Olivia Miles on Rookie Expectations, Minnesota Lynx Culture, and Playing the General

Summary

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Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird

Episode: Olivia Miles on Rookie Expectations, Minnesota Lynx Culture, and Playing the General

Date: May 15, 2026
Host: Sue Bird
Guest: Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx rookie point guard)

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Episode Overview

Sue Bird kicks off Bird’s Eye View’s second season with standout Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles. The episode dives deep into Olivia’s unique journey: from collegiate stardom at Notre Dame and TCU, to being drafted #2 overall in the WNBA, and now inheriting a major role as the Lynx starting point guard. Sue and Olivia discuss rookie expectations, navigating big decisions, the influence of team culture, lessons from injury, and what it means to play “the general” at point guard. The conversation is honest, reflective, and full of practical advice for aspiring athletes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Thoughts: Sue's View on the League

[03:00–11:20]

• Record-High Scoring and Officiating Trends:

  • WNBA teams averaged 87.4 points on opening weekend, the most in league history.
  • Sue attributes this spike to tighter officiating (more fouls, more free throws), offensive evolution, and a younger league with more new teams bringing in fresh talent.
  • "We're in a little bit of a growing pain phase... but eventually players will adjust, and it'll become the new norm." (Sue, 06:40)
  • Sue predicts a coming defensive innovation as offense keeps dominating.

• Player Movement and Lineup Changes:

  • Focus on Courtney Williams moving from point guard back to her natural two-guard spot now that Olivia Miles is in Minnesota.
  • "She's in her Birkin now ... back in her two-guard Birkin." (11:12)

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Olivia Miles: The Journey to the WNBA

[11:30–19:38]

Choosing Growth Over the Draft

• Olivia explains why she stayed in college an extra year instead of going #2 in the 2025 WNBA Draft ([12:26]):

  • Needed more physical and mental readiness after her ACL injury.
  • Wanted a new environment after four years at Notre Dame.
  • TCU’s pro-style offense under coach Mark Campbell prepared her for the WNBA.

• Quote:
  "I really had to sit there and reflect on if I felt ready enough or not, and I didn’t." ([12:40])

The Impact of ACL Injury

• Olivia was out 18 months, which gave her a new appreciation and a "care and commitment to my body" ([13:50]).

• Found her joy for basketball again at TCU, thanks to supportive culture and freedom to rediscover her game.

• Quote:
  "Now I know what it’s like to not have it. So I have no choice but to go out there and not take any moment for granted." ([15:09])

NIL, Draft Timing, and Financial Perspective

• Weighs NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) income vs. early WNBA salary ([16:10]).

  • NIL was significant at TCU, and waiting for a new CBA meant a bigger rookie contract.
  • Importance of long-term planning due to injuries and career longevity.

• Quote:
  "Giving one more year for the WNBA to really figure out its future... obviously worked out in my favor." ([17:32])

Lessons in Decision-Making

• Learned resilience and to “bet on herself,” even when facing negative outside opinions.
• Navigates social media with boundaries for mental health.

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Draft Night & First Impressions as a Pro

[21:05–26:52]

The Draft Process

• Olivia anticipated going #1 or #2; had in-depth interviews with multiple teams.
• Minnesota Lynx's culture and Coach Cheryl Reeve’s reputation for toughness stood out.
  • "I knew they had a winning culture... but actually experiencing her now, I don’t think she’s as tough as people are making her out to be." ([23:11])

Rookies & Expectations

• Pressure of joining a legendary franchise is “a privilege”—but also familiar from her time at Notre Dame.
• Calls Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams “two of the most incredible teammates” for their support and guidance.

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Rookie Realities: Transitioning to the WNBA

[27:34–31:58]

Training Camp

• Hardest part: Navigating confidence without overstepping as a rookie.
  • "Being a rookie is so hard. It’s like knowing your place, not wanting to step on toes." ([27:43])

First Games, First Records

• Debut vs. Atlanta: 21 points, 8 assists—joins Candace Parker in historic company. ([29:02])
• Entered record books for her debut performance; reflects on adjusting to WNBA pace and physicality.

The WNBA Learning Curve

• Noted how quickly games can flip: “the margin of error... is basically zero.” ([32:31])
• Every run, every possession matters far more than in college.

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Playing the General: Philosophy and Growth

[34:08–40:47]

The Playmaker’s Mindset

• On playmaking leap: “Just learning the reads, learning the progressions, knowing and trusting where my teammates are going to be.” ([34:08])

• Defines a point guard by “pace and poise... being a general.” ([35:20])

• Considers herself a “throwback” pass-first point guard in today’s score-first era.

• Notable Exchange:

  • Sue: "Your size, strength combined with your ball handling... You just got it right here all the time." ([38:19])
  • Olivia: "Exactly." ([38:29])

Balancing Scoring and Passing

• Finds it easier now with veterans—can trust passes will lead to shots.
• “It’s a lot easier in the W because these girls are so good… when I get the ball in KMac, I know she’s gonna shoot it.” ([38:48])
• Still working on this balance and benefiting from Courtney Williams’ mentorship.

Learning from WNBA Legends

• Praises coaching from Lindsay Whalen:
  • “Whae is transformative for me… She helps me see angles better and see windows.” ([40:47])

Role Models

• Olivia credits Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Luka, Curry, Stewie, and others:
  • "I watched you growing up and just taking every, you know, little nuggets here and there from you guys." ([42:13])

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Mindset, Goals, and Lynx Culture

[43:15–45:45]

Rookie Year Goals

• Wants to be rookie of the year, an all-star—but learning and “soaking up everything” is priority.
• Team mindset is about winning above all: "I'd much rather have a ring than anything else." ([44:31])

Lessons Learned

• Self-trust and “betting on myself” are central to her growth.
• Navigating transitions has bolstered her persistence and confidence ([46:01]).

