager to stay updated throughout the night, wnba.com will be the go-to source.

As the draft heads to Brooklyn, the world eagerly anticipates capturing and celebrating the journeys of these prospects both on and off the court as they embark on the next chapter of their careers.

The WNBA season will kick off on May 15 with four games scheduled to start at 7 p.m ET.

Stay tuned for more related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

Follow the movement on social media!

The post Brooklyn Bound: 2024 WNBA Draft welcomes 1000 fans for memorable move appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

The New York Liberty has officially announced that Breanna Stewart, the reigning MVP, has opted to continue her journey with the team.

The top WNBA free agent has officially signed a new contract. On Monday, the New York Liberty announced that Breanna Stewart would be coming back to the team under a one-year, non-guaranteed agreement.

Stewart, designated as "cored" by the Liberty, implies that she wouldn't transition into a restricted free agent during the off-season. Under a core designation in the WNBA, Stewart was exclusively allowed to negotiate and communicate with New York during this year's free agency window. This core status grants the Liberty financial maneuverability and exclusive negotiating privileges.

RELATED ARTICLE: CLICK HERE

Breanna Stewart takes a pay cut which gives the Liberty financial flexibility

The MVP is in the building!

Breanna Stewart@Ballislife #WNBA pic.twitter.com/hjCSTG3L5U

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) September 26, 2023

In her agreement, Stewart accepted a reduced salary, falling below the league's maximum deal. This calculated decision provides New York with the optimal chance to vie for a championship while also retaining numerous high-profile players. The Maximum regular salary in the WNBA is worth $208,219.

As reported by The Athletic, the agreement provides both Stewart and the Liberty with "tremendous flexibility in future negotiations," suggesting Stewart's desire to remain with the organization long-term. Demonstrating a commitment to building a strong roster, General Manager Kolb diligently re-signed Sabrina Ionescu, Kayla Thorton, and Betnijah Laney before the onset of free agency.

When appointed as General Manager in 2019, Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb harbored a vision of constructing a championship-winning team. Awarded the title of 2023 WNBA Executive of the Year, Kolb ensured the return of the cornerstone of his plan by securing Breanna Stewart.

“It’s a monumental day in New York as we are thrilled to welcome back the MVP, Breanna Stewart,” said Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb in a press release. “Stewie's return marks our unwavering commitment to excellence and our collective drive to bring a championship to New York. Welcome back, Stewie!”

BREANNA STEWART
She has a career-high & franchise-high 45 PTS (15/20 FG) midway through the 4th quarter!

The other team has 55 PTS!!

pic.twitter.com/mVchxhU5CP

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) May 21, 2023

Stewart will play a pivotal role in guiding the Liberty toward another championship victory.

Breanna Stewart, at 29 years old, has showcased her exceptional talent and leadership as she enters her second year with the New York Liberty. Under her guidance, the team achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the finals, marking their first appearance in the championship series since 2002. A 2x MVP, Stewart spent the first six seasons with the Seattle Storm, where she won two championships. The no. 1 pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, Stewart has expressed the desire to be "great" and bring a championship to the city of New York.

Despite falling short against the formidable Las Vegas Aces in a captivating series, Stewart's performance throughout the season captivated audiences and generated numerous storylines. Her contributions both on and off the court undoubtedly solidified her status as a standout player in the league.

After achieving a career-high average of 23.0 points, 3.8 assists, 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, the former UConn Husky was honored with the MVP trophy. Renowned for her exceptional two-way skills, Stewart maintained impressive shooting percentages of 46.5 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from beyond the three-point line.

Breanna Stewart breaks silence on signing: "I'm back"

Despite being on a team with abundant talent, she accomplished the remarkable feat of scoring four 40-point games, setting a new record in WNBA history. Guided by head coach Sandy Brondello, Stewart is cherished as a valued teammate, earning admiration for her contributions both on and off the court.

The decision follows New York's re-signing of center/forward Jonquel Jones to a two-year contract. With aspirations of returning to the WNBA Finals, the Bahamas native played a pivotal role in the Liberty's achievements last season.

After failing to sign Nneka Ogwumike in free agency, New York recently signed Kennedy Burke to fill a crucial bench position. With the WNBA draft right around the corner, New York currently holds the no. 11 pick. The most important question, is with Leonie Fiebich and Ivana Dojki? signed on minimum deals, what is Kolb's next projected move?

Even with the departures of Jocelyn Willoughby and Stephanie Dolson in free agency, Breanna Stewart's decision to accept a salary below the maximum allows the Liberty the opportunity to strengthen their bench and mount another championship campaign.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Breanna Stewart succinctly addressed her recent signing with just two words: "I'm back."

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Liberty's loyalty: Breanna Stewart's renewed commitment to New York sparks excitement appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

She talked her talk, and she delivered.

Sabrina Ionescu unquestionably showcased her greatness to the world, doing so with remarkable humility. And she accomplished this feat while representing women's basketball on one of the grandest stages.

To all basketball enthusiasts, including young fans worldwide, she not only embodied the essence of being a role model but also showcased that both women and men can compete on a level playing field.

"If you can shoot, you can shoot. it doesn't matter if you're a boy or a girl," said Ionescu, who's known for her prolific shooting prowess. From Oregon to the WNBA, she ranks among the top shooters in the realm of basketball.

Sabrina Ionescu balled out on the biggest stage

She made 26 successful deep shots from the NBA three-point line, matching Damian Lillard's record, who had just been crowned the three-point champion moments earlier. Similarly, Trae Young, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Tyrese Haliburton also achieved a high of 26 made three-point shots.And she did so shooting from the same line, on the same court.

Sabrina Ionescu finishes with 26, Steph Curry with 29!

What a SHOOTOUT! Odds for Steph to win -225pic.twitter.com/9i6Fj5ib38

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) February 18, 2024

In a single round, the victor was awarded a personalized wrestling belt dubbed "Sabrina vs. Steph 3-point champion." In a closely contested shootout, Curry emerged as the winner.

For Curry, he's always been a supporter of women's hoops. "Little boys and girls who are watching, it doesn't matter what gym you show up to. Don't discount who's to your left or to your right, " said Curry. "If they can shoot, they can shoot. You can compete and have fun. Hopefully we can be models of what that looks like on the biggest stage. Long term, you continue to find awesome ways to further the conversation on how amazing the women's game is, getting the eyeballs on it."

For Sabrina, Ionescu, this isn't just a win for women's basketball; it's a win for the sport as a whole. This innovative form of entertainment raises the standard for viewers and fans alike, offering a fresh way to showcase the competitive spirit between two of the world's top hoopers.

"Being able to have this crossover and understanding the respect that I've been able to receive from a lot of the NBA guys. Just knowing that Steph wanted to do this as well in terms of just respecting another shooter," said Ionescu in terms of spotlight and growth of the sport. "I think it's going to show a lot of young kids out there, a lot of people who might have not believed or even watched women's sports, that we were able to go out there and put on a show."

Ionescu wants a rematch with Curry next year

Don't be misled by Sabrina, she's not one to go down without a fight. In typical three-point contest fashion, neither star managed to secure more than one round. With the NBA All-Star game set to take place in the Bay Area next year, Ionescu openly discussed a rematch, underscoring her inherent competitiveness. Another words, game on Steph Curry.

"If you can shoot, you can shoot."

- @sabrina_i20 pic.twitter.com/9E21ngf1Qk

— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024

"We were talking about just getting a second round, Ionescu told I think we both finally just kind of got warm after sitting for a while and wanted to run it back. Maybe we will be able to evolve that next time. Obviously Steph[Curry] won for a reason, and I'm gonna have to try and beat next time." (Warriors PR)

The evening unfolded flawlessly, featuring a showdown between two of the finest shooters, both firing from the same line. However, Curry openly confessed to feeling nervous once Sabrina took off.

"Absolutely, I saw the first rack, I think she made the first six I believe, maybe seven," Curry told the press Saturday night. "Thankfully I made enough to get over the top. That was perfect. Great entertainment, great shooting on both sides, and awesome 70 seconds for both of us." (Warriors PR YouTube).

Sabrina matched an NBA record with an impressive 26 points in the three-point contest.

Ionescu is known for never revealing her hand and thrives on competing in the spotlight. Despite being unsuccessful in hitting all of her shots during warm-up just moments before the event, once it was her time to shine, it was as if a switch was turned on.

And her performance was as authentic as it gets. Often practicing her shots from the NBA line, Ionescu seemed to be in mid-season form. With intense focus and determination, she hit all five of her first shots and continued her streak, nailing seven consecutive shots while the crowd roared with excitement. Though she missed just one three-pointer from the top of the arch, Ionescu faced some difficulties from the right wing.

Stephen vs Sabrina @sabrina_i20 of the @nyliberty goes off for 26 points pic.twitter.com/pYPmLnqroh

— WNBA (@WNBA) February 18, 2024

With 22 points and only 16.8 seconds left, the New York Liberty star managed to hit three of the last five corner shots, including a two-point money ball at the end. Regardless of what many say, she truly shoots and warms up from the NBA three-point line.

Despite Curry's victory, Ionescu illuminated the world of women's basketball.

The only individual who surpassed the 26 mark was Steph Curry, who managed to score 29 three-pointers. Demonstrating exceptional form midway through the season, he displayed remarkable precision by hitting every shot from his money ball rack. With just 8.8 seconds remaining, Ionescu maintained her lead. However, in the final 7 seconds, Curry sunk the remaining two shots, elevating his total to 29.

Although Curry emerged victorious, the competitive spirit remains strong, and his admiration for Ionescu as both a person and a hooper remains unchanged. Their friendship, which began during her Oregon days, is founded on mutual respect, with Curry consistently applauding her work ethic and commitment to her craft.

Before entering the competition, Curry is well aware of Ionescu's profound dedication to both herself and the game of basketball.

"When I first met her [Sabrina Ionescu] back in the Bay, right before the Oregon rocket ship went off, Curry told the media. "You see a different demeanor and a different kind of killer instinct and a focus. The skill is one thing, but the mentality is a whole totally different thing that you kind of can't teach. She's demonstrated that every step of the way. I knew how matter how the buildup was, there would no stage that would be too bright for her. The way she started-- there' no fear. She know's who she is, and she also works." (Warriors PR).

Both Sabrina and Steph have been adamant that this competition was genuine and not merely a box-checking competition. While she may not have emerged as the winner of the competition, Ionescu demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level alongside male counterparts.

"The respect that I've been able to receive from the NBA guys... it's going to show a lot of people that haven't watched women's sports that we're able to go out there and put on a show."

Sabrina Ionescu on how this competition will help the game of basketball as a whole pic.twitter.com/zmaRMEftBp

— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024

Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu blaze trails, setting the standard for future events.

Her fearless demeanor captivated 10 million unique viewers, showcasing the greatness of women's basketball and advocating for its broader broadcast to a larger audience. In a time when women's sports are flourishing, this event served as the ideal platform to highlight their excellence and capture the attention of millions of basketball enthusiasts.

To me, that embodies leadership and courage—a readiness to compete on the biggest stage, irrespective of the result, to foster the growth of women's basketball. It truly reflects bravery and determination.

According to NBA Communications on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Saturday night events attracted 10 million unique viewers. These numbers mark a significant increase of nearly 54 percent from last year.

"You don't do things to just check a box," said Curry. "This is something-- If you're supporting basketball, and generally supporting women's basketball, it's something you continually do. You find new creative ways to have investment in the game. The fact this is a first of a kind in our sport, the fact that it's on this stage, it's a step in the right direction. We will always be able to say we were the first." (Warriors PR).

Truly two special individuals, this is only the beginning for promoting women's sports.

Stay tuned for more related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

Follow the movement on socials!

The post Sabrina Ionescu shines bright: elevating the WNBA's presence at the NBA All-Star game appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

This upcoming NBA All-Star weekend is a "pinch me moment" for New York Liberty star, Sabrina Ionescu. How many people can say they are competing during a first ever shootout against your idol? It's a dream come true for not only Sabrina, but WNBA and NBA fans as well.

RELATED ARTICLE

"We've had fun," said Sabrina Ionescu. "I mean, we've competed a couple of times, obviously never on this stage. I feel like we've always been competing and being able to keep up with one another from afar. " Since the WNBA and NBA seasons don't overlap, Sabrina mentioned that they shoot "a lot" and "love to play" whenever they have the opportunity to spend time together in the gym.

