Podcast Summary: "Intriguing College Women's Basketball Players to Watch"
Podcast Information:
- Title: No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
- Host: Zena Caida
- Guest: Lindsey Dark Angelou
- Release Date: November 2, 2023
- Episode Focus: Highlighting the most intriguing college women's basketball players to watch this season.
Introduction
In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, host Zena Caida welcomes back Lindsey Dark Angelou to discuss her specially curated list of the most intriguing women's college basketball players for the upcoming season. Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on top performers or rookies, Lindsey's list emphasizes players with compelling storylines, unique circumstances, and the potential for breakout performances.
Notable Quote:
"It's not your average top list, right? We're used to hearing these are your top freshmen, these are your top rookies, and don't worry, we got all of that too."
— Zena Caida [05:48]
Creating the "Most Intriguing" List
Lindsey Dark Angelou elaborates on her methodology for assembling the list, which involves considering players who might not always be in the spotlight but have factors such as transferring schools, recovering from injuries, or stepping into significant roles that make their seasons particularly interesting.
Notable Quotes:
"We can take a look at players who maybe don't get the spotlight as the best player or for this and that, but because of their situation..."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [06:03]
"It takes about a week to put together, but it's worth it. It's a lot of fun."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [08:49]
Spotlight on Key Players
1. Cody McMahon – Ohio State (Timestamp: 10:18)
Cody McMahon, a freshman standout for Ohio State, has left a significant mark with her impressive stats and on-court maturity. Lindsey highlights her potential growth in her sophomore year, noting her ability to create shots and her vibrant personality that energizes the team.
Notable Quotes:
"She's just so fun to watch and exciting. She's just the way she can, you know, create shots and score."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [10:18]
"She reminds me a lot of Angel Reese in that way. And just there's a lot there that, you know, a lot of energy, a lot of emotion on the court."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [10:18]
2. Paige Beckers – UConn (Timestamp: 12:14)
As the top pick on Lindsey's list, Paige Beckers' return from an ACL injury is a central storyline. Her resilience and ability to perform at a high level post-injury make her a compelling figure this season.
Notable Quotes:
"We already know the star factor. We already know the talent. For me, it's the injury history and just how tough her college career has been so far."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [12:14]
"A healthy Paige Beckers is good for women's college basketball."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [12:14]
3. Az Fudd & Aaliyah Edwards – UConn (Timestamp: 13:14)
Lindsey includes Az Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards from UConn, emphasizing their roles within a storied program. Their contributions, especially in challenging backcourt situations, underline their importance despite not always being in the limelight.
Notable Quotes:
"Her impact on that team was underrated and not understated as well."
— Zena Caida [14:09]
"She's the front court go-to going forward, no doubt."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [14:09]
South Carolina's Rising Stars
1. Juju Watkins – South Carolina (Timestamp: 15:52)
A true freshman with a plethora of accolades, Juju Watkins brings immense star power to South Carolina. Her commercial appeal and on-court prowess make her a player to watch closely.
Notable Quotes:
"She really is a program changing type of player."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [15:52]
2. Raven Johnson – South Carolina (Timestamp: 17:34)
As a sophomore, Raven Johnson steps into a leadership role after the departure of key backcourt players. Her versatility and readiness to lead make her an intriguing addition to the list.
Notable Quotes:
"She's an all-around point guard. She can hit three, she facilitates, she's scrappy on defense."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [17:34]
"Why would you want to transfer out of Dawn Staley's program? I mean, have we seen that?"
— Zena Caida [18:21]
Notable Transfers Enhancing Team Dynamics
1. Diamond Johnson – Norfolk State (Timestamp: 19:23)
Diamond Johnson's journey through Rutgers, NC State, and finally Norfolk State highlights the evolving landscape of women's college basketball. Her move to Norfolk State is seen as a strategic fit where she can maximize her impact and help elevate the program.
Notable Quotes:
"She has never felt more comfortable."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [19:23]
"It's about finding that right fit. And then the other part comes into play... she can thrive in the system."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [21:23]
2. Lauren Betts – UCLA (Timestamp: 22:16)
Transferring from Stanford to UCLA, Lauren Betts brings size and defensive prowess to the Bruins. Her move is anticipated to strengthen UCLA's frontcourt and provide a defensive anchor.
Notable Quotes:
"She's staying in conference... how valuable. Someone of that size that's also agile like Lauren Betts that's also got good defensive presence."
— Zena Caida [22:14]
"She needs a chance to do that in a program that needs those skills and needs them now."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [24:16]
Washington State's Charlize Ledger Walker (Timestamp: 25:21)
Charlize Ledger Walker's dynamic playstyle and resemblance to Kelsey Plum make her a standout for Washington State. Her ability to take over games and her vibrant energy are key factors that make her one of the most intriguing players this season.
Notable Quotes:
"She reminds me so much of Kelsey Plum... like fight, like swag."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [25:52]
"She's so fun to watch and I think Washington State's right up there."
— Zena Caida [27:36]
Intriguing Coaches to Watch
Lindsey discusses coaches who are making significant impacts beyond just their player rosters. Highlighted coaches include Corey Close of UCLA, Lindsey Gottlieb of USC, and Vic Schaefer at Texas, each bringing unique strengths and leadership styles to their programs.
Notable Quotes:
"Vic Schaefer... he's so in for his players. The way his players talk about him, you know, they just love this guy."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [28:40]
"Don Staley and Kim Mulkey and Gino Auriemma, because we know them. But some of these other coaches... do deserve some shout outs as well."
— Lindsey Dark Angelou [28:40]
Off the Script: Enhancing Engagement through Gambling (Timestamp: 29:45)
In an unexpected segment, Zena Caida introduces "Off the Script," where she discusses Jeff Waltz of Louisville advocating for increased discussion of gambling in women's college basketball. The idea is that integrating gambling could heighten engagement and visibility, similar to its impact on other major sports leagues.
Notable Quotes:
"If there is something that's already existing, which is sports gambling... why not have women's basketball fans more engaged by letting them know this is what's going on."
— Zena Caida [29:45]
"Knowing the betting lines, it's strange that before NBA games... have rarely have I ever heard a betting line said for women's college basketball game."
— Jeff Waltz, referenced by Zena Caida [29:45]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Zena Caida and Lindsey Dark Angelou expressing excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting the depth of talent and engaging storylines that make women's college basketball particularly intriguing this year. They encourage listeners to read the full article on The Athletic for a comprehensive look at the most intriguing players and to subscribe for future episodes.
Notable Quotes:
"It's an incredibly exciting and just exhilarating season. There's so many cool, like swaggy and fun to follow players."
— Zena Caida [33:29]
"There is never been more of a platforming of them than now. And so we'll have a great opportunity to see it all."
— Zena Caida [33:29]
Overall Insights: This episode provides a fresh perspective on women's college basketball by focusing on players whose stories and potential impact extend beyond traditional metrics. From standout freshmen making immediate impacts to seasoned players overcoming challenges, the discussions underscore the vibrant and evolving landscape of the sport. Additionally, the conversation on integrating gambling highlights innovative approaches to boosting engagement and visibility for women's basketball.
Recommendations for Listeners:
- Read the Full Article: For an in-depth exploration of the most intriguing players, visit The Athletic's website.
- Subscribe to the Podcast: Stay updated with new episodes dropping every Tuesday and Friday for ongoing insights and exclusive interviews.
Final Thought: As the season unfolds, these players and their stories are set to captivate audiences, providing both thrilling performances and inspiring narratives that elevate the profile of women's college basketball.