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Rapid Fire: Personality & Culture

[47:07–49:10]

• Most excited/nervous to play: Dom Malanga—wants to see her dunk, but not on her! ([47:13])
• Most anticipated arena: Barclays Center in New York. ([47:45])
• Favorite Lynx tradition: The “Candy” dance after wins.
• Go-to pregame hype song: “Too Much Sauce” by DJ Esco and Lil Uzi. ([49:10])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trusting Herself:
  "A lot of people go through life and they worry too much what people think... But really having that confidence in yourself to know what you need and sticking to that, staying true to you, is really important." — Olivia Miles ([46:01])

• On Rookie Life:
  "Being a rookie is so hard. It’s like knowing your place, not wanting to step on toes. But also, like, finding ways to still be confident..." — Olivia Miles ([27:43])

• On the Lynx’s Dynasty:
  "You walk in the gym and you see their banners up there, Hall of Famer underneath... But they also understand that it’s a process, and they’re willing to walk with you on that process." — Olivia Miles ([24:15])

• On Learning from Lindsay Whalen:
  "Whae is transformative for me. She helps me see angles better and see windows." — Olivia Miles ([40:47])

• On Passing vs. Scoring:
  "I enjoy passing way more than I do scoring, so...” — Olivia Miles ([36:05])

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Useful Timestamps

• Sue’s View: WNBA State & Scoring Trends – [03:00–11:20]
• Decision to Stay in School & Transfer – [12:26–16:47]
• Impact of Injury & Rediscovering Joy – [13:50–15:48]
• Draft Night & Interview Process – [21:05–22:47]
• Joining the Lynx Culture – [23:11–25:40]
• First Game/Record-Setting Debut – [29:02–30:08]
• Philosophy on Point Guard Play – [35:06–36:05]
• Learning from Veterans/Coaches – [40:47–41:21]
• Goal Setting & Team Mentality – [43:15–45:07]
• Rapid Fire/Personality Segment – [47:07–49:10]

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Takeaways

• Olivia Miles is an articulate, self-aware rookie thriving in a storied franchise with support from legendary coaches and teammates.
• Her approach balances self-confidence, a true "general’s" mentality, and humility about her ongoing learning process.
• The WNBA is evolving fast, and Olivia’s path—delaying the draft, benefiting from NIL, prioritizing readiness—is emblematic of the modern athlete’s toolkit.

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Episode produced by TOGETHXR & Vox Media. For more in-depth WNBA discussions and behind-the-scenes stories, catch Bird’s Eye View every Friday!

Transcript

[A]

What's up, y'?

[B]

All?

[A]

I'm Skylar Diggins, seven time WNBA All Star, Olympic gold medalist and mom.

[B]

And I'm Cassidy Hubbard, host and reporter for nearly 20 years, covering the biggest names and stories in sports and mom.

[A]

And this is and Mom, a community for athletes, game changers and moms of all kinds. Dropping May 14th tap in with us.

[B]

Do you ever wonder what's in your lotion? If you look at the back of the bottle, it could contain more than a dozen ingredients and they may not all be regulated. The threshold is so high that only 11 cosmetic ingredients have been restricted by the FDA since 1938. This week on Explain it to Me, the chemicals lurking in your cosmetics. New episodes Sundays, wherever you get your podcasts.

[A]

Who was like a player or just anyone whose game you modeled your game after or like, stole something from or who always caught your eye?

[B]

You? What the hell? Like, what are we even talking about you. Maya Moore, Luka Curry, Like, I don't know, even Biggs like Stewie. Like, all you guys. Like, I watched you growing up and just taking every, you know, little nuggets here and there from you guys.

[A]

