No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show – Episode Summary

Release Date: September 27, 2024

Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman

Overview

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, and Ben Pickman delve deep into the upcoming WNBA semifinals while addressing a pressing issue within the league: the surge in hate speech targeting players, coaches, and associated personnel. The discussion balances game previews with a critical examination of the league's response to increasing toxicity, providing listeners with both insightful basketball analysis and a broader understanding of the challenges facing women's basketball today.

WNBA Semifinals Preview

Minnesota Lynx vs. Connecticut Sun

Chantel Jennings ([04:57]) opens the segment by highlighting the excitement surrounding the Minnesota Lynx as they prepare to face the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals. Chantel emphasizes the Lynx's recent performance, particularly spotlighting Nafisa Collier's outstanding contributions:

"Nafisa has raised her game to somehow another level. Like, she was so good on Sunday night, and then she was even better on Wednesday." ([08:52])

Chantel recounts how Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx's coach, humorously underestimated Collier’s scoring ability before she surpassed expectations by scoring 42 points—a WNBA playoff record tied by Collier:

"Cheryl Reeve made a joke to the team ahead of the game, too, that, you know, Fee is not going to be able to get 38 again tonight. And then she scored 42, tying the playoff record..." ([07:44])

Ben Pickman ([06:18]) echoes the growing optimism among Minnesota fans, comparing the current excitement to the Lynx's championship runs from years past. He notes the increased visibility and support for women's basketball, attributing it to the sport's overall growth and the hosts' coverage:

"This is probably also a product of just how women's basketball and women's sports have grown overall." ([06:18])

New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces

Transitioning to the other semifinal matchup, Ben discusses the Las Vegas Aces' impressive performance, particularly highlighting Chelsea Gray's resurgence:

"Chelsea Gray for showing up the way that she did and really redeeming herself..." ([45:04])

Chantel and Ben analyze the dynamics between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces, focusing on key players like Jonquel Jones and Asia Wilson. They explore how defensive strategies and bench performances will influence the series, emphasizing the importance of depth and adaptability:

"The benches are going to play really key in this game." ([36:46])

The League's Hate Speech Issue

A significant portion of the episode addresses the alarming rise in hate speech within the WNBA, affecting players, coaches, and fans alike.

Rise in Toxicity

Chantel Jennings ([08:57]) introduces the issue by referencing Alyssa Thomas's comments on unprecedented levels of hate, including racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks:

"In 11 seasons, she hasn't seen this level of hate that has been around this league." ([08:57])

Ben Pickman expands on the scope, detailing the various forms of harassment players face both online and in-person, exacerbated by the league's increased visibility:

"Players around the league have just been open about feeling that way, especially in a time, frankly, like, more generally in our country, where it is an incredibly polarized time." ([13:07])

League's Response

The hosts critique the WNBA's delayed response to the harassment, citing a belated statement from the league that many feel came too late:

"It feels really unsatisfying in a way. You want to see them doing something, don't just say something, do something about it." ([19:35])

Ben discusses the implications of the league’s reactive stance, questioning the timing and effectiveness of their statements:

"The league statement last night, I think, was their strongest statement to date overall, but it was belated." ([17:09])

Impact on Players

Chantel highlights how hate speech pressures players to maintain active social media presences for endorsements, despite the toxic environment:

"These players are put under an extra layer of pressure to be active on social media, where so much hate speech exists." ([07:51])

Ben emphasizes the personal struggles players face in balancing their public personas with their mental well-being:

"Players are cautious to share the specifics of messages that they receive... fearing that posting a message like what Dijonay did will only lead to more harassment." ([25:03])

Key Matchups and Predictions

Impactful Player Matchups

The discussion delves into crucial player-versus-player dynamics that could sway the semifinals:

• Nafisa Collier vs. Dewana Bonner

  Chantel ([30:29]) praises Collier’s fundamental play and anticipates Connecticut Sun’s defensive strategies to contain her:

  "This team is just so fun to watch, and I think the city and the state is really falling in love." ([07:51])

• Asia Wilson vs. Brianna Stewart and Jonquel Jones vs. Sabrina Unescu

  Chantel explores how these matchups will determine the flow and outcome of the games, indicating that strategic defensive plays will be pivotal:

  "Look for JJ to come out aggressive. Look for her to try not prescript what she's going to do." ([49:35])

Series Predictions

Each host shares their predictions for the semifinals:

• Ben Pickman ([62:46]) leans towards the New York Liberty overcoming the Las Vegas Aces in five games, crediting strategic lineup changes and home-court advantage.

• Chantel Jennings ([65:16]) agrees with Liberty's prospects, emphasizing the importance of bench depth and defensive prowess.

• Ben and Chantel also discuss the potential of the Minnesota Lynx advancing, with Chantel expressing confidence in their resilience and Collier’s leadership:

  "This is a woman on a mission. This is a team that feels like they are also on a mission." ([40:59])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts expressing excitement for the upcoming semifinal games, encouraging listeners to engage with the show’s content and continue supporting women’s basketball. They reiterate the importance of focusing on the sport amidst external challenges, promoting a balanced perspective that honors both athletic excellence and the well-being of the players.

Notable Quotes

• Chantel Jennings ([08:52]): "Nafisa has raised her game to somehow another level."
• Ben Pickman ([17:09]): "The league statement last night, I think, was their strongest statement to date overall, but it was belated."
• Chantel Jennings ([30:29]): "This team is just so fun to watch, and I think the city and the state is really falling in love."
• Chantel Jennings ([65:16]): "I would say that the benches are going to be the deciding factor..."

Final Thoughts

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show expertly balances in-depth game analysis with a critical look at the social issues impacting the WNBA. By addressing both the excitement of the playoffs and the serious challenges of hate speech, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging narrative that resonates with both avid fans and casual listeners.