April 2, 2025 • 45 mins
This week, Khristina is joined by award-winning sports analyst LaChina Robinson for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of women’s basketball. LaChina reflects on her journey in sports media, the mentors who shaped her career, and the challenges she faced breaking into the industry.
The duo also discuss the excitement surrounding this year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament, highlighting standout performances, the rising popularity of the game, and how media coverage has helped propel women’s college basketball to new heights. LaChina also shares her insights on the upcoming WNBA Draft, highlighting some key prospects, team needs, and what the next generation of WNBA stars will bring to the league.
Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams
Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a rating and a review!
CREDITS
Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producers:
Mike Coscarelli
Buffy Gorrilla
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Host:
Khristina Williams
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
missed It with Christina Williams here on iHeartRadio, and the
Elite eight is over. There was lots of things that happened.
(00:24):
Dukon came out on top, big game from Sarah Strong,
and the stage is set now for the Final four.
So I'm looking forward to this week's conversation. So I'm
super excited about this week's guest to me in my eyes,
to such a OG but legend in the game of media.
(00:44):
So without further ado, let me introduce sports analyst and
basketball reporter co founder of Rising Media Stars, Lachina Robinson
to the show. La China, thank you for joining.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Us, Thank you for having me, Christina, And let me
just say what I've learned over time is OG stands
for you old okay, been around a long time, but
thank you so much for having me. I've enjoyed watching
you blossom in this sports media world, especially around women's basketball,
and I'm so happy you have your own platform.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Yay yay, you know it's so crazy because I remember
my one of my first times meeting you was the
twenty nineteen WNBA Finals and that was the first time
I met toa Rica as well.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Shout out to t hey dude, and I just remember
you gathering all of the reporters of color, like we
have to capture this moment, we have to capture this moment.
And we all took that picture together center Court in Connecticut.
But yeah, that was a special moment. And to see
where each and every person who was in that picture
where they ended up today in the media space, I
think it's super special that we can all reflect back
(01:49):
on that moment. But thank you for seeing me back
then and just always being someone that I could reach
out to when I need advice in the game. But
I want to start the convert with this a little
icebreaker question. What is something that has brought you joy
this week?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Something that has brought me joy this week? You know,
I had a spa day yesterday with one of my
friends who had a baby about six months ago. And
when I tell you I have not seen my homegirl
in six months, I mean, obviously the transition into motherhood
is her first child, can be rather challenging. And getting
(02:27):
your bearings and feeling well mentally and physically and taking
care of the baby and learning. So I hadn't touched
base with her in a minute, and we just had
such a rejuvenating time, Like, yes, the spa was amazing.
I left and hopefully Muskin got a little extra glow
on it right now, But I see it. We're just
really spiritually aligned. And if anything, you know how it is, Christina,
(02:52):
Like there's a people you associate with, there's people who
you're connected to, maybe through your job, but there's like
your inner inner circle. And I would consider this friend
someone in my inner circle. And we really just shared
things on a spiritual level that came as a point
of like confirmation for my journey and just made me
(03:15):
feel all warm and loved, and.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Yeah, that was my joy.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
And it's interesting hearing you talk about the sisterhood and
all of us meeting and taking that picture. It means
so much to me to be surrounded by such incredible women.
And not only is this friend someone that I've become
very obviously fond of and love and rely on for support,
but I would say that about you and into Rika
(03:41):
and all of us that are kind of in this
media circle together, especially around women's basketball, because we have
had some amazing moments, but we've also had some challenging
moments and they continue in this space. So it's a
full circle to be talking to you today coming off
of that moment of joy with my good friend.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Absolutely love that, and I agree with you. I think
that community is so important, especially in the women's basketball space.
I'm glad that we could all lean on each other.
But you talked a little bit about your journey and
just finding that balance to self reflect when you think
about your start in media, how did you transition from
being a college athlete into becoming a member of the
(04:21):
media in a basketball analyst?
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Getting lost several times, that's how I describe even my journey,
and I stay getting lost.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
But I also believe that everything happens for a reason.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
When I finished playing college basketball, I got into college administration.
I actually worked at Georgia Tech on the administrative side.
I worked with women's basketball, but my trek was I
wanted to be an athletics director one day and thanks
to a quarter life crisis at like twenty six, twenty
seven years old, where I was suddenly like I don't
think I want to do this anymore. That opened the
(04:55):
door for an exploration that I really needed to learn
more about myself and what my most positive attributes were
and what people think about me when I enter the room,
and as I started to put all of the notes
together that I was gathering, but also just really self reflection.
What is it that I wake up every day thinking about?
(05:16):
What is the thing I would do for free? All
arrows from all of that research pointed back to women's basketball.
Media always wanted to grow the game, loved what it
did for me in my life as a woman and
a young girl growing up. Remember Pat Summit looking into
the television and saying, we need more coverage of women's basketball.
(05:37):
And so all of those moments were pointing towards the
career that I have now. But it wasn't an easy transition.