Well, that's quite the compliment. I swear. I wasn't setting you up for that. I really was curious. Hey, everybody. Welcome back. It is season two of Bird's Eye View. Today's guest I'm so excited to start off our season with Olivia Miles, rookie point guard drafted second overall in this year's draft by the Minnesota Lynx. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve described Miles as, quote, the first real point guard the Lynx have had since my girl, wheezy F baby Lindsey Whalen. Listen, if you've seen Olivia Miles play, her playmaking ability is incredible. It's been described as generational, as visionary, and we've already seen a little bit of that. We've gotten a taste for what she's able to add to a team during WNBA opening weekend. Before she got to Minnesota, Miles spent four years at Notre Dame, where her impact was so significant she is said to have redefined the expectation of freshman point guards, which is very true because if you watched her in those first two years, did not look like a young player at all. In 2025, she opted to skip the WNBA draft and used her extra year of eligibility to play at TCU, where she took the Horned Frogs to another Big 12 season championship and the Elite Eight in the tournament. We're going to talk to her about all of that because those are huge decisions. But before we get to the interview, you know what time it is. It's time for Sue's View. For this week's Sue's View, I'm actually going to reference what I talked about on a touch more yesterday and I know you guys all listen that obviously, but I discussed how opening weekend in the WNBA was. I think I used the word schizophrenic because you had one team, you know, blowing another team out, then turning around and getting blown out. It was crazy. And that continued, I mean, the last couple of games. We saw the Portland Fire this week get their first win against the Liberty. A lot of people weren't sure when the Portland Fire was going to get their first win. I think it's amazing for them to not just beat a team of the Liberties caliber, but to do it at home in front of their fan base. The fan base has been amazing. It gets them going. They also did it did it on a buzzer beater. So we've seen blowouts and now we've seen a buzzer beater. Very exciting for the Fire. So congratulations to that franchise on their very first win. Although does it count as a first win since they're like a franchise that came back Anyways, we also saw Dallas who opened up against the Indiana Fever. It was a great high scoring game. They turn around and lose to the Atlanta Dream. Now I did talk about the dream. The Dream to me is definitely a contender this year. I love their veteran play. I love how hungry they are, how hungry they seem. They got Angel, Reese and I mean honestly, Brianna Jones is not even the lineup yet. So you know there's going to be more there. But I love their size and their length. Pretty much at every position with the exception of the point guard spot. But Jordan, Canada and Powpow super, super quick, very dynamic guard. So kind of makes up for the size and I think that's what gave Paige Beckers on the other side for the Dre some trouble. Paige only shot 5 for 12 which isn't like terrible, but 12 shots maybe not enough. And watching the game, it just felt like more than anything she never got into rhythm. Also, Az Fudd didn't play. What came out after the game was just held out for precaution. Nothing I don't think to overthink. Definitely want to keep your eye on that, but that's basically the happenings in this first week. The thing that I really want to focus on though was opening weekend. The scoring set a record. Teams across the board averaged 87.4 points. Like I said, most in league history. And I just wanted to give you like my opinion, because this is Sue's view, after all, on why. So this isn't necessarily based on stats or data. It's just based on vibes and my eyeballs. First up. And I think this is going to be something that we talk about a lot this season, the reffing. There's been all kinds of talk in the last, since I've been in the league of how physical this league is, but especially in the last couple years and wanting to tighten that up. We've seen, you know, all the differences that have had, have been talked about being implemented now. So the games are called much, much tighter. I personally love it. Yes, we're in a little bit of a growing pain phase. I mean, there's been some games that have gone two and a half hours because there's so many foul calls. And yes, it does interrupt the flow of the game. But eventually people adjust and right now those people are probably the players. So eventually they adjust and it'll become like the new norm hopefully, you know, in the next month or two. And, you know, fingers crossed it happens quicker than that. But what happens is I think offense gets the benefit of that. And, you know, we've seen a lot of free throws. Again, the stoppage in play is tough, but for the most part, I think offense is the, is the beneficiary of all of this. And there has been in watching these teams and these, these games and these players and offensive evolution, like I said, for the teams, for the players. I might make the argument, since we're seeing so much innovation on the offensive end. Like a name that comes to mind, Jose Fernandez. He's known for his offensive sets. You saw the way Dallas put up points in that first game. I would argue that pretty soon we're going to need to see WNBA teams who have been focused on offense. Again, a lot of new coaches. Players are only getting better and better. They are 100% in their bags. Like the individual play itself is incredible. So my argument is like, at what point are our teams going to have to evolve with their defensive coverages because there's been so much focus on offense. Like now it's going to be, oh, whoever innovates defensively now, they might be the team that kind of brings something new to the wnba. So keep your eye on that. Might not see it for a while, but it's kind of my, my, my hunch. Something else that is certainly happening is the more teams you add to a league means more newcomers. There's just going to be naturally more people in this league and probably younger players in this league than there were before, period, point blank. And when you have new people who aren't accustomed to playing against WNBA players or this level, you know, every night, all the time, like I said, offense, good offense always beats good defense. And so sometimes when you have newcomers, that defense can struggle a little bit. So that's kind of my thinking around why we've seen so much scoring. But I love it. I love it. You guys have heard me say a billion times, if I could play now in this era, like, I was made for this era. I wasn't made for the previous era. That was a struggle. This error. This will be fun. Okay, so I'm going to start introducing some new segments. Let me know what you guys think. So today, this one I'm loosely calling same time last year, which is basically just like, I'm going to think of a player, I'm going to think about what they were doing last year and then kind of compare it to what they're doing this year. So for this episode, I'm going to focus on Olivia Miles teammate Courtney Williams. I think you guys are going to catch on where I'm going here. Olivia is now on the team. She's a natural point guard. That's her spot. So Courtney Williams, who's had to be a point guard for the last two years, is now back in her natural position at the two. But this time last year, Courtney was playing the point guard spot. And I'll be honest, she played it well. She played it really well. She was open to adjusting, which, to be honest, is half the battle. Um, she had to start to understand that balance between setting herself up and then setting her teammates up and vice versa. She actually had a hilarious quote recently about, like, when you're the point guard, and it's so true, you could shoot every time. Like, you have the ball every time, all the time. And so that was something that she really had to adjust because she could literally have come down the court and shot it every time. So I always said, like, last year and the year before, watching her play, point guard was. And that evolution was really, really impressive. I'm gonna throw some numbers at you. I don't think they're that meaningful, but just to paint the picture. So for the last two seasons, 2024 and 2025, Courtney averaged, like, 12 shots a game, a little over 12 points a game, 5.8 assists, and, like, two and a half turnovers. So that was two years worth of stats. This year, she's already averaging, like, Three and a half more shots. Now her shooting percentage isn't where it normally is. And this is a player that from the mid range has literally led the WNBA in mid range field goal percentage for, I don't know, almost every year she's played. So I'm imagining that's going to go up. Right now it's in the 30s, so she's only averaging 12 and a half points, but three and a half more shots, she's back at the two guard about the same amount. Assists, 5.5, but less turnovers. So I think we're seeing, we're gonna see an efficient Courtney, someone in her natural position, as she likes to say. She's in her Birkin now. She's back in her two guard Birkin and it's gonna be exciting to see her play. Okay, before we get to our conversation with Olivia, I do wanna acknowledge the life of Jason Collins. I want to send my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Jason Collins. Jason sadly passed away on Tuesday after a battle with brain cancer. Not only did Jason have a 13 year career in the NBA, he broke barriers and inspired millions, myself included. When he came out in 2013 and became the NBA's first openly gay player. One of my favorite moments was Jason sharing what President Obama had told him. Right after he came out, President Obama contacted him and he said, congratulations. What you've done today will have a positive impact on someone you might never meet in your lifetime. And that is just as much Jason's legacy now as it was then. So, Jason, rest in peace. Okay, it's time for our guests. Let's get to my conversation with Olivia Miles. First of all, let me officially welcome you to Bird's Eye View. Thank you for coming on.

[B]

Thank you. Thanks for having me.

[A]

I mean, listen, man, you have had a year. You've had a year. You finished off at tcu, had an amazing. Are we calling it a senior year? Grad. Grad student year, whatever.

[B]

Calling it. Yeah, for sure, a grad year.

[A]

You obviously went to the draft, now you're in the wnba. But I actually want to start by going back to March 2025. You've just finished your college season at Notre Dame. You're projected to go number two in the WNBA draft to the Seattle Storm. Skip over that part. But we actually had a conversation and in it I feel like, yeah, in it you were kind of just expressing like wanting, needing just that one more year of college before you got to the wnba. So can you just share like at that moment, like what Was your reasoning for staying that extra year and why did you end up choosing tcu?

[B]

Yeah, I think we had a great conversation. First of all, you helped me a lot. Just gaining perspective, so I appreciate that. And yeah, just talking, just talking with people close to me and people who I trust about obviously the league, what it takes. And I really had to sit there and reflect on if I felt ready enough or not, and I didn't. So my main motivation was to obviously get a new start, a new chapter somewhere else. I was at Notre Dame for four and a half years, have two degrees. I felt like I owed it to myself to kind of explore other options. And so, yeah, I. It was a mixture of that and also feeling more ready as. As I told you, just with my body in my mind and obviously my injury I had a few years prior, and then ultimately tcu, the offense that he runs down there, it's very pro like, and I felt like I'd be getting a lot of reps before I actually went pro. And I feel like it's kind of translated well. Just full screen reads, being aggressive, turning the corner, reading downhill options quickly. I feel like I got all of that at tcu, so that was my goal.

