No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Episode: Taking Stock of Historic Programs
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Hosts: Zena Keda, Chantelle Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman
Guest: Kim Mulkey

Introduction

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keda, Chantelle Jennings, and Ben Pickman delve into the current states of women's basketball's historic powerhouse programs: Stanford, Tennessee, and UConn. Joined by special guest Kim Mulkey, the discussion explores the evolution, challenges, and future prospects of these storied institutions amid recent transitions and shifting competitive landscapes.

Stanford: A Year of Transition

Overview: Stanford University's women's basketball program, historically dominant with multiple national championships and a robust pipeline to the WNBA, is experiencing significant changes. The team has faced the departure of key players and a shift in coaching dynamics, leading to a noticeably different performance this season.

Key Points:

• Legacy of Tara VanDerveer:
  Ben Pickman highlights the indelible mark left by long-time coach Tara VanDerveer, noting her distinctive presence both on and off the court.

  "When you think of Stanford, you just think of that cardinal color... and you think of Tara VanDerveer’s bobbed haircut." [08:40]

• Recent Challenges:
  The team has suffered major losses, including star players Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen, alongside a weakened three-point shooting performance. These factors have contributed to Stanford's struggles, placing them toward the bottom of the ACC standings despite a strong start.

• Coaching Transition:
  Stanford's shift from VanDerveer to her longtime associate head coach has introduced new strategies and dynamics. Ben Pickman explains how this transition, coupled with conference realignment, has impacted the team's performance.

  "This is a year of transition in Palo Alto." [15:32]

• Future Outlook:
  With a largely youthful roster and incoming recruits, there is cautious optimism about Stanford's ability to rebuild and regain its former glory in the coming seasons.

Tennessee: Revitalization Under Kim Caldwell

Overview: Tennessee's women's basketball program, once synonymous with dominance under Pat Summitt, is navigating a period of revitalization under new head coach Kim Caldwell. The program has seen mixed results this season but is generating renewed excitement and potential for the future.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance:
  The legacy of Pat Summitt looms large, setting high expectations for any successor. Chantelle Jennings emphasizes the program's storied past,

  "Expectations come with it, and that's why there's such an interesting story this year." [27:30]

• Coaching Change to Kim Caldwell:
  Caldwell's fresh approach, including innovative defensive strategies and intense conditioning, is breathing new life into the team. Kim Mulkey observes,

  "Kim Caldwell is trying to revive the Pat Summitt-esque era of Tennessee basketball." [32:31]

• Season Performance:
  Despite significant losses, including a staggering 96-47 defeat to Notre Dame, Tennessee has showcased a dynamic and high-energy style of play.

  "The speed and intensity they're playing with is incredible." [43:01]

• Recruitment and Future Prospects:
  With a strong incoming recruiting class and strategic use of the transfer portal, Tennessee is poised to build a competitive team capable of returning to elite status. Ben Pickman notes,

  "They have five top 100 players, two top 15 players... they're building something." [35:50]

• Fan Engagement and Excitement:
  The program's resurgence has rekindled fan interest and confidence, setting the stage for sustained success and potential Final Four appearances in the near future.

UConn: Navigating a Championship Drought

Overview: UConn's women's basketball program, legendary for its consistent excellence and numerous national titles under coach Geno Auriemma, is facing a challenging period marked by a lack of recent championships and increased competition.

Key Points:

• Dominant History:
  Ben Pickman underscores UConn's unparalleled success, mentioning their 11 national championships and 23 Final Four appearances.

  "No team in women's basketball has as many national titles as UConn with 11." [46:22]

• Recent Performance Issues:
  The program has not secured a national championship since 2016 and has experienced notable losses, such as a significant defeat to Ohio State in the NCAA tournament.

  "UConn hasn't won a national championship since 2016, which, again, for any other program in the country, would prompt action." [47:44]

• Competitive Landscape:
  The rise of other programs like South Carolina has intensified competition, making it harder for UConn to maintain its dominant position. Kim Mulkey observes,

  "The level of competition has increased... which is why they've had this crazy drought." [56:07]

• Future Directions:
  While UConn remains a perennial Final Four contender, the program must innovate and adapt to the evolving dynamics of women's college basketball to reclaim its top-tier status.

Emerging Programs: Notre Dame and USC

Overview: Beyond the traditional powerhouses, Notre Dame and USC are emerging as significant contenders in women's basketball, each forging their own paths toward potential blue blood status.

Key Points:

• Notre Dame's Evolution:
  Under coach Muffet McGraw and now Neil Ivey, Notre Dame continues to strive for national prominence. The program's ability to transition between coaching eras while maintaining competitiveness is under scrutiny.

  "Notre Dame is really interesting because it's using a coaching lineage to sustain its success." [60:20]

• USC's Resurgence:
  Led by Lindsey Gottlieb and star player Juju Watkins, USC is making strategic moves, including joining the Big Ten, to enhance its competitive edge. Ben Pickman highlights USC's potential,

  "USC feels like another team that, as the tide rises across college basketball, they're right there right now." [62:36]

• Coaching Influence:
  The influence of strong coaching trees and strategic recruitment is pivotal for these programs to elevate their status and compete with established blue bloods like Stanford, Tennessee, and UConn.

Sustaining Blue Blood Status: Criteria and Future Prospects

Key Points:

• Duration of Excellence:
  Hosts and guests discuss how sustained excellence over multiple decades is essential for a program to be considered a true blue blood. South Carolina's recent successes position it within this conversation, challenging the traditional powers.

• Impact of Coaching and Recruitment:
  Effective coaching, consistent recruitment of top-tier talent, and the ability to adapt to changing game dynamics are crucial for maintaining elite status.

• Competitive Parity:
  The increasing parity in women's college basketball means that no program can guarantee dominance without continuous innovation and adaptation.

• Future Predictions:
  The conversation concludes with optimism about the future of women's basketball, acknowledging that while historic programs like Stanford, Tennessee, and UConn have set high standards, emerging programs like South Carolina, Notre Dame, and USC are poised to redefine what it means to be a blue blood in the sport.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Pickman:

  "Stanford is now flying across the country for these games... This is a year of transition in Palo Alto." [15:32]

• Kim Mulkey:

  "There are times when really bad losses happen, and they can happen in a vacuum." [18:30]

• Chantelle Jennings:

  "The biggest takeaway here... everyone has such a high standard of excellence that you need to get to those levels to continue to sustain it." [66:36]

• Ben Pickman:

  "Kim Caldwell is trying to revive the Pat Summitt-esque era of Tennessee basketball." [32:31]

Conclusion

The episode provides an insightful analysis of the current states of women's basketball's historic programs, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As Stanford navigates a transitional year, Tennessee reinvigorates its legacy under new leadership, and UConn grapples with heightened competition, the landscape of women's college basketball is evolving. Emerging programs like Notre Dame and USC are stepping into the spotlight, promising a future filled with dynamic competition and continued excellence.

The hosts emphasize the resilience of these programs, noting that a single off-year does not define a dynasty. Instead, sustained excellence, adaptability, and a commitment to growth will determine which programs remain the true blue bloods of women's basketball.

For those interested in more in-depth discussions and exclusive interviews with key figures in women's basketball, subscribe to No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show wherever you get your podcasts. Stay tuned for future episodes that continue to explore the ever-evolving world of women's hoops.