Good Follow - Dearica Hamby joins the Show, Rose BC Wins Unrivaled + A Bracket Breakdown w/ The Underdogs & More

Summary

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

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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."

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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.

Transcript

[Roz Golden Woode]

We're so done with new Year. New you this year it's more you on Bumble.

[Logan Hackett]

More of you shamelessly sending playlists, especially.

[Roz Golden Woode]

That one filled with show tunes. More of you finding Geminis because you know you always like them. More of you dating with intention because you know what you want and you know what we love that for you, someone else will too. Be more you this year and find them on Bumblebee. I can say to my new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, hey, find a keto friendly restaurant nearby and text it to Beth and Steve. And it does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more squats anywhere I can. 1, 2, 3.

[Peter Keating]

Will that be cash or credit?

[Jordan Brenner]

Credit.

[Roz Golden Woode]

4 Galaxy S25 Ultra. The AI companion that does the heavy lifting. So you can do you get [e-mail] compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input. Check responses for accuracy. What's up everyone? Welcome to good follow presented by DraftKings. I'm Roz Golden Woode. She is Logan Hackett and we are so excited today because we reunited in person in Miami. Actually, we're in Miami.

[Logan Hackett]

Look how bad it we went to.

[Roz Golden Woode]

The unrivaled playoffs and championship. We brought this from the ground. The streamers from the championship game of Unrivaled and we went together. We did shooting contests, photo shoots. Like, what did you think Logan coming out here?

[Logan Hackett]

Amazing. Like absolutely loved it. The whole fan fest was so much fun. I showed them how I shoot a basketball. Yeah, I mean, which I can't made it in. I did after a few 10, 20 tries.

[Roz Golden Woode]

All she had to do was bend her knees, folks. But you made it in. So did Team Rose. We, you know, they won the championship but it was so cool. I know that was your first time at Unrivaled and it was really cool to do the playoffs and championship together. We'll always have these streamers. Girl, I love when we're in person. Right? I love that Logan and Roz do Miami. But you know what, guys, we've got an awesome show for you today. Today's show we have Derick Hamby joining the show. She's a wonderful guest. She has her daughter Amaya with us and she's going to represent Team Vinyl and the LA Sparks. Her vinyl fell short in the championship game. But guess what, we also have an exclusive interview with Azerae Stevens. Make sure you go find that. We dropped that exclusively for you to watch. And she talks about the championship journey for Team Rose at Unrivaled and Guys, guess what? The NCAA bracket is set for the tournament for March Madness. So we've got an analytical breakdown. We brought in the underdogs who are going to break down upsets and Cinderellas and, like, really take a deep dive at thinking about what this bracket could look like and who's going to bust it. Oh, Natasha Cloud joins the Liberty.

[Logan Hackett]

It's getting cloudy.

[Roz Golden Woode]

It's getting cloudy in New York. And Issa Rae and Asia Wilson. Now, that is the power link up that we love to see.

[Logan Hackett]

Love it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Love to see.

[Logan Hackett]

And as always, y'all, we love you so much. We appreciate y'all so much. And make sure to, like, comment and subscribe. I feel like one of those YouTubers saying that.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Subscribe.

[Logan Hackett]

Click the bell.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Click the button, like, notify. But seriously, please do this.

[Logan Hackett]

Please, please tell all your friends about us. Go to work and just ramp, please. But we drop every Single Wednesday at 7pm Eastern Time, and we'll be waiting for you. So please come and watch us. The bell.

[Roz Golden Woode]

The bell is here. Logan is here in person. We've got pomcoms. We've got confetti.

[Logan Hackett]

We've got Yarnie.

[Roz Golden Woode]

We're ready to go.

[Logan Hackett]

We are absolutely ready. And I'm ready for March Madness. Literally cannot wait. It is one of the most exciting times of the year, other than Christmas for some people. But the bracket was set and there was some controversy. I feel like these days we can't do much without having some controversy. Ucla, Texas, usc, and South Carolina were named as number one seeds, and UCLA is getting this for the first time. Great accomplishment for them.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

Though some coaches had some things to say. Let's take a look.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm a little bit of surprised because we manufacture our schedule to put ourselves.

[Derica Hamby]

In a position to be the number one overall seed. And I do think if you do the blind test and you put our resume against any other team in the field, I think.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I think you'll pick us. I never thought I'd be a one seed and feel disrespected, but I thought the committee. I just. I thought there would be very little chance we would be the number four overall number one.

[Derica Hamby]

Sometimes I don't understand people who make.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Decisions in women's basketball and why they.

[Derica Hamby]

Do what they do.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And certainly with this committee, I would love to ask some questions. You know what? That's crazy. You know? And I. And I feel. I. I feel both coaches and especially for Coach Gottlieb, like, I at least understand why she doesn't love her number one seed. Because in her bracket, you know, that's so hard. They got the number seed at UConn.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Right. And. And, you know, this is a UConn team that is healthy, that is in rhythm, that has won 10 straight. And, yeah, like, USC beat UConn earlier in the season, but this UConn team looks completely different. Actually, that loss may end up being something that they can hold on to, to motivate them if. If everything works out, where the both of those teams don't get upset, if they end up meeting in the Elite Eight. And don't forget, there's the added motivation and urgency. This is a UConn team that loves each other, and they want to do this for their upperclassmen. They want to send them out with the championship. It's been elusive for this group of. Of UConn upperclassmen. So I think, you know, that's tough for USC, but also for fans.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah, right.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Because what's definitely coming out of this bracket is that the Final Four will definitely either not have juju Watkins, or it may not have Paige Beckers, who are two of the best players in the country. And it's possible they could both get upset. It could be possible that we have none of them, neither in. In. In the Final Four. So, you know, this is. This is part of it.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah.

[Derica Hamby]

I was.

