Podcast Summary: "Good Follow - UCLA HC Cori Close Joins the Show, Clark Injured, is Kiki ROTY? + Aces & Sky Rough Start & More"

Hosts: Roz Goldenwoode and Logan Hackett
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Guest: Corey Close, Head Coach of UCLA Women's Basketball
Presented by: DraftKings

Introduction

In this episode of Good Follow, hosts Roz Goldenwoode and Logan Hackett delve into the latest happenings in women's basketball, focusing on key players' performances, team dynamics, and an exclusive interview with UCLA’s Head Coach, Corey Close. Skipping all promotional segments, the discussion centers entirely on the sports content.

Caitlin Clark's Injury and Its Impact on the Fever

Timestamp: [03:26] - [05:23]

Caitlin Clark, a standout player for the WNBA team Fever, suffers a left quad strain, sidelining her for at least two weeks after an impressive streak of 185 consecutive games since her high school sophomore year. Logan Hackett expresses concern:

"How can Caitlin use this time while out dealing with this injury to kind of work on other things that she needs to." ([03:26])

Roz Goldenwoode analyzes the potential positives, suggesting that this downtime might allow Clark to refocus and improve her efficiency, despite her already impressive averages of 19 points, nine assists, and six rebounds per game.

WNBA Fever: Team Dynamics Without Clark

Timestamp: [05:23] - [08:50]

With Clark out, the Fever faces challenges in maintaining their performance. Aaliyah Boston has stepped up, delivering double-doubles, but Roz points out the reliance on the duo of Boston and Clark in the pick-and-roll strategy. She emphasizes the need for other players like Kelsey Mitchell to adapt and for the team to enhance their defensive strategies:

"They have to continue to get serious about it. And especially if perhaps you lose some offensive power, then you've got to get even better on defense." ([05:46])

Aces’ Performance and Challenges

Timestamp: [08:50] - [11:21]

The Dallas Aces have had a shaky start to the season, dropping two of their last three games. Despite Asia Durr leading in all statistical categories, the team struggles with defensive discipline and turnovers. Roz criticizes their defensive lapses:

"They allowed 34 points in the first quarter... they just absolutely outplayed them." ([09:54])

Chicago Sky’s Issues: Defense and Offense Struggles

Timestamp: [11:21] - [20:50]

The Chicago Sky face significant hurdles, starting the season with three losses and grappling with high turnover rates and poor free-throw percentages. Roz highlights Angel Reese's struggles with efficiency and decision-making:

"She's averaging nine points, about 14 rebounds per game... but she's also averaging about five turnovers a game." ([16:49])

She also discusses the importance of defensive improvement and better team cohesion to turn their season around.

Neki Gomicay's Achievements

Timestamp: [12:22] - [13:36]

Neki Gomicay stands out with her consistent performance, moving up in the all-time scoring and steals lists. Roz praises her:

"If you ever bored go to Basketball Reference and look up NECA stats... she plays very dependable and thoughtful." ([12:22])

Her versatility and ability to enhance her teammates' performances make her a pivotal player in the league.

Kelsey Plum's MVP Case

Timestamp: [14:09] - [15:33]

Kelsey Plum continues to shine with impressive scoring averages and assists, positioning herself as a strong candidate for the MVP award. Roz highlights her multifaceted gameplay:

"She's a hard worker, and then she's highly skilled... she's making things happen." ([15:33])

Her leadership and on-court intelligence significantly contribute to the Sparks' success.

Kiki Areafin's Rookie of the Year (RoTY) Consideration

Timestamp: [20:50] - [22:28]

Kiki Areafin emerges as a frontrunner for the RoTY award, boasting four consecutive double-doubles and remarkable rebounding stats. Roz acknowledges her potential:

"She has a motor... she's got a motor. And I just want to shout out Sonya too, because she's got a rookie of the year case as well." ([22:28])

The discussion includes the possibility of a co-RoTY award, highlighting the exceptional talent within the current draft class.

Exclusive Interview: Coach Corey Close of UCLA Women's Basketball

Timestamp: [23:06] - [50:01]

Roz Goldenwoode sits down with Corey Close, the National Coach of the Year, to discuss her experiences leading UCLA to the Final Four, navigating the transfer portal, and adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball.

Gratitude and Joy

Corey emphasizes the importance of choosing joy and gratitude to maintain a positive mindset amidst challenges:

"Gratitude and joy really are hand in hand... it is truly a discipline." ([24:25])

Transfer Portal Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the complexities of the transfer portal, with Corey reflecting on its impact on team cohesion and recruitment:

"There is such thing as too much talent... some of them might be the right decision for some of them to leave." ([29:01])

She discusses the difficulty in retaining players and the need to adapt leadership strategies to manage these dynamics effectively.

Building Team Dynamics

Corey shares insights on blending experience with new talent, planning for a mix of freshmen and transfers to ensure team stability and performance:

"I have to have a blend of experience, proven players... It’s like running a company." ([33:57])

Final Four Experience and Lessons

Reflecting on UCLA's Final Four appearance against UConn, Corey admits areas for improvement, particularly in handling "inches" and maintaining discipline:

"The inches at that level are so small... they made less errors than we did." ([47:42])

She underscores the importance of habits and character in achieving success beyond mere talent.

Leadership and Future Plans

Corey discusses her leadership evolution, the necessity to delegate, and the emotional toll of coaching. She expresses a commitment to adapting to the new era of college basketball:

"I think we have to change... If I can't do it in this new landscape, I will get out or I'll go coach in the WNBA." ([34:40])

Closing Thoughts

The episode wraps up with final remarks on upcoming games and sports headlines, maintaining a focus on women's basketball and its rising stars. Roz and Logan reiterate their enthusiasm for the discussions and express gratitude to Corey Close for her candid insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Roz Goldenwoode on Caitlin Clark’s Injury:

  "Maybe it could be a blessing in disguise for her." ([05:23])

• Corey Close on Gratitude:

  "If you don't choose joy and gratitude... that's what will happen." ([24:25])

• Roz on Chicago Sky's Defense:

  "They just absolutely outplayed them." ([09:54])

• Corey Close on Coaching Challenges:

  "I am waiting for the next couple of years to see if this pendulum comes back to a better centering point." ([34:24])

This episode of Good Follow offers an in-depth analysis of current WNBA dynamics, shines a spotlight on emerging talents, and provides a profound look into the challenges faced by college coaches in today’s competitive environment.