[A]

Oh, well, you're definitely seeing it come out now with the links. I mean, subtle flex with the 2 degrees there. I heard you slide that in, but you also, you got a different degree. It's the ACL University degree, which I'm a proud member. How did that injury impact you physically, mentally? What was it like going through that?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, it's a tough injury. As you know, it silenced you for a long time. I was out 18 months. I think I was healthy in 12, but I just didn't feel like myself until around 18, 19 months. But, yeah, I'm grateful that it happened in the sense of I got to gain new perspectives on the game, got to sit out, really feel what it's like on the bench. I'd never done that before, learn my teammates from a different perspective, learn my coaches from a different perspective, and also develop a new sense of care and commitment to my body that looked different for me, whether that's like in the weight room, in the rehab room, staying committed to getting better each day, because as you know, if you don't rehab your ACL properly, it could have long term effects. So making sure that you're getting that. That range of motion, that strength back, really taking care of yourself and focusing on me was the main priority. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

I mean, you bring that up and something that you know, you talked about when you got to TCU, I think it was after your Sweet 16 win over Virginia. You were quoted as saying that you. You like, got your joy back, that you love basketball again. So first of all, what about that season gave you that back? And also just talk in general, like how important it is to have that because you kind of need that joy in order to get through shitty times, like an ACL rehab or like a tough game, whatever it is.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, having that perspective, you know, being injured allowed me to gain my joy because now I know what it's like to not have it. And so I have no choice but to go out there and not take any moment for granted. But no, I think it was just the environment at TCU that allowed me to flourish and feel the freedom and kind of spread my wings a little bit and just find Olivia again. Like, I just, I lost her for a little bit and I was able to be in an environment that cultivated that out of me and find that joy. And that's when I'm playing my best. That's when anyone's playing their best, honestly, when they're feeling the energy of the game and, you know, they're reading without thinking and just hooping. So. Yeah.

[A]

Is that when you pull out the. What are we calling it, like a Statue of Liberty layout? The one handed.

[B]

Yeah, they call it a name or something. I don't know, Statue of Liberty, whatever. I mean, yeah, it's cool.

[A]

I mean, honestly, it's about to be called the Olivia Miles. I don't think I've seen anybody do it as much, but with as much success either. So I'm about to call that thing the Live.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

Okay, one last thing about you transferring. You know, like I said before, you could have easily gone to the wnba. I mean, no guarantees here, but I'm sure you would have gotten picked number two. And I'm not even saying that as a Seattle Storm person. What role did like the money part play? Because you're in this unique position right, where you've got nil money, so that's coming in. But you also know if I go to the WMA now, I'm probably going to be slotted at like, you know, 78,000 versus what you made now going. Going to. In the draft this year, you make like 500 plus. So how much of a role did money play? Like, where were you thinking about that?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, it definitely was a factor, I would say. Like I said, I laid out my main priorities. Priorities to you earlier, but it definitely was something that I was thinking about. Obviously, with the new CBA in talks, it was scary because it almost didn't get signed in time. So I truly didn't even know, like, you know, if. If it would even happen. So I really obviously focused on my growth this year, but definitely taking into account my future, obviously, as women, we play less for less years and our bodies obviously deteriorate a little faster. Or if it's you, you play to your 40. I don't know how you do that, but congrats on a great 40 is

[A]

going to be the new 30. Thank you. Yeah, 40. 40 is going to be the new thirty. Just wait.

[B]

So impressive, truthfully. But yeah, I was really thinking about that. Obviously going through a major injury already, how can I set myself and my and my family up long term? And, you know, giving one more year for the WNBA to really figure out its future and its growth obviously worked out in my favor. Like you said, nil is incredible. TC really took care of me and I'm forever grateful for coach for setting me up. But yeah, it's just a bonus and I'm happy that I came in at the right time. Historic time, for sure.

[A]

Yeah. Well, listen, it worked out. And you keep referring to your coach. That's Mark Campbell. Obviously, it worked out. You averaged a career high 19.6 points, your best scoring season ever. You had six triple doubles in the one season. You were a Big 12 player of the year, newcomer of the year. You led TCU to its second straight Big 12 title, its second straight Elite Eight. You set TCU single season record for points and assists in one year. I mean, listen, and I think more than anything, you really did prepare yourself. And you can see it, you really did prepare yourself for the wnba. And honestly, even more than that. Yeah, even more than that, it's like you weren't ready and now you were. And that's, you know, you can't speed that up. But listen, it's not like I could imagine. It was just a super tough decision. So even though it worked out, it had to have been super tough in the moment. So I'm just curious what you learned about yourself when it comes to just decision making on that scale. Like, what'd you learn about your gut? What did you learn about yourself going through that process?

[B]

I learned a lot. I learned that I'm resilient and that I'm committed to me. I think it was a lot of negativity that I went through. It was a lot of having to prioritize myself and be okay with people not liking what I'm doing and people not accepting me. So, yeah, I learned a lot about myself. I'm proud of myself for the way I handle it. Obviously had a great support system, but yeah, at the end of the day, I feel like it really, it really shows what can happen if you bet on yourself and if you trust in what you know you need, even though the people around you may not really agree with it. So I'm proud of myself for that for sure.

[A]

What's your relationship with social media like? What are we doing over there? What are we on? How are we using it?

[B]

Well, Twitter is a no go for me. I try and stay on Twitter, so

[A]

maybe I actually deleted it. I deleted it off my phone.

[B]

It's. Yeah, it's not even on my phone. Threads is okay. I try and stay off of that one too. I'm really only like, Threads is getting weird. It's getting weird. It's getting there.

[A]

Threads is getting there.

[B]

I think the women's basketball fans are so passionate and that's what makes our game so great. But yeah, at times it can be a lot, especially for our mental health and us being so young. So whenever I feel myself getting overwhelmed, it's all gone. It's all gone. Like, put it away. Journal, walk. Like, talk to my people. Like, not even engage with it.

[A]

How old are you?

[B]

23.

[A]

Dang. Sounding like a 33 year old already journaling and walking.

[B]

You have to.

[A]

Okay, when you're 33. When you're 33, I'm gonna play this back for you.

[B]

Where you call.

[A]

Where you call 33 old. Well, listen, you obviously got your confidence back. Everything's trending the right direction. You're approaching draft night. This draft was interesting because in a lot of ways it was wide open. You really didn't know who was going to take who when all these things. So what was that experience like for you? What were you hearing prior to the draft?