[Logan Hackett]

When I saw Dawn Staley's comments, I immediately went to do my little notes, or not even notes, but like, analytics on all the schedules. And I actually have some interesting takeaways that I think validates what she was saying. South Carolina played 15 ranked games. Two of them came in the conference tournament. Their losses were to UConn, Texas, and UCLA. The lowest ranked team they played was Tennessee at 18. But the average ranking of the ranked teams was 9.1.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

Whereas you look at USC, the average ranking of their 11 ranked games was 11.2. Texas, 9.9. Which, hot take. I don't think Texas should get a number one seed.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Wow. Yeah. I mean, that. But that. That was the argument being made by coach Daley is that she said, well, the next year, we won't schedule that way.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

You know, because she thought she should have been rewarded for that scheduling.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah. And honestly, I agree with her.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

But we do have to move on to Unraveled, which yesterday we had such a fun night attending, and we saw the Rose lift the trophy. Oh, where's my thing?

[Roz Golden Woode]

Congratulations, Team Rose.

[Logan Hackett]

It was interesting, though, because if you don't know Unraveled, the fourth quarter is determined by a winning score, and this winning score was reached with a free throw.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah, it was almost ironic because I feel like everybody's complained all season that game shouldn't end with a free throw. And then the literal championship game ends with a free throw with team Rose. But they're the historic first ever champions. And you know, for all their talk that, you know, certain media pundits and lists pick them to, to, to be last. Do you know who picked them to be first and win? The chip was here, girl. Yes, it was me. Yes, it was my. It was me. I picked the rose on this show. Our first preseason show before unrivaled started for the Rose to win it.

[Logan Hackett]

Look at you.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Look at me.

[Logan Hackett]

It's like you're pro or something.

[Roz Golden Woode]

You know what? I'm not so much of a genius. It's really just that Chelsea Gray and her team are such badasses.

[Logan Hackett]

You know, at one point she, she got hot. She's shooting from three and I was like, no way. This is going to be insane. The winning score is going to be met with a Chelsea grade three. 62 was the number. I was so excited for it and didn't happen. But go on about Chelsea Gray.

[Roz Golden Woode]

But I'm saying though, like she absolutely though when it comes to winning time, whether it was the championship game or the semifinal, it was Chelsea Gray bucket after bucket or assist. I mean the semifinal game where she dropped 39 was insane. And after that game, her jersey, I believe her jersey is the only one that sold out at unrivaled. Like it just after the semifinal game, it was gone. And so I mean it's between her ability to step back, to be clutch, to come at you in a flurry to make her teammates better. Some of those dimes, those passes she's throwing are works of art. And ultimately what it tells me, Chelsea's healthy, she's rejuvenated, she's playing with joy, she's talking her mess and. And actually I'm like, yo, Aces, baby. They. They. Aces are back, baby. As long as they stay happy. The new look Aces. Because Chelsea's doing her thing. Thing. I also want to shout out one more player. Azar Stevens. Azaray was incredible in a championship game. Her 19 points and 18 rebounds were huge. Especially with Angel Reese out shout out defensive player of the year for unrivaled. But with her out, everything that Azra Stevens gave that team was so needed. And, and I think they, they shaved her on a couple of blocks that she had. I think they, they didn't full credit but she Was just a force. So shout out to Azerae Stevens, who also did her thing in the one on one tournament. So she had a really great unrivaled.

[Logan Hackett]

And I want to backtrack just a tiny bit quickly because you were at the semifinals and the whole year it was lunar. I was Luna, Woody, who everything. And they got upset. What was that like?

[Roz Golden Woode]

You know, first shout out to the Lunar Owls. Yeah, like they set the standard for the entire season for unrivaled. So much so that when they were in a situation, in a one and done situation in the semifinal game and Team Vinyl, the fourth seed, you know, that it was such a big deal that they got upset, that there was so much raw emotion on the court. One Team Vinyl beat the Lunar Owls because the Owls were that great. So it made the defeat that much more. It was pandemonium that semifinal night. Of those two games were the most lit. Was the most lit night of unrivaled play between the celebrities on the floor, between Chelsea GRA going for 39 in one game. In the next game, you know, the Owls getting knocked down. Down goes the Owls. I want to shout out a couple people. Teresa Weatherspoon, Coach Spoon. This is the type of thing that happens when Spoon is your coach and her players. After the game, Multiple said it was Spoon who was telling us, stay with it. Stay. Keep believing y'all got this. Because they were down 10 heading into the fourth.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Shout out Derica Hamby with a tough game winning bucket going through the chest and the bump of the reigning defensive player of the year and the unrivaled mvp. Great job in Nafisa Collier. That was a tough bucket where she had to change directions, take the contact and step through and finish with all the pressure in the world. She did that. Want to shout out our girl, Jordan Canada. She came on the show. Ten of her 21 points were in the fourth quarter. Jordan was so clutch. And Ryan Howard, who we know to be a bucket, guess what? In the. In the playoffs, she was great defensively, blocking so many shots locked in. Ryan, take that. Take that with you to Atlanta because. Because you are just as good defensively as you are offensively. So both sides of the court, real quick.

[Logan Hackett]

If you had to use one word to describe the first season of Unrivaled and everything is done for women's basketball. Oh, gosh. This might be really hard to think about that whole sentence. What would it be?

[Roz Golden Woode]

Success. Yeah, Unrivaled was a success. I feel, on so many levels. Like it showcased that an investment in women's sports and women's basketball, from salaries to facilities to making the players partners via equity, that that would work. It showcased that storylines, rivalries, trash talk, like, it's good for the game, you know, and. And the one on one tournament was a hit. It was a rating splash for the league, and it ended up being talked about through the men's all star weekend and beyond. Social media content, I think unrivaled always knew that part of their job this season was to storytell, and that's not always the way leagues think. And like, here's a way. We, we. They really focused on giving us the players and we just wanted more. We just wanted to consume more and then meaningful brand partnerships, like what they did with the Sephora, like, walk in tunnel, the. The level of fits that we got and the moment it became. So more than just taking a brand's money or saying, oh, you do the NBA, can you also do the w? No. Having, like, really intentional partnerships where you can bring out the best in each other. I thought the broadcast coverage was great. I mean, you were great. Thank you. I'm not even just talking about me. I mean, your flowers, they had, like, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Renee Montgomery. From the studio to the game broadcast, it was really well covered. And ultimately I had to make a list for this. But ultimately, this was about the players. This was about the product, the games. It was awesome. And the big takeaway was unrivaled. I'll give you another word. Was fun.