After all, it's the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made versus the three-point queen. Can you imagine just how many threes are sunk during their meetups?

The post Sabrina Ionescu: from admiring Steph Curry to competing against him appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

"You break it, you own it." That was the Nike theme of Thursday night.

What an extraordinary evening for Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark. Despite Michigan employing a box-and-one defense, Clark proved she was unstoppable.

She started the night just eight points shy of the all-time Division 1 women's basketball scoring title. In front of a packed crowd at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark reached this milestone less than three minutes into the game. The historic shot came on a three-pointer with 7:48 remaining in the first quarter, assisted by Gabbie Marshall. She finished the night with a career-high 49 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists, on 16-31 (51.6 percent field goal shooting).

RELATED ARTICLE CLICK HERE

Usually not one to display much emotion on the court, Clark was seen shedding tears last night. The reason? The overwhelming support from her family and brothers. Clark was quick to acknowledge the unwavering support she has received from her teammates, coaches, and parents through both the triumphs and challenges. The tribute video was very emotional, as Clark watched from the court.

THE shot. @caitlinclark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Pd442DeYzR

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) February 16, 2024

Clark is close to passing Pete Maravich for the all-time scoring record

With a grin, Clark expressed certainty about the manner in which she would surpass the scoring record.

"You all knew I was going to shoot a logo three for the record, come on now," Clark said post game followed by laughter. (Iowa Hawkeyes PR).

Clark has now surpassed Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum, becoming the top scorer in Division 1 Women's Basketball with 3,569 points. She currently trails Antoine Davis of Detroit Mercy by 95 points, who holds the second all-time position for Division 1 men's basketball with 3,664 points.

"Pistol Pete" Maravich, representing LSU, remains at the pinnacle of the leaderboards as the all-time leading scorer in Division 1 NCAA men's basketball with 3,667 points. With a gap of 98 points behind Maravich, Clark would have to maintain an average of 24.5 points or higher over the remaining four games of the season. With Clark averaging 32.8 points on the season, she's on pace to break Maravich's record. This would likely occur on senior night, against Ohio State, on Mar. 3.

Caitlin Clark. All-time DI Women’s Basketball Scorer. A household name. #NCAAWBB x @IowaWBB pic.twitter.com/dJ6b1re8Ny

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) February 16, 2024

The Caitlin Clark effect is REAL

As her family looked on, the crowd burst into cheers as Clark hurried back into transition defense. With 7:18 remaining in the first quarter, her teammates greeted the basketball sensation on the court. Clark, sporting a wide smile, shared an emotional moment with Iowa head coach Lisa Blunder. After taking a seat to replenish with fluids, she received a standing ovation, and announcement at the arena.

Laughing it off, Clark stated "I thought coach Blunder was going to call the timeout before I had to go play defense. But she didn't, so I had to go play defense."

Admitting she could've hit the shot much earlier, Clark insisted she was a tad tired. After all, she scored a total of eight minutes in less than three minutes. All too real, the Hawkeyes guard remembers the moment as clear as ever.

"I think I kind of stepped back to my left a little bit and was able to get it off." said Clark (Hawkeyes PR)

Beaming during the post-game press conference, Clark expressed gratitude for the experience.

"I don't know if you can script it any better," Clark told the media. "Just to do it in this fashion, I'm very grateful. I'm very thankful to be surrounded by so many people that have kind of been my foundation ij everything that I've done since I was a young little girl." (Iowa Hawkeyes PR)

The Caitlin effect is real. The impact of Caitlin is undeniable, as she has profoundly influenced the growth and development of women's basketball. Continuing to assert her dominance on the court, Clark emerges as a transformative figure, inspiring not only women's sports but also young fans with aspirations.

In a league of her own! Caitlin Clark is your all time leading scorer! pic.twitter.com/PUliKhRHxl

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 16, 2024

Caitlin Clark has elevated women's sports

By elevating the visibility of women's basketball, Clark emerges as a generational talent with a profound impact both on and off the court, a legacy destined to endure for years to come. According to the NCAA, schools that host Iowa and Clark have seen an increase in attendance up to 150 percent. And let's not overlook the 55,646 spectators who attended a preseason game against DePaul at Kinnick Stadium. This alone shattered the all-time attendance record for women's basketball (NCAA).

"The way these fans support women's basketball is so special," Caitlin Clark said.

In addition to her rising popularity, three of Iowa's games have been aired on major networks this season. Leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, the Iowa vs. Nebraska game garnered an astonishing 1.77 million views, setting a record for women's basketball on the Fox network. With women's sports raising in popularity, thanks to Clark and other rising players, ESPN has a new eight year media deal with the NCAA.

Gaining popularity by leaps and bounds, Clark transcends mere scoring. With averages of 6.9 rebounds and 8.5 assists, the guard showcases elite skills on the glass and is a remarkable playmaker. Reflecting on her early days with the Hawkeyes, she recalls the sparse media presence at games. Nonetheless, she maintains that her approach to the game has remained unchanged.

"There was like no one here," said Clark on her first game with Iowa her Freshman year. "I saw some clips of me playing the other day--I look a lot different, my hair is a lot longer, I'm very very scrawny, I had no muscle definition. A lot of my game is the exact same, so that was funny to watch, and it's crazy how time flies. It feels just yesterday I was playing that game with nobody in the stands, wearing a mask on the bench. It's kind of cool to see the evolution of what this has become." (Hawkeyes PR).

The Caitlin Clark effect.

Every @IowaWBB away game has been a sellout pic.twitter.com/i3CUjhVKhb

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 11, 2024

Despite breaking the record, Caitlin Clark is all about her team

Despite the historic nature of the night, Clark redirected her gratitude towards her teammates and their exemplary performance against Michigan. With four games left in the season, the guard is fully focused on finishing strong and making a deep run into March Madness. At 23-3, Iowa remains the No. 4 seed.

"I think getting this record is tremendous and has to be celebrated," Clark told the press. "There's been so many people to come before me and lay such a great foundation for women's basketball and that has to be celebrated too. We are getting into the best part of basketball season. These are the times where your team really shows who they are. I think Iowa basketball is at such a high right now, and it's so fun to watch. Just trying to enjoy every single second, because this team is special." (Hawkeyes PR).

Expressing we wouldn't be where she is without her teammates, Clark insisted "Going forward, it's all Iowa basketball, and that's what it should be."

Iowa's next challenge awaits as they prepare to face off against No. 14 Indiana on the road on February 22nd. Following that matchup, they will go head-to-head against Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio State in their upcoming games.

One of the best to ever play the game, the Iowa sensation is eligible to turn pro at the end of the year. If not, she has the choice to return to Iowa for a fifth season.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Caitlin Clark secures historic title as leading scorer in Division I Women's Basketball appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitch

BROOKLYN-- Following a three day training camp at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the USA Women's National Basketball announced their 12-player roster for the FIBA qualifying tournament. With the lineup set, the USA team will compete in the tournament on Feb. 8-11, in Antwerp, Belgium.

Already qualified in the 2024 Paris Olympics, USA will compete against Belgium, Nigeria, and Senegal. The first matchup vs. Belgium will take place on Feb. 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET. USA will face Nigeria on Feb. 9, starting at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Over the weekend, the 18-roster mini camp roster included the following athletes: Allisha Gray, Aliyah Boston, Alyssa Thomas, Ariel Atkins, Arike Ogunbowale, A'ja Wilson, Betnijah Laney, Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Diana Taurasi, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, and Sabrina Ionescu.

Throughout training camp, all players were divided into two teams, one sporting grey jerseys, and the other, red scrimmage vests. In the intense practice, the athletes were seen competing 5 vs. 5 against male basketball players, and each other. In attendance was WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, Chicago Sky head coach Teresa?Weatherspoon, among several high-profile coaches and general managers.

So much talent here. Love the defensive matchup with Betnijah Laney on Jackie Young. Great screen by Aliyah Boston and defense by A’ja Wilson.

Alyssa Thomas doing what she does best-rebounding & getting the ball out. Kelsey Plum finds her in transition at @usabasketball camp pic.twitter.com/17Tyhmhl74

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 3, 2024

After the 5 vs. 5 scrimmage matchups, the players were seen working on their shots in individual and group settings.

Although all of these players are exceptional athletes, unfortunately six of them were cut before this weekend's qualifying tournament. Noticeably absent is Aces star, A'ja Wilson, who has prior commitments, and Brittney Griner. It seems the rookies are being given a chance to compete in Belgium coming up.

Diana Taurasi is competing for her sixth Olympic gold medal

The 12-roster finalists include five-time Olympic Gold Medalist Diana Taurasi. The UConn legend has spent all 16 years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She received a gold medal in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

Present at training camp, Taurasi shed light on competing for her country, and the younger generation taking over as the new faces of women's basketball.

The legend herself Diana Taurasi speaks highly of Aliyah Boston at @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/o2QrAujD0U

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 3, 2024

"It's always been something that we've taken seriously," Taurasi told the media after practice. "These camps happen for a reason, obviously it's an Olympic year. They are hind in the intensity and pressure, but coach Reeves, she does a good job of making it very simple. You come out here, you play hard, you play for your teammate, you play for your country."

Considering the Olympics are every four years, at age 41, this could very well be Taurasi's last Olympics of her professional career. Even at her age, Taurasi still loves competing at a high level.

"It's no secret, it's ground and pound," said Taurasi. "Everyone is always trying to ask-- you want to do it every single day when you're 40. It hurts a little bit more, it takes a little bit longer, but it's sweeter when the day's over. I still love to compete. I still love to play. "

Rookies are getting a shot this upcoming weekend

Former rookies of the year Aliyah Boston, and Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, are both finalists for the 12-person roster. Although they have prior USA basketball experience, they will make their senior debuts this weekend in Belgium. Boston, the former No.1 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, became the first rookie to start an All-Star game since 2014. Howard, a 2x WNBA All-Star, has blossomed into a star in just two seasons.

"Sweet feet, she's got sweet feet." said Taurasi on Aliyah Boston. "What a great kid. I've spent some time her in the last camp. She's such a brilliant, intelligent, young woman. You don't get to know how good someone is until you pay with them. Aliyah [Boston] is the future of not only the WNBA, but of USA Basketball."

As Taurasi competes for her sixth Olympic gold medal, the Mercury star says it's been fun to play with the younger generation of players, and the game of basketball has evolved over the years. Although she's accustomed to certain levels of comfortability, she's open to achieving the same goal of winning a gold medal despite differences levels of experience.

"It's funny, sometimes experience is an Achilles heel," Taurasi told the media. "You've been through it so many times. You feel like there's a certain way of doing it. Being around these kids not only in USA Basketball, the WNBA, it's a whole new generation of kids. They learn different, they think different, the play different. It's been really fun to see how they go about it, and there's more than one way to skin a cat."

Turning defenseoffense at @usabasketball training camp

Jewell Loyd locking down on defense leads to a smooth dime from Betnijah Laney to Alyssa Thomas!

There 18 finalists that are competing for one of 12 roster spots on the USA Women's Basketball National Team. pic.twitter.com/0su6u2e1Dn

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 3, 2024

The final 12-person roster for the FIBA qualifying tournament

The other qualifying athletes include Ariel Atkins, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and Jackie Young. Seeking their eight consecutive Gold Medal, Atkins, Collier, Loyd, Plum, Stewart, and Young were all participants in the 2020 Olympics. A core part of the 3x3 2020 Olympic team, Plum and Young are once again headed to Paris. Copper and Thomas were both members of the 2022 USA Women's World Cup roster.

As the team heads over seas, Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, was named the USA Women's Basketball Head Coach for the training camp and qualifying tournaments.

There will be another training camp in April, where the team can make its final roster changes before heading to Paris this summer. The reigning champions, the USA National Women's basketball team hasn't lost since the 1992 Olympics, where they earned a bronze medal.

Stay tuned for more related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post 2024 Olympics: Team USA narrows down the 12-player roster for FIBA qualifying tournament appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok

JuJu Watkins delivered a record breaking historical performance

USC Trojans Freshman sensation JuJu Watkins is a walking bucket, and no one was stopping her Friday night.