I mean, you know that. And it feels like you
had more of a handle on what.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
You wanted to do than I did when I was
your age when you were getting into the business. But
I just worked really hard. Quite honestly, I heard a
lot of nose.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
I had no experience on television. I wasn't a gold medalist,
I didn't play for a Hall of Fame coach. Like
my resume did not scream, you know, sign her up
right now as your next basketball analyst, but just became
a student of the broadcast, had a lot of amazing
guidance on the way and thank goodness, but maybe not
(06:18):
at that time, it wasn't a long line to cover
women's basketball. There weren't a lot of people knocking down
the doors. So when I was like, I want to
cover women's basketball, everyro was like, oh okay.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
You know, like we.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Don't have space for you in the NBA or in
men's basketball. We don't have space for you in football,
but if you want to cover women's basketball, sure go ahead.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Like it wasn't at high demand, so there were opportunities
for me.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
And I always tell people I don't feel like I've
worked a day in my life because I just love
what I do so much. I love the game, and
I'm so excited about the growth that we're seeing in
a sport.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
I would have to agree with you. I honestly didn't
think that I would be where I am today. I
started Girls Talk Sports TV back seven years ago. Wow,
there's something as a hobby as a passion because I
loved women's basketball. As you mentioned, there weren't a lot
of opportunities, so I had to pretty much create my
own opportunity and then, you know, wait for it to
pay off. But in that period of waiting, like what
(07:16):
motivated you to keep going? Because the opportunities were slim
to none when you were getting started in the business.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
The stories that needed to be told, Like I would
wake up every day like why isn't someone talking about
Tamika catchings? Like I want to know more about shamik
Wi Hold's claw, Like there was never enough information for
me about the players, about the coaches, about these teams.
Like I would wake up and go to bed just
thinking about things that I knew I wanted to know
(07:48):
as a former player, as a fan of the game,
as someone who worked in that space, And instead of
passing the buck, I was like, someone else's got to
do it.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
And even though that meant not.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Getting paid very much for a while, even though that
meant traveling to cities that most people in America haven't
been to to cover the women's game, even though that
meant that at that point I wasn't gonna get the
spotlight of covering men's sports, like, these stories meant something
to me, and I knew how inspirational they were, and
(08:20):
I knew the impact of if you can see her,
you can be heard. If we got these stories out
about how much sport has meant to these amazing women
and how they've built themselves and their character and their
brand through the.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
Sport of basketball, that more young girls would follow.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
So it really I wouldn't say it was a burden,
but it was something that motivated me every day, no
matter the circumstance, no matter the hurdle was these athletes
and coaches deserved it, and just because they're women and
other people didn't value it, this is the big time
to me, like women's basketball is the destination in my eyes.
So whatever I had to do to push the needle
(09:00):
into to get the sport growth and the media aspect,
I was going to do that.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
And you have done that with your company Rising Media
Stars being able to just give back to the next
generation of storytellers, reporters and analysts. And also I don't
know if I'm qualified to, you know, put in an application,
but come on over, girl, talk about Rising Media Stars
and what it means to you to be able to
(09:24):
you know, give back to the next generation.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Rising Media Stars is a nonprofit that I started wow
in theory back in like twenty eleven, right, because that's
when I had first started to really become a mentor.
I was getting so many emails from young girls that
were saying, I want to cover women's basketball, or I
want to sit in your seat one day.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
So whenever I could grab coffee or have.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Someone come and shadow me, I wanted to do that
because I knew the impact of actually being able to
reach out and touch someone that is doing the job
that you aspire to do, not just seeing them from afar,
but asking them questions, getting guidance. And so I started
taking those emails and those requests even though I didn't even.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Really know what I was doing back then.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
But I would say Rising Media Stars became a formal
program back in twenty eighteen where my co founder Kevin Nixon,
and I accepted our first class, And basically it's a
program where we take five women of color every year
and we take them through what we feel like is
preparation for a long, illustrious career. And in sports broadcasting,
(10:33):
all of our women come from different backgrounds, different levels
of experience.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
We have a selection committee that has a really.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Hard job of narrowing it down to five, but they
get in the field experience.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
They covered the final four, they cover the draft.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
We work with our local sports teams here in Atlanta
where they get an opportunity to do stand ups and
sit in the press box and go into the locker room.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
So we are giving them real.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Life experience around how to grow as towards broadcasters, but
also providing them a community, a sisterhood mentors, just lots
of valuable experience which we hope will be the connector
that they need to encourage them and to nourish them
and to educate them on this journey. I mean, career
transitions are the toughest and you never know how long
(11:19):
you're going to be there until you get your moment,
and so we just want to be there as a resource,
as a point of encouragement of confidence. And honestly, it's
the most rewarding work I've ever done. I mean, looking
at the TV screen even last night and seeing Andrea Carter,
who was in our first class, and what she's doing.
We had nothing to do with who Andrea Carter is.
She would have been the amazing broadcaster that she is
(11:41):
without us, but to know she was a part of
our program and we helped her, you know, get those
first reps as a sideline reporter and things like that
just make me feel so good because now everyone's getting
to see her and her brilliance. And we hope all
of our women, no matter where they are in that journey,
will shine the way Andrea has, the way Stevenson hazar
or isis young, you know, and all of them will
(12:04):
get to where they want to be in their journey.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
I absolutely love that if you can see her, you
can be here. As you said earlier, and also shout
out to Misha Jones, producer on the Sarah Spain podcast,
you came through your program as well. So I love
that to get to you know, give an opportunity to
the women to be able to have different opportunities in
different career fields in sport. So now let's go down
(12:27):
to the nitty gritty and reason my way here to
break down this week's headlines and women's basketball in case
you guys missed it. Breaking headlines this week, Notre Dames
Olivia Mouse, the projected twenty twenty five number two pick
is going to forego the WNBA draft and enter the
transfer portal. Where were you when you heard this news
(12:49):
break from Shams?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
I was sitting on my couch and quite honestly, Christina,
I am on a break from social media right now,
which is the worst time to be taking a bird
because everything is happening with March madness. So I'll hit
treek up and like what's going on and give me
the juice so I don't see a lot of things
firsthand in this stretch. I gave it up for LYNT
just so everyone knows. I didn't pick this time a
(13:12):
year for my social media fast But here we are.