[B]

Yeah, I heard there was a possibility of me going one or two. I didn't really hear me really dropping to three. I knew that teams were going to try and make moves to kind of trade up. But yeah, I knew I was, I wasn't going to fall too low. I kind of figured Dallas was going to go in the direction they did, just obviously with everything. But I'm, I'm just happy where I'm at. Like, I wouldn't have it any other way. I talked to all three teams, all great organizations, and I talked to Toronto as well. Great organization. And, yeah, just. I'm just incredibly grateful for where I am and the chance that Cheryl took on me. And it was a cool night, for sure. It was definitely a cool experience. And to see where it's come is so incredible, so.

[A]

Well, you looked great. So you killed that partner.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Right off the gate, which is always nice. I was represented for us, a big moment. Yeah, you were. Wait, you said you. You said you talked to some teams. What was that like? I don't think people. I don't think people understand kind of like what that interview process is like. So what was that like?

[B]

Yeah, so after we lost, I think my agent, like, she gave me a few days, and then it was like, set up Zoom calls with Dallas, Mini and Seattle, the top three teams. And so I had a few in one day, actually. I talked to Minnesota for an hour and a half. Like, that was my longest call. And you basically go on there and you, like, I don't know, assessments, I guess. Like, they. They see how you are as a person. They see as a teammate, like, your basketball brain, what you like to do off the court, ask you all these questions. I'm actually curious to know.

[A]

Any weird questions?

[B]

Any weird, like, any.

[A]

Any that caught you, like, caught you off guard?

[B]

No, not that I can remember. Everyone was pretty tame, actually. Yeah, everyone was pretty tame. Kurt had a few crazy ones, but I expected it from him, to be honest. But, yeah, he's. He's a funny dude. Enjoy talking to him. It was cool.

[A]

Yeah. What did you know about Cheryl? Like, what did you know about Cheryl? What did you know about the Lynx prior to getting there?

[B]

I knew they had a winning culture. I knew she was tough. And I knew, obviously, USA basketball coach, obviously. Nafisa just coaches great players over and over again. The Dynasty team with Maya Mora. Way Simone. So just winning culture. Like, that's what I knew about her before. I knew she was tough. Everyone was saying she's a tough coach, but. But actually experiencing her now, like, I don't think she's as tough as people are making her out to be. I think it depends on the person and how you react to, like, hard coaching, so. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. Has she yelled at you yet?

[B]

Oh, yeah, she's yelled at me. She yelled at me in the preseason game. Yeah, she doesn't care, but I love that she doesn't. Yeah, I love that she's.

[A]

I agree. I'm the same. Yeah, I'm the same. I'm like, give it to me real. I don't care how harsh it is. I need the reality of it.

[B]

Yes. She's honest and mind at all. Yes.

[A]

So does the fact that this franchise, it's like a storied franchise dynasty level, does that make you feel any pressure?

[B]

Great question. I think yes and no. I think obviously you want to be as great as the greats. You walk in the gym, you see their banners up there, hall of Famer underneath, you have them on staff. I mean, Becca Brunson is what she's the. The most winningest player and just. Yep.

[A]

She's got five of those things.

[B]

Just five rings. Yeah. It's just like the, the culture, but they also understand that it's a process and they're like willing to walk with you on that process. But I love, I love being around people who want to win. Like, that's what I have always been. Been around. Obviously you went to UConn, I went to Notre Dame. Like you're expected to win games and that pressure has kind of carried over and I'm used to it, so I don't mind a little bit learning how to deal with it in healthy ways. But at the end of the day, she knows what she's doing, so I trust her. So she knows.

[A]

What about playing with. I remember for me, I'll be honest, when I first got to the league, you know, I'm 21 years old and you know, now all of a sudden there's like 36 year olds on the team and I'm like, what? Like, what is the how do, what do we have in common kind of a thing. So you're playing with. These players are getting close to 36. I don't know if they're 36 yet. But you're playing with Kayla McBride, you're playing with Courtney Williams. Like two long time have asserted themselves bets. So what's that experience been like?

[B]

They are two of the most incredible people I've ever met. Incredible teammates. Their willingness and their patience to learn and walk through it. Like you said, been in the league 10 to 12, 13 years. Their ability to like, answer questions so effectively and communicate and hold people accountable, but just be great humans at the same time. That was what I was worried about because I always heard you need great vets. You need great vets, but sometimes you can't control, like who you get. And I'm just so blessed that, you know, I walked into a situation where I have to two vets really supporting me and riding for me and ultimately enjoy playing with me. So I'm really blessed for sure.

[A]

Yeah, I'm going to kind of go back to, like, the pressure of it all for a second. Nafeesa Collier is out right now, hopefully coming back sooner than later, but she's out right now. Does that change because she is the focal point of the lynx or has been the focal point of the lynx. Right. And now you guys are, like, developing this new identity with you at the helm. So does that change any of your expectations? Do you look at it as more pressure trying to, like, fill shoes kind of a thing or just more opportunity?

[B]

I think. I think any type of pressure is a privilege. Obviously, Fee being Fee is incredibly difficult shoes to fit, but I think it's opportunity. And we're only just more excited for her to be back. I think even in the game two days ago, like, our whole team stepped up. Six players in double figures. The way we just rode for each other. It's not just one person out there. Like, we're really all playing beautiful basketball together and it's only game two. So we can't wait for her to come back. Obviously, like I said, all of us are stepping up in her absence, but Fee is Fee. Like, she. What she does, it's just so hard to. To make up for. So we're just going to be even more dangerous when she gets back out there.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What was the hardest part about training camp?

[B]

Worst?

[A]

Worst. Hardest. You tell me.

[B]

I think it's a great question. The hardest. The hardest. Like, I always say this, like, being a rookie so hard. It's like knowing your place, not wanting to step on toes. It's like. But also like finding ways to still be confident, but not overstepping like that fine line of, like, you know, I don't know. Like, do you get what I'm trying to say? Like, it's like a weird balance.

[A]

Oh, it's finding a balance. Yeah.

[B]

Yes. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

We're going to get more into balance a little bit later because I have some other questions on that. Did you happen to see all the UCLA girls had like a. I don't even know what. It was like a FaceTime together. And Keke Rice said how they did the beep test. Yes.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. So don't give Cheryl any ideas, please.

[A]

That is unheard of. I've literally never heard of a WNBA team doing the beep test.

[B]

That's crazy.

[A]

Part of me was like, and I love Sandy. I've never heard Sandy doing the beep test. Part of me was like, if they're not in shape now, I don't know what this is gonna do?

[B]

No, that's crazy.

[A]

I was like, no way. So, yeah, some training camps. Sometimes you hear teams doing wild stuff like that. Some training camps are. No, okay, okay.

