Podcast Summary: No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Episode: Is it Paige or Juju's Year? - NCAA Women's Hoops Preview
Release Date: November 1, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Kada and Chantelle Jennings delve deep into the upcoming NCAA women's basketball season. They aim to provide listeners with a comprehensive preview, focusing on key players, team dynamics, offseason changes, and the broader landscape of women's college hoops.

2. Offseason Overview and General Buzz in Women's College Basketball

Chantel Jennings highlights that the excitement surrounding women's college basketball remains vibrant despite the WNBA buzz. She shares anecdotes illustrating the sport's growing popularity:

"Like, that is like, people are watching. Yeah, I was on a flight... he goes, hey, he finds out I write about women's college basketball. He's like, you think Audi Crooks is going to be just as good this year?"
(08:11)

Jennings emphasizes that standout players from the previous season, such as Paige Beckers and Juju Watkins, continue to capture attention, signaling a sustained interest in college basketball.

3. Top Players to Watch: Juju Watkins and Paige Beckers

The episode centers on Juju Watkins from USC and Paige Beckers from UConn as the frontrunners for the best player in the country.

Chantel Jennings discusses their development and impact:

"I think what's really exciting is... Both USC and UConn have scheduled so aggressively that we get to see them play in December... That's really good for the game and good for fans and good for writers."
(12:00)

Zena Kada adds insight into their training and adaptability:

"It's so exciting to kind of be like, what have they been working on in the offseason? What new moves are they going to pop out with?"
(15:00)

Both players are lauded for their clutch performances and leadership, making them essential to their teams' championship aspirations.

4. Impact of the Transfer Portal: Key Transfers and Team Changes

The transfer portal has significantly reshaped team rosters. Chantel Jennings and Zena Kada discuss notable transfers that could influence the season:

• Georgia Amore moving from Virginia Tech to Kentucky.
• Reagan Beers transferring from Oregon State to Oklahoma.
• Lucy Olson joining Iowa from Villanova.

Jennings remarks on the strategic acquisitions:

"With the transfer portal, teams can... get players that actually fit what they need."
(17:03)

These moves are expected to enhance team depth and address specific positional needs, potentially altering conference standings.

5. Changes in NCAA Conferences and Impacts

The realignment of conferences, particularly the Pac-12 schools joining other Power Five conferences, has implications for the competitive balance in women's basketball.

Zena Kada expresses frustration over the shifts:

"I hate that college football ruined women's PAC 12 basketball... that's going to impact how voters see them."
(23:31)

Chantel Jennings agrees, noting the challenges teams face adapting to new conference dynamics and the potential impact on NCAA Tournament selections.

6. Sophomore Players Making Leaps: Hannah Hidalgo and Maddie Booker

Sophomore players from the previous season, such as Hannah Hidalgo and Maddie Booker, are highlighted for their significant development and expected contributions.

Jennings praises their growth:

"Maddie Booker was phenomenal last year... Hannah Hidalgo, another point guard, just five foot six, absolute monster."
(28:22)

These players are poised to take on larger roles, enhancing their teams' performances and adding excitement to the season.

7. New Faces and Freshmen Standouts Across Various Teams

The episode introduces several promising freshmen and new players making an impact:

• Joyce Edwards from South Carolina
• Sarah Strong from UConn
• Kate Covel from Notre Dame
• Ali Zybel from UConn
• Lauren Betts from UCLA

Chantel Jennings discusses their potential:

"She's gonna be able to be inside and be a really strong presence for South Carolina this year... Kate Covel... an inside presence who can step out and hit mid-range shots."
(34:46)

These newcomers are expected to bring fresh talent and versatility, contributing to their teams' success.

8. Season Kickoff: Day One Games and Expectations

The hosts preview the opening games scheduled for Monday, November 4th, highlighting key matchups:

• USC vs. Ole Miss
• UCLA vs. Louisville
• South Carolina vs. Michigan

Chantel Jennings emphasizes the importance of these games in setting the tone for the season:

"You finally get to see the players... How does UCLA look on the floor? How does South Carolina look on the floor?"
(40:05)

9. Heat Check Game: Predictions and Analysis

Towards the end of the episode, Kada and Jennings engage in a playful "Heat Check or Airball" game, making bold predictions about the season:

1. Is the class of 2027 collectively the best class in the country?

   Heat Check - Both agree it's a strong possibility given the talent pool.

2. Is the Big Ten going to be won by a team in California?

   Heat Check - They believe USC or UCLA could lead the conference despite geographical oddities.

3. Will Texas usurp South Carolina to win the SEC championship as newcomers?

   Airball - They doubt newcomers will overtake established powerhouses immediately.

4. Will a Big Ten team score over 50 points in a regular or tournament game?

   Heat Check - Recognizing players like Aoka Lee who have high scoring potential.

5. Will Tennessee or Kentucky break into the top 15 by year's end?

   Airball - Skeptical due to the power dynamics in the SEC.

6. Will Paige Beckers win another National Player of the Year award?

   Heat Check - With an asterisk on team health, they see Becky as a consistent top performer.

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Zena Kada and Chantel Jennings express their excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the dynamic changes and the wealth of talent in women's college basketball. They encourage listeners to stay engaged, subscribe to the podcast, and look forward to in-depth coverage and exclusive interviews.

"Keep listening, keep watching, keep reading, keep learning, keep doing all the things and especially keep loving the game because that's the only way we're going to keep growing it until next time."
(51:14)

Key Quotes:

• Chantel Jennings (08:11): "People are watching women's college basketball... Audi Crooks is going to be just as good this year."
• Chantel Jennings (12:00): "Both USC and UConn have scheduled so aggressively that we get to see them play in December... That's really good for the game and good for fans and good for writers."
• Zena Kada (15:00): "What have they been working on in the offseason? What new moves are they going to pop out with?"
• Chantel Jennings (17:03): "With the transfer portal, teams can... get players that actually fit what they need."
• Zena Kada (23:31): "I hate that college football ruined women's PAC 12 basketball... that's going to impact how voters see them."
• Chantel Jennings (28:22): "Maddie Booker was phenomenal last year... Hannah Hidalgo, another point guard, just five foot six, absolute monster."
• Chantel Jennings (34:46): "She's gonna be able to be inside and be a really strong presence for South Carolina this year... Kate Covel... an inside presence who can step out and hit mid-range shots."
• Zena Kada (51:14): "Keep listening, keep watching, keep reading, keep learning, keep doing all the things and especially keep loving the game because that's the only way we're going to keep growing it until next time."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fans eager to understand the shifts and key players shaping the NCAA women's basketball landscape for the upcoming season.