[Logan Hackett]

Yep.

[Roz Golden Woode]

It was so fun. Eight weeks and it was fun. So you know what? Great job. Unrivaled.

[Logan Hackett]

Well, y'all. Coming up, we're looking at the March Madness bracket from a bit of a different lens. We have Peter Keating and Jordan Brenner, the host of the underdog show, coming on, and I'm very excited to see what they have to say. So we'll be right back.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Welcome back to Good Follow. March Madness is here. And today we are joined by two experts in brackets and upsets and Cinderellas. Oh, my. We have the host of the underdogs here, Peter Keating and Jordan Brenner. What's up, guys? Thank you so much for joining the show.

[Peter Keating]

How's it going? Thanks for having us.

[Jordan Brenner]

Yeah, we're psyched to be here.

[Logan Hackett]

All right, for those who may not know you are and what you do, can you just kind of give a rundown?

[Jordan Brenner]

Sure. Peter and I like long walks on the beach, cocktails, but no, Peter and I have been working together somehow since our days at espn. I. I'm not sure how long, how he's put up with me for 20 years, but it's going on. So we, we pioneered administration.

[Peter Keating]

Yes.

[Jordan Brenner]

Yeah. We pioneered something called Giant Killers at espn, which looks for upsets in the NCAA tournament. We did it on the men's side for years and years. Now we're hosting the Underdogs podcast we write for the Athletic, it's called Bracket Breakers. And we've expanded our analytics based look at upsets in the tournament to the women's side.

[Roz Golden Woode]

We love that. Yeah, that's a very like, that's a way to look at the game and the woman's game that we would love to hear more from. You know, there's breaking down what's happening on the court, there's the storylines, this getting to know personalities. But I think women's basketball could always use even more nitty gritty and like analytics ways to look at the game, guys.

[Peter Keating]

Yeah. Because what you're left with when you don't have good data is a lot of hot takes and personality based coverage. And it's great to get to know the athletes and the coaches as people. It's important. But it's also very easy when you don't have any numbers or any analytics or any evidence for what you're saying, basically to just offer up a bunch of opinions which might be true or might not be true. Like every time around this year, around this time every year, we hear simultaneously from people who say, wow, this team is so young and brash and inexperienced, they don't know enough to be afraid. And then at the same time, people on the same TV set are saying, wow, this team has senior leadership. It's so important to have experience. And you're like, well, which one is true and how do we know? And there's a million things like that. And there's no good excuse anymore, given the audience, given the interest, given the talent that's flowing into the game, to have women's sports analytics lagging as far as they currently do behind their male counterparts.

[Jordan Brenner]

Right.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah. And you're just providing more tools for fandom, you know, different ways to see and explain the game and then you mix it all together. Because I don't think there's just hot takes and I think numbers can't just stand alone either. I think it all comes together in a pot. So Logan, let's get into this tournament bracket.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah, I cannot wait to hear Yalls takes. But I want to start with the Spokane 1 region. You have UCLA as the number one top seed. It Was their first time getting that overall number one. And they're actually going for their first ever Final Four appearance, which I don't know why I thought that they've been in the Final Four before. But just on paper, their side or their region does look quite easy. If there were to be a challenge, where do you think that would happen?

[Jordan Brenner]

Well, I'll tell you one team that's sort of off the radar and could lose in the first round, but like our model likes them a lot better than their seed. So if you're looking for a deep, deep sleeper in that region, try Michigan State. Okay, we actually have them as a better overall team than NC State, the two seed. And if that's not enough, they force turnovers on a quarter of opponents possessions. That's really, really, really high. And one thing we've learned over the years is that anything teams underdogs do to force extra possessions really, really helps them. Because think about it, everyone, unless you're just crazy good and lucky, everyone's going to have a cold shooting night at some point, right? And in a, you know, in a seven game series in the NBA, okay, you move on to the next game in the NCAA tournament, you're done. So you need something to protect you against cold shooting. The two biggest things, typically offensive reboundings. Because if you're going to miss a lot of shots, go get the ball back and forcing turnovers, limiting the other team's possession, giving yourself extra ones. So Michigan State would be a deep sleeper. But Peter, who else coming out of the region do you like?

[Peter Keating]

I just want to say the great thing about that, about getting extra possessions is 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. So you see a lot of what we call giant killers emerge by focusing on these, these effort based, you know, tactics that really help you build extra possessions and survive not being as good a shooting team as your opponent. I just want to say, you know, everybody has their complaints about who should have gotten number ones and who should have been seated higher. Nobody remembers that if you're going to see somebody higher, you kind of need to see somebody lower or say somebody that should have been seated lower. Well, here you go. I love North Carolina State story from last season, but there's no way they should be a two seed. You can name a half a dozen teams the top of your head probably that are better, including the number three seed here, lsu, who I think has a, you know, I mean, there's nobody tougher and they got a great, you know, maybe the great best three player combination in the country. They're obviously going to be a real threat to, to ucla, it pains me to say Michigan State, like Jordan did, because, you know, in the first round they face Harvard and Harmony Turner is one of my favorite players in the whole country and they were a lot of fun to watch and they finally, after narrow losses, narrow misses in the ivies the last couple of years, finally made the tournament. But. So I was all set to go somewhere and pronounce that Harvard was going to be a great giant killer, but they're going to run into Michigan State and I like that pick a lot.

[Jordan Brenner]

He's being modest, by the way. That's his alma mater.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Oh, wait, which, which one? Harvard or Michigan? Harvard. Harvard. You know, my alma mater, Stanford missed the tournament for the first time in like 36, 37 years.

[Peter Keating]

So wait, wait, are you saying that to give us the chance to bring up the greatest giant K killing story of all time, of all history?

[Roz Golden Woode]

We know, we know.

[Peter Keating]

Virginia was the first number one to lose the men's game back in the 90s. Number one Stanford lost in the women's tournament to number 16, Harvard, for 16 win ever.

[Jordan Brenner]

Really?

[Roz Golden Woode]

No, we know also, but respect and shout out to Allison Feaster, who was on that team and made that happen. And perhaps Harmony Turner on this year's Harvard team can be a special player to lead them into that upset over Michigan State. And it could be revenge of the nerds season all over. We need the nerds to make some moves. But guys, let's move to the Birmingham two region. The Gamecocks, they're trying to run it back to back for the chip. There are some key contenders in this region, including the two seed Duke, the three seed North Carolina. What do teams have to do to to try and stop South Carolina? Who by the way, was one of the teams that was not happy with their one seed. It was like the only person who was happy with their seating was Corey Close with the number one overall seed for ucla.

[Peter Keating]

Before we get to the upsets, I just want to point out when South Carolina absolutely got smoked by UConn in February and I saw that game and I was like, it was the first time I ever saw a Don Staley team look a step slow or out of it. And that was kind of alarming. And I was like, it's either going to go one of two ways, right? Either they are a step slow and it's just not their year or I feel sorry for who they're going to play next. Okay, since, since then they beat Arkansas, they crushed Vanderbilt, one of my personal favorite giant killing possibilities, twice. They, they torched Ole Miss and then they beat number 15 Kentucky by 14 points, number 10 Oklahoma by 23 points and oh, and then Texas by 22. So they're a truck rolling downhill and so we can pick some, some upset possibilities. But you know, they're, they've moved very close if not at the top of our leaderboard in our spreadsheets and they're, they're going to be extremely tough out.

[Jordan Brenner]

There are more than 13 points per 100 possessions better than anyone else in their region. It's just, it's crazy. If you're looking for an upset though. Peter, what do you think? West Virginia over Carolina in the second round.

[Peter Keating]

There's a great second round. Yeah, great second round possibility. I want to throw out one crazy first round thing though. Every now and then we see a kind of a single player have a big impact. So there's a player named Diamond Johnson who's one of the very top players in steals in the whole country. And by herself, basically she's elevated their ball hawking and their, their, their thievery. They just seize all these possessions from their opponents. They're a crazy pick, but if you watch them, you'll watch them irritate the heck out of a better team. And they're an off the wall pick basically because of her. Their turnover rate is very high.

[Jordan Brenner]

And I'll just add because I know we probably got to move on to another region real quick. Remember what we said about Michigan State and NC State. It's even more pronounced with West Virginia and Carolina. West Virginia, again, higher rating in our system and they lead the country enforcing turnover. So it's like a, if you, if you like that theory. For the 27 game in the other region, you gotta love it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

For the 6:3 in this region, 30 seconds or less. What is the system you keep referring to? Like what model are you putting all this through?

[Jordan Brenner]

Peter, you want to do the.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Basically 25 seconds.

[Peter Keating]

We take every team's results and we adjust them by the strength of their opponents and their margins of victory. We create a power ratings and then we adjust that by the characteristics that help teams pull up sets in past tournaments.

[Jordan Brenner]

And I'd love to know how to do this myself, but we've got a team of Furman math professors behind the data.

[Logan Hackett]

Oh, wow.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Okay. This is Legit.

[Derica Hamby]

Legit.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

Well, I'm not an expert, but just looking at this bracket, I feel like the most chaos and or potential upsets could come from the Birmingham 3 region. In the number one spot, you have Texas and then TCU on an incredible run with experienced players is in Barton number two. And then you have Notre Dame in that three spot with their trio of guards. But they haven't really been doing great lately. So if there were to be a Cinderella story, do you think it would come from this region?

[Peter Keating]

Well, I mentioned Norfolk State with their one player driving an incredible turnover rate. Out. This is. This is another off the wall, deep dog. But out in Mont. Out in Montana and at Montana State, there's a freshman point guard named Taylor Cherek who is. I think if she's not leading the country in steel percentage, it's only because she hasn't been playing enough minutes because she had to grow into the role because she's a freshman. That's.

[Roz Golden Woode]

That.

[Peter Keating]

That's a really interesting crazy giant. The analytics love Montana State. I don't know if that's a famous enough team to pick, but that's, that's kind of a cool off the wall pick in this region.

[Jordan Brenner]

Sure. And I think, I think you're right. If you're going to have a region where it's not a one or a two seed, this is your region. So I mean, I don't know that we can really consider Notre Dame a Cinderella, but they certainly. First of all, we all know they have the upside.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Jordan Brenner]

Battle with anyone if they get it going.

[Roz Golden Woode]

They had a slow finish to the season, so they've got a. They're in a one and done situation, so they've got to turn it around fast. Guys, we've got one more region to look at. I'm going to take you to the Spokane 4 region. USC earned a number one seed there. Guess what? Coach Gottlieb did not like her number one seed. Why? Because in that bracket at a two seed is Yukon and. Yeah, yeah, right, right. And, and you know, if they don't get upset, they can meet in the Elite Eight and it could be a matchup between juju Watkins and her squad and Paige Beckers and her squad. If that ends up holding true without an upset, like, who has the edge here?

[Jordan Brenner]

I mean, our, our model thinks UConn is, is significantly better than USC. I think, I think Peter and I both would. Would take UConn to win the national championship at this point. Peter, you agree?

[Peter Keating]

Yeah. Look, last year, what were the criticisms of UConn. They were injured and they didn't have their best lineup on the court at all, all the time. And what was their strength of schedule this year? You can't hold either one of those things against them. They finally have Beckers and putt on the court at the same time. And by some measures, Sarah Strong has been the most efficient player in the entire country, and they've played a tougher schedule. They're right up there in our spreadsheets with, with South Carolina and I think.

[Jordan Brenner]

Kansas State, if they get by Kentucky, assuming both advance out of the first round, I think Kansas State can give USC some problems in the Sweet 16 if finally.

[Peter Keating]

They're supposed, they're supposed to finally get Eoka Lee back for the tournament, right? I mean, she was the inside presence to their fantastic fleet of guards that surrounded her. And they were a top 10 team until she got hurt. And I think they, you know, they did not end the year looking good, but when they have everybody playing, they're really, they're really good.

[Jordan Brenner]

And I need to hear everyone stop complaining about, especially if you got a one seed. If you're a one seed, be happy. And by the way, usc, you're the weakest of the four one seeds. You should get the best two seed. So I love Lindsey Gottlieb. Shout out. She's from Westchester, New York. But like, hey, guys, just to bring.

[Roz Golden Woode]

This all full circle, you pointed out how nice of a player Sarah Strong is. In case you didn't know, because earlier we talked about Harvard taking down a one seed in the women's tournament. I forget what year that was back in the day. Alison Feaster led that team. Sarah's Alice. Alison Feaster's daughter.

[Jordan Brenner]

So come on.

[Peter Keating]

Wait, how did we go this far? I actually did not know that. That's fantastic.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yes. That was quite so tournament history. Our conversation just came, like, just had a full arc.

[Logan Hackett]

The full circle.

[Jordan Brenner]

Like, I mean, well, now I'm a.

[Peter Keating]

Sarah Strong fan too. So now we're gonna be even harder. Go, go. Harder on you.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Oh, that's right. Because of the Harvard ties. And I'm like, okay, we need to put you on the spot and we just need some names. Who do you got winning this whole thing?

[Jordan Brenner]

Yukon. It's their time.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And the analytics support that choice.

[Jordan Brenner]

Guys, the analytics, at least our power ratings have them in South Carolina as like 1A and 1B and then there's a little drop off. So let's, let's. It's. It's close enough. And I just. That the eye test and everything else works.

[Roz Golden Woode]

All right. We'll come back and find you if you're right or if not. And you know what? UConn's going into the tournament on a 10 game winning streak, right? Yeah. So I mean, that, that's not analytics. What are the, what's the hot take on that? They're hot, hot, hot. They got momentum. They're heading in right on time is.

[Peter Keating]

The most basic stat of all. So it kind of is. We're going to claim wins.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

Well, y'all. Jordan, Peter, thank you so much for joining us today. We have Yukon locked in. Apparently I'm about to take everything you just said back to my brackets. Bl make sure to watch your show Underdogs on YouTube or wherever else you hear your podcasts. And coming up, we have a very special exclusive interview with the one and only Dear Kahambi. We'll be right back.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Eczema isn't always obvious, but it's real. And so is the relief from EBGLIS. After an initial dosing phase of 16 weeks, about 4 in 10 people taking EBGLIS achieved itch relief and clear or almost clear skin. And most of those people maintain skin that's still more clear at one year with monthly dosing.

[Peter Keating]

EBGLIS Lebrikizumab LBKZ, a 250 milligram per 2 milliliter injection, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms.

[Roz Golden Woode]

With moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, that is not well controlled.

[Peter Keating]

With prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals or who cannot use topical therapies. EBGLIS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Don't use if you're allergic to ebglis.

[Peter Keating]

Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with Epglis. Before starting Epglis, tell your doctor if.

[Roz Golden Woode]

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[Derica Hamby]

Some people just know they could save.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like you know to check the Jumbotron first before attempting to eat a stack of supreme nachos in one bite. Now you're just a meme that everyone shares on game day. Checking first is smart, so check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate. Savings vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates Northbrook, Illinois hey, what's up, Goodfellow? This is Raz Golden Woode and I am here with one of the top players of the wnba. A WNBA champion, a two time six woman of the year, a three time all star, she is of the LA Sparks and here at Unrivaled, she is with Team Vinyl. My girl, Derick Hamby. Hey, Derica. What's going on, girl?

[Derica Hamby]

Thanks for having me.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm so happy to just chill with you.

[Derica Hamby]

I know.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And catch up.

[Derica Hamby]

We did it a couple times a year.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah. Yeah. We get our little moments. Can you believe that this is. This unrivaled season is over?

[Derica Hamby]

Yes. I can't. It's fast. It happened fast. Kind of similar to the style of play. So every. The turnover is like very fast.

[Roz Golden Woode]

It's interesting. There's like an analogy to the way the game is and to the way this season is actually with it being so fast. It makes me think about one of the signature moments of this entire season was in the semifinal. Your team, Vinyl, upset the heavy favorite in the Lunar Owls. And it's a signature moment because, like, I mean, they only lost once. They've been dominant all season. It was, it was a kind of big. It was heard all over in the women's basketball world. And what I saw from you at the end of that game was so much fire and passion. So first of all, like, what was it that your team held onto throughout the game and certainly in the fourth quarter when you guys were down 10?

[Derica Hamby]

I think just staying consistent. I talked a little bit about it after the game and during the game halftime. Spoon is kind of the anchor of all this. You know, 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 or, like, talked about us having to, like, play from behind. It's always been like, we got this, we're gonna get this. And so I felt like we kind of held onto that in the fourth quarter. We didn't hang our heads one bit. And that started with her.

[Roz Golden Woode]

What was she saying? Like, what was it that you held onto in that fourth quarter and what were you saying?

[Derica Hamby]

It's about us. It's about us. We, schematic wise, we just stay consistent with what we were doing. And obviously they were hitting tough shots, but at the end, it, like, balanced out and we came out with a win. But motivationally, she's just so positive, and even the way she speaks is just so passionate, and she really just pours into us.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah. Everyone I speak to on Team Vinyl has talked about how Spoon has, like, elevated them this season, but you also got to do it yourself. And you were on the court having a heavyweight battle with Nafeesa Collier. Like, at one point at the end of the game, she's going at you, she's scoring. You got to recover. And then it comes down to you for the game winning bucket. And your game winning bucket was a tough bucket.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Like, how tough was that bucket?

[Derica Hamby]

I feel like for me, throughout the game, I was a little bit frustrated. I don't know if it showed. Probably not. But because I had such a successful game against them a few weeks ago and they changed their scheme. They were relying heavy on stopping me. So obviously Jordan stepped up this game for us, which was really big. And obviously Ry does. And I just kind of just like, try to stay level. I try not to get too upset with myself. And then, yeah, I felt like I wasn't super aggressive the entire game. And in that possession, I knew that they were going to guard Rye heavy, and obviously they were going to stay glued to JC because she was shooting the ball well from the three, and I actually thought she was going to jump more and I was going to have just a clear right hand layup. But I went to go right and she cut it off. Everybody tries to cut off my right hand, and I crossed left, and I just kind of, like everything, like, went, like, it, like, kind of stopped. And I think that's why even my steps were so slow. Like, it was literally was just like, super slow. But I knew once I broke the play that I was going to have to go and score it, so.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Wow. Yeah. Yeah. Because first of all, you're going up against the defensive player of the year, right. And she Was locking up for a second there. But then you crossed her.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And she bumped you too. You had to take the contact.

[Derica Hamby]

And if they would have called a foul, who knows, it might have turned out a little differently. But they didn't give me the foul, so.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Right.

[Derica Hamby]

They got the bucket.

[Roz Golden Woode]

It was a tough. Cause you had to go through the contact.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Like, did it almost stop you or did you say, I gotta get through?

[Derica Hamby]

I think that was like, the extra. Like, it was just like a slow step for me. And normally I'm very. Like, I use my quickness to score. And I think she might have thought I was just gonna. I usually do this, like, just scoop, like, really fast. And I think that's why she jumped the way she did, because I think she thought I was gonna scoop it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

But you had counters for your counters.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, I had counters for my counters and I used my left hand.

[Roz Golden Woode]

So, I mean, it's honestly an iconic, you know, layup and bucket of this tournament. But what I wanna point to that stood out to me every. Like the fire.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

As we said at the beginning of this, the season was short. It was eight weeks, like, for y'all to feel that much competitiveness.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Like, could you describe what you were going through, you and your teammates, what you were feeling in that moment?

[Derica Hamby]

I think we were a little bit nervous. Like I said, Spoon kept us grounded. But I think it's funny because, like, every team kind of has an identity and obviously they still pick players and put them where they went. But we kind of have underdog players and very quiet players, but confident and fiery passion players when, like, they're ready. So I think it's kind of interesting to see that kind of play out throughout each team throughout the season.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Another highlight of the unrivaled season overall for just the league was the one on one tournament. Okay, so you go up. First matchup with Skylar Diggin Smith.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And it actually was so funny for the fans because sky clearly had a strategy. She wanted to take away your size by being all up in you. Were you surprised by her intensity?

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, I think twofold. I think I was a little bit surprised. Cause I was just like. Oh. Like, I. I'm not gonna lie. The day before I was. We were at the beach or something. Like, I was with my kids, so. And it's not that I wasn't gonna take it the tournament series, but it was kind of like a mental break in a sense. Cause that was our. So I was a little bit goofy. And she took advantage of that and the other fold of that was kind of the rules, the strategy behind it that I wasn't really aware of either. That you could foul on the floor and the possession doesn't count. And if you do that twice, you get a point. So instead of me having two and ones back to back, and that's six points you're looking at. I only get two points now, so who knows? Maybe they'll change the rules a little bit to where it can kind of go one on one. But obviously she played great. Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

After the game, there were some things you were like, I would have done that differently. Now that I know it.

[Derica Hamby]

I think once I realized that it wasn't just like basketball, I checked out. I was like, all right, I'm going to get back to Vegas.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, I was working it, so I wasn't a fan, but as somebody watching it, you know, we're just like, Skye, she's so.

[Derica Hamby]

I mean, she's super intense and one of a few. The few moms here. Yeah. So we've gotten to know each other a little bit better this season, and, you know, she's. That's who she is. Through, in and throughout.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Not only are you guys mothers in this league, you're one of the few that have two children.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

How have you guys, like, connected? Like, what are the things you found? Like, oh, okay.

[Derica Hamby]

That's. We've had, like, conversations about, like, our births and stuff, and obviously just compliment, like, complimenting each other. But, you know, she's said a few times, like, me coming back, like, just how, like, incredible it was. And, you know, I try to, like, downplay it a little bit, like, ah. But. And then we got to spend some time at Disney. Our kids get to spend time together in the kids room, which is always cool. So we've had, like, a few moments.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Oh, that's nice.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

You know, actually, you joked with me once. You said, I get better after each baby.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, you were serious. A little bit, too. I actually went and just made sure to, like, check on that.

[Derica Hamby]

You didn't believe me?

[Roz Golden Woode]

No, no, no. I said to you, I was like, yo, the moms of Unraveled are crushing it. Cause Sky's been balling out, you've been balling out, Fee's been balling out. I mean, just. You could go. The list goes on. But after Amaya, you came back to be sixth player of the year twice and a WNBA champion. After Legend, you were an All Star again and an Olympian. So what is it that helped you come back stronger and More dominant after the baby.

[Derica Hamby]

I think just the resilience and the, like. I don't know. I feel like you just get mentally stronger. You know, I gave two births, natural, and they both were hard. Like, easy but hard, you know? And so I think it's just. Just a mentality, like, you know, you can do that. I can kind of do anything. And then I think just my purpose just kind of keeps evolving in my why. And so I feel like I just get more motivated.

[Roz Golden Woode]

What's the hardest sacrifice you've had to make for your children? Oh, Amaya, want to answer? Come over here. You have to speak into your mom's microphone.

[Derica Hamby]

Oh, God. I just. I never.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Amaya's here. Welcome to the show, Amaya.

[Derica Hamby]

I would say just the moments where, you know, she doesn't get to sleep in a bed with me. Like, in this case, she. She was here. She's been here for most of the time, but she had to go back to school for a few weeks. So it's. I think it gets harder for her as she gets older to, like, leave me.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Derica Hamby]

And she tells me so. Then I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah. And I get a little bit emotional, and I'm like, when she starts crying, I'm like, stop. You're gonna make me cry.

[Roz Golden Woode]

But you know what? I feel like, you know, you do your best as you can, and mom has certainly tried to make sure mom has certainly tried to make sure that things are special for you. So I heard it was your birthday during unrivaled. You were in Miami in February for your birthday, your eighth birthday. Is that how old you turned?

[Derica Hamby]

Mm.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And mom set the bar for birthdays. I heard you got to meet Coco Gauff and play tennis with her for your birthday present. How much did that mean to you, Amaia? And to you, Deairica? Like, how did that come about? And what did it mean to y'all?

[Logan Hackett]

Well.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Actually, before I met her, my mom met her way before me, which I'm mad about.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah. At the Olympics.

[Logan Hackett]

Why?

[Derica Hamby]

Because you had to come a little late.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Speak.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, I met. Get your finger voice. I met Coco at the Olympics, and I told her I was like, my daughter loves you. Like, can I take a picture with you and send it to her? And so, yeah, Maya hadn't quite gotten to the Olympics yet because just the timing of it, we were waiting to get a little closer until we started playing. And so we thought we were going to get to go see her play at the Olympics, but it just didn't work out. With the scheduling, so kind of held onto that. You know, she teased me about it for a little bit, and then when I found out that she was going to be an investor or unrivaled, I thought it was, like, the perfect opportunity and I just knew it was gonna happen.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And what's. What's the moment you'll remember from seeing those two together?

[Derica Hamby]

I would say. Which part? I would say the initial. You know, she's a. Maya's a very confident kid and she doesn't. She gets shy, like, occasionally, but she was, like, starstruck with her and also, like, Sabrina. So, you know, she kind of, like, blacked out for a little bit, and so that was, like. It wasn't cool to witness, but to kind of see her, like, be so bashful.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Okay, so looking to the WNBA season with the LA Sparks next season, you're going to get to play with Kelsey Plum, who I know you have a friendship with. Can you describe the friendship you two have even after you left the Aces?

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, I would just say solid. You know, we kind of had a moment where it was just lost for a second physically, but never, like, in our hearts and just a full circle moment for us. Why Twofold, obviously. My experience in Vegas and for her to want to come to la, it was very validating for me and I think just a testament to our bond.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Did you guys keep up even when you were not on the team?

[Derica Hamby]

No, in the beginning. And then, you know, life kind of happens. But like I said, it's just a testament to our friendship and where we are now. I think we kind of had to go through that, and I think we're both grateful for the processes that we had. I'm excited for her to be in la.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Have you guys had a chance to have a heart to heart?

[Derica Hamby]

Oh, my God. We've had. We've basically been in therapy. No, we all. We've been spending a lot of time together prior to the trade. Just like re. I'll say rekindling, but just fine tuning some things. Yeah. Here we are. Yeah, we talk every, like, couple days now.

[Roz Golden Woode]

So in a way, her coming to la, you feel like, was a leap of faith on you?

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, both ways, I think. I think both ways.

[Roz Golden Woode]

You both have had some hurt.

[Derica Hamby]

Mm.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Do you think that that's something that you can lean on each other for or have?

[Derica Hamby]

I think in the moment it was hard because I think we both wanted to be there for each other, but just where we were in our lives, like, we couldn't. And so, you know, where she's at now and where I'm at now and like, the time we have, it, it just couldn't have been more, like, coincidental, so to say. I'm just really happy for her.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah, I'm happy for both of you. Unlike most people's pain, her, these are separate situations. But hers was very public. Yours is very public. And so I'm glad that, you know, I don't even know everything that's going on, but I'm glad you guys, you know, can have each other and also have. Have decided we're going to do this together.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Blood, sweat and tears on the same team.

[Derica Hamby]

You know, I can watch how it happens.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'll get you out on this on a light note. I'll get you out on a light note. So the pregame walk in and tunnel for the LA Sparks is about to be.

[Derica Hamby]

Oh, my God.

[Roz Golden Woode]

So crazy. Cause literally it's you, it's Kelsey Plum, it's Cameron Brink, it's Rekia Jackson, it's Ray Burrell. I'm just naming a few. You guys are all fabulous and fierce. Like, how much juice are the Sparks about to have next season? Like, you guys crush the fashion.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah, I think it's gonna be fun. You know, obviously basketball is gonna be the focus for sure, but just nowadays, like, you have an opportunity to elevate your brand a little bit, showcase yourself and your style and your personality through the tunnel. And so, yeah, it's gonna be fun.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Most fashionable team in the league, possibly.

[Derica Hamby]

For sure. For sure.

[Roz Golden Woode]

It's gonna be a catwalk, a Runway. It is.

[Derica Hamby]

It is.

[Roz Golden Woode]

What is they're making?

[Derica Hamby]

They make me step my game up a little bit. Like, I just been chilling and I was like, no, I gotta step it up.

[Roz Golden Woode]

So what will the LA Sparks pregame tunnel walk in? What will it be giving?

[Derica Hamby]

I mean, I feel like the obvious answer is baddies, but I gotta think about that one. I gotta come with something more like, clever.

[Roz Golden Woode]

The baddies are in la, period.

[Derica Hamby]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Thank you so much. It's always good to chat with you. Welcome back to Good follow. Huge thank you to Derica Hamby for joining the show for that just awesome interview and for just sharing so much on her heart and of course, sharing a Maya with us. Oh, she's so cute. So we really appreciate that interview and now we move along. I've got a segment for you. It's presented by DraftKings. The woman's NCAA tournament is here, the brackets are set, and there's potential for madness in the first round matchup. Between number seven seed Michigan State and the ten seed Harvard. So Harvard is led by Harmony Turner. She's averaging a whopping 22 points per game. This is a player that does a lot of everything for the Crimson. She's leading the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and minutes. Big time usage player. This team is hot on a four game win streak and they're back in the tournament for the first time in 18 years. Now on the other side, Michigan State, they've got leadership from a core group of veteran players. And that is always a big deal in the tournament. And it starts with Grace Van Slooten. Michigan State lost three of their last five games, but that's a little misleading. Those losses were against high level talent in usc, UCLA and Ohio State. So it actually in some ways may have prepared them more for the tournament. So what I'm looking for is a Cinderella and maybe some revenge of the nerds. And I've got Harvard pulling off an upset and advancing to the second round. So, Logan, I mean, you don't want to miss your chance to get in on the March Madness. We love an upset. We love a Cinderella.

[Logan Hackett]

We love an upset. Upset. That's. I live for March because of the upsets.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I mean, I feel like that's mostly everyone.

[Logan Hackett]

Yeah, you know, shout out.

[Roz Golden Woode]

We're excited for the game. Cox, you know, go one seeds, but boy, do we love some chaos.

[Logan Hackett]

Absolutely.

[Roz Golden Woode]

And that's why we got to get to the brackets. DraftKings is offering a free to enter March Madness woman's tournament bracket this year. So join the [e-mail] woman's bracket for a shot to win a share of $50,000. And remember, it's free to play, free to enter. Get on in there. We'll be getting in there, right?

[Logan Hackett]

Absolutely. I saw the $50,000. I had to look up the screen and make sure that said $50,000.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah, absolutely. And you know, it's just fun to do it with your friends and be really social about it.

[Jordan Brenner]

Yeah.

[Roz Golden Woode]

So anyway, we want to shout out DraftKings for making that possible within the women's tournament. DraftKings, the crown is yours.

[Logan Hackett]

Love it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Logan, we're running out of time here. Can we get to top news hits, stories, headlines that you got for us?

[Logan Hackett]

Yes. You're actually there for one of the biggest news stories. It got cloudy in New York and we're not talking about the weather. We're talking about Natasha Cloud. She signed with New York Liberty in kind of like a sneak trade. Like never really expected it to Happen. And the sun traded her for the first round picks in 2025 and 2026. The group chat blew up when this happened. You broke the news to me, so I want to show the video that you said because it's iconic.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Breaking news.

[Derica Hamby]

New York.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Are you coming? And my sister. Where are you coming? New York. New York.

[Derica Hamby]

We locked in.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I'm coming.

[Derica Hamby]

We got another dog.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Okay. We got another dog. Okay. I love it.

[Logan Hackett]

I love how, like, happy she. I love how happy you are for her. I think everyone was very perplexed a little bit, but also very happy with this move because Tasha, she just belongs in New York. She screams New York to me.

[Roz Golden Woode]

It was so much going on that day too, because it's the unrivaled semifinals, it's selection Sunday, they're dropping the tournament brackets. And then we find out Cloud is going to New York, and New York could really use her toughness. Like she said, a dog, a backup or. Or alongside PG or, you know, a tangent guard alongside Sabrina Yonescu, especially with Sloot out and leaving the team. And we don't know what's up with Anajelaney Hamilton. Don't forget Cloud. Really? She defends. So, Tosh, we are so excited to have you in New York. I ran to her like the news broke and I was like. Because she was right there.

[Logan Hackett]

I was like, you ain't tell me.

[Roz Golden Woode]

I just seen you.

[Logan Hackett]

But I want to keep it in New York. Actually, there was. I'm not too happy about this. I don't think a lot of people are, but There was a 14 year old who made history by becoming the youngest player to play in the end of your cell. Her name is McKenna Whitham.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Wow.

[Logan Hackett]

And kind of shocking to think that there's some players who are like in their late 30s or even people who she'd look up to growing up. And she's just coming into the league.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

There's a lot of discourse on it.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

But moving on, Issa Rae is rocking the A1.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Oh, we love that. That is the power link up. Two of the top females of their industries, top black females, and Issa, you know, like, rocking the shoes, doing a little dance in them. Asia's entire line is so thoughtful. I love this link up. Like, we love to see it. Yeah.

[Logan Hackett]

Two icons. And actually, speaking of two icons, the last quick hit we have is my super bowl, my Travis and Taylor, my Thomas Zendaya, Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman. Hard launch. Broke the Internet, or at least broke my Internet. I was crashing out a little bit over it, but also like absolutely in love with this couple. It makes so much sense to me and I hope that they last forever and have athletic babies.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Yes, but I we ship them. We are good luck to them and love is in the air. It must mean spring is here or go coughing season.

[Logan Hackett]

Actually, that's kind of like in the fall, but not for them.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Well, we want to thank everyone for watching with us, for watching the show, for hanging. A big thank you to Derica Hamby for joining the show. Make sure you also tune in for our exclusive interview with Azerae Stevens. Joining the show, we heard from both teams, players from both teams in the unrivaled championship. Shout out to the underdogs coming through.

[Logan Hackett]

Out to the underdogs coming through.

[Roz Golden Woode]

Breaking down the Woman's March Madness tournament and brackets for us. We love y'all. Please continue to subscribe, spread word. Follow our Socials Comment like all the things. I'm Roz Golden Bore.

[Logan Hackett]

I'm Logan Hackett.

[Roz Golden Woode]

This is goodfollow. We'll be back every Wednesday, 7pm Eastern, and we'll see you next week.

[Logan Hackett]

Bye, guys.