At Maples Pavilion, the rookie exploded for 51 points and led USC to just their second road win on the season. Delivering a historic performance, the guard grabbed 11 boards, and finished with a double-double. No. 12 became the first player to ever score 51 points in a game for the Trojans. Cherie Nelson previously held the record for the most points in a game with 50 in 1989.

Over the weekend, No. 15 USC Trojans (15-4) took down No. 4 Stanford in a classic Pac-12 showdown. 19-3 on the season, and 8-2 in the conference, Stanford retains the slight lead over Colorado. With the victory, USC ranks 6th in the conference, behind Utah.

A 2-1 record against the Cardinal since early 2023, the Trojans recorded their first win against Stanford on the road since the 2000-2001 season.

In regards to her historical performance, Watkins doesn't quite put herself in the same category as USC legends Lisa Leslie and Cheryl Miller just yet. Even after this jaw dropping performance, she's focused on getting back in the gym for their next matchup against California. That's mamba mentality right there.

JUJU WATKINS
Broke the USC record for points in a game as a freshman!

51 Points
14/26 Shooting
6/11 Threes
17/19 Free Throws
11 Rebounds
4 Steals

In an upset win over No.4 Stanford pic.twitter.com/c9PtftXwQV

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 3, 2024

"Its crazy, " Watkins said after breaking the Trojans single game scoring record. "I don't really think about it too much. I have a long way to go till I will consider myself in that category with Cheryl [Miller], Lisa [Leslie] and the greats. I'm just honored, blessed to be in this environment, space and time in Women's Basketball. I'm just soaking it all in--I'm going to take it all in and then back to the gym." (USC Athletics).

She's been killing it in her rookie season

Now just making headlines, the rookie has been breaking records all season long. Just 18 years old, the freshman has seven games with 30+ points. That's the most since Nelson, who finished with eight during the 1988-1989 season.

Recording her fourth double-double of the season, Watkins is the first D1 NCAA freshman to score 50 points in a single game since Elena Delle Donne in 2010 (54).

While there's plenty of NCAA talent, Watkins is different. Leading USC in a new era of basketball, she continues to build on her Los Angeles legacy. From the way she conducts herself in interviews, to her jump shot release--the future is bright for Watkins.

Coming off a heartbreaking 62-59 loss against Washington, Watkins arguably had one of her worst shooting performances of the season. She finished with 19 points, on 8-27 (29.6 %) field goal shooting, and 2-7 (28.6 %) from deep. To be able to overcome that and adapt in this way speaks volumes.

"Her demeanor from the second that game ended against Washington until now is what sets her apart to me more than these numbers," said Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb in the USC Athletics post game presser. "All week I said, this kid is different, she's special the way she takes coaching, the way she's a teammate, the way she holds herself accountable." (USC Athletics).

Buckets on buckets on buckets.

All 51 points from JuJu's historic night pic.twitter.com/4WXvUNtPhm

— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) February 3, 2024

Watkins single handily defeated the 4th best team in the nation, and a top 5 ranked program. 51 points is impressive against any team, but against Tara VanDerveer and the Stanford Cardinal? You're talking about making headlines against the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and one of the most pristine programs in NCAA history. That's special, and the basketball world is witnessing the evolution of the next generational talent.

RELATED: Tara VanDerveer is not the winningest coach in NCAA history.

Watkins was stellar on both sides of the ball

Making up 76 percent of the Trojans offense, Watkins scored 51 of their 67 total points. Shooting 14-26 (53.8 %) from the field, the rest of her team finished just 7-38 (18 %) from the floor.

What can't Watkins do on the court? A scoring machine, she was lights out from the three-point line and mid range, shooting 54.5 percent from deep. Excellent in transition, her shots were smooth, even when contested. With full confidence, Watkins pulled up often in double coverage, and utilized screens very well.

Her footwork, positioning, it was put on full display in the historic night. Not only that, but No. 12 was getting plenty of strong looks at the basket. Watkins finished 17-19 from the free-throw line. What transpired the other night is just the beginning.

Getting to the lines that frequently is significant. Over the last minute or so in the game, Watkins made five free-throws.

While the focus has been primarily on Watkins and the offense, USC was brilliant on the defensive end. Holding Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen to 10-32 (31.2 %) field goal shooting was crucial to the victory. Watkins alone had four steals, and nine defensive rebounds. The LA native even found herself drawing offensive charge calls on the defensive end. On the season, she's been brilliant defensively, averaging 2.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Standing at 6 ft 2, her towering stature makes her one of the most prolific two-way players in the game.

Juju went to work tonight and dropped 51 points!!!! @USCWBB pic.twitter.com/uvZTxIYLIX

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 3, 2024

In fact, USC held Stanford to a season-low 31.6 percent from the floor, which included a season low total 58 points scored.

She was a high school standout at Sierra Canyon

The post Rising Star: Freshman JuJu Watkins Stuns with 51-Point Performance appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok

The basketball world is gearing up for a much-anticipated SEC showdown between LSU and South Carolina. Although LSU has dropped to the No. 9 seed, a sellout crowd is expected for the matchup. In fact, ESPN's 'College Gameday' is headed to Baton Rouge for the colossal game. Expected to take place at the Pete Maravich Center, there will be several high-profiled analysts present, including Holly Rowe, Rebecca Lobo, Andraya Carter, Carolyn Peck, and Elle Duncan.

This time, LSU will get home court advantage, which will include quite a few festivities, in addition to College Gameday. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. CT, several notable events will take place, such as a party on the Plaza. The Pete Maravich Center (PMAC) will open it's doors at 5:30 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. tip-off. It's the first time College Game Day will take place in Baton Rouge for a Women's basketball game.

With such a highly anticipated matchup, the most expensive ticket price on Vivid Seats goes for $1,600 in lower level 105. If you're looking to attend the matchup, the least expensive ticket price is listed as $79 in section 344 on Vivid.

Battle of the coaches: Dawn Staley vs. Kim Mulkey

As of this week, South Carolina is favored to win the NCAA Championship with +270 odds, and LSU in second with +500 odds.

The Gamecocks (18-2, 5-1 Conference) will travel to Louisiana to take on the Tigers (17-0, 5-0 Conference), who remain undefeated on the season and the Southeastern Conference. A battle between two high prolific teams, coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina will once again meet LSU coach Kim Mulkey in another face off.

Now in her 16th season as head coach of South Carolina, Staley's led the Gamecocks to two National NCAA Titles. While most predicted South Carolina would repeat as title favorites, Mulkey and the LSU Tigers were named the 2023 NCAA Champions, defeating Iowa, 102-85. After 21 seasons as the head coach of Baylor Women's Basketball, Mulkey is now in her third season with LSU and the SEC.

These two extraordinary coaches have a combined six NCAA Championship titles, and 10 Final Four appearances. With Staley extending the dynasty she has built in Columbia, Mulkey seems to be doing the same.

Thursday won't be the first matchup between these two conference rivals or the coaches. Staley hasn't forgotten when Mulkey and Baylor knocked off South Carolina in the Sweet 16 in the 2018-2019 season, and the rivalry's been brewing ever since. With two dominant coaches, how can it not?

Their last matchup came right before Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2023. With a packed house of 18,000 fans, South Carolina defeated LSU 88-64 at their home Colonial Life Arena. Although the rosters were drastically different on both sides, the matchup generated an audience of 1.6 million. According to ESPN PR, it was the most-viewed regular season Women's NCAA basketball matchup on any network since 2010.

No.1 South Carolina's energy is unmatched

Undefeated on the season, South Carolina has monumental victories over Notre Dame, Maryland, UNC, and Utah. Out of Columbia, this team is ranked as the unanimous No.1 in this week's AP poll.

Led by Senior Kamilla Cardoso, the Gamecocks have one of the most dominant, shot blocking, rebounding center's. A double-double machine, Cardoso is averaging 13.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.9 blocks, on 61.1 percent field goal shooting.

Next to Cardoso is three-point sniper Te-Hina Paopao, who's shooting lights out from deep (55.8 percent). Last year, Staley paired Cardoso with Aliyah Boston down low. This year, 6'2 Sophomore Chloe Kitts is complimenting Cardoso quite well. With a double-big lineup, South Carolina leads NCAA Women's D1 Basketball in rebounds per game (48.65), and blocks per game (8.9).

The emergence of Raven Johnson and Milaysia Fulwiley

With Sophomore guard Raven Johnson emerging as a starter in her third year, South Carolina has additional secret weapons: Sania Feagin and star freshman Milaysia Fulwiley. Fulwiley first made headlines in November against Notre Dame, with a smooth finishing highlight. The truth of the matter, Fulwiley has always hooped like that. For a freshman, no one expected her to be this impactful so soon. As dominant as Fulwiley's been, she's doing so with confidence.

As for Johnson, this is her revenge year, after losing to Cailtin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in last year's Final Four. The team's primary ball handler, No. 25 has been stifling on defense. Knowing what it takes to win, the sophomore guard is averaging a career-high 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 steals on the season.

Averaging 98.5 points in the last two games, Staley and the Gamecocks are coming off a 99-64 win over Texas A&M. Fulwiley led the team in scoring, off the bench, with a career-high 21 points. Cardoso added 17 points and 13 rebounds. Up 31 at the half, South Carolina's energy is unmatched this season.

LSU Tigers drop to the No. 9 seed

It's been a bit of a tumultuous season for LSU. Although the Tigers lost LaDashia Williams and Alex Morris to the WNBA Draft, they added Hailey Van Lith, who transferred from Louisville. In addition, Mulkey was able to recruit Aneesha Morrow from DePaul and Mikaylah Williams, the No. 2 recruit in the Freshman class. With the talent and depth of this roster, they were easily ranked as No.1 heading into the season.

18-2 on the year, the Tigers lost their season opener to No.20 Colorado 92-78, and to Auburn, 67-62. In 20 games this season, LSU defeated their only other ranked opponent, No. 9 Virginia Tech, 76-73. 9-1 in their last ten games, the Tigers are coming off a colossal 99-68 win over Arkansas.

In the dominant peformance, Williams led the team with 21 points, and Van Lith added 20. Angel Reese once again showed her dominance on the glass with 16 points and 17 rebounds.

Angel Reese is thriving after her 4-game absence

Junior Angel Reese was a key part of their championship run last season. Oddly enough, she was pulled from the lineup at halftime against Kent State back in November. From there, she went on a 4-game hiatus, citing mental health as the reason for her absence. Kateri Poole, who was also pulled from the lineup, is no longer with the team.

Although Reese hasn't been as efficient as last season, she's still shooting at a high clip, averaging 19.9 points and 12.1 rebounds. While she doesn't have a ton of range, she's an elite rebounder. In her first season with LSU, Morrow's scoring numbers have dipped, however, she remains a core part of this team. As defending champions, that's the sacrifice made by Van Lith and Morrow when they transferred in.

On the rise again, the Tigers are out for revenge after Auburn snapped their 16 game win streak. Ironically both teams are coming off dominant wins, in which they each went on 18-0 runs.

As for Reese, she knows how big of a matchup this is for not only their program, but women's basketball as a whole. “The big picture is Thursday, said Reese." "We’re ready for it.”

Battle of the Freshman: Milaysia Fulwiley vs. Mikaylah Williams

There are surely plenty of stars to watch throughout this matchup. What I'm most excited for is the freshman matchup between LSU's Mikaylah Williams and South Carolina's Milaysia Fulwiley.

Mentioned earlier, Fulwiley is coming off a career-night against Texas A&M. Similarly, Williams was the leading scorer in her teams dominant victory over Arkansas. Two elite guards, Fulwiley has been impressive off the bench, while Williams has started all 20 games played for Mulkey.

In 20 games played this season for LSU, the No.1 recruit is averaging an impressive 16.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.5 blocks. A walking bucket and scoring machine, Williams is shooting well over 40 percent from deep, and 50 percent from the field. She put the nation on notice after a 42 point domination over Kent State.

A star in the making, Williams has a versatile skill set, with the ability to drive baseline and hit from long range. The real deal, Williams should matchup well with Fulwiley.

South Carolina Freshman guard Milaysia Fulwiley has turned heads this season. First in the Paris opener against Notre Dame, and now in her last matchup.

In 17 games this season, Fulwiley has shown production off the bench. Only getting the starting nod in two games, she's averaging 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks.

