No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Episode: The 2025 Women’s Final Four is Set + What’s Up with NCAA Decision-Making
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabrina Merchant, and Ben Pickman delve into the latest developments in women's basketball as they approach the 2025 Final Four. The discussion centers around recent Elite Eight matchups, the NCAA's controversial decision-making regarding tournament regional sites, the impact of the transfer portal opening during the tournament, and the implications for the upcoming WNBA draft.

Recap of the Elite Eight and Final Four Predictions

UCLA vs. LSU

The episode begins with a detailed analysis of the game where the #1 seeded UCLA Bruins edged out the #3 seed LSU Tigers with a 72-65 victory. Key performances included Lauren Betts with 17.7 rebounds and LSU’s Flaw J. Johnson scoring 28 points.

Grace Raynor remarks at [05:18]:

"UCLA absolutely scorched from the outside... Lauren Betts in the middle, being able to see her guards on the outside, that is the bread and butter that UCLA has been able to win with so far."

Sabrina Merchant adds at [05:54]:

"I think Betts going into foul trouble changed the look of this team a little bit against LSU, but UCLA's three-point shooting and depth took over."

South Carolina vs. Duke

South Carolina triumphed over Duke 54-50 in a tightly contested game, marked by strategic adjustments and standout performances from Chloe Kits and Sinai Fagan. The discussion highlights South Carolina's evolution into a more system-oriented team lacking a single standout player.

Zena Keita observes at [08:48]:

"The difference between old South Carolina and today's South Carolina is they're a system team in which people thrive within the system, but they always had one big post or one big player that stood out. Not the case this year."

Sabrina Merchant points out at [09:21]:

"Full Wiley gives them such a spark... she's a huge difference maker and will be in Tampa as well."

Texas vs. TCU

Texas secured a 58-47 win over TCU despite shooting poorly from beyond the arc, showcasing their defensive prowess and the leadership of players like Rory Harmon and Madison Booker.

Zena Keita comments at [13:51]:

"I'm big on bigs. Kyla Oldacre looked like Tina Charles out there... proud of Kyla's game."

Grace Raynor analyzes at [12:28]:

"Madison Booker is an advantage player on every single possession... her mid-range fadeaway jumper is one of the prettiest shots in college basketball right now."

UConn vs. USC

UConn's matchup against USC was highlighted by outstanding performances from Paige Beckers and Sarah Strong, leading to a decisive victory.

Grace Raynor states at [18:10]:

"Teams like UConn, with three players capable of dominating a game, it's why they're playing their best basketball this season."

Zena Keita agrees at [19:13]:

"UConn is playing the best basketball I've seen right now in March."

NCAA Decision-Making: Regional Sites and Logistics

A significant portion of the episode critiques the NCAA's decision to host the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in Birmingham and Spokane, highlighting logistical challenges and dissatisfaction among coaches, players, and media.

Two-Site Format Challenges

Grace Raynor explains at [25:44]:

"There's a lot of logistical challenges... teams barely get any time on the court to get set."

Chantel Jennings adds at [27:41]:

"Some coaches end up putting tape down in conference rooms at their hotels to mimic a three-point line because practice time is limited."

NCAA’s Rationale and Future Implications

Ben Pickman discusses the NCAA's reasoning at [29:31]:

"We wanted to ensure more fans were getting into the building... operationally, having two sites is more feasible."

The hosts debate the accessibility of future regional sites like Fort Worth, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia, noting that while these cities are more centrally located, they may still exclude significant portions of the fanbase.

Grace Raynor notes at [32:50]:

"The average in 2023 was about 10,000 per game, 12,000 in 2024... it's about ensuring good attendance."

Chantel Jennings concurs at [35:06]:

"UCLA and USC have more experience dealing with time zone changes, but teams like UConn face harsher logistical hurdles."

Transfer Portal Opening During Tournament

A contentious issue discussed is the transfer portal opening amidst the tournament, leading to a surge in player transfers that disrupts tournament focus and adds pressure on coaches.

Ben Pickman compares it at [42:42]:

"It's like WNBA free agency occurring during the WNBA playoffs."

Chantel Jennings elaborates at [44:45]:

"Players now understand they can transfer without sitting out a year, which offers them greater freedom but complicates coaches' responsibilities."

The hosts highlight how coaches must balance preparing for high-stakes games while simultaneously engaging in recruiting efforts, often leading to conflicting priorities.

Sabrina Merchant shares at [29:30]:

"Coaches are juggling preparing for their biggest games with tracking the portal or making phone calls to recruits."

Grace Raynor underscores the national accessibility issue at [35:06]:

"Fans in different parts of the country find it difficult to attend, especially with regionals spread 2,300 miles apart."

WNBA Draft Implications

As the tournament progresses, the discussion shifts to the impact on the WNBA draft, with hosts highlighting key players who have elevated their draft stock through standout performances.

Players to Watch

Chantel Jennings identifies Kiki Iriafen from USC at [52:47]:

"Her leadership and ability to step up in a challenging emotional time put more plays on tape for GMs to evaluate her game."

Ben Pickman highlights Sarah Ashley Barker from Alabama at [53:38]:

"Her 45-point masterpiece against Maryland showed she can score in multiple ways, which WNBA teams value highly."

Grace Raynor mentions Saniya Fagan from South Carolina at [54:20]:

"Her versatility as a 6'3" big, capable of scoring, rebounding, and passing, makes her an intriguing prospect."

Zena Keita reinforces Sina Fagan at [55:15]:

"Her clutch performance against Duke, especially the game-breaking jumper, showcases her grit and skill."

Conclusion

As the Final Four approaches, the episode wraps up by emphasizing the importance of staying focused amidst logistical challenges and the evolving landscape of college basketball. The hosts express anticipation for the upcoming Final Four games and the forthcoming WNBA draft, promising to continue the conversation in future episodes.

Zena Keita concludes at [49:36]:

"Recruit your locker room first because they bought in and got you to the tournament."

Notable Quotes

• Zena Keita [05:18]:
  "UCLA absolutely scorched from the outside... Lauren Betts in the middle, being able to see her guards on the outside, that is the bread and butter that UCLA has been able to win with so far."

• Sabrina Merchant [09:21]:
  "Full Wiley gives them such a spark... she's a huge difference maker and will be in Tampa as well."

• Grace Raynor [18:10]:
  "Teams like UConn, with three players capable of dominating a game, it's why they're playing their best basketball this season."

• Ben Pickman [29:31]:
  "From an operational perspective, having two sites is more feasible."

• Chantel Jennings [44:45]:
  "Players now understand they can transfer without sitting out a year, which offers them greater freedom but complicates coaches' responsibilities."

This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing an informative overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.