So my fiance, who was sitting on the couch next
to me, turns to me and says, Babe, Olivia Miles.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
I was like what.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
He was like, she's not going to the WNBA, and
I said what And he said and she's not going
back to Notre Dame and I said, okay, hold on,
hold on. So that's when I broke my phone out
and had to start searching for the headlines because I
was like what.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
And I don't know.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
Why it came as a shock, because we know that
these options are open for these women and looking at
how much the.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
College game has grown because of Nil, Like.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
Of course, duh, But it was still a moment of
reflection to me, like, Wow, the freedom, the freedom that
women's basketball players have now to prioritize whatever it is
that's most important to them in their lives in that
moment in their careers. They can do that, and I'm
glad that they do have more options. But I was
definitely taken back.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
I was as well. I think I was more shocked
that she entered the transfer portal. But I think what
stands out to me the most is, as you said,
players have the freedom to make these choices now. And
also I would be remiss if we didn't bring up
the CBA that's supposed to be in process of negotiations
currently and how that will have an impact on the
(14:29):
rookie scale salaries. But when we look at the twenty
twenty five draft, who do you think benefits from her absence?
Speaker 4 (14:37):
Yeah? Well, I want to go back for one moment
when it comes to this decision by Olivia Miles, because
I think you make a fantastic point, Christina about the CBA.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
The other thing to think about with Olivia Miles is
her career probably didn't in the way she wanted, right,
did not play well down the stretch. NCAA tournament numbers
were down, and she now has a chance to come
back and win a national championship depending on where she lands. Right.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
The other thing that's interesting and very intriguing for me
when it comes to Olivia, and this is a conversation
we're having with all possible WNBA draftees. Right, It's like you're.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Making money within IL in school, and then there's the
WNBA where you know your rookie salary is not great,
but you get to play with the best in the
league and those ANIL deals can.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Come with you. But when I think about the superstars
of this year in particular, whether it's Page Beckers or
a flage A Johnson, when comparing to Olivia Miles, they
all had that brand attraction and that marketability. But we
didn't see Olivia Miles as much.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
We didn't see her on the commercials the way we
saw Page and the way we saw flage And so
there seems to be an opportunity now that she's come
back from injury, that more people are watching her play
seeing how dynamics she especially with.
Speaker 4 (16:00):
Her style, the highlights, the goggles like, there's so.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Much marketing ability of there, and so she could probably
looking at the potential for more NIL deals and.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
To just really possibly be the face of women's basketball
next year.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
I mean, if obviously Juju is working her way back
from injury, you have Lauren Betts there, but if la
Je Johnson leaves, and there's definitely an opportunity there for
Olivia Miles to take a step up from a marketing standpoint.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
All right, Chal, we gonna take a quick pause and
we'll have more from this conversation with the China Robinson
when you return. When you think about Notre Dame next year,
where do you think that program stands without a player
(16:50):
like Olivia Miles, And how do they replace a talent
like that?
Speaker 4 (16:55):
You don't you can't replace a talent like.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
That, you know.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Your your mind automatically goes to Hannah Hidalgo and her
just taking on more of the lift with Notre Dame.
They are losing a lot with Sony Ciditron, with Wes Beld,
now possibly with the Olivia Miles if she doesn't make
a decision to go back to Notre Dame. And so
there's a lot of rebuilding that has to happen roster wise,
(17:23):
and they have talent there, you know, I just think
more from an experience standpoint, that's where they would be
taking a step back. So will they be in position
next year to possibly get to a Final four? Will
that experience has to build? It depends on what they're
able to do in the off season with you know,
portal opportunities.
Speaker 4 (17:43):
Et cetera.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
But that's actually where my mind goes for Notre Dame
more than anything. It's not about the coaching staff, not
even as much about the roster as it stands any
of that. It's like, what is the university's commitment to
number one, like the portal, right, because we know, depending
(18:04):
on your school, some of those nuances and dynamics of
the portal system maybe not to your advantage. But then
also you know what's going on with Nil right, like
what does the pocket of money.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Look like and what can they offer?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
But there's definitely some rebuilding that has to be done,
and in my mind, you know, Notre Dame with the
roster as is, takes a major step back as a
as a championship contender with losing Olivia Miles.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
It's certainly interesting to see how the off season in
college basketball is mirroring like a free agency. And even
on the men's side, you're starting to see current active
NBA players become gns general managers for their alma maters.
Steph Curry's going back to Davidson to be an assistant GM.
Trey Young was just named the assistant GM at Oklahoma.
(18:58):
So I'm wondering if the women's basketball space, if they
will sort of mirror's mirror that trend of having former
players help in the recruitment of players and building rosters.
It's just an interesting thing that I've been seeing.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
Yeah, it would.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
I'll say, though, is you know, with Steph Curry, I believe,
and in this situation, he's also giving a big check, right,
And so I don't know that w NBA players at
this point, even though the money is getting there, the
bag is getting there. Trey Young also cut a check
(19:33):
so that it seems to be going along with this
GM position and making sure that their schools are competitive
when it comes to NIL. So yeah, not saying the
w NBA bag is a deep, but position wide.
Speaker 4 (19:50):
Yeah, to do the job. Yeah, they can.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
They can help but I actually think this is more
about the money is available to those schools absolutely well.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Looking ahead to the Final four on Friday, the stage
is set, Yukon, Texas, South Carolina and UCLA will play
for you know, their chance of getting a championship. When
you look at the four teams who have made it
to the final four, what stands out to you the
most about this group of teams?
Speaker 2 (20:19):
Man, Well, first of all, I love the longevity of
these coaches, right, not that it is a downer if
a new face or a young coach makes it to
the final four, but it speaks volumes for what Gino
has done for a very long time and we tend
to take for granted, or what Don Staley has built
(20:42):
in South Carolina, which I think this is like seventeen
years for her. It's crazy how fast that has gone,
but that's tremendous growth, and she's built it from the bottom.