Her instagram handle is laywitdabutter for a reason. Extremely athletic when driving to the hoop, her ability to score in traffic is electric. Although she's been benched by coach Staley in the past, she's shown more discipline on the defensive end. Coming off a 66.7 percent shooting performance, No. 12 will continue to improve and provide that spark off the bench.

Stay tuned for more NCAA/Women's Basketball related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager at Ballislife. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post LSU-South Carolina showdown is a must watch on Jan. 25 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok

What a career it's been for Stanford's Women's Basketball head coach Tara VanDerveer. In her 45th season as Stanford's Women's Basketball head coach, she's accomplished something no other coach has done.

With a 65-56 victory over Oregon State, VanDerveer became the record holder for the most wins in the history of Men's and Womens' college basketball. She's earned 1,203 victories as a head coach at the collegiate level, which is remarkable.

On Sunday evening, every player on the Stanford roster was seen wearing a "1,202... And One" shirt, followed by the Nike Swoosh on the bottom. Their theme for the night was #onlyher, dedicating the entire evening to such an admirable human and coach. She may not love the limelight; however, the entire basketball community showed their admiration for coach VanDerveer.

She's coached some incredible athletes

This is for the greatest to ever do it… my Coach Tara. @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/GZmAsLwKAE

— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) January 22, 2024

After the victory, her players, along with the coaching staff, joined her on stage, with a bright display of 1,203 in the background. VanDerveer acknowledged former Stanford Men's Basketball head coach Mike Montgomery was the one person that put her accomplishments into perspective.

On Montgomery, he told VanDerveer "I would have to coach 20 more years and win 25 games a year to reach that."

"It is a big number", said VanDerveer. "I am very appreciative of the great players I've coached, and the great places I've been. The attention that has been brought to Womens' basketball."

Throughout her illustrious career, VanDerveer has coached some of the most elite athletes including Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, Jennifer Azzi, Candice Wiggins, Nicole Powell, Jayne Appel, Kate Starbird, Kayla Pedersen, Val Whiting, and Cameron Brink.

A Massachusetts native, Stanford's head coach grew up near Schenectady, New York. While her parents were adamant that basketball wouldn't take her anywhere at a young age, VanDerveer pursued her dreams. A guard for Albany and Indiana, she took up coaching shortly after completing her undergraduate degree.

Coach VanDerveer has long list of accomplishments and accolades

In 1978, VanDerveer was hired as head coach at Iowa after earning her master's degree at Ohio State. Two years later, she became the head coach at Ohio State for the next five years, where she had a 110-37 win/loss record. In 1985, Stanford hired VanDerveer to be their next head coach of the Women's basketball team.

It was at that moment, Stanford hired one of the most prolific coaches to ever step foot on the court. As part of the Pac-12, she led Stanford to 13 NCAA Final Fours, 14 Pac-12 Conference Championships, and three NCAA Division 1 Championship Titles. For her personal accolades, VanDerveer is a 5x National Coach of the Year, 10x Pac-10 and Pac-12 Coach of the Year, and 2x Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, she acted as the head coach for the United States Olympic team. Coach VanDerveer is a three-time Gold Medalist (1991, 1994, 1996), and in her 45 years of coaching, she has a 1,203- 267 (.818) win/loss record. In 1,470 career games as head coach, VanDerveer only suffered one losing season, which was ironically her first with Stanford during the 1985-1986 season.

Her focus was on her team and players last night

What a moment

Current and former @StanfordWBB players joined Coach Tara on stage after her 1,203rd win pic.twitter.com/IAkYLgOHdH

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) January 22, 2024

Without star Cameron Brink , Stanford kept the score close with the Beavers, commanding a 28-22 lead at halftime. Sophomore guard Talana Lepolo made a three-point jumper with 6:19 left to go in the third quarter. From there, Stanford never looked back. Lepolo finished with 14 points, six assists, and three rebounds. Even after the game, VanDerveer only wanted to talk about how well her players performed.

No Cameron Brink? No problem. Junior star Kiki Iriafen took over the game, racking up an impressive double-double, which included a career-high 36 points and 12 rebounds. Scoring over 55 percent of the team's total points, Iriafen has finally broken out in her third year as a Cardinal. In the outing, she hit 100 percent of her shots from the three-point line.

Following the victory and milestone, Stanford's head coach donned a custom jacket made by Nike. On the jacket includes tallies, which represents every victory earned in her collegiate head coaching career, along with the Stanford logo.

As for VanDerveer, she was thrilled with Iriafen's breakout performance and the competitiveness from her team in the absence of Brink.

"I love that fact that Kiki [Iriafen] decided today was the day to knock down her three and go back- to back on her three-point shot, said VanDerveer. "Kiki had all All-American performance. She was fantastic." And in her press conference, coach never made it about one single player. Like any other press conference, VanDerveer quickly veered around her historical event and broke down the game.

Tara VanDerveer passes Mike Krzyzewski in the all-time wins column

Congrats to Tara Vanderveer on becoming the all time leader in wins for a NCAA basketball coach! pic.twitter.com/ESfPDFmE9E

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) January 22, 2024

Long before this career milestone, VanDerveer was considered one of the greatest to ever coach the game. With 1,203 career wins, VanDerveer surpasses former Duke Men's Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who finished his career with 1,202 wins. Behind her is UConn Women's Basketball head coach Geno Auriemma with 1,196 career victories. Trailing is the late Pat Summit with 1,098 career wins, and former Syracuse head coach, Jim Boeheim, with 1,015 wins.

In fact, "Coach K" shared some heartfelt words in a social media post on X. She also received tribute videos from Billie Jean King, and

"Tara, congratulations. What an amazing achievement. And what's even more amazing is the manner in which you achieved so many victories.

According to Kyle Bonagura, of ESPN, 'VanDerveer has more wins than 355 of the 360 NCAA Divisional 1 Womens' basketball programs.' That stat screams how incredibly accomplished she is. Her dominance amid the evolution of women's basketball is incredible.

She stands for excellence

With Maples Pavilion nearly full, coach VanDerveer received a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd the entire night. A head coach since the age of 24 years old, she's truly a pioneer in Women's basketball. Paving the way for future women in sports, she's set a standard and elevation for not only the conference, but NCAA basketball as well.

With all of her accomplishments, she's notoriously known for connecting with her student athletes, as well as a high-level recruiting. Over four decades of coaching, VanDerveer has been consistent, displaying the same haircut bob year after year. Growing up watching Tara VanDerveer, I've always admired her hard work and excellence that's set the standard for athletes and coaches to come.

Passionate about the game she's loved since the third grade, Tara VanDerveer will forever have an impact on the athletes she's coached. Truly one of the humblest coaches we've ever seen, at 70, she still shows the vision, and discipline she's always had.

Stay tuned for more NCAA/Women's Basketball related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager at Ballislife. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

Follow the Movement on Instagram and Threads!

The post Tara VanDerveer is now the winningest coach in NCAA history appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Fast forward to January 14th and the highly anticipated rematch at Galen Center where UCLA, still ranked #2, boasted an impressive 14-0 record and the #9 ranked USC stood at 12-1, their only loss coming from the Bruins. Despite a late scratch to the Trojans' lineup with Riyah Marshall (illness), USC displayed unwavering determination. Electric freshman guard Juju Watkins and the Trojans' defense, fueled by their previous loss, held the Bruins to 65 points and nearly out-rebounded them (34-33). Watkins gave her all, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, solidifying her front-runner status for Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. The Bruins struggled throughout the game, facing foul troubles and resulting in three starters exiting the game early. USC triumphed, ending UCLA's unbeaten record with a 73-65 victory and marking the first time in four years that USC defeated UCLA.

The rivalry's intensity is fueled by passionate fans, breaking attendance records for both teams. UCLA broke records with 13,659 attendees on December 30th, while USC surpassed there record with 10,657 in attendance during the recent game.

Recruiting is deep

Recruiting plays a crucial role in the competitiveness of this match-up and the game is in good hands. Both teams have players who consistently produce on the court and showcase exciting and tough abilities in clutch moments.

UCLA had the number 1 recruiting classes in 2022: Kiki Rice (Hoopgurlz No.2), Gabriela Jaquez (Hoopgurlz No. 19), Londynn Jones (Hoopgurlz No.22), Christeen Iwuala (Hoopgurlz No.49 ) all while adding transfer Lauren Betts this season who was the number 1 player in the class of 22. UCLA will bring in another top 5 recruiting class in 2024: Kendall Dudley (Hoopgurlz No.14) Avary Cain (Hoopgurlz No.24), Zania Socka-Ngueman (Hoopgurlz No. 27) and Elina Aarnisalo (Hoopgurlz NR).

USC has been working as well, securing the top player in the class of '23, Juju Watkins (Hoopgurls No. 1), as well adding another top guard, Malia Samuels (Hoopgurlz no.49). Since Lindsay Gottlieb's hiring in 2021, the rebuilding has seen a top recruit each year.

2024 will bring in arguably USC’s top class in Coach Gottlieb's tenure: Kennedy Smith (Hoopgurlz No. 6), Avery Howell (Hoopgurlz no.23), Kayleigh Hackell (Hoopgurlz no.28), Vivian Iwuchukwu (Hoopgurlz no.47), Rian Fosetler (Hoopgurlz no.53), Laura Williams (Hoopgurlz no.89).

The future of the Battle of LA

Get your popcorn ready! The cross town rivals finish 1-1 in their 2023-24 regular season matchups and both teams being ranked in the top 10 could be the start to a show down that may lead to more spectacular games. Both teams will be moving to the Big10 come fall 2024, but be on the look out for these two schools the rest of this season as we may even get to see a Pac12 tournament showdown out of them. Who knows! My only suggestion is when these two teams do match up buy your tickets early and continue to tune in!

The post Is Los Angeles the mecca for women’s hoops? appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by:

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok

The WNBA continues it's growth, announcing the league will have six participating WNBA players in this year's Player Marketing Agreement(PMAs). The list includes Seattle Storms's Jewell Loyd, Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston, Connecticut Suns's Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, Washington Mystics forward Shakira Austin, and Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale.

The newest cohort of Players participating in the WNBA’s Player Marketing Agreement (PMA)
?
Jewell Loyd
Rhyne Howard
Arike Ogunbowale
Shakira Austin
Aliyah Boston
Brionna Jones.#wnba #wnbatwitter pic.twitter.com/OaMLctyFpn

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) January 11, 2024

A part of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), there's been significant focus on foundational support in Women's Professional Basketball. With that said, in the agreement, the WNBA must contribute up to $1 million annually to the program. Overall, it's a program for athletes to grow their own brand, earn income, and market the WNBA.

Now in it's third year, players such as Jasmine Thomas benefited from the program considerably back in 2022. Thomas, along with several W players, often supplement their income by playing overseas in the offseason. By heading overseas, most players don't truly have an offseason, which can be exhausting on the body. After tearing her ACL, playing overseas was not possible. That's where the PMAs came in. It's important to note players who sign the Player Marketing Agreements do so for various reasons.

A huge marketing opportunity for these women and the league, each will serve as brand ambassadors, earning up to $250,000 each. The program will additionally give these six athletes a chance to earn extra income while staying stateside. Overall, it highlights these incredible women, providing a sustainable career path outside of basketball.

Building on something special with the @WNBA! pic.twitter.com/EkaaoXeT6t

— Aliyah A. Boston (@aa_boston) January 11, 2024

The 2024 cohort has a combination of 13 all-star appearances, and includes three former No. 1 overall picks. Aliyah Boston, a former No. 1 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, became the first rookie to start an All-Star game since 2014. Three of the best guards in the league, Ogunbowale, Howard, and Loyd combined for 63.4 points per game last season. Down from 10 participants last year, this year's members feature a mix of both young and veteran players.

Former WNBA rookies of the year, Howard and Boston are first time participants. Ogunbowale, Jones, and Loyd are entering the prime of their careers.

WNBA League of Operations Bethany Donaphin spoke about the program's development extensively. “We want to make sure that the world knows who WNBA players are,” said Donaphin. “We’re seeing brands really show up, and I want to see that continue to grow because it’s an important component about how we really market the league and how players can build their own individual brands.” (Andscape).

Makeup, hair, personality and more

Here’s a BTS look at our day spent with stars from across the W! pic.twitter.com/39qLQA4Zya

— WNBA (@WNBA) January 11, 2024

For Ogunbowale, this is her second year in the program. The Dallas Wings guard was featured in a google ad last season, the same year the Dallas Mavericks and the Wings announced a historic partnership. With that, the Mavericks became the official jersey sponsors of the Wings. She was even featured in a State Farm commercial with Mark Cuban.

