No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show

Episode: Who Can Keep Up With UConn, South Carolina, and TCU?

Date: November 18, 2025
Hosts: Zena Kada, Sabrina Merchant, Ben Pickman

Main Theme

The episode dives into early-season power shifts in women’s college basketball, focusing on whether any team can keep up with dominant forces like UConn, South Carolina, and TCU. The crew also discusses The Athletic’s newly published Top Women’s Sports Cities list, reflecting on what makes a great women’s sports hub while spotlighting standout performances, upsets, and the impact of legacy, fan culture, and city synergy in women’s athletics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Notre Dame’s Troubles vs. Michigan (02:26–08:44)

• Notre Dame’s Drop in the Rankings:

  • Notre Dame, previously ranked #13 by Sabrina, fell to #21 after a 40-point blowout loss to Michigan.
  • Sabrina Merchant:

    "Anytime you lose by about 40 points, it should raise some alarm bells." (04:13)

  • The team’s frontcourt struggles were exposed after losing key players to graduation and seeing little bench contribution.
  • Ben Pickman contrasts with Notre Dame’s dominant win against Michigan last March, highlighting the huge reversal in just one season.

• Michigan’s Strengths:

  • Multiple offensive initiators allowed Michigan to neutralize Notre Dame’s star Hannah Hidalgo.
  • Ben Pickman:

    "Michigan, again, speaking of the optionality, had just a number of players that they could throw at her... Their bigs were hard hedging screens in an impressive way. Just a really, really good performance." (06:48)

UConn’s Ascendancy: Sarah Strong’s Dominance & Dynamic Depth (08:44–14:35)

• Sarah Strong’s Unprecedented Impact:

  • Stat line: 29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks.
  • Sabrina Merchant:

    "She is currently leading UConn in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game." (09:37)

  • Ben Pickman shares Geno Auriemma’s postgame quote:

    "We almost want her to be perfect... I wouldn’t ask her to be if I didn’t think she could." (09:50)

  • Strong’s poise, confidence, and complete mastery set her apart as a sophomore.

• Blanca Quinones Emerges:

  • The first South American player at UConn, scored 18 points in her second collegiate game.
  • Her unpredictable, versatile game complements Strong.

• Roster Depth & Projected Dominance:

  • UConn’s added length, roster depth, and pace are creating new regular-season dominance not seen in last year’s championship run.
  • Sabrina:

    "Last year’s team wasn’t dominant during the regular season in the same way... This team, like, could legitimately go undefeated." (13:46)

• Locker Room Chemistry:

  • Ben describes a fun, “sibling energy” between Strong and Quinones influencing team culture.

South Carolina vs. USC: Foundations, Identity, and a “Gap Year” (16:46–22:18)

• Game Recap and Key Takeaways:

  • South Carolina handily beats Southern California, maintaining defensive toughness and dominant bigs despite roster turnover.
  • Sabrina Merchant:

    "Every time I watch South Carolina at the start of the year, I'm just like, I feel like I’m watching the same South Carolina, and that’s in a good way." (18:18)

• USC’s Transition Year:

  • With only one returning starter, the Trojans are struggling to form an identity, particularly on offense.
  • Ben Pickman:

    “Sabrina called it a gap year and I think that is kind of the right phrase to use... They’re just not going to be a Final Four contender like people thought.” (20:51)

Mid-Major Watch: Richmond vs. Columbia (22:18–23:52)

• Richmond Spiders Jump Into Rankings:
  • Big second quarter turnaround after early shooting struggles.
  • Both teams projected as high-quality mid-majors, potential NCAA tourney participants.
  • Ben mentions:

    "I just want to say two things about this game. Number one...shout out to Columbia for the best media seats in the country...And...Richmond, Maggie Dugan, impressive passer..." (22:41)

TCU’s Statement Win Over NC State (24:56–29:17)

• Marta Suarez Shines:

  • Versatile, experienced newcomer fits Mark Campbell’s blueprint for “old and tall.”
  • Sabrina:

    "She is 23 years old. She is 6’3” and she can hoop...Her size is so important at that four spot." (25:41)

• TCU’s Size Makes the Difference:

  • TCU is scoring 41 points per game in the paint this year vs. 30 last year.
  • Clara Silva’s emergence as a productive big is highlighted.
  • Both hosts commend NC State for its extremely tough nonconference schedule.
  • Ben:

    "Props for [NC State] for actually scheduling [up]. They’re 2-2 but I appreciate them." (28:54)

Chaos Game: West Virginia’s 5-Player Win vs. Duke (29:17–34:58)

• Absurd Turn of Events:

  • West Virginia finishes with only 5 eligible players after ejections from a skirmish, yet upsets Duke.
  • Sabrina details Duke’s ongoing offensive woes and Carrie Lawson’s questionable rotation decisions.
  • Sabrina:

    "For Duke to come out in that second half and just not know how to play basketball is literally how I felt watching that." (32:31)

• Ejection/Sideline Antics:

  • Discussion of how the ejection rules and even the DJ’s constant Taylor Swift soundtrack added to the absurdity of the moment.
  • Zena:

    "They didn’t even make it to the fracas. They just jumped off. And in the NCAA, if you jump off the bench, you’re immediately ejected." (33:57)

[AD BREAK — skipped]

The Athletic’s Top Women’s Sports Cities: What Makes a “Women’s Sports City”? (37:37–59:47)

Criteria for Great Women’s Sports Cities (38:21–40:20)

• Fan Engagement and Synergy:

  • Ben:

    "It’s the overall energy and the synergy...between sports teams...the shared support, the shared vibe." (38:21)

  • Sabrina:

    "A good sports city is when you have good sports teams. I think that matters." (39:23)

• Top-10 List Overview
  (San Francisco Bay Area, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle, Portland, NYC, LA, Boston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Chicago & Washington D.C. tied at 10)

  • Hosts debate the merits and snubs, such as Connecticut and Tennessee's omission.

City Specifics and Nuanced Debate (42:32–54:56)

• Regional Biases and Pro vs. College:

  • Sabrina:

    "Connecticut feels like a women’s sports capital, honestly...But the combination of college and pro is what makes this list." (42:32)

  • Ben notes professional sports influence, champions Liberty’s cultural impact in NYC, references “Liberty Biberty” chant and mascot Ellie the Elephant.
  • Zena spotlights Portland’s Sports Bra as a symbol and praises the rapid growth of Bay Area fan culture.

• LA’s Challenge:

  • Sabrina highlights LA’s crowded sports market and the need for transcendent stars (like Juju Watkins) and championships to break through.

• Minneapolis/St. Paul’s Resonance & Support Infrastructure:

  • Ben recounts conversation with Cheryl Reeve about the city’s “resonance” and community synergy.
  • The presence of the Tucker Center for research on Girls & Women in Sports is unique.

Legacy, Inclusivity, and What’s Next (54:56–59:47)

• Legacy versus Winning:

  • Sabrina:

    "You need the historical basis of women’s sports fans, but you also need to give them a reason to continue to come." (55:51)

• Advocacy and Environment:

  • Sabrina applauds cities with women-friendly atmospheres such as access, inclusion, and rights:

    "...places where women’s rights and experience of female athletes in these states is also prioritized...also more welcoming to LGBTQ communities." (56:22)

• Cities on the Rise:

  • Candidates include Raleigh-Durham, Atlanta, and southern cities set for expansion (Atlanta’s NWSL, volleyball growth).
  • Ben mentions Oklahoma City’s “single sport” strength in softball.

New Segment: "A Penny for Your Thoughts" – Basketball Rulebook Rant (62:29–67:55)

• Prompt: What rule from the WNBA or NCAA would you discontinue?

• Zena: Celebrates the NCAA now allowing 4-inch headbands for player comfort and hair protection.

• Sabrina: Wants the WNBA to ditch jump balls entirely:

  "Just have possession arrow all throughout women’s basketball." (64:44)

• Ben: Jokingly pleads for a ban on take fouls in pickup basketball games!

  "No pickup game should ever have a take foul. It's just ridiculous...Let the person score their layup and get their moment in the sun." (67:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sarah Strong’s dominance:

  "Sarah Strong, she owns every space that she walks into on the court. And...there isn't a space on the floor...where she looks rattled."
  – Ben Pickman (09:50)

• On UConn’s bench depth:

  "They have people like, you know, Kaylee Heckles coming off the bench who just gives them a jolt in terms of pace. We see UConn right now is playing faster than they did a season ago."
  – Ben Pickman (12:10)

• On Minnesota’s unique atmosphere:

  "There’s a natural, you know, imprint that these women’s sports teams...have already made inroads very much in the community. And there’s...this synergy between teams."
  – Ben Pickman (50:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:26] — Major upsets and Notre Dame's struggles vs. Michigan
• [08:44] — UConn’s present and future with Sarah Strong and Blanca Quinones
• [14:35] — South Carolina vs. USC: old culture, new faces
• [22:18] — Mid-major duel: Richmond bests Columbia
• [24:56] — TCU’s rout of NC State; Marta Suarez’s standout
• [29:17] — West Virginia’s 5-player win over Duke ("the skirmish" game)
• [37:37] — What makes a top women’s sports city?
• [42:32] — The Top 10 Women’s Sports Cities list: surprises, snubs, and debate
• [54:56] — Legacy vs. recency, inclusivity, and cities on the rise
• [62:29] — "A Penny for Your Thoughts" rulebook gripes

Tone & Original Language

The hosts maintain their signature balance of knowledgeable analysis, witty banter, and candid fan perspective throughout. They swap stats and coaching context, reminisce about broadcast experiences, and keep it personal (from hairband woes to pickup game rants), all while using sharp, conversational language.

For Listeners

• This episode is ideal for fans wanting a comprehensive look at the early college basketball landscape, background on team ascensions/declines, and perspective on the cultural context of women’s sports.
• The women’s sports city debate and playful “rule change” segment add cultural and personal dimension beyond just scores and stats.

If you're a women’s basketball fan or want to understand where the sport is thriving—on the court and in the community—this episode gives you the highlights, the context, and the good vibes.