And Corey Close, who was an assistant at Florida State
when I played basketball at Wake Forest. Corey has been
doing this for a very long time. And of course
Vic Schafer has as well, you know in his previous
(21:03):
at Mississippi State and then at Texas A and m
as an assistant for many years alongside Gary Blair. So
I just love that these coaches are still getting to
see the fruits of many years of labor with the
success of their teams. But in terms of the identity
of the teams, it's the defense. It's the ability of
these teams to really lock you down and force you
(21:26):
to be uncomfortable on the offensive end. I mean, they
all can do that. Texas stands out the most because
of the style in which they do it with the pressing,
the aggressiveness, the denial, but every single one of these
teams has the ability to lock you up, and whether
it's Lauren Bets in the middle for UCLA as a
shot blocker really changing what you can do at the rim,
(21:47):
or South Carolina and how they can keep bodies coming
in with their depth. Boy, I mean, the players keep
coming right so they can stay fresh on the defensive end.
And then Yukon having you know, Gino and Chris, who
are some of the best game planners and scouters, are
going to have a plan to shut down your defense.
Speaker 4 (22:05):
So I think that's something that I'm.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Excited about, is to see how these offenses show up
because every team in the final four, can lock you down.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
How it's gonna be. My next question about the key
fact is that will determine who will come out on top.
So you're saying it's gonna be the defense that will determine.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
It's the defense they have in common, but I would
say the factor then in turn becomes the offense.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
Can you score a bucket against these defenses? Like do
you have enough offensive variety and depth in which you
can do offensively? But then also do you understand your
offensive priority? Let me tell you about offensive priority and
how I feel like we don't talk about that enough.
In the game of basketball, you need to know who.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
Needs to be taking shots, when, where and why at
all times because those possessions start to sh when you
get to this level, when you get to championships rounds,
when you get to the final four. So your ability
to know and make those decisions under duress against a
tough defense is important. And so while the defense is
(23:13):
the one thing that these teams have in common, that
in turn means that my key for these four teams
is what can you do to score? How dynamic can
you be on offense against a tough defense?
Speaker 4 (23:24):
And then how.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
Can you balance that variety in versatility and offense with
knowing where your shots need to come from, because before
you know it, it's a tight game. You know it's
the end of the fourth quarter, and if you haven't
spent those offensive possessions the way you want, you're gonna
feel it down the stretch of the game. You're gonna
want to get your best player going, You're gonna want
to get the balls in the pay and get high
percented shots.
Speaker 4 (23:45):
All of those things for every single one of these
teams is going to be critical.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
We know that this time of the year is the
time where you know stars are made. So are there
any players who have been standing out to you in
particular throughout the tournament?
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (24:00):
Man, yeah, I mean I you know, Christina, you probably
know this, but I have started to cover more WNBA
than college.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
I covered college.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
For fifteen seasons and so I don't do as much
college coverage.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
But I still watch.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Especially a lot of the superstars that I know will
be playing in the WNBA. And Sarah Strong from Connecticut
has me in a whole choke hold, like as six' to,
two all the things she can do in the, poise
And i'm grateful AND i still can't believe.
Speaker 4 (24:32):
IT i have to pinch.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Myself AND i have a relationship with her, Mother Alison,
feaster who was one of my heroes growing, Up SO
i was texting her in That elite eight game, like
are you serious right? Now just watching her go to
work AGAINST usc and how calm she is and how
confident she is in her skill. Set cannot believe that
she's a. Freshman so definitely keeping my eyes on her.
(24:55):
Page beckers is always. There Asy fudd to me as
THE x factor for, them BUT i would say collectively
For texas love their. Defense malaysia Full wilie is always
someone WHO i hold my breath when she's getting ready
to come down the floor because you know she's gonna
go behind the, back she's gonna do something and make
it look so.
Speaker 4 (25:13):
Easy And i'm just intrigued.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
By the impact and the steps forward that she will,
take you, know in this final four and to see
how she continues.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
To grow as a.
Speaker 2 (25:23):
Player and Then Lauren, Betts i'm, obsessed quite, honestly as
a big girl that played the game in the. Post her,
aggressiveness her relentlessness like sometimes with post players or bigs
as they're, Developing like it's always a little bit later than. Guards,
guards you, know they come out and they know they've
(25:44):
got the. Ball they're small and small to meum six
y four and they got big. Mouse they talk all the.
Trash they want to take the big. Shots so we
hear about the guards so often having that. Moxie but
to see that From Lauren betts at six seven now
she's not afraid to be that she's gonna post, strong
that she embraces her size and her. ADVANTAGE i love,
(26:05):
It LIKE i am about all Things Lauren betts right.
Now LIKE i Know Asia wilson had posted something always
back AND i had the chance to COVER ucla up
close and, personal like the footwork is, complete the shot,
blocking passing out of, traffic all those. Things Like ucla
has something that no one else in this final four
has and That's Lauren. Betts and you can't teach side
(26:28):
and you can't teach that level of. Skills So i'm
excited about all the. Stars but those are a few
highlights for.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Me, YEAH i agree with all three that you, said
Especially Sarah. STRONG i, mean she's a, freshman but she
cures herself like a senior and the maturity Of malaysia,
folally just seeing her growth from last year to this,
year just being able to be clutching the moment For
South carolina has definitely been exciting. Basketball and as you
Mentioned Lauren, BETTS i, mean she's just been phenomenal FOR.
(26:56):
Ucla what's a prediction that you have for this final
four that may surprise the audience listening right?
Speaker 4 (27:03):
Now you, KNOW i Can.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
I've been asked this, question AND i don't know THAT
i can come up with something that's just, like, oh,
like CAUSE i do think there's been consistency with these
teams pretty much LIKE i was gonna, say someone other
than the Big stars is going to be the most
outstanding player right of the final, Four but that's not
A bowld prediction like that.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
Can, happen, Right SO i don't know if that really.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
Counts you, Know i'm wanna say something crazy AND i
don't really actually have any backing for this, Whatsoever but
we could see a lineup change in the final, four
AND i don't know who that could. Be BUT i
am leaning into these coaches and they're years of knowledge
(27:54):
and their ability to adjust to the, Moment so we
could see a starting lineup, change.