Known for her defensive prowess, Austin will miss several months of playing time due to a labrum tear in her left hip. Jones, who missed most of the 2023 season with an achilles injury, is a double-double machine, and an amazing leader.

Under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA saw the most growth and viewership in two decades. With all the momentum, the time is now for these players. Heading in 2024, the league is looking to capitalize off last season's success and add to it. Often, Englebert's talked about the leagues economic model along with her vision to transform the WNBA.

With fresh faces in this year's campaign, these athletes will continue to market and promote associated brands, such as Skims, Google, and Mielle Haircare.

It's a huge opportunity," Jewell Loyd told CBS Sports Erica Ayala. "I want to just get more awareness, obviously, more resources, things like that, but I want to be myself. I think it's a really good experiences for people to understand who I am and what makes me, me." 

A huge opportunity, the program will shed light on these athletes, along with the growth and development of the WNBA.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post The WNBA announces 2024 Player Marketing Agreement appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

They always says third times a charm.

The third GM since Derek Fishers departure, the Los Angeles Sparks are ready to rebuild their franchise. With a historic draft and free agency on the line, Los Angeles hasn't made the post season since the 2020 season. This morning, Raegan Pebley was named the next General Manger of the Sparks, in faith that she'll fill and exceed expectations of rebuilding the organization.

The Sparks hold the second pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and the recent news signals the Sparks are turning a new chapter. A franchise that's earned three championship titles, has just 30 wins in two seasons. With this announcement, former GM Karen Bryant will have sole focus on the Sparks business operations. Bryant, a former executive and player for the Seattle Storm, won two championships with Seattle, both in 2004, and 2010.

Bryant was hired as an advisor for Los Angeles in 2021, and notoriously hired Head Coach Curt Miller, after his stint with the Connecticut Sun. In Jan of 2023, Bryant was named chief administrative officer and general manager of the Sparks.

The Los Angeles Sparks have hired Raegan Pebley as General Manager. https://t.co/fsu8q5yGXN pic.twitter.com/Fkhv0V0t0D

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) January 5, 2024

Not taking away from the excellent General Managers around the league, but hiring Women, especially former players, is exciting. Joining Rhonda Windham, Penny Toler, and Derick Fisher, all former GMs, Pebley brings coaching and player experience this team so desperately needs.

Pebley is a former WNBA Player

Originally from Fountain Valley, California, Pebley attended the University of Colorado from 1993-1997. Earning All-Big 12 honors, she was later drafted in the 3rd round by the Utah Starzz in the 1997 WNBA Draft. While only playing eight games in her first season, Pebley would finish her career with the Cleveland Rockers, which is now a defunct franchise. Only playing two seasons, she went on to have an illustrious collegiate coaching career. From there, she became a color commentator for the Dallas Stars.

Having coached women's collegiate basketball since 2003, Pebley brings extensive knowledge of the game from a player and coach perspective. Personally, I truly believe a great General Manger has true appreciation and understanding of the game on all levels. While that's not true for every GM, it certainly adds value in this case.

She coached Women's Basketball for nearly two decades

From 2003-2012, Pebley helped reinstate the Women's basketball program at Utah State. Having finished with just five wins in her first season as head coach, she led the Aggies to a 110-155 record in nine seasons. More impressively, she led the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 teams to the first and second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament. It's important to note she led Utah State Women's Basketball to their first ever WNIT tournament in 2010-2011.

From there, Pebley continued her career in Women's Basketball, as she was hired as the head coach of the Fresno State Bulldogs. From 2012-2014, she led the Bulldogs to a 46-20 record, including a 24-9 record in her first season. After earning consecutive Mountain Western Conference Titles, she led both teams to NCAA First Round appearances.

Similar to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), this is a tournament that is independent, and not run by the NCAA.

After a short stint, the former WNBA player earned the title as the next head coach of the Women's TCU Horned Frogs Basketball Team. Back in the Big 12, she led the program to a cumulative 133-115 record over eight seasons, including four WNIT appearances, and two semifinals. Coincidently, she worked alongside Sparks head coach Miller during the time as an assistant for Colorado State. She earned a cumulative record of 283-268 record as head coach in collegiate women's basketball for three programs.

The future is bright for the Sparks

The move today signals a sign of a new era for the Sparks. While Los Angeles holds the No. 2 and No. 12 pick in this year's draft, they will look to build around future stars. Having endured an eight game losing skid in the midst of last season, Los Angeles won eight of their final 15 games. Eventually, they were booted by the Chicago Sky for the 8th and final playoff seed.

RELATED: The 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery is set

Last season was the case of "what ifs" if the Sparks weren't riddled with such injuries and illness. While they have a talented roster, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, Jordin Canada, Layshia Clarendon, Karlie Samuelson, and Katie Lous Samuelson are all unrestricted free agents this off season.

They hold the No.2 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft

While Nneka Ogwumike has spent her entire career with the Sparks, Pebley will get a shot at a potential historic WNBA draft, while retaining core players, such as Jordin Canada. Her involvement with rebuilding the franchise in the right direction will be instrumental. As for Pebley, her focus is building relationships in the locker room first.

In a statement, Pebley stated, “The tradition and legacy of the Sparks has played a key role in the current trajectory and growth we are seeing in women’s sports,” Pebley said in a statement. “I am eager to partner with our players, front office, coaching staff and community as we foster a culture where our players are resourced with all the tools they need as they courageously chase the best version of themselves and compete for WNBA championships.”

With NCAA stars such as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, among others, the Sparks are in the position to draft their next franchise star.

Stay tuned for more WNBA Draft related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post WNBA News: Los Angeles Sparks tab Raegan Pebley as GM appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Without hesitation, we acknowledge that there have been some outstanding classes in years past. One of the standout classes in recent memory is the 2020 class. Highlighted by prominent names like Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Cameron Brink (Stanford), and Angel Reese (LSU). These players have already made a significant impact in their NCAA careers, further solidifying the reputation of the 2020 class in collegiate basketball history.

Who are the newcomers?

Freshmen are stealing the show. The season has kicked off with dazzling performances from the top two high school recruits. USC's Juju Watkins and LSU's Mikaylah Williams, both living up to their pre-season rankings.

Watkins (Ranked 1 by Hoopgurlz) has set the court ablaze with an impressive five 30-point games, securing her position as the second-highest scorer in the NCAA, averaging 27.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Williams (Ranked 2 Hoopgurlz) left a corner stone early in the season with a remarkable 42-point game. Her seamless transition to college court has started with an average 18.2 points per game contributing to an already deep LSU team.

The athleticism and poise of this young group does not stop there. Another standout is Milaysia Fulwiley (Ranked 13 by HoopGurlz) from South Carolina. Fulwiley's on-court artistry has captured the attention of fans nationwide, with a particular play on opening night in Paris that left basketball legends like Kevin Durant and Magic Johnson in awe.

On the other side of the court in Paris was Hannah Hildago (Ranked 13th by Hoopgurlz) of Notre Dame University. She has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Over eight games, she has showcased an impressive offensive game, averaging 23.6 points. Her defensive side has been the most impressive, leading the country with an average of 6.1 steals per game, according to NCAA.com

More Freshman Mentions

• Taliah Scott (Ranked 11 by Hoopgurlz) of the University of Arkansas earned her fourth consecutive SEC Freshman of the Week honors. The conference announced on Tuesday. She is averaging 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
• Zoe Brooks (Ranked 9 by HoopGurlz) of North Carolina State University recorded a triple-double on Sunday, December 10th the second in school history, in a win.
• Audi Crooks (Ranked 57 by HoopGurlz) of Iowa State is leading her team in scoring with 16.1 points per game.
• Kailey Woolston (Not Ranked by HoopGurlz) of BYU is currently second on the team in scoring at 15.1 points per game, and she’s shooting 54.24% from 3-point range, which currently ranks in the NCAA (per NCAA.com).
• Madison Booker (Ranked 12th by HoopGurlz) of Texas, Booker proved a pivotal role in the upset win over UConn on December 3rd. Where she contributed 20 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds.

Recognizing that not every freshman is taking the statistical lead for their teams is important. It will be a game of growth and patience things take time. Ranked or un-ranked these women are creating more moments and journeys for fans to follow. The list of these freshman could go on and on. The potential impact of these emerging talents in the game will continue to arise.

As the season progresses, it will likely uncover more names, including ones we have not even mentioned. While the debate for Freshman of the Year conversation is on going. Witness the brilliance of the hoops played so far and the unfolding suspense in the rest of the season.

The post Will this class change the game forever? appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by:

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• TikTok

The Indiana Fever earned their second consecutive No.1 pick, while the Sparks, Mercury and Storm get their respective 2024 WNBA Draft orders.

Congratulations to the @IndianaFever for winning the No.1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm

Check out the remaining order for the first round here: https://t.co/nYxWWNRw3v pic.twitter.com/vkVpVFbyYE

— WNBA (@WNBA) December 10, 2023

No. 1 pick: Indiana Fever

No. 1 secured.

For the second-straight year, we will have the first pick in the @WNBA Draft! pic.twitter.com/vyq3qB1KzH

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) December 10, 2023

The Indiana Fever officially hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and have the possibility of drafting basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark. While Clark is eligible for this year's draft, she also has another year of eligibility, with the option of returning to Iowa. In a 30 minute special presented by ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, the WNBA Draft order is set for Apr. 15.

With a 44 % chance of landing the first pick, Aliyah Boston was present to represent the Indiana Fever organization on Sunday afternoon. The former No.1 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Boston was named WNBA Rookie of the year in her first season with Indiana. She briefly expressed her excitement of possibly adding another rookie star to play along side her at the podium.

"I think it is just going to be another talented player that we can use to help build us to be back to the franchise [Fever] was at, so I am super excited for this upcoming draft," Boston told Carolyn Peck. "Talking to them, I think that's going to be important because I had great vets that talked to me."

Boston also implied the importance of helping her new teammate achieve her goals. Paying it forward, the former South Carolina Gamecock strives to be a leader, and focuses on discipline. While Connecticut Sun Stephanie White was in attendance for the Lottery, the last time the Fever advanced to the playoffs was in 2016. You want to know what's ironic? White was the head coach of Indiana, coaching Tamika Catchings. With one WNBA Championship won by the Fever in 2015, this young team has the chance to compete again.

No. 2 pick: Los Angeles Sparks

Top 2!

The Sparks have earned the 2nd pick of the 2024 @WNBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/mjAPtIsTKV

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) December 10, 2023

With only an 18 % chance of securing the No. 1 Pick, the Los Angeles Sparks secured the No.2 pick in this years upcoming draft. Represented by Head Coach Curt Miller, the Sparks are in an excellent position to add a young star next to Jordin Canada, Zia Cooke, and Nneka Ogwumike. Coming off a 17-23 2023 win/loss record, the Sparks have a ?30-46 cumulative record over two seasons. While UConn's Paige Bueckers and Stanford's Cameron Brink have been linked to the No. 2 pick, it's unclear who the Sparks will take. One of the most iconic franchises in WNBA History, Los Angles has three WNBA Championships, although they haven't been to the postseason since the 2020 season.

Coach Miller touched upon what's needed for the Sparks to compete once again in the league. "Dynamic players available in this upcoming draft," said Miller. "But, excited about adding an impactful player in the locker room, as much as on the court. High character, someone that's coachable, and wants to learn from these great veterans in the locker room."

No. 3 pick: Phoenix Mercury

We have received the third pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft pic.twitter.com/YOH3RU9KWL

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 10, 2023

Represented by Mercury and Suns Owner, Mat Ishbia, along with daughter Jaime , Phoenix had a 28 % chance of landing the first overall pick. While they hoped for the first slot, the Mercury will certainly have the opportunity to draft a dynamic player at three. After finishing 9-31, Phoenix will look to bounce back behind Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. One of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, they have three total WNBA Championships. With one of the best attendance records in the league, the Mercury reached 10 consecutive playoff appearances before falling short last season.

On Sunday afternoon, Ishbia noted Griner and Taurasi have been vital to the teams success. Phoenix selected Griner as the No. 1 overall pick in 2013, and Taurasi as the first pick in 2004. Together, they won an WNBA title in 2014.

