No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Episode Summary: "Checking In: Transfer Tiers and the Undefeated Club"
Release Date: December 19, 2023

Hosts: Zena Keda, Chantel Jennings, Sabrina Merchant, and Ben Pickman

1. Introduction

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keda and Sabrina Merchant delve deep into the current landscape of NCAA women's basketball, focusing on undefeated teams and the dynamic impact of transfer players. Supported by the show's sponsors, Michelob Ultra, the discussion is both insightful and comprehensive, catering to fans eager to stay updated on the sport's latest developments.

2. Undefeated Teams in NCAA Women's Basketball

a. Washington Huskies

Zena Keda opens the discussion by highlighting the presence of undefeated teams on the West Coast, particularly emphasizing the Washington Huskies.

• Schedule Strength: Sabrina Merchant points out that Washington has faced a relatively weak schedule, ranking 357th out of 360 in schedule strength. Despite this, their undefeated record remains commendable.

  [06:34] Sabrina Merchant: "Washington has maybe the worst schedule strength in the country thus far... but wins are wins."

• Key Players and Coaching: The team boasts continuity with players like El Ledine, leading in scoring, Lauren Schwartz, and Delayah Daniels, each averaging around 12 points per game. Coach Tina Langley brings experience from coaching in Maryland, fostering a stable and promising program.

  [06:34] Sabrina Merchant: "Tina Langley built a program at Rice... it's about time for Washington to be good again."

b. Oregon State Beavers

Transitioning to the Oregon State Beavers, Merchant discusses their impressive recruits and their potential impact.

• Top Recruits: The Beavers have secured Regan Beers, the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, and Tamia Gardner, a top-10 recruit by ESPN who overcame blood clot issues to join the team.

  [11:36] Sabrina Merchant: "Regan Beers was Pac 12 freshman of the year... Tamia Gardner, the number sixth recruit in the country."

• Team Dynamics: Oregon State showcases a strong rebounding presence and a fluid offensive system, although their schedule remains limited in difficulty.

  [11:36] Sabrina Merchant: "They have a lot of pressure on the glass... a fluid system with Oregon State."

c. Upcoming Matchups: Oregon State vs. Texas Tech

The impending matchup between Oregon State and Texas Tech is highlighted as a critical test for both teams.

• Equal Footing: Both teams come into the game undefeated, offering a neutral and high-pressure environment to assess their true capabilities.

  [17:56] Sabrina Merchant: "I think they're on level playing fields here... it's on a neutral site."

• Expected Outcomes: Keda expresses curiosity about whether Oregon State or Texas Tech has more to prove, emphasizing the high stakes of maintaining an undefeated record.

  [17:56] Zena Keda: "It's almost like an even bigger elevated game than just a regular preseason game."

3. Transfer Tiers Update

Transfers continue to shape the landscape of women's basketball, and the hosts provide an update on the Transfer Tiers, emphasizing their lasting impact beyond the pandemic era.

a. Key Transfers and Their Impact

• Lauren Betts (UCLA): Recognized as the top transfer impact, Betts excels in both offense and defense, allowing UCLA’s guards to play aggressively while she manages rim protection effectively.

  [25:22] Sabrina Merchant: "Lauren Betts is filling [her role] seamlessly... her field goal percentage is off the frigging charts."

• Tahina Pow Pow (South Carolina): As a calming presence, Pow Pow integrates seamlessly into South Carolina's system, enhancing their playmaking and leadership despite her role adjustments.

  [21:34] Sabrina Merchant: "She's a fantastic three-point shooter... she's been awesome, just tremendous."

• Celeste Taylor (Ohio State): The ACC Defensive Player of the Year brings intense defensive prowess to Ohio State, matching their aggressive playstyle perfectly.

  [28:49] Sabrina Merchant: "Celeste... is getting to run point guard in the second unit... that's going to be a part of her role."

• Dreona Edwards (Baylor): An impactful transfer, Edwards has become a cornerstone for Baylor, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor and helping maintain their undefeated streak.

  [30:23] Sabrina Merchant: "Dreona Edwards... is crushing it for Baylor... an enormous part of why Baylor is undefeated."

4. Off the Script: Player Transition - Maya Najee

In an unexpected turn, the hosts discuss Maya Najee from Arizona, who has decided to prioritize her academics over her basketball career.

• Academic Prioritization: Najee, a top-10 recruit from the ESPN class of 2022 and the younger sister of NBA player Zeke Najee, has chosen to focus on her pre-med studies, stepping away from basketball to ensure academic success.

  [34:25] Sabrina Merchant: "She's leaving the team because she wants to focus on her schoolwork... to pursue that in her life."

• Cultural and Personal Factors: Zena Keda relates Najee’s decision to cultural emphasis on education within Nigerian families, highlighting the importance of balancing athletics with academic and personal goals.

  [35:54] Zena Keda: "Being of Guinean descent myself... being able to make that decision and put her heart behind that."

• Support from Coaching Staff: Coach Adia Barnes expressed support for Najee’s decision, underscoring the value placed on personal development and education within the program.

  [35:54] Zena Keda: "Head coach Adia Barnes supported her... great to see that sign of support."

5. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the mental resilience required to maintain undefeated records, the strategic importance of scheduling, and the evolving role of transfers in shaping team dynamics. Keda encourages listeners to stay engaged as the season progresses into conference play, promising more insightful discussions in upcoming episodes.

[40:18] Zena Keda: "Keep listening, keep learning and keep loving the game because that is the only way we're going to grow it."

Key Takeaways

• Undefeated Teams: Washington and Oregon State remain undefeated with varying levels of schedule strength, setting the stage for pivotal matchups like Oregon State vs. Texas Tech.

• Transfer Impact: Transfers like Lauren Betts, Tahina Pow Pow, Celeste Taylor, and Dreona Edwards are significantly influencing their new teams, highlighting the importance of the transfer portal in modern college basketball.

• Academic Prioritization: Maya Najee’s decision to prioritize academics over basketball underscores the diverse paths athletes may choose, emphasizing the importance of personal growth alongside athletic achievements.

Notable Quotes:

• Sabrina Merchant on Washington's Schedule:

  "[06:34] 'Washington has maybe the worst schedule strength in the country thus far... but wins are wins.'"

• Zena Keda on Maintaining Undefeated Records:

  "[17:56] 'It's almost like an even bigger elevated game than just a regular preseason game.'"

• Sabrina Merchant on Lauren Betts' Impact:

  "[25:22] 'Lauren Betts is filling [her role] seamlessly... her field goal percentage is off the frigging charts.'"

• Zena Keda on Maya Najee's Decision:

  "[35:54] 'Being of Guinean descent myself... being able to make that decision and put her heart behind that.'"

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state of women's college basketball, focusing on undefeated teams and the transformative role of transfer players. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, the insights provided by Zena Keda and Sabrina Merchant offer a nuanced understanding of the game's evolving dynamics.