Speaker 4 (27:59):
AND i will say it doesn't have to be the
beginning of the.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
Game it could be a starting lineup change in the
third quarter of a, game, Right but that is something
That i'm not necessarily a fan, of BUT i think
could be an interesting wrinkle or dynamic in this final
four that we might.
Speaker 1 (28:16):
SEE i just want to point out To Chloe kids
also came to. MIND i know that we talked about
players that have been standing out the tournament, time but
Also Chloe kits has been exciting to see in terms
of her contributions To South.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
Carolina saying it is like my.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Niece i've known her since she was five or six years,
old and when she was taking those fade away one
leg jump shots Against duke When South carolina needed, BUCKETS
i was, like look at.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
HER i was super.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
Proud so, Yeah i'm with you in The gangcock inside.
Game it's it's been it's been really.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Good, hey y'all are going to take another. Break and
when we get back more of this week's. HEADLINES i
have a little bit of a bonus question for you,
now a little fun bonus. Question if you could choose
(29:11):
or pick your own starting five out of the players
who are in the final four right, now who would
you pick if you had to create your own little
starting five using the players from the fourteens in the final.
Speaker 4 (29:22):
Four, WELL i think.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
It's gonna be definitely the players THAT i just, mentioned Right,
SO i would say pagebackers in the backcourt, yep With
malaysia Full. WILEY i would Say Madison booker for. Sure
But i'm gonna put a little twist on this and
Put Madison booker in the power forward.
Speaker 4 (29:46):
Position i'm gonna Put Lauren betts at my, center no.
Speaker 2 (29:51):
Surprise and my last backcourt member is maybe gonna surprise some,
people BUT i am the the, biggest Biggest Tessa johnson Van.
LIKE i Think tessa is so, smooth her defense is much.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
Improved she's like locked.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
In she gives you a little bit of size in
the backcourd Like i'm.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Going i'm Going. Tessa.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
Now there is honorable. MENTION i told You Sadaia Fagan
i've known, forever SO i got to put her out.
There But i'm also A dmv, girl so honorable mention
would Be Asy fudd And Kiki. Rice anybody could be
there in, there but those two for, sure so that
would be my starting. Five it would Be, Page, Tessa, Malaysia,
(30:42):
Madison Lauren.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
BETTS i like that.
Speaker 1 (30:44):
GROUP i like that group all. Right moving right along
to the twenty twenty five to help YOU mbah. Draft
you just Mentioned Paige becker's The Dallas wings hold the
number one pick And page she has officially declared for the.
DRAFT i don't think it was ever a question to.
ME i don't think there was ever a question if she.
Would you, know it's a clear for this year's. Draft
but how do you see her fitting into The wings
(31:06):
roster if they if they draft?
Speaker 4 (31:08):
Her, YEAH i see her fitting very.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
WELL i, mean playing alongside A Riquet goombawala that is
going to be an amazing. Backcourt and What i'll say
About page's game, is right, now she is reminding us
that she can score the.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
Basketball we already knew that she's a great.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
Pastor she sees the floor so, well and we've seen
that scoring in, spurts but nothing like we've seen with
the pressure on her shoulders under duress post, injury in,
particular as she's been getting her.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
BEARINGS i, Mean.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
I've been really impressed with her and showing that she
has that other dimension just makes her that much more
valuable in that. BACKCOURT i already really like the acquisition
of DJ A. CARRINGTON i Think Ty harris is way
underrated and doesn't get the credit that she deserves as
WHAT i believe to be one of the best league
guards in the.
Speaker 4 (32:02):
League SO i Think page will fit in very. Well
AND i love that For.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
Dallas right they're getting ready to make a move to
a bigger facility downtown In. Dallas they'll be able to
fit you, know maybe three, thousand four thousand more, FANS i,
believe and so that's got to be exciting for that
community to think about the prospect of Getting paige and
her resilience also is something THAT i think is going
to make her a great Pro and.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
You mentioned her score and, ability BUT i think that
the efficiency is what stands out to me the. Most
like she can score at a high, level but she's
really efficient at, it And i'm excited to see how
she could potentially help The Dallas. Wings moving right along
to The Golden State, valkyries who have already started to
build their roster through the Expansion, draft and now they'll
have a chance to add some pieces in this year's,
(32:48):
draft having the fifth pick in each of the three
rounds at the, draft what do you think they should
prioritize in terms of getting players that will help compliment
their roster to help them compete if if that's your.
GOAL i know that ownership has come out publicly and
said they want to they want them to win a
championship in five. YEARS i know that this year is
kind of a you, know jumble with just teams having
(33:11):
different players and this being the debut season for The.
Valkyries what do you think that they can do in
this year's?
Speaker 2 (33:17):
Draft, yeah let ME i want to look at My
valkyrie's roster because WHAT i would say is That i've
been impressed with the way these pieces have come. TOGETHER
i think they could be low key, contenders.
Speaker 4 (33:32):
Right and here's WHAT i.
Speaker 2 (33:33):
LIKE i really Love Tiffany hayes on this roster and
giving her an. OPPORTUNITY i, mean she was the woman In,
atlanta but there's been lots of different chapters Of Tiffany
hayes since, then whether that Is connecticut or obviously With,
vegas and we have just continued to see her, blossom
aging like fine. Wine So i'm looking forward to how
(33:56):
she will be featured now with more on her.
Speaker 4 (33:58):
Shoulders Julie Van lou love.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
Her Stephanie talbot has always been to me one of
the better underrated versatile, players AND i think having another
year under her belt post injury is gonna be.