"They're real excited, we are real excited," said Ishbia prior to the Draft Lottery. "BG [Griner] has been a big part of our success, along with Diana [Taurasi]."

Much like the Sparks, the Mercury won't know who will land in their land until certain players will decide they will ultimately declare for the WNBA Draft, or return to their respective collegiate teams.

No.4 pick: Seattle Storm

Lottery complete Our 2024 #WNBA Draft picks are set #TakeCover pic.twitter.com/LSU3bsFx3E

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) December 11, 2023

The Seattle Storm had the lowest odds at 10 % to land the first pick, and secured the No. 4 pick in this years WNBA Draft. Represented by Head Coach Noelle Quinn, the Storm finished 11-29 last season, and are in complete rebuild mode post Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart era. Led by guard Jewell Loyd, Seattle has four WNBA Championships, most recently in 2018 and 2020. While they had 7 consecutive playoff runs, the Storm missed out completely in the 2022-2023 season.

Former No. 1 overall pick selected by the Storm in 2015, Loyd averaged career highs in points (24.7), and rebounds (4.7). Seattle could use a guard to compliment Loyd in the backcourt, as she accounted for 31 % of the total offense. Even at the four slot, the Storm will have several options.

The 2024 WNBA Draft will take place on Apr. 15. The Draft Lottery was based off team's cumulative record over the past two seasons.

Stay tuned for more WNBA Draft related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post 2024 WNBA Draft: Indiana Fever secure No. 1 pick appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram
• Twitch

NCAA Women's basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark continues to rise in the history books, this time surpassing 3,000 career points against Iowa State Wednesday night.

Caitlin Clark is her.

If you didn't know, Iowa State had homecourt advantage for their matchup against rivals Iowa Hawkeyes. While Cyclone fans chanted "overrated" towards Clark, she kept her poise. Clark then hit a major milestone, becoming just the 15th woman in NCAA Basketball to surpass 3,000 NCAA career points. One of the most exceptional athletes to ever hit the hardwood, Clark is the first player in NCAA history with 3,000 points, 750 assists, and 750 rebounds. With those statistics, she becomes the first player in Division 1 basketball history, including both men's and women's to achieve such a milestone. Truly a sensational hooper, it's safe to say Caitlin Clark is in a league of her own.

The moment.
HISTORY!!!!!
?@CaitlinClark22?
only player ever with 3000 points 750+assists 750+rebounds
Mom, Dad and Brother love it!!! pic.twitter.com/NGFUGVMVuL

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 7, 2023

While Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum still holds the NCAA D1 women's basketball scoring record with 3,527 points, at 3,013 total points, Clark has the chance to shatter Plums record. Compiling 1,055 total points in the 2022-2023 season, the rising star is more than likely to top the leaderboard, with 20 regular season games remaining. Trailing Plum by 514 points, if consistent, the guard would need to average 25.7 points for the next 20 games.

That means, Clark would pass Kelsey Mitchell, Jackie Stiles, Brittney Griner, Patricia Hoskins, Lorri Bauman, Jerica Coley, Rachel Banham, Elena Delle Donne, Maya Moore, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Cheryl Miller, on the leaderboard.

Caitlin Clark is HER.

She surpasses 3⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣career points, and becomes just the 15th woman in NCAA to hit the achievement. pic.twitter.com/EpjbqeRgHf

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) December 7, 2023

With that achievement in site, Clark has been drawing sellout crowds, which included over 50,000 fans at a scrimmage preseason. Known for her prodigious three-point shooting, Clark has put her rebounding and flashy passing skills on full display. While conceding to the LSU Tigers in last year's championship game, Clark and the Hawkeyes are currently ranked as the No.4 seed. While the basketball speaks for itself, the "Clark effect" has been real. Her swagger, the way she handles herself, is contagious. As she continues to gather respect from celebrities, former WNBA star Sue Bird and actor Jason Sudeikis were in attendance against Bowling Green.

On Wednesday evening, the Iowa Hawkeyes Womens basketball team defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 67-58. In dramatic fashion, Clark finished with 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, on 37.5 percent three-point shooting. Up 40-39 over the Cyclones with 6:11 left to go in the third quarter, Clark notoriously pulled a deep three-pointer in transition to surpass 3,000 career points. Humble as ever, No. 22 trotted back and clapped as the crowed went into a frenzy.

Mainly a scrappy game, especially in the second quarter, Iowa went on a 13-3 run in the fourth quarter, after the Cyclones took a two-point lead. Averaging 29.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, the Hawkeye remains the 2023-2024 scoring leader.

And for the Hawkeyes, guard, she didn't have a clue how close she was to the achievement until watching a segment on ESPN days prior.

"I obviously didn't know I was going to eclipse 3,000 points until a few days ago, I was watching ESPN, " Clark told reporters. No. 22 stated she learned of the news when watching the South Carolina game, announced by Debbie Antonelli.

"It's cool, especially to do it here," said Clark post-game. "I have a lot of family in attendance. But it was kind of same when I broke the Iowa scoring record. We keep playing. We don't celebrate in the timeout. That's not what it's about."

While she acknowledged her achievements, Clark made it known winning is a priority, and scoring 3,000 points in a loss wouldn't be the ideal situation.

A generational talent, Clark has been primed for another colossal season, in what could be her final year with Iowa. While she's publicly stated she's "going to trust her gut, Clark has the option to return for the 2024-2025 season of she decides to forgo the WNBA Draft. Regardless of what team you support, we cannot ignore the impact Clark has imprinted on the game, especially women's basketball.

RELATED: The WNBA Draft Lottery will take place on Dec. 10 - www.ebooksnet.com

With the Draft Lottery set for Dec. 10, the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks all have the opportunity to secure the No.1 pick.

Stay tuned for more NCAAW/WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Caitlin Clark continues greatness, passes 3,000 career points appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• X
• Instagram

The 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery will occur on Dec. 10, which will officially kick off the start of the offseason. With the actual WNBA Draft set for April. 15, the Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm all have a shot to land the No. 1 pick.

The 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm is almost here

Tune in to ESPN on December 10 at 4:30pm/ET to see who will get the #1 pick! pic.twitter.com/4q8DwJP3oP

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 31, 2023

The WNBA Draft Lottery process will begin on Dec. 10, which is ironically the same day as the 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Women's showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena. With the Fever, Sparks, Mercury, and Storm all qualifying for top picks, there is a process for lottery odds that I will explain further. With all four teams finishing under .500 last season, the Fever have the best odds of securing the No.1 pick. When it comes to lottery odds, it's based off a team's collective record over the past two seasons.

2024 WNBA First Round Draft Order

1-4: Yet to be determined

5. Dallas Wings (Via Chicago Sky)
6. Washington Mystics
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Atlanta Dream
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Los Angeles Sparks (Via Las Vegas Aces)

WNBA Draft Lottery Odds

Indiana Fever, 44 % odds

may the odds be in our favor.

tune in to the @WNBA Draft Lottery on December 10.

https://t.co/FyeFYkktBu pic.twitter.com/x8Wsnq2zVV

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 31, 2023

If Indiana does in fact grab the No. 1, the organization will have back-to-back first overall picks, selecting Aliyah Boston last year. Indiana, who finished with a 13-27 overall record, once again have the best odds after finishing under .500 for seven straight seasons. The Fever, led by head coach Christie Sides, now have a chance to make a statement in the league, if granted the top pick. With that said, Indiana has a 44 % chance of landing the No.1 pick and will not slide any further than No. 3 overall. After finishing 18-58 after two seasons, Indiana looks to build around Boston.

Phoenix Mercury, 28 % odds

20 years ago today, we won the WNBA Draft Lottery. Securing the #1 pick, our franchise went on to draft Diana Taurasi!

Days Until Draft Lottery: 7⃣ pic.twitter.com/5rkKUPWw0d

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 3, 2023

The Phoenix Mercury, who finished a league worst 9-31, currently have the second-best odds of landing the first pick. With Nate Tibbetts officially introduced as the organizations newest head coach, it was announced Kristi Toliver was named associate coach this week. Toliver, 37, has spent 14 years in the WNBA, and recently tore her ACL as a member with the Washington Mystics. The Mercury, led by Diana Taurasi and Britney Griner, have a 24-52 record over two seasons. Overall, they have a 28 % chance of the first pick.

Los Angeles Sparks, 18 % odds

1 week away.

The Sparks have a 17.8% chance at the No. 1 pick.
Where do you think we land, Sparks fam? pic.twitter.com/oOwmWQCmh0

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) December 3, 2023

The Los Angeles Sparks have an 18 % chance of landing the top draft pick. Led by Curt Miller, Los Angeles fell short of a playoff run, finishing with a 17-23 in the 2023 season. With a 30-46 record over two seasons, the Sparks will continue to build around Jordin Canada, Zia Cooke, and of course Nneka Ogwumike.

Seattle Storm, 10 % odds

For the first time since 2016 the @seattlestorm are back in the WNBA Draft Lottery presented by @StateFarm

Let’s take a look back at when they won the Draft Lottery in 2015 and 2016, landing @jewellloyd and @breannastewart as their #1 picks

Tune in to the 2024 WNBA Draft… pic.twitter.com/zBrD7tIRpP

— WNBA (@WNBA) December 5, 2023

Since the departure of Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird, The Seattle Storm, led by Jewell Loyd, finished 11-29 last season, and have a combined 33-43 record over the last few seasons. With a 10 % chance of grabbing the No. 1 spot, the Storm will look to rebuild after their recent championship success. I will say, a combined 33-43 cumulative record over two seasons isn't indicative of how this team is structured now. Both Stewart and Bird contribute to that record, and the Storm are in a complete rebuild mode.

How the WNBA Draft lottery process takes place

Along with a cumulative record over the past two seasons, much like the lottery, there will be a total of 14 balls placed. With four teams in the mix, means four balls will be drawn out of the machine. In a simple process, whichever team assigned a certain four-digit combination will "receive the No. 1 pick," per WNBA. After, those four balls will be put back in the machine to determine which team will be granted to No. 2 pick.

The 2024 WNBA Draft is projecting Iowa guard Caitlin Clark to be selected as the No.1 pick. Along with Clark, UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers, and center Aaliyah Edwards are eligeable for the draft. Stanford forward Cameron Brink and LSU transfer Hailey Van Lith are all projected top selections. However, both Clark and Bueckers have the options to return to their respective programs. Angel Reese (LSU), Georgia Amoore (Virginia Tech), Rickea Jackson (Tennessee), Kamila Cardoso (South Carolina), Jacy Sheldon (Ohio State), Deja Kelly (North Carolina), and Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech) are all projected 2024 picks. If Clark and Bueckers were to forgo the 2024 WNBA Draft, that would change the projection drastically.

The Lottery will take place at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post The WNBA Draft Lottery will take place on Dec. 10 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• Twitter
• Instagram

Once quoted by the late Kobe Bryant, "Turn every setback into a comeback." For University of Connecticut guard Azzi Fudd, this has been the storyline for the majority of her career. Given the fact UConn has two No. 1 recruits, they've spent more time supporting each other off the bench due to injuries, rather than on the court.

One of the most prolific programs in all of women's college basketball has been hit with another devastating injury. First, Connecticut lost Paige Bueckers to a torn ACL all of last season. Now, Junior guard Azzi Fudd will not see the court again this year. Once a five star recruit out of Washington D.C, Fudd became just the 12th player, along with Bueckers to sign as a No.1 recruit since 1998. It's punch in the gut to a program that's suffered multiple injuries over the last few years. She's been advertised as one of the most generational recruits in women's basketball history. And yes, she's that good.

What are the odds of the program losing both Bueckers and Fudd due to ACL tears in back-to- back seasons? For coach Geno Auriemma, he is saddened, yet confident about her recovery and the future.

UConn guard Azzi Fudd will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season after suffering ACL and medial meniscal tears in her right knee, the team announced Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/I8Hc28LKI2

— ESPN (@espn) November 22, 2023

“We’re all just so upset for Azzi,” Geno Auriemma said. “She worked hard to be healthy for this season, and it’s unfortunate when you put in a lot of hard work and have a setback like this. Azzi loves the game and works tirelessly. I’m confident she’ll rehab with the same work ethic and come back better than ever."