[B]

We did not do that.

[A]

Honestly, you probably have. Courtney Williams would have put a kibosh on that real fast.

[B]

Yeah. Honestly, all the vets will have something to say. For sure. For sure. Probably Tasha Howard would not like that.

[A]

Oh, I forgot about Tosh. Yeah. Nah, nah. Those days are over for the vets. Okay, so your first game out back in early May, May 9, you finished with 21 points, eight assists, and by the way, that was against. For majority of the game against one of the best perimeter defenders in Jordan, Canada. Like, she is not easy to play against. So, like I said, finished with 21 and eight. You became only the fifth player ever to go 20 and five in a debut and only the second ever with 20 and eight, joining Candace Parker. Just a year ago, you were announcing your return to college to TCU on TNT with Candace. Yes. Now you're in a record book with her. Has that. Like, how does that feel?

[B]

That's crazy. Now that you said that. I didn't even realize that. That's crazy. But it's amazing because she's been one of my biggest supporters as well, so it's just cool to be in that company. For sure.

[A]

Yeah. Okay, so tell me about the first game. Like, what were the. What were your thoughts going in? Nerves, anxiousness. And then, of course, the game itself and kind of how you ended up settling in.

[B]

Yeah, like, again, like, I'm just so blessed. Like, I can't. Like, not many rookies just get to go in and just be themselves. And I'm in a situation, like you said, the opportunity. Like, I'm just in a situation where it's like, live, like. Like run it. And it's. It's crazy. Like, just the fact that I have the ball in my hands and I get to dictate, I get to make decisions. I don't have to be in a box. And I can obviously, within the structure, Cheryl be on. Be on my ass sometimes, but she allows me to make mistakes, and I don't have to worry about making mistakes. And she always tells me, like, your instincts, your instincts. And she's. She's constantly just supporting me, so it's like I have no choice but to go out there and just, you know, hoops. So that's what I did. Didn't think I'd play that well, to be honest. But, you know, once you get obviously you know, like, when you get in a flow state as a basketball player, like, you just kind of. You're just not thinking out there. You're just. Just playing ball. So.

[A]

Yeah. Wait, so what. What about your game didn't you think was, like, up to par?

[B]

I didn't think I was gonna score that much, to be honest. Like, they always say, like, scoring is going to be different and, you know, lanes are clogged and, you know, teams are smarter. But yeah, I felt like I was getting to my spots and handling the physicality once I was passing that. That's when I really started as. You know, once you start finding, then you really get, you know, to the basket and start finding for yourself.

[A]

So.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. What about defensive 3 seconds? Have you noticed that? That's.

[B]

Oh, that's lovely. That's my. That's my favorite part of the game. That's my favorite part, like, on the help side and the help sets far because you have shooters over there, so it's. It's fun. You know, you wait till the lane clears out and then you just go. So it's cool.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, I feel like in game one, like, right out the gate, you got, like, a full WNBA experience. You're playing against Atlanta. This is a team that I think is going to finish in the tops of the league this year. Just, like, super, super solid. You actually go up 19, and then, like, they come back, you end up losing by one. They block two shots at the end. So, like, you really lived. Like, what is the WNB experience, which is the highs and the lows? You lived it all. Like, that happens throughout a season. You lived it in one game. So what did you take away from just, like, the swings of that game and how it. How it all unfolded?

[B]

I took away that the margin of error in the league is so minor, and it's basically zero. Like, these girls are so good. You're up 20, 30. It doesn't matter. Like, anyone can come back at any moment. Homer away. Yeah, just. It's like you can't take your foot off the gas. Like, it's not. It's not college where you can kind of coast. Like, these girls know what to do. They've been in these situations. Brilliant coaches are figuring out schemes better now. Like, you know these teams through and through and. Yeah, like, we just can't. We couldn't take our foot off the gas and we got lazy in the second half. So.

[A]

Yeah, I feel like in the wnba, what people don't necessarily understand until they're in it is you can lose a game. There can be a like a two minute stretch.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And that's when you lost it.

[B]

Yes, yes.

[A]

Like they go on an 8, 0 run and you just like can never get the momentum back. Maybe you can't even like chip away at it. So it happens in these very, very, very short, short stretches. Back to your playmaking for a second. You know, I already mentioned earlier, triple doubles, you have 12 of them in your college career. So what I. So in your second game, you guys get a win against Phoenix and one of the plays at the end is kind of more of like a go ahead. You come off a pick and roll, you're able to hold off your defender kind of sort of in the middle of the paint, just surveying, surveying, you end up finding Nia Coffey for a three. That puts the game over at that point. So again, and you also earlier talked about these are things you've been working on. These are. You were working on them in tcu. So has there been an adjustment from a playmaking standpoint or does it feel like you're just able to do all the things you've been working on, you're just kind of learning the reads a little bit more?

[B]

Yeah, I think it's a little bit of both. I think the adjustment for me is the longer arms and quicker, like rotations.

[A]

But I think, yeah, they cover space.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. But yeah, I think it's just, it's just learning the reads, learning the progressions, knowing and trusting where my teammates are going to be. Obviously building that chemistry and synergy. I think Nia and I, we were on a string versus Phoenix. Like I found her a couple times and we just play really well off of each other. But yeah, I think it's just patience. Like, like pace and patience and understanding where the defense is going to move at. Really wasn't guarding her on the three point line all night, so I knew I would have her as a last resort. Like, that wasn't the play, but I knew that on the back end.

[A]

It never is.

[B]

Exactly. But yeah, as a point guard, as you know, you have to make stuff work. When worse comes to worse and found her, she knocked it down. Huge shot. Like just crazy shots. That was fun for sure.

[A]

Okay, two questions, very similar. One, define point guard

[B]

in like a sentence or like what, like what kind.

[A]

However you want to do it. No wrong answers.

[B]

I think the first thing that came to mind is pace and poise. Like, like being a general, like learning and understanding. Like you said, momentum swings, your team who, like, who has the hot hand, reading plays before they even happen? Staying patient through your progressions and just, I don't know, being a leader thing. Is that good?

[A]

Yeah. Great. No, no, there's no wrong answers. There's like 30 different ways to do this. Okay, next question. Next question. Define modern point guard.

[B]

Ooh. I think score. I think modern point guards are scores. I think I'm bringing back the retro point guard vibes of just

[A]

21 and 8. Yeah, real retro.