Speaker 4 (34:11):
Great, timmy that was a huge Pickup Kaylen thorton From New.
YORK i know we were all, like What kayla's gone
because she was a.
Speaker 2 (34:20):
Dog, yes excited to see What Kate martin And Monique
buildings will. Do BUT i just think reinforcing what they
already have Right, LIKE i don't know THAT i guess
in this draft at the five pick that they're going
to get someone who's going to completely transform their. Roster
(34:43):
but WHAT i do think is that they can reinforce
what they already. Have one THING i am a big
fan of THAT i don't believe they have on this
roster right now is a power forward that can pick and,
pop that is, versatile that can do all And christina
as you know in THE, wnba that position is, critical
(35:04):
like they have had leticism at that. Position they have.
Rebounding but when you think about the likes Of Asia
wilson And Brianna stewart and a feast Of collier who
all line up at the fore spy and we can
go back further than that To Elena deladon and all
the players over the, years Or Kandas parker who have
played kind of that versatile power. FORWARD a lot of
(35:24):
THE wnba teams run their offense through that, position and
you got to really be able to guard at that.
Speaker 4 (35:30):
Spot.
Speaker 2 (35:31):
NOW i don't know how they could possibly move some
pieces around to get more reinforcement at that position BECAUSE
i don't think it's going to be an immediate impact
out of the, draft but that is something THAT i
would be looking. At is that possibly a kiky area
Of finn who has an opportunity to develop and expand
(35:51):
her game over the next few years even more than
we've seen her. Growth do they maybe want to do
something at the point guard spot and have a dynamic
lead come in like.
Speaker 4 (36:00):
A georgia A.
Speaker 2 (36:01):
Moore all of those things, work BUT i am absolutely
looking at the power forward. Position however they can do,
it whether the draft or, otherwise To goid to get
some some girth and some more versatility at that.
Speaker 1 (36:15):
Spot and looking at some of the other teams on you,
know the first round, board the mistakes in the. Sun
they have multiple first round, picks how do you see
them kind of leveraging those picks to you, know get.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
Better, yeah, again lots can, Happen AND i do want
to preface this by Saying i'm using the rosters that
are available to, us because you know how things, happen
whether it's training camp or players that are overseas that
might still slide in and make a. Difference so all
of that is still totally up for. Discussion but you
have to think with a team like The mystics that
they really want to lean Into Shakira, Austin Britney, Sykes Aliah,
(36:53):
edwards and that says to me, athleticism getting up and
down the, floor even though we don't know what their
playing style would be under new, leadership but supporting those
kind of players in their second, UNIT i would think
would be something that they would be looking to do
through the, draft and that could be through a player
like Dam Leigue malonga From.
Speaker 4 (37:14):
FRANCE i Hope i'm saying her name. RIGHT i was
actually calling the games in The. Olympics she didn't play that,
much BUT i watched her AND i am just impressed
with her upside and six', six, size, athleticism length all of.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
THE things i could totally see her complimenting those. Players
WELL but i would think that the profile of a
Player like washington would look something like that and supporting
what they already have in.
Speaker 1 (37:38):
Their core.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
In terms Of The connecticut son very intriguing to ME
because i can't really pin down the style of play
based on the roster and again new, head coach new. Playing,
style yes You Have Diamond miss Deshields And marina Maybury And,
tina charles AND so i think it really comes down
to best. AVAILABLE talent i don't know for them it's
going to be a lean into playing. Style, NECESSARILY again
(38:03):
I know i keep bringing up the Likes OF. Georgia,
a moore and THAT'S because i feel like we have
so much depth at the point, guard positioned so much
more than we had maybe in, previous years and that
the true point guard is a. DYING breed i don't
think she'll be on the board. Very long but maybe
It's the Hailey van lyth who's had an uptick all of,
a sudden Or An anissa morrow who's her stock.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
Went up maybe It's A sedonah prince who has six
seven gives you.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
More Size so connecticut's a little bit harder to. Pin
down but that's a lot of picks there in that.
First round and gms on other teams, are watching right
they're WATCHING the ncaa tournament, to, see well maybe we
should put something or someone on the table to make
them available for some possible Picks from Connecticut.
Speaker 4 (38:47):
OR washington i don't know that that will happen at.
THIS point i think the draft is takes a step
down in terms of Talent If olivia Miles And flaje
johnson do not enter, the draft and so that's also
something to potentially. Look, at yeah that.
Speaker 1 (39:02):
Was gonna be my next question to you in terms
of the position group you think would be the strongest
in this draft based off. Team NEEDS and i feel
like just through free agency and, you know talking to,
you know some some teams throughout, this offseason a lot
of teams are prioritizing just continuity and more veteran players on.
(39:23):
Their roster we saw how beneficial it was For The
New york liberty last year to get players with. Overseas
contracts my, only pee bitch was so crucial to them
winning that championship. Last year so that's all like going
through my HEAD as i think. About this but what
position group do you think is the strongest in this
draft class based off.
Speaker 2 (39:41):
Team, MEETS yeah, i Mean Before olivia miles decided to.
Speaker 4 (39:46):
PULL out i was like excited about the. Point guards
to have pal Pal AND.
Speaker 2 (39:51):
Georgia a Moore and miles like players, you know page
run the point like players that can really play that league.
Guard spot, you know that was kind Of where i'm
leaning TO and i still Feel like i'm leaning. There
again in the w N, b a everyone has to
be able. To Score so i'm not saying like a
point guard who doesn't have any scoring ability would be
(40:13):
at a premium at.