Unfortunately, Fudd is no stranger to injuries. One of the first girls to ever attend Warriors Steph Curry's SC30 Select Camp, the former Gatorade National Player of the Year has dealt with and overcome several past injuries at a young age. When competing for the USA 18 and under 3 vs. 3, the UConn guard tore both the MCL and ACL in the same knee. With the Huskies falling short of winning a National Title against South Carolina in 2022, the program hasn't seen a fair chance due to injuries ever since.

Many wonder, is this the end of the UConn Women's basketball dynasty? As a fellow student and graduate of the University of Connecticut, it sure feels that way in the moment. However, this is a unit who's overcome several obstacles, and again, is one of the winningest programs in NCAA history. Then again, with the NIL deals, several athletes aren't following in the typical footsteps others once did. Also, I'd like to think one injury doesn't determine the seasons outcome. For example, the Las Vegas Aces pulled off an WNBA Championship Title with several injuries to star players.

Paige Bueckers Azzi Fudd

We missed this pic.twitter.com/J6FaK64Plu

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 9, 2023

Perhaps there's a silver lining in all of this. Having suffered this injury before, Fudd also has the support of Bueckers, who spent 369 days rehabbing her torn ACL. If there's an aspect this UConn team possess, it's overcoming adversity and strength.

In her third year with the program, Fudd missed multiple games in her UConn career. Limited to 25 games due to a foot injury her freshman year, the guard also missed time with several knee injuries her sophmore year. Overall, she's missed 33 games in her collegiate career.

There was much optimism for head coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies after the return of Bueckers this season. After conceding to Ohio State in the Sweet Sixteen, Connecticut was poised for a big year as they were initially ranked the No.2 seed behind LSU. Having already lost Jana El Alfy with an Achilles injury, coach Auriemma and the Huskies again find themselves in a familiar situation.

3-2 on the season, Connecticut this time will have to rely on their star players Aaliyah Edwards and Paige Bueckers, who are both future WNBA draft picks. Although a talent that's not replaceable, Fudd, who averaged over 11 points per game, will likely be substituted by Aubrey Griffen and Qadence Samuels. Barely a month into the season, the Huskies now have the chance to get the full healthy version of Bueckers. In a critical time to lead this team, Connecticut and Bueckers will once again have to channel their inner strength.

Having previously announced she's "staying" in Storrs beyond this season, should give Connecticut fans hope for Fudd. It's possible for UConn to make an NCAA title run, although it will be challenging both mentally and physically. A renowned shooter and a generational talent, this team will have their challenges without the guard.

If Paige Bueckers decides not to declare for the WNBA draft, perhaps we will see one full healthy season of stardom and partnership between these two incredibly talented women next season. As coach Auriemma stated, Fudd "loves the game and works tirelessly."

We wish Azzi Fudd a healthy and speedy recovery.

Stay tuned for more WNBA and NCAAW articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Azzi Fudd to miss the rest of the season with ACL tear appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• Twitter
• Instagram
• TikTok

No. 20 is a superstar in the making

If you didn't know, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu scored a record 37 points to win the WNBA three-point contest this season. 37 is a record for both the NBA and WNBA, surpassing Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Dirk Nowitzki, among several other basketball greats.

One of the most captivating players in women's basketball NCAA history, Sabrina Ionescu was an iconic name at the University of Oregon. The all-time NCAA leader in triple doubles (26), Ionescu has quite the versatile skill set. Yes, the Oregon Ducks lost to Baylor in the Final Four her junior season. Unfortunately, the world didn't get to see Ionescu on the biggest stage in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ranked as one of the all-time greats in NCAA basketball, Ionescu totaled 4,693 minutes played, points scored, rebounds, and assists. That's second all-time in NCAA basketball history, just behind Cheryl Miller. To show how great she really was, Sabrina had rankings over Pete Maravich, Doug McDermott, Elena Delle Donne, Tim Duncan, Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Steph Curry, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Shaquille O'Neal. That is sheer greatness, which has translated into her WNBA career.

Throughout her collegiate career and into the WNBA, Ionescu notably stated she thrives in big moments. Drafted No. 1 overall by the New York Liberty in 2020, the guards first season was cut short due to an ankle injury. New York finished 12-20 in 2021, and the Liberty conceded to the Chicago Sky in the first round in 2022.

Sabrina Ionescu experience her first WNBA Finals run

Sab always knows how to keep things light #wnba #WNBAFinals #LightItUpNYL pic.twitter.com/PTt5k7b5zT

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 21, 2023

Having been in the spotlight, Ionescu was truly tested in the 2023 Finals against the Las Vegas Aces. In four Finals games, Sabrina averaged an underwhelming 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. With the Aces strong three guard lineup, Ionescu was held to 31.6 percent field goal shooting. In her first Finals, the Liberty collapsed in games one, two, and four. New York didn't have an answer, as the Las Vegas Aces won their second consecutive WNBA Championship.

In fact Sabrina Ionescu did admit she does get nervous before games, and was seen puking into a trash can in game four of the WNBA Finals. Down 2-1, the Liberty had a chance to tie the series in front of over 16,000 fans at the Barclays Center.

"I don't know, I was just feeling like I was about to throw up and was calling for a garbage can," said Ionescu. "Maybe the emotions of the game, everything going on, just wasn't feeling great. Good thing were was a garbage can right there and it didn't end up on the floor."

The Liberty now know what it takes to win

"There was this pressure in understanding that we didn't achieve our goals, and I don't believe in that, " Ionescu told the press. "There's beauty in the struggle, and you have to understand what it feels like to lose to come out on top. For us, having that silence in the locker room, knowing what it feels like to be so close and not get it, is going to fuel us going into this offseason, into this next year, understanding what it takes to win."

Not only was this the first Finals appearance for Sabrina, the Liberty haven't reached the WNBA Finals since 2002. With such acquisitions of players in the offseason, New York ended that 21 year drought.

2023 was a lot of "firsts" for Sabrina Ionescu

"It was a lot of firsts for me, it wasn't just the finals, it was the semi-finals. There was a lot of firsts for me this year. Understanding that I am 25 years old and still trying to figure it out. I think giving myself grace through that process, but also holding myself to a really high standard. Now having those experiences under my belt, I now understand what it takes-- what it takes to win at home, what it takes to win on the road."

Although Ionescu and the Liberty didn't reach their lofty championship goals, their season was historic. Finishing a franchise best 32-8, New York won their first Finals game since 1999, when Teresa Weatherspoon hit that half-court shot. For many fans, the Liberty brought hope back to New York, and did so with minimal time to develop as a team.

"I've never been on a team that's been more committed to one another than what it's been like this year," continued Ionescu. "We had players from all over come together in such a short amount of time and commit to one another. For a team as new as we were, with so many different role changes, to come in and be in a finals, is unheard of."

The Aces experienced a fair amount of early struggles

3 years ago today the Seattle Storm completed the sweep!

Breanna Stewart led with 26 points as the Storm won 92-59 over the Aces, claiming the series 3-0 and winning the 2020 WNBA championship.

Seattle became the 3rd franchise with 4 titles (Houston, Minnesota). pic.twitter.com/q7ggk0HUuO

— Across the Timeline (@WBBTimeline) October 6, 2023

As I like to always say when it comes to sports, "Rome wasn't built in a day." As for the Las Vegas Aces, they join the Los Angeles Sparks and the Houston Comets as the only teams to capture back-to-back Championships. Through their trek, it hasn't always been easy for Vegas. With the organization relocating from San Antonio before the 2018 season, the Aces held several top draft picks. Following their relocation, they conceded twice in the Semifinals, including a defeat in the 2020 Finals to the Seattle Storm.

"Us at the core understand the commitment that we had to each other to get to this point," said Ionescu. "I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else, and I'm so excited that we had the team that we did. We bought into one another because it's really tough to get to this point. Vegas lost many before they were able to win. That's part of the struggle, that's part of figuring out how to get on top is having to lose."

She was dealing with a hip injury through the Finals

Sabrina Ionescu said she hurt her hip in Game 3 vs. Connecticut

"I had to get an injection before the game , just before those first two Vegas games, so, not ideal. It just kind of what happens. I wasn't really able to walk so timing wasn't great."#wnba

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 20, 2023

Making no excuses, Sabrina Ionescu shockingly dealt with a hip injury. No. 20 originally suffered the ailment in Game 4 against the Connecticut Sun in the Semifinals, in which she was seen icing her hip. Ionescu, a guard who is extremely mobile off screens and getting to the rim, stated the injury very much affected her in the Finals. She made it very clear, it's still not an excuse for their defeat. Ionescu mentioned she put "everything out there" and did everything she possibly could to help her team.

"Hip injury," Ionescu stated. "I hurt it in the Connecticut game, game four. Yeah, I had to get an injection before the game just to be able to play in those first two Vegas games. Obviously not ideal. It's just kind of what happens, and there's no excuse, obviously. I wasn't really able to walk, so timing wasn't great. I believe it taught me something, and it's all part of the plan."

In an exhilarating three point defeat in game 4 against Connecticut, Sabrina had just 9 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. In ten playoff games, including the finals, the Liberty guard averaged 13.7 points on 40 percent three-point shooting.

Sab looks to elevate her game this offseason

3 PT QU33N IN ACTION pic.twitter.com/l2n7r6RJWZ

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) October 19, 2023

Looking to elevate and improve her game this offseason, Ionescu stated she will spend the offseason on the west coast, and will not be playing professional basketball overseas. No. 20 said she'll be "busy" with USA Basketball and her camps back in Eugene, Oregon.

"I'm excited to continue to work on my game," said the guard. "I believe last year, having my first healthy offseason, being able to work on my game--I was able to come out and have the year that I wanted. This year, I'm excited to do that again, and take my game to the next level."

Expressing she'll get back in the gym in the next few days, Sabrina Ionescu shot 44.8 percent from long range this season. Improved by over 11 percent, Sabrina is always trying to better herself, and her game. Having led the league with 128 made threes, she broke Diana Taurasi's single season record.

"It's back to work, it's going to last a couple of days, now I'm looking forward to the next season." The Liberty guard feels the offseason will be crucial to improving her game, and will focus on using less ball screens.

"I've been able to see the improvement I had from the three point line, one season to the next. It's the best shooting percentage I've had from the three-point line. I want to take that to the next level as well."

Cited as a big "film watcher," Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty will most likely keep their core players for another Championship run in 2024. Regardless of this year's outcome, Sabrina Ionescu is a star in the making.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Sabrina Ionescu suffered hip injury, breaks silence after Finals loss appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• Twitter
• Instagram

Breanna Stewart WILL be back with the New York Liberty next season.

Their odds to win it all: +200 pic.twitter.com/jl2EmxLAVe

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) October 20, 2023

Jonathan Kolb: Stewart will be "100 percent cored"

If there's anyone that knows the CBA extensively, it's New York Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb. On Wednesday night, Stewart dressed for game four of the Finals, with her future unknown with New York. Rest assured Liberty fans, Kolb expressed Breanna Stewart will be "100 percent cored and will not be an unrestricted free agent."

Stewart signed a one-year $175,00 deal with the New York Liberty in free agency this past February. Admittedly taking a pay cut, Breanna Stewart signed with the Liberty to "continue to be great," along with winning another championship. Falling just short of a title in the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces, the former Husky had a remarkable season.

"Win or lose, we are going to do it together, " said Stewart. "This time we lost, and hopefully next time we'll be back."

Breanna Stewart was a staple for the Liberty despite playoff struggles

Awarded her second career MVP, Breanna Stewart averaged 23 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals. In her first season in the big apple, Stewart was named All-Defensive First Team, and AP Player of the Year. The first MVP in franchise history, Stewart had quite the list of accolades this season.

No. 30 was named WNBA Player of the month six times, and set the franchise record for the most 40-point games. Becoming the fastest player to reach 4,000 points, Breanna Stewart tied a franchise record for most double doubles in a season (20). She broke the record for the most 40 point, 10 rebound games in WNBA history (10). A true leader on and off the court, Stewart is incredibly special to the city of New York, and the Liberty franchise.

Stewart is optimistic for the future

"It's my first time being cored, so I'm not surprised. I'm excited for what we're doing here in New York and with the Liberty," Stewart told the press during her exit interview. "The way we finished things were overshadowed by disappointment and the loss. As a whole, it's been an extremely successful season. From you guys, to everybody involved in the Liberty, the fans, the outside general public--it's been amazing to be part of, and I'm looking forward to doing it for many years to come."