[B]

But I love. But yeah, being a pass first card is what I'm saying. Like, just, you know, it's rare nowadays. I enjoy passing way more than I do scoring, so.

[A]

Okay, so you think you consider yourself a little bit of a throwback?

[B]

Oh, yeah, for sure. Absolutely.

[A]

Maybe, like, you start out as a throwback, but then when the scoring needs to happen, it becomes a little bit more modern.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Okay. Cause I was gonna ask, like, what do you think from a point guard perspective? Not the. Doesn't matter what tag you give yourself. What separates you at that position? Not. Don't have to compare yourself specifically to anybody, but just like, what do you think separates you?

[B]

I think my pace and my iq. I feel like I'm able to play at any pace and I can't be sped up. It's very rarely in the game where you'll see me sped up. But I like to. I don't know, I like to. To control it. And maybe that's. Maybe that hurts me at times because I want to control everything. But I don't know, I just like to. To be the general, like I said, and play at my own pace and not anyone else's.

[A]

So do you have a reason? Okay, so I have a guess, but I'm gonna say it after. Do you know why you don't get sped up? What do you think the reason is? You don't get sped up.

[B]

Cause I don't really look at my defender, to be honest. That sounds bad, but, like, I don't even. Like, I'm looking at, like, I don't know, like, the play as a whole and reading things before it happens. So I just. I know what's gonna happen before it happens, basically. What were you gonna say?

[A]

Okay, I think it's like your combination and there's a couple people like this, but because of your. I mean, you already said it how you're kind of like a little bit more of a throwback, but also with a modern vibe. I think your size and your ball handling, like, your size and your strength combined. Cause you really haven't the physicality like Jordan Canada was bumping off you. And she's not necessarily the strongest player, but her quickness gives her like a feeling of strength because she's just attached to you all the time. It's like you can't get her off. So I think your size strength combined with your ball handling, like when you can handle the ball the way you do, why, why you don't have to speed up. You're not trying to get away from anybody. You just got it right here all the time.

[B]

True.

[A]

Yeah. So that's kind of what I noticed. I was curious if you thought the same. Okay, now we're bringing, we're bringing back in this conversation of balance, you kind of just touched on a little bit there too. Right. Like having control when to give a little bit of that up, when not being a pass first point guard. But in modern basketball, and this is just the reality, same goes for really every position. You have to be able to score. So how are you finding that balance between setting everybody up but then looking for yours?

[B]

Yeah, that's a great question. I think it's a lot easier in the W because these girls are so good. Like, when I get the ball in kmac, I know she's gonna shoot it. Like, and I know that release, that release so quick. So I know I can get an assist. And I, like in college maybe sometimes they're second guessing it or they're not as confident and you know, I have to go get it back. And then now I have to force myself to score. Like, I know when I'm passing it, it's the pass for a shot. And I think when I'm coming off of a ball screen, obviously Cheryl has been very clear, like, go score first, go score first. And so that's that balance of just like reading but being aggressive to score first off of a ball screen. And then worse comes to worse, I'm throwing it and I know it's going up for a shot, but no, I'm still, it's not a finished product. I'm still finding ways to be impactful and still balancing it through the game. But that's kind of my mindset going through it.

[A]

Yeah. Have you talked to Courtney Williams at all about it? Because she's actually doing. She went from like two guard to point guard, back to two guard.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, has she talked to you at all?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, she, like I said, she's been great. She's actually very happy to be where she's at right now because she just Kind of gets to. To focus on scoring. She's a great pastor, by the way. Like, I've learned a lot from her, just even watching her, like, make reads. But yeah, I've talked to her about, like, like, angles and, like, where I should be, you know, coming off ball screens, going downhill and where I could score efficiently. But she always jokes that she doesn't drive as much as I do. She just will pull up and take her little mini.

[A]

But. Oh, yeah, yeah. And she pulls up. Yeah. Transition, you name it. I'm like, I don't even think she's. Honestly, I'm not even dissing her for this. I was the same way. I would so much rather take a pull up than a layup. Yeah, that's funny. The other benefit of going to Minnesota is that Lindsay Whalen's on staff, Right. So a point guard who had to balance both, one that had success. Cheryl talked about her being kind of sort of the last quote, unquote, real point guard the team has had. So what's it been like being able to work with her?

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Way is transformative for me. I think her energy. She's so goofy. She's just herself. She truly is.

[A]

People don't know. I don't think people know until they're around her.

[B]

She's so goofy and she's just funny.

[A]

She's comedy.

[B]

Yeah. But she's just so smart and so knowledgeable what she does. And she helps me, like, see angles better and see windows and helps me with Cheryl's system. She was like, this is my favorite play. I'm so glad you're running this. Like, it's so special to see that, like, things that players have been successful in and now they're coaching.

[A]

Is it four down or four up? I think four up was her favorite play.

[B]

She hasn't told me about that one yet, but we have an out of bounds play. And she was like, this is my favorite. Like, I can't believe you're running this. I'm so happy. Like, she was so happy. So to have people like her on staff is incredible.

[A]

Yeah, that is. You did get lucky. I think it's. That's where the benefit of what's really cool is all these WNBA players who had these long careers and what a long career gives you is just like, experience, perspective. Lindsey Whalen, Rebecca Brunson, like, they're bringing their WNBA experience, they're bringing their overseas experience, they're bringing all of it. And now you, as a younger player, get to learn from them. So it is really cool. Who was, like, a player or just anyone whose game you modeled your game after or, like, stole something from or who always caught your eye?

[B]

You. What the hell? Like, what are we even talking about? You, Maya, Morgan, Luca Curry, like, I don't know, even Biggs, like, Stewie, like, all of you guys. Like, I watched you growing up and just taking every, you know, little nuggets here and there from you guys.

[A]

Well, that's quite the compliment. I swear. I wasn't setting you up for that. I really was curious. No, that's super dope, though. I love that. That means a lot because as you know, people my age didn't have WNBA players to look up to. So it is really cool when you hear that. Yeah, absolutely. Okay, so listen, you're just two games in. This is like, by the time this pod comes out, you've played your third. It's obviously very early, but you are averaging 17 points, seven and a half assists, four and a half rebounds. When you think about your first year, like, are you a goal setter? And if you are, what does that look like? How do you view success for you, specifically in this first year?