Speaker 4 (40:14):
This POINT but i do believe that there's still an.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
Eye for the past point point guard and how they
run teams and their leadership and, their intangibles and that's
obvious through all the PLAYERS that i, JUST named i
would say the. Point guards but also there's been an
uptakeing interest for me at the center slash power. Forward
POSITION as i talked about with How Well. ANISSA morrow
i think she's got a tremendous upside and, so like
(40:40):
where can she possibly fit in undersize at, six' one
but showing that she can, shoot the three could she
be that that at that for a spot that gives
you some versatility at some point in Her Career or
snaia fagan, who's Played Well or raya marshall, who you
know showed what she can do at the at the
CENTER Position, for USC so But i think i'm gonna
(41:00):
stick with the point guards even though you know the.
Speaker 1 (41:03):
Guards are, okay you know it's so interesting you, talk
ABOUT versatility and i look at some of the coaching
hires in the off season that the, seven new coaches
and a lot of them are like coaches who thank
their styles on spacing out the floor and having. Those,
INTERCHANGEABLE players again i go back To The Champions new
york liberty and how their, roster was constructed and you
see that they have a roster where, players are interchangeable can,
(41:25):
play multiple, positions are versatile and so it's going to
be interesting to see how, the game evolves not only
this season but years to come based off how you
know the game. Is changing, ends so oh, that's so,
Interesting all right so to, round us out if you
could be a fly on the wall in any war room,
during the draft which team would you want to be
(41:48):
a fly on the?
Speaker 2 (41:48):
WALL and why i Would say probably seattle because life
has probably changed quite a bit For Them since olivia miles,
made her announcement not saying they said They, were TAKING
miles but i would think with.
Speaker 4 (42:03):
Her, on the board that gives you so. Many more
OPTIONS but when I look, at SEATTLE'S roster and i
did that just in general, BEFORE our call i Really
like where.
Speaker 2 (42:15):
Seattle's ROSTER is and i think despite The Injury, to
jordan horsten which you, hate to see the Key Pickup
of alicia, clark was HUGE right like I Think, her
lexi brown The Fact That skyler diggen smith can play
one or two that just gives you a little bit
(42:35):
MORE than what i thought they would have Had in
losing miles at this, number two pick and honestly gives
them a little bit more freedom in my mind.
Speaker 4 (42:45):
Again with just being able to move.
Speaker 2 (42:47):
The Pieces around so i'm wondering with having options where?
Do they go but not having the option that they
thought that they were, going to, have right like where
Does where does seattle? Go FROM here so i WOULD
probably say i would definitely want to be in their
war room and here kind of how they.
Speaker 4 (43:05):
MAKE this, decision i mean the decisions.
Speaker 2 (43:07):
Are always made before we get to, the war room
but kind of how they talk through their options at.
The two spots so maybe it's the PRE war room
i would. Want to hear but, all, IN all yeah
i think my Eyes are on seattle now with that.
Speaker 4 (43:19):
Number, two Pick.
Speaker 1 (43:20):
Yeah so i'm excited. For the draft for all, of
YOU listening the wnbh draft Kicks off, on april fourteenth
but before, all of that make sure you tune into
the Final. FLOUR in tampa i just want To Thank
with china robinson again for joining, us this week and
in case, you Missed It, With christina williams it's been
such a pleasure to. Chat with you it's always fun to.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
Chat with you thank you for having me, and don't
listen pick up the phone and call ME back because
i want to be ON during, The wnba season so don't.
Speaker 2 (43:46):
Be a stranger don't. Forget about, Me you know i'm
one of, the Old heads but i'm still here if.
Speaker 4 (43:50):
You need me.
Speaker 1 (43:51):
Thank you with china and looking forward to having you.
On the season look front of the show. Through and
through thank you so much, For being here thank you,
for having me and that's kin do it for this
Special Edition Of In Case you Missed It. WITH christina
williams i just want to Shout Out with china robinson
again for joining us this week as a guest, on
the show and We're. Heading to tampa we're taking The.
(44:12):
Show to tampa if you Guys are in, tampa this
weekend make sure you stop by and say hi if
you see me. In the streets but also come through
and listen to our Live show happening sunday at twelve Thirty.
Pm at visitors we're going to do a crossover episode
with The Hosts Of Full, Circle Seattle storms Lexi Brown.
And mariah rose so, go miss that come out and
(44:36):
pregame with us before the big Championship game On, Sunday.
In tampa florida and also don't forget if you like,
what you, hear to rate review and subscribe to the
podcast and hope to see y'all This. Week In Tampa
In Case you Missed It with christina Williams is an
iHeart women's sports production In Partnership With deep Blue. Sports
(44:57):
and entertainment you can find US On The i, Heart Radio,
app apple podcasts or wherever you. Get your podcasts
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
missed It with Christina Williams here on iHeartRadio, and the
Elite eight is over. There was lots of things that happened.
(00:24):
Dukon came out on top, big game from Sarah Strong,
and the stage is set now for the Final four.
So I'm looking forward to this week's conversation. So I'm
super excited about this week's guest to me in my eyes,
to such a OG but legend in the game of media.
(00:44):
So without further ado, let me introduce sports analyst and
basketball reporter co founder of Rising Media Stars, Lachina Robinson
to the show. La China, thank you for joining.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Us, Thank you for having me, Christina, And let me
just say what I've learned over time is OG stands
for you old okay, been around a long time, but
thank you so much for having me. I've enjoyed watching
you blossom in this sports media world, especially around women's basketball,
and I'm so happy you have your own platform.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
Yay yay, you know it's so crazy because I remember
my one of my first times meeting you was the
twenty nineteen WNBA Finals and that was the first time
I met toa Rica as well.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Shout out to t hey dude, and I just remember
you gathering all of the reporters of color, like we
have to capture this moment, we have to capture this moment.
And we all took that picture together center Court in Connecticut.