Stewart mentioned that she doesn't want to do this with any other group, and the team knew" they were going to go to war together."

Best of five games, New York conceded to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. Las Vegas won their second consecutive WNBA Championship on the Liberty's home court Wednesday night.

Breanna Stewart:
"What I love about this franchise is they want to make sure all the players have everything they need to be great. Our finance team, our PR team, our coaching staff is phenomenal.Everyone is holding themselves to a higher standard."#wnba

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 20, 2023

As an unrestricted free agent (UFA), a player can enter negotiations with any team during the start of the WNBA free agency period. Unable to receive a qualifying offer, it was extremely vital for the Liberty to core Stewart, especially with the prioritization rule. "Coring a player" is similar to the franchise tag in the NFL. This essentially means the New York Liberty can retain Breanna Stewart on a max contract for up to one year, if she accepts. Applying for such will give New York negotiation rights this offseason.

Jonquel Jones is trending towards coming back to New York

Jonquel Jones with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks at the HALF. That marks her EIGHTH consecutive double-double!

Like if you had Jones OVER rebounds#sportsbetting #WNBATwitter

(via @wnba)pic.twitter.com/A4fPYFUOIU

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) October 12, 2023

Unable to capture their first Championship in New York, the Liberty remain disappointed, yet optimistic for the future. Jonquel Jones, who's played under two core designations, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Adding that "if she did stay, they would be able to grow and be successful." Jones stated "I'm definitely trending towards coming here."

Jones averaged 11.3 points and 8.4 rebounds in 40 games this season. No. 35 proved her consistency and her value over the playoffs, and specifically the back end of the season. Re-signing Jonquel would continue to give the Liberty one of the strongest front courts in the WNBA.

Adding that "roster changes will come" with the second unit, Kolb doesn't seem concerned about resigning both Jones and Stewart. “No I don’t think that’s a concern. We’ve done things the right way here. I think we’ve made this a place to play, and I think they’re very proud to be members of the Liberty."

GM Jonathan Kolb firmly stated they are "not close to done, and look forward to improving this team in the offseason, and look forward to being back."

New York will keep it's core, at least for next year

New York will maintain a majority of their players for next season, including Betnijah Laney, Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Vandersloot, Kayla Thornton, and now Stewart with the core.

"Being here in NYC and knowing that we have the majority of our core coming back, it's exciting , just to see where we're gonna go, how we'll grow our growth together, said Betnijah Laney.

With keeping the core around Breanna Stewart, the team is much more confident now that they have their finals experience down as a unit.

Stay tuned for more WNBA and betting related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Breanna Stewart will return to Liberty in 2024 per GM appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• Twitter
• Instagram

The Aces win their second consecutive WNBA Championship

Heartbreaking loss for the Liberty. Congrats to the Aces on winning the 2023 WNBA Championship pic.twitter.com/aoUaOBF20T

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 19, 2023

Game four of the WNBA Finals was intense, disappointing, and exciting all at the same time. New York Liberty fans were left heartbroken, while the Las Vegas Aces celebrated their triumph on New York's home court. In a low scoring affair, the Aces defeated the Liberty 70-69, which was a dogfight up until the final seconds.

With a one point victory, the Las Vegas Aces stormed the middle of the court in front of 16,000 plus New York Liberty fans. Having been there before, the Aces finally captured their second straight WNBA Championship. Las Vegas seized another trophy in what was the most watched game four in WNBA history. They did so without Chelsea Gray, Candace Parker, and Kiah Stokes, all out with foot injuries.

Through a rollercoaster of a season, the aces stated they've experienced adversity all season long. If there's one constant, it's been A'ja Wilson's brilliant play and determination to win.

You can really tell the Aces and A’ja Wilson are a tight group for real. It shows in all aspects. #wnba #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/CWSrdsdlsT

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 19, 2023

"We kept the main thing, the main thing, and we remained focused through everything," told the press. "We weathered the storms, I think that's what I'm very happy about. They hit us with a big punch, and we came back harder."

Up 39-30 at halftime, New York never truly found their rhythm on either side of the ball. With the Aces starting Alysha Clark and Cayla George, the Liberty couldn't capitalize on the the loss of Gray and Stokes. No disrespect to Clark and George, but Chelsea Gray is not replaceable. Although Gray was sidelined on the bench, she remained vocal on the bench in leading her team. Don't let the Aces bench fool you, they are poised with professionals that were willing and ready to play.

Becky Hammon #wnba #wnba pic.twitter.com/AHnExHkeP3

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) October 19, 2023

"This is probably the tightest group I've ever been around," said Aces coach Becky Hammon. "They're a special group, I don't know what else you can throw at them. All we did is buckle down and keep playing."

The New York Liberty were "highly disappointed"

The Liberty's ball movement wasn't fluid, and their shots simply weren't falling. Looking disheveled, New York shot just 26-72 (36.1 percent) from the field, and 9-26 (34.6 percent) from long range. Sabrina Ionescu finished with 13 points, and Betnijah Laney 15. The Most Valuable Player, Breanna Stewart finished with just 10 points and 14 rebounds on 3-17 (17.6 percent) shooting. Her 38 percent effective field-goal percentage was the lowest of any 10 game-game stretch in her career.

Despite such a successful season, and a franchise best 32-8 finish, the Liberty fell short of their championship desires.

Having experienced both winning and losing in the finals, Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot stated their level of disappointment was "very high."

"It's hard to answer these questions right now because we're so disappointed, and it's such an emotional time," Vandersloot continued. "We're proud that we had the opportunity to play for a championship. It didn't go out way tonight. This is what we came here to do, we're trying to build a championship team. We are going to use this as a learning experience, you can only get better from here."

Vandersloot finished with a team high 19 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds on 50 % three-point shooting. Having struggled with her shot throughout the playoffs, Vandersloot very much kept the Liberty in the game tonight.

The New York Liberty's downfall has been losing leads in the third quarter, which is exactly what happened in game four. Las Vegas outscored New York 23-13, and held them to 25 percent shooting. Cayla George, an unlikely hero, made two key three pointers on four attempts. With the task of guarding Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, George finished +1, 11 points, 3 steals, and four rebounds.

By the end of the third, the Aces were shooting 50 percent from the field, and 40 percent from three. A'ja Wilson made several shots over Jonquel Jones, who finished with just 6 points and 11 rebounds, in 33 minutes played.

It was a dogfight until the end

THE FINAL SECONDS THAT CROWNED THE @LVACES BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS pic.twitter.com/YhlV9rCzYb

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2023

Tied 64-64, the crowd remained intense and involved at the Barclay's Center. Down 70-64 with 1:12 to go, the Aces could taste another Championship victory. In a matter of seconds, guard Courtney Vandersloot made the most important three-pointer of the season, followed by steal and a Sabrina Ionescu made shot over Sydney Colson. Down 70-69 with 41.7 seconds remaining, Jonquel Jones had a momental block on A'ja Wilson, in which Courtney Vandersloot grabbed the unlikely defensive rebound.

At that moment, New York took a timeout with 8.8 seconds to go. With the season on the line, the Liberty had to score on the final posession. Alysha Clark on Stewart, the ball was passed to Betnijah Laney, guarded by Kelsey Plum, and onto Courtney Vandersloot. Less than 2 seconds left, Vandersloot badly missed a mid range shot which concluded the game. In a building that was once filled with an enormous amount of energy, it felt so lifeless.

Tune in to the #WNBAFinals Game 4 Post Game Presser https://t.co/3rhTYWDP7o

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2023

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello expressed her faith in putting the ball in the hands of Breanna Stewart. "I put the ball in the hands of the MVP because we trusted. It just didn't work out today. I'd still do it again, I still make that, that's the right call."

Alysha Clark, now a 3x WNBA Championship, dedicated the win to her late father. She had the game winning defensive stop against Stewart.

"He's been with me all season," Clark told Holly Rowe. "He's been by sixth man and I know he would be so happy right now. This is for him, this entire season, I showed up everyday because I know he loved watching me play."

Clark finished with 10 points, and 8 rebounds, on 4-7 shooting. Guards Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young combined for 23 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The New York Liberty are still in search of their first WNBA Championship in franchise history.

Stay tuned for more WNBA and betting related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Aces defeat Liberty in heartbreaking game 4 loss, repeat as Champions appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Written and edited by

Sara Jane Gamelli

• Twitter
• Instagram
• TikTok

Breaking: Las Vegas Aces Kiah Stokes and Chelsea Gray will be out for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, head coach Becky Hammon announced.

Both have foot injuries and are questionable for Game 5 (if necessary). pic.twitter.com/8x1YqRB0xi

— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2023

The Aces are once again plagued by injuries

The Las Vegas Aces command a 2-1 series lead, and remain one win away from capturing their second consecutive WNBA Championship. The best-of-five, the Aces are once again hindered by injuries. This time, both Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes are suffering from foot injuries. Already missing Candace Parker with a foot fracture, the Aces are filled with the task of filling multiple voids on the biggest stage of the year. They've also been without Riquna Williams, who was arrested on domestic battery charges earlier this year.

Chelsea Gray, the 2022 Finals MVP, is the heart and soul of the Aces team. Nicknamed the "Point Gawd," Gray is one of the most prolific point guards to ever play the position. She's often the most vocal in timeouts, and can be seen drawing up plays for her team. Without her, Las Vegas will be missing their facilitator and the engine that makes the team run. She was seen with a boot on her left foot, along with a scooter at Tuesday's practice at the Barclays Center.

Chelsea Gray says her teammates will respond without her. ?@LVAces? pic.twitter.com/8ML6hvYSix

— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) October 17, 2023

Gray is certainly a leading factor in this Finals series. In three postseason matchups against the Liberty, Gray is averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. An x-factor in games one and two, Gray is shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range through three games. In the first two matchups, Chelsea was facilitating like no other, and hitting incredibly high contested shots. Gray, originally hurt on a play guarding Breanna Stewart, was visibly seen in pain, hobbling on one foot to the locker room.

THE STEAL, THE DIME

Chelsea Gray is putting on a show in the #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/ynxyOA5ziY

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 12, 2023

Kiah Stokes has been Candace Parker's replacement since her injury in July. Although Stokes isn't a large presence on the offense, she remains an integral part of the defense. Stokes is averaging 2.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2 assists in the Finals matchups against New York. Not appearing injured in game three, Stokes stated she "can't really tell you what happened, but my foot kind of hurts."

Becky Hammon weighs in: "Next woman up"

"They will both be out for game 4," Becky Hammon said at Tuesday's practice. When asked about Stokes and Gray's status for game 5, Hammon stated that "it's questionable." Stokes was seen on crutches during Tuesday's practice in Brooklyn.

"They both have foot injuries," said Hammon. "It's the next woman up. Everybody's gonna get a crack, everybody's gonna get a shot, probably-- Everybody just has to be ready to go, locked in."

Hammon later joked she would stick Sydney Colson at the backpack position, and stick her on Jonquel Jones.

Aces will use a committee

Becky Hammon stated the Aces will run by committee after game three, although it's clear not one player can replace Gray. Las Vegas will most likely look to Sydney Colson and Cayla George to replace Chelsea Gray and Kiah Stokes. The Aces ranked last in the regular season in terms of bench points per game (13.5). Thin at multiple positions, Becky Hammon has primarily relied on a six player rotation.

The Aces typically run a three guard lineup, which will allow Kelsey Plum to step up at point guard.

Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young will run the point

"We just shuffle KP [Kelsey Plum] over and Jackie [Young] will get some duties," Hammon told the press after game three. " Maybe we see Syd [Colson]. We do it by committee. I don't think there's any one person that's going to step up and fill her [Chelsea Gray] shoes. It's going to be a next woman up type scenario. Not one person is going to replace her, just everybody steps up and does a little bit more."

The Aces have vocalized they have battled adversity, and it hasn't just been in the postseason. "We bounce back from adversity all year, " said Hammon after game 3. "You either stay down or you get up. I know this group will get up."

The Aces will matchup against the Liberty for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on October 18 in Brooklyn.

Stay tuned for more WNBA and betting related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post Aces Chelsea Gray, Kiah Stokes out for Game 4. appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.