[B]

Yeah, I think not putting too much pressure on myself. Step one, I am. I am a goal setter. I am a goal setter. Thank you. But I understand that stuff happens and I'm not. I'm not going to let myself get down too early if it doesn't happen. Also, I'm not going to let myself get too high if I'm doing well really early. So staying balanced, like you said. But yeah, obviously I want to. I want to go for rookie of the year. I want to. I want to make an all star team. I want to have those clear. Those clear visions and things that I know I'm capable of. But also just learning is my biggest goal this year. Like, I just want to be in the league for a long time, soaking up everything that I can and focusing on team success. Cause I know that's what ultimately will get me my success as well. So.

[A]

Yeah, what about for your team? Like, it doesn't even have to just be this year. Like, you're coming into this league. You're now a Minnesota Lynx player. When you think about success for you, I know it's to win championships, but is there something else that, like, I don't know, gets you excited. Some players talk about being WNBA first team, second team, some talk about leading the league and, you know, fill in the blank. Are you wired like that to have those types of goals too?

[B]

Yeah, I think so. I think they're. In the back of my mind. It's. I don't know. It's just like, I just love playing basketball. Like, I'm not the type of player that's like, I need to get this or else I suck at it. You know? Like, it'd be nice to do that. And I know that's something that is in my future, but, yeah, I'm more so focused on winning. Like, I'd much rather have a ring than anything else. Like, to say I'm a WNBA champion is like, what? Zero percent of people can say that. Like, 0.000. Whatever. Percent of people can say that.

[A]

Unless you're Rebecca Brunson.

[B]

Unless. Exactly. Exactly.

[A]

You have, like, 17 of them 25% of the time.

[B]

So, yeah, I mean, that's the most important. I think we have a team fully capable of doing it. Obviously, when Fee gets back, it's going to be a lot of fun. And Dorca as well, she's gonna be a great piece for us. So, yeah, you know, I'm not putting too much pressure on it, but definitely, definitely something I'm keeping my eye on, for sure.

[A]

Yeah. Well, the thing that I feel like I learned, the thing I always say is when you keep the main thing, the main thing, and I think in a team sport, it's winning the championship, all that other stuff comes.

[B]

Yes, yes.

[A]

When it gets flipped. When it gets flipped, sometimes all of it could be a little elusive.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So true. That would be my parting words there. Okay, you've played at Notre Dame, played at tcu. You're now in the wnba. What is the biggest lesson you've learned about yourself through all of these transitions?

[B]

I would say, like I was saying earlier, that I can make decisions and trust in what I know I need for myself and really bet on myself. I think a lot of people go through life and they worry about too much what people think about them or what they didn't do or what they should have done. But really having that confidence in yourself to know what you need and sticking to that and staying true to you, I think is something that I've learned is really important. And like I said, it's. It's, like, done wonders for me. Like, I've been able to learn and grow so much. Like, it's not all perfect, but, you know, even in the. In the downs, I've learned so many things about myself. So, yeah, I'm a pretty persistent person, and I'm just proud of the way that I've Been able to handle everything, especially with social media, like you said nowadays, and everyone having an opinion, everyone wanting to be a part of your story and wanting you to. To do this. And you just gotta stay true to you, like, really. And really pay attention to what you want to care about and not what other people care about. So, yeah, I definitely agree.

[A]

Okay. Before I let you go, I'm gonna do a little rapid fire. It's super easy. You ready?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. Which player are you most excited to play against?

[B]

Against, I've been saying Don Malanga. Cuz I just want to see her dunk. Like, I just want to not dunk on me, but, like, see her dunk.

[A]

Like, did you see the alley oop? Did you see the oop the other day?

[B]

Yes, I did. Like, I want to see that happen in a game. Like, that would be incredible.

[A]

Okay. Okay. Who are you most nervous to play against?

[B]

Nervous?

[A]

Dom A. Longa. Because I don't want to get dumped.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Yeah, for sure.

[A]

Nobody else?

[B]

Nobody else. No.

[A]

Okay. Okay. All right. WNBA arena, you're most looking forward to

[B]

playing New York Barclays.

[A]

It's gonna be lit. I'm trying to cover that one. Do you have any games circled on your schedule?

[B]

Don't. I don't even need to know the reason circled. Maybe Dallas, just because all my TCU people are down here and I'm just excited to see them tonight, so. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Homecoming. I love it. Okay. Something new you learned in training camp?

[B]

Oh, probably like the Lynx tradition, like the dances and stuff. That was cool.

[A]

Oh, my God, like the.

[B]

All the dances. Yeah, I did. I did. I messed up a few times, but it was pretty cool. I love their traditions.

[A]

They do the. Wait, what do they do now? It's like the Electric Slide, but, like.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah, it used to be. But what's the song?

[B]

It's Candy.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. So as, like, just so you guys, just so Lynx Nation knows, as an opposing player, I fucking hated it because it was like. Because honestly, probably because I lost majority of the times I played there, and you were, like, walking off the court and you would hear this music start, and you knew. You just knew all these players were dancing. It pissed me off.

[B]

Yeah, but I could see that.

[A]

I get that you guys all love it.

[B]

Yeah, I could see that.

[A]

I was like, oh, these motherfuckers are dancing out there. These guys, they're dancing. That's so funny. Okay. And last but not least, favorite pregame song. Who are you listening to?

[B]

Ooh. Probably my song has been too Much sauce by DJ Esco and Lil Uzi. That's a good little. Little hype up song. So, okay, little rap.

[A]

If I had the rights to that song, I would play you out for that. But we don't got it like that over here yet.

[B]

Not yet.

[A]

It's coming. It's coming. Liv, this was amazing. Thank you so much. It's been so fun to watch you. Good luck the rest of the year.

[B]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

Well, that's it for the show today. Man, what a great conversation. I don't know. 23 years old. I don't know. I know she thinks 33 is old. Ugh, what a killer there. But she just sounds like somebody that is wise for her age. She gets it. It's probably because of her experiences having to make such a big decision. Stay at Notre Dame, go to the WNBA transfer schools. It's moments like that that can really shape a person, shape a player. And it sounds like that's exactly what I did for Liv. So I hope you guys enjoyed. I know I did. And yeah, I feel like there's so much more. We gotta see how this year goes. We might even have to bring her back on. Who knows? Maybe bring her and Courtney Williams. Have a little PG pod. Lindsey Wheeling too.

[B]

Just bring em all.

[A]

See y'.

[B]

All.

[A]

This episode is a co production of Together and the Vox Media Podcast Network and was produced by Art Chung, Charlotte Silver, Richie Bozek, Kelsey Zarl, Kati Fernandez and Jess Clarinen.