But yeah, that was a special moment. And to see
where each and every person who was in that picture
where they ended up today in the media space, I
think it's super special that we can all reflect back
(01:49):
on that moment. But thank you for seeing me back
then and just always being someone that I could reach
out to when I need advice in the game. But
I want to start the convert with this a little
icebreaker question. What is something that has brought you joy
this week?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Something that has brought me joy this week? You know,
I had a spa day yesterday with one of my
friends who had a baby about six months ago. And
when I tell you I have not seen my homegirl
in six months, I mean, obviously the transition into motherhood
is her first child, can be rather challenging. And getting
(02:27):
your bearings and feeling well mentally and physically and taking
care of the baby and learning. So I hadn't touched
base with her in a minute, and we just had
such a rejuvenating time, Like, yes, the spa was amazing.
I left and hopefully Muskin got a little extra glow
on it right now, But I see it. We're just
really spiritually aligned. And if anything, you know how it is, Christina,
(02:52):
Like there's a people you associate with, there's people who
you're connected to, maybe through your job, but there's like
your inner inner circle. And I would consider this friend
someone in my inner circle. And we really just shared
things on a spiritual level that came as a point
of like confirmation for my journey and just made me
(03:15):
feel all warm and loved, and.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Yeah, that was my joy.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
And it's interesting hearing you talk about the sisterhood and
all of us meeting and taking that picture. It means
so much to me to be surrounded by such incredible women.
And not only is this friend someone that I've become
very obviously fond of and love and rely on for support,
but I would say that about you and into Rika
(03:41):
and all of us that are kind of in this
media circle together, especially around women's basketball, because we have
had some amazing moments, but we've also had some challenging
moments and they continue in this space. So it's a
full circle to be talking to you today coming off
of that moment of joy with my good friend.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Absolutely love that, and I agree with you. I think
that community is so important, especially in the women's basketball space.
I'm glad that we could all lean on each other.
But you talked a little bit about your journey and
just finding that balance to self reflect when you think
about your start in media, how did you transition from
being a college athlete into becoming a member of the
(04:21):
media in a basketball analyst?
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Getting lost several times, that's how I describe even my journey,
and I stay getting lost.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
But I also believe that everything happens for a reason.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
When I finished playing college basketball, I got into college administration.
I actually worked at Georgia Tech on the administrative side.
I worked with women's basketball, but my trek was I
wanted to be an athletics director one day and thanks
to a quarter life crisis at like twenty six, twenty
seven years old, where I was suddenly like I don't
think I want to do this anymore. That opened the
(04:55):
door for an exploration that I really needed to learn
more about myself and what my most positive attributes were
and what people think about me when I enter the room,
and as I started to put all of the notes
together that I was gathering, but also just really self reflection.
What is it that I wake up every day thinking about?
(05:16):
What is the thing I would do for free? All
arrows from all of that research pointed back to women's basketball.
Media always wanted to grow the game, loved what it
did for me in my life as a woman and
a young girl growing up. Remember Pat Summit looking into
the television and saying, we need more coverage of women's basketball.
(05:37):
And so all of those moments were pointing towards the
career that I have now. But it wasn't an easy transition.
I mean, you know that. And it feels like you
had more of a handle on what.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
You wanted to do than I did when I was
your age when you were getting into the business. But
I just worked really hard. Quite honestly, I heard a
lot of nose.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
I had no experience on television. I wasn't a gold medalist,
I didn't play for a Hall of Fame coach. Like
my resume did not scream, you know, sign her up
right now as your next basketball analyst, but just became
a student of the broadcast, had a lot of amazing
guidance on the way and thank goodness, but maybe not
(06:18):
at that time, it wasn't a long line to cover
women's basketball. There weren't a lot of people knocking down
the doors. So when I was like, I want to
cover women's basketball, everyro was like, oh okay.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
You know, like we.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Don't have space for you in the NBA or in
men's basketball. We don't have space for you in football,
but if you want to cover women's basketball, sure go ahead.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
Like it wasn't at high demand, so there were opportunities
for me.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
And I always tell people I don't feel like I've
worked a day in my life because I just love
what I do so much. I love the game, and
I'm so excited about the growth that we're seeing in
a sport.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
I would have to agree with you. I honestly didn't
think that I would be where I am today. I
started Girls Talk Sports TV back seven years ago. Wow,
there's something as a hobby as a passion because I
loved women's basketball. As you mentioned, there weren't a lot
of opportunities, so I had to pretty much create my
own opportunity and then, you know, wait for it to
pay off. But in that period of waiting, like what
(07:16):
motivated you to keep going? Because the opportunities were slim
to none when you were getting started in the business.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
The stories that needed to be told, Like I would
wake up every day like why isn't someone talking about
Tamika catchings? Like I want to know more about shamik
Wi Hold's claw, Like there was never enough information for
me about the players, about the coaches, about these teams.
Like I would wake up and go to bed just
thinking about things that I knew I wanted to know
(07:48):
as a former player, as a fan of the game,
as someone who worked in that space, And instead of
passing the buck, I was like, someone else's got to
do it.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
And even though that meant not.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Getting paid very much for a while, even though that
meant traveling to cities that most people in America haven't
been to to cover the women's game, even though that
meant that at that point I wasn't gonna get the
spotlight of covering men's sports, like, these stories meant something
to me, and I knew how inspirational they were, and
(08:20):
I knew the impact of if you can see her,
you can be heard. If we got these stories out
about how much sport has meant to these amazing women
and how they've built themselves and their character and their
brand through the.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
Sport of basketball, that more young girls would follow.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
So it really I wouldn't say it was a burden,
but it was something that motivated me every day, no
matter the circumstance, no matter the hurdle was these athletes
and coaches deserved it, and just because they're women and
other people didn't value it, this is the big time
to me, like women's basketball is the destination in my eyes.
So whatever I had to do to push the needle
(09:00):
into to get the sport growth and the media aspect,
I was going