The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Good Follow - Dearica Hamby Joins the Show, Rose BC Wins Unrivaled + A Bracket Breakdown w/ The Underdogs & More Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

Hosted by Roz Golden Woode and Logan Hackett from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, this episode of Good Follow delves into the highlights of the Unraveled playoffs, provides an in-depth analysis of the NCAA March Madness brackets, and features a special guest, Dearica Hamby from the LA Sparks.

Unraveled Season Review

Celebrating Team Rose BC's Victory

Roz and Logan share their exhilarating experience attending the Unraveled playoffs and championship:

• Roz Golden Woode [01:27]: "We brought this from the ground. The streamers from the championship game of Unrivaled and we went together. We did shooting contests, photo shoots."

• Logan Hackett [01:43]: "Amazing. Like absolutely loved it. The whole fan fest was so much fun."

They discuss Team Rose BC's triumph, highlighting key performances and memorable moments:

• Logan Hackett [07:03]: "We saw the Rose lift the trophy. Oh, where's my thing?"

• Roz Golden Woode [08:04]: "Chelsea Gray and her team are such badasses. She absolutely thought when it comes to winning time, whether it was the championship game or the semifinal, it was Chelsea Gray bucket after bucket or assist."

Key Players Highlighted:

• Chelsea Gray: Praised for her clutch performances, including a standout semifinal game with 39 points.

• Azerae Stevens: Acknowledged for her dual impact with 19 points and 18 rebounds in the championship game, and her defensive prowess.

Impact of Coach Teresa Weatherspoon:

• Roz Golden Woode [10:56]: "Coach Spoon is kind of the anchor of all this. She's so positive and there wasn't a second like during that game or even really this season that she's doubted Us or had a down conversation."

The hosts commend the Unraveled season as a success, emphasizing the league's commitment to elevating women's basketball through strategic storytelling, meaningful brand partnerships, and excellent broadcast coverage.

• Roz Golden Woode [11:53]: "Unrivaled was a success. It showcased that an investment in women's sports and women's basketball would work... the one on one tournament was a hit."

NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown

Introducing The Underdogs: Peter Keating & Jordan Brenner

Roz welcomes Peter Keating and Jordan Brenner, the minds behind The Underdogs podcast, to dissect the March Madness brackets:

• Peter Keating [14:32]: "How's it going? Thanks for having us."

• Jordan Brenner [14:34]: "Yeah, we're psyched to be here."

Discussion Highlights:

• Seeding Controversies: Roz and Logan address the contentious seeding of teams like UCLA, Texas, USC, and South Carolina as number one seeds.

  • Derica Hamby [04:25]: "Sometimes I don't understand people who make decisions in women's basketball and why they do what they do."

• Potential Upsets & Cinderellas: Peter and Jordan analyze under-the-radar teams that could disrupt the brackets.

  • Jordan Brenner [17:19]: "Michigan State would be a deep sleeper... they force turnovers on a quarter of opponents' possessions. That's really, really high."

  • Peter Keating [18:23]: "There's a lot of work involved and you can rebuild a team or build a team up, make it better really quickly by focusing on players who are relentless at crashing the boards and working to get turnovers."

• Regional Analyses: Detailed breakdown of various regions, identifying teams with strong defensive strategies and high turnover rates that could lead to unexpected victories.

  • Roz Golden Woode [16:53]: "UCLA as the number one top seed... their region does look quite easy. If there were to be a challenge, where do you think that would happen?"

• Final Predictions: The Underdogs predict South Carolina as a strong contender, leveraging their aggressive playstyle and high points per game.

  • Jordan Brenner [28:03]: "Yukon. It's their time."

Exclusive Interview with Dearica Hamby

Behind the Scenes with a WNBA Star

Dearica Hamby joins Roz to discuss her journey, both on and off the court:

• Roz Golden Woode [31:48]: "Can you describe what the LA Sparks pregame tunnel walk-in will be giving?"

• Dearica Hamby [33:24]: "It's about us. We stay consistent with what we were doing... motivationally, she's just so positive."

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Championship Game Experience:

   • Hamby recounts the intense semifinal where Team Vinyl upset the Lunar Owls, emphasizing the team's resilience and Coach Spoon's leadership.
   • Dearica Hamby [34:10]: "I knew once I broke the play that I was going to have to go and score it."

2. Balancing Motherhood and Professional Sports:

   • Hamby shares insights into managing her role as a mother and a WNBA star, highlighting the emotional challenges and the support system within the league.
   • Dearica Hamby [40:15]: "I never... have to go back to school for a few weeks. It's getting harder for her as she gets older to leave me."

3. Friendship and Team Dynamics:

   • Discusses her enduring friendship with Kelsey Plum and the dynamics of joining the LA Sparks.
   • Dearica Hamby [43:45]: "We've essentially been in therapy. We've been spending a lot of time together prior to the trade."

4. Future Prospects:

   • Hamby expresses excitement about the upcoming season with the LA Sparks, focusing on both basketball and personal branding through the team's vibrant pregame activities.
   • Dearica Hamby [46:18]: "It's gonna be fun... opportunity to elevate your brand."

News Highlights

Player Trades and Milestones

• Natasha Cloud Joins New York Liberty:

  • Roz and Logan announce Natasha Cloud's trade to the Liberty, celebrating her fit with the team.
  • Roz Golden Woode [49:47]: "It's a dog. A backup or alongside PG Sabrina Yonescu..."

• Historic Entry: McKenna Whitham:

  • The youngest player to enter the league at 14 years old, sparking discussions about age and experience in professional basketball.
  • Logan Hackett [50:11]: "A 14-year-old who made history by becoming the youngest player to play in the league."

• Celebrity Collaborations:

  • Highlighting the partnership between Issa Rae and Asia Wilson, showcasing top female talents from different industries.
  • Roz Golden Woode [51:19]: "Issa, you know, like rocking the shoes and doing a little dance with Asia."

• Pop Culture Moments:

  • Logan mentions the high-profile relationship between Travis and Taylor, Zendaya, Ben Shelton, and Trinity Rodman, capturing the public's fascination.
  • Logan Hackett [51:15]: "They broke the Internet... absolutely in love with this couple."

Conclusion

Roz and Logan wrap up the episode by thanking their guests and listeners, encouraging subscriptions, and teasing future content:

• Roz Golden Woode [52:31]: "Huge thank you to Dearica Hamby for joining the show... exclusive interview with Azerae Stevens."

• Logan Hackett [52:43]: "I'm Logan Hackett. Bye, guys."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the Unraveled season's successes, insightful analyses of the NCAA March Madness brackets with expert guests, and an intimate conversation with WNBA star Dearica Hamby. Additionally, the show keeps listeners updated with the latest news in women's basketball, ensuring fans stay informed and engaged.