Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: GOOD FOLLOW - The Real SC has been Crowned! Is Sarah Strong the best in the NCAA? Project B Signs Another, & More!
Date: November 18, 2025
Main Hosts: Roz Gold-Onwude and Angel McCoughtry
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

Episode Overview

This episode dives into major NCAA women’s basketball storylines with a dynamic conversation between co-hosts Roz Gold-Onwude and Angel McCoughtry. They break down the highly anticipated South Carolina vs. USC showdown (the "Battle of the SCs"), analyze explosive player performances (highlight: UConn’s Sarah Strong), and react to the latest major signing by Project B, an emerging women’s pro league disrupting the global basketball landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Navigating Legendary Fame (00:23 - 02:01)

• Roz and Angel open up with a story about Angel meeting Eddie Murphy at a screening and the art of respecting celebrity space.
  • Memorable Moment: Angel admits to “punking out” on a photo op:

    “I met Eddie and I punked out on getting a picture, y’all.” (Angel, 01:09)

  • Roz reflects on being the friend who would help get that perfect candid without seeming “thirsty”.

2. Battle of the SCs: South Carolina vs Southern Cal Recap (02:58 - 08:19)

• Game Recap: South Carolina ("Gamecocks") defeated Southern Cal ("Trojans") 69-52 at Crypto.com Arena.
• Stakes:
  • Bragging rights for “the real SC.”
  • Early season games define team identity and expose weaknesses.
• Breakdown of Performances:
  • South Carolina had only one returning starter from their championship team (Raven Johnson).
    • Raven Johnson: 14 pts, 11 rebs, 4 asts, 2 blks (05:14)
  • Joyce Edwards: 17 pts, 10 rebs, 2 stl, 2 blks—shows promise but must reduce turnovers.
  • Transfer Tanaya Latson: Adaptation to new system noted—contributed 12 pts.
  • Southern Cal: Three-point shooting woes (1 for 14), but highlight for sophomore Kennedy Smith (12 pts).
• Team Identity and Culture:
  • South Carolina leaned on defensive culture and rebounding dominance (56 to 32).
  • Roz:

    “Even though they got all these things, they’re figuring it out…they have a culture. Defense, rebounding, defense limited Jazzy Davidson.” (07:08)

• Quotes:
  • Angel on Don Staley’s coaching:

    “She’s a great leader and she knows how to fit them in with their strengths… it’s dawn for me.” (06:28)

  • Roz, on South Carolina:

    “They held the Trojans to seven points in the fourth quarter… at the end of the day, we’re going to defend, we’re going to rebound. That’s the sign of a great program.” (07:44)

3. Standout NCAA Performances & Sarah Strong Hype (08:19 - 14:59)

• Insane Stat Lines:

  • UConn’s Sarah Strong vs. Ohio State:
    29 pts, 13 rebs, 7 asts, 5 stl, 3 blks, 12-17 FG, 2-4 3PT, 0 turnovers (08:34)
    • Roz:

      “Zero turnovers…my gosh. As a sophomore.”

  • Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo vs. Akron:
    44 pts, 9 rebs, 4 asts, and an astounding 16 steals (!) in 28 minutes (08:53)
    • Angel:

      “Jesus Christ. What the helly?”

  • Iowa State’s Audi Crooks vs. Valparaiso:
    43 pts in 20 minutes, 80% FG.

• The ‘UConn Way’:

  • Roz details UConn’s offensive system, IQ, pace, and conditioning:

    “There’s a UConn way. They’re very smart, cerebral, IQ offense… conditioning level is superior.” (13:20)

  • Angel on Geno Auriemma’s system:

    “Geno could take average player right now off the street… bring her in his system, and she’s going to be a star.” (13:01)

  • Both praise how the UConn system makes players better and is often imitated.

• Sarah Strong’s All-Around Performance:

  • Roz lauds her engagement on both ends—“to be that involved and have no mistakes… her IQ, poise, versatility…is really impressive for a sophomore.” (14:46)

4. Is Sarah Strong the Best in the NCAA? – Player Comparisons (15:24 - 18:41)

• Comparisons:
  • Maya Moore (SC’s physical tools, room for midrange development)
  • Breanna Stewart (two-way impact)
  • Angel McCoughtry says:

    “She could play 2, 3, 4… she reminds me of Alyssa Thomas. Elite IQ…passes, hits the three, powers through contact, elite motor.” (16:46)

  • Consensus: Sarah Strong is “positionless,” has a triple-double game, and is currently playing as the best in the country.
  • Roz:

    “Very exciting to see. We’ll be watching Sarah Strong all year.” (18:41)

5. Project B – The International Disruptor (20:00 - 24:32)

• Latest News: Jonquel Jones joins Project B (with Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas).
  • League offers $2M+ salaries, equity ownership, plays overseas (Europe, Asia, Latin America), right after the WNBA season.
• Angel’s Concerns & Questions:
  • Implications for the WNBA—possible rule changes, CBA pressure.

  • “Are they going to put stipulations on this league like they do for players who play overseas?... This puts a lot of pressure on the W.” (21:46)

  • She questions potential market impact—especially for mid-tier players.
• Roz’s Counterpoint:
  • Project B as “a way of taking care of themselves in this current cycle” for older players fighting for the next generation.

  • “The consistent theme is these are players… 32 and up… fighting for the next generation in the cba. While they’re doing that, Project B is kind of a way of taking care of themselves…” (22:56)

• **Both acknowledge Project B puts valuable pressure on the WNBA to address pay and CBA issues. Open questions remain: What will Project B’s full model look like, and how will it affect fans and WNBA players on the margins?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Angel McCoughtry on UConn’s System:

  “If I ever become a coach, I will mock UConn system to the T.” (11:44)

• Roz on Sarah Strong’s College Performance:

  “…Her IQ, her poise, her versatility, her control on the court is really impressive for a sophomore.” (14:46)

• On Project B:
  • Angel:

    “Are they going to start doing these stipulations?…The fans are worried. But I think the beautiful thing about this is, it puts pressure on the W to figure out the CBA.” (21:46)

  • Roz:

    "The consistent theme is: these are players 32 and up... while they're fighting for the next generation... Project B is taking care of themselves in this cycle. And I'm not mad at that." (22:56)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening banter/Eddie Murphy: 00:23 – 02:01
• SC vs. USC Game Recap & Analysis: 02:58 – 08:19
• Notable NCAA Stat Lines (Sarah Strong, Hidalgo, Crooks): 08:19 – 14:59
• Discussion: Is Sarah Strong the Best in the NCAA?: 15:24 – 18:41
• Project B Signing & League Impact: 20:00 – 24:32

Tone & Style

The conversation is lively, personal, and insightful, with first-hand anecdotes and plenty of playful banter. Roz and Angel bring expert analysis, candid perspective, and an infectious passion for women’s basketball and its evolving landscape.

Summary prepared for listeners who want a deep, engaging rundown on women’s hoops, Sarah Strong’s breakout, and the new era of pro opportunities with Project B.