Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode: "Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | Elle Duncan"

Release Date: April 24, 2025
Hosts: Rory & Mal
Guest: Elle Duncan, ESPN Host/Anchor and Women's College Basketball Analyst

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

[02:55] Rory:
"All right, Rory, we're back for another episode of Don't Know Ball because we absolutely do not know ball."

Rory and Mal kick off the episode with their signature humor, emphasizing their limited knowledge of basketball. To bridge this gap, they welcome Elle Duncan, a seasoned ESPN host and women's college basketball analyst, praised as being "more knowledgeable than you and I both combined" ([03:15] Rory).

2. Women's College Basketball Powerhouses: UConn vs. South Carolina

[04:24] Rory:
"I saw during the Final Four and everything, or the lead-up to the Final Four in women's college basketball, I saw that you had South Carolina winning it all. You said that they had to be dethroned."

Elle delves into the dominance of South Carolina under Coach Dawn Staley, comparing it to the legendary UConn program. She remarks on the challenges UConn faces in maintaining their supremacy:

[04:46] Camila Ramon (Elle Duncan):
"There was not a single team on this planet, maybe not even the Lakers, that were going to beat that UConn team the way they were playing, period."

3. Building a Winning Culture: Coaching and NIL Impact

The discussion shifts to the culture Coach Staley has cultivated in South Carolina, highlighting the program's emphasis on contending for national championships over financial incentives:

[05:35] Camila Ramon:
"They come for money. They leave for more money. Now the Eagles beat them... they just have to choose to contend for national championship..."

Elle compares this to football's Chiefs and Eagles dynamics, illustrating how strong cultures retain top talent despite lucrative offers elsewhere.

4. The Surge in Women's Basketball Popularity

[07:29] Rory:
"Over the years, I've been a fan of women's basketball watching Sue Bird here in New York high school... The recent surge of women's players. It's a different thing now."

Elle attributes the increased excitement and viewership to several factors:

• Player Tenure: Unlike the NBA's "one-and-done" phenomenon, women's players often stay longer, fostering deeper connections with fans.

• Branding and Social Media: Enhanced marketing deals and robust social media presence have made stars more relatable and accessible.

• Improved Gameplay: The quality and competitiveness of the women's game have significantly elevated, drawing in broader audiences.

[08:11] Camila Ramon:
"You just watch them longer. Like, you watch them for years with Paige Beckers... they become household names."

5. Navigating NIL and the Transfer Portal in Women's College Basketball

The conversation delves into the complexities introduced by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal:

[10:49] Camila Ramon:
"Players can leave. If they get upset, they can transfer. It's like a professional league now."

Elle discusses how NIL has both empowered players and introduced challenges in maintaining team cohesion. She suggests that treating college basketball more like a professional league—with standardized facilities, better travel arrangements, and comprehensive support systems—could mitigate some issues.

[12:38] Rory:
"I hate the transfer portal... it has the potential to kill college."

Elle counters by highlighting that the transfer portal can also offer players opportunities to find better fits, much like in professional sports, and emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to manage it effectively.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Musical Interlude

Transitioning from sports, Rory, Mal, and Elle share personal stories about their musical backgrounds and experiences in Atlanta's vibrant music scene. Elle recounts her time in hip-hop radio and interactions with Atlanta artists like Outkast and Jermaine Dupri, blending her passion for music with her professional life in sports broadcasting.

[16:27] Camila Ramon:
"I'm Whitney Houston in the shower... but I just keep it to karaoke at this point."

These segments add a personal touch to the episode, showcasing Elle's diverse interests and her ability to balance multiple passions.

7. Trivia Segment: "Don't Know Ball"

In a playful twist, Rory and Mal engage Elle in a trivia game to test their "knowing of ball." The segment includes questions on both sports and music, highlighting the hosts' areas of expertise and their humorous gaps.

Example Questions and Answers:

• Music Trivia:
  Question: "Which Gucci Mane feature performed the best on the Billboard Hot 100?"
  Elle's Answer: "Wake Up in the Sky" (Correct Answer: "Black Beatles")

• Sports Trivia:
  Question: "In 2024, Caitlyn Clark became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women's basketball history. Whose record did she break?"
  Elle's Answer: "Kelsey Plum" (Correct Answer: "Kelsey Plum")

The trivia juxtaposes their knowledge gaps, reinforcing the episode's theme of Rory and Mal’s limited basketball expertise contrasted with Elle’s vast knowledge.

8. Closing Remarks and Final Stories

The episode wraps up with light-hearted interactions and Elle sharing memorable moments from her radio career, including humorous anecdotes involving Kanye West and the infamous "Gold Digger" radio drop mishap.

[53:05] Camila Ramon:
"Yo, what's up? This is Kanye West... you listening to bitch ass V103."

These stories underscore Elle's vibrant personality and her ability to navigate the unpredictable nature of live radio.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Dominance of UConn and South Carolina: Both programs exemplify strong cultures focused on championship contention over immediate financial gains, fostering long-term success and player loyalty.

• Rise in Women's Basketball Popularity: Enhanced player longevity, strategic branding, and improved game quality have significantly boosted fan engagement and viewership.

• Challenges and Opportunities with NIL and Transfer Portal: While empowering for players, these elements require careful management to maintain team integrity and competitive balance.

• Intersection of Sports and Personal Interests: Elle Duncan showcases how diverse passions, such as music, can enrich a sports broadcasting career, highlighting the multifaceted nature of modern sports media personalities.

Notable Quotes

• Elle Duncan on UConn's Dominance:
  "There was not a single team on this planet, maybe not even the Lakers, that were going to beat that UConn team the way they were playing, period." ([04:46] Camila Ramon)

• Elle Duncan on NIL Impact:
  "Players can leave. If they get upset, they can transfer. It's like a professional league now." ([10:49] Camila Ramon)

• Elle Duncan on Women's Basketball Surge:
  "You just watch them longer. Like, you watch them for years with Paige Beckers... they become household names." ([08:11] Camila Ramon)

• Humorous Radio Drop Story:
  "Yo, what's up? This is Kanye West... you listening to bitch ass V103." ([53:05] Camila Ramon)

This episode of "Don't Know Ball" provides an engaging blend of insightful analysis on women's college basketball, thoughtful discussions on evolving sports dynamics, and entertaining personal anecdotes, all enriched by Elle Duncan's expertise and vibrant personality. Whether you're a seasoned sports enthusiast or new to the game, this episode offers valuable perspectives and plenty of laughs.