The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Episode Summary Title: Good Follow - Our WNBA All-Star Ballots: Who Made the Cut? Release Date: June 26, 2025
Introduction to the WNBA All-Star Voting
In this engaging episode of "Good Follow," hosts Roz Golden Wood, Logan Hackett, and special guest Juju delve into the intricacies of the WNBA All-Star voting process. As the voting period nears its end, the trio examines the current standings, highlights significant trends, and shares their personal All-Star ballots.
Voting Trends and Analysis
Roz Golden Wood kicks off the discussion by highlighting a remarkable surge in voting participation compared to previous seasons. She attributes this growth largely to the influence of star player Caitlin Clark, noting,
"The Caitlin Clark effect is real and the league is still growing."
[05:50]
Roz emphasizes the leap in votes from the previous year, where Asia Wilson topped the list with approximately 35,968 votes, to Caitlin Clark leading with an astounding 515,000 votes in the current season. This surge not only underscores Clark's popularity but also reflects the expanding fan base and increased engagement within the WNBA.
Player Spotlight: Caitlin Clark and Nafisa Collier
Caitlin Clark's dominance in the voting is a focal point of the conversation. With over half a million votes, Clark's impact on the league is undeniable. Roz remarks on this growth:
"We're talking about half a million votes came in for Caitlin Clark."
[05:54]
Nafisa Collier also garners significant attention, amassing nearly 500,000 votes. Juju praises her consistent performance:
"John Quill is amazing."
[19:59]
The hosts collectively recognize these players' pivotal roles in their respective teams and the league at large.
Surprising Standings: Angel Reese's Placement
A point of contention arises when Angel Reese, despite being the most followed player on social media with 5 million Instagram followers, ranks at number 13 in the voting. Roz questions:
"Are her fan base not as active and Engaged in the moment where it matters most."
[07:16]
Juju adds a humorous take on Reese's ranking:
"She can't be too cool promoting this and that."
[08:15]
The discrepancy between Reese's social media presence and her voting rank sparks a debate on the factors influencing All-Star selections beyond mere popularity.
Building the All-Star Ballots: Backcourt Picks
The hosts proceed to reveal their personal ballots, starting with backcourt selections.
Juju's Backcourt:
- Paige Bueckers
- Sabrina Yanescu
- Ryan the Howard
- Alicia Gray
Roz challenges Juju's choices, noting the absence of Caitlin Clark and the heavy bias towards the Atlanta Dream:
"I just knew your ballot was going to be heavy, biased and skewing towards the Atlanta dream."
[09:40]
Juju defends his selections by emphasizing player impact over mere popularity, particularly highlighting Paige Bueckers' significant contributions despite her team's struggles.
Roz’s Backcourt: Roz opts for a more strategic approach, selecting:
- Caitlin Clark
- Alicia Gray
- Sabrina Yanescu
- Ryan Howard
She balances her picks by considering both individual performance and team dynamics, aiming for a well-rounded All-Star team.
Building the All-Star Ballots: Front Court Picks
Moving to the front court, Roz and Juju outline their selections.
Roz’s Front Court:
- Nafisa Collier
- Asia Wilson
- Brianna Stewart
- Alyssa Thomas
- Neca Ogwumike
- Jonquil Jones
Roz acknowledges Jonquil Jones' injury but stands by her choice due to her overall contributions:
"Given that voting is ending like the June 28th, when I think of the body of work of what Jonquil Jones has done, I think that's worthy of her position."
[19:59]
Juju’s Front Court:
- Brianna Stewart
- Asia Wilson
- Alyssa Thomas
- Britney Sykes
- Kiki
- Jonquil Jones
Juju emphasizes the importance of versatility and team impact in his selections, particularly praising Alyssa Thomas for her role with the Mercury:
"She makes SATU even better. I think that she has to be on this list."
[20:52]
Reserves and Unmentioned Players
While the primary focus remains on the starters, the hosts briefly touch upon potential reserve selections. Roz advocates for Kayla Thornton, highlighting her steady performance and contributions to the Valkyrie:
"Get you one in Juju."
[26:09]
Juju supports this by commending Thornton's leadership and clutch performances:
"She brings the experience and Valkyrie been going through injuries."
[25:16]
The discussion underscores the depth of talent in the league and the tough decisions voters face in balancing star power with consistent performance.
Conclusions and Final Remarks
As the episode wraps up, Roz and Juju reflect on the dynamic nature of WNBA voting and the league's increasing prominence. They encourage listeners to participate in the voting process while acknowledging the competitive field of deserving players.
Roz concludes with an optimistic outlook:
"This is a safe space for opinions."
[26:46]
The hosts express gratitude to Juju for his insights and enthusiasm, setting the stage for future discussions on WNBA developments and beyond.
Notable Quotes:
- Roz Golden Wood: "The Caitlin Clark effect is real and the league is still growing." (05:50)
- Juju: "She can't be too cool promoting this and that." (08:15)
- Roz Golden Wood: "We're a show of lots of diversity of palates of taste here at Good Follow." (02:46)
- Roz Golden Wood: "This is a safe space for opinions." (26:46)
This episode of "Good Follow" provides a comprehensive analysis of the WNBA All-Star voting landscape, blending statistical insights with passionate discussions. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the league, the hosts offer valuable perspectives on the players shaping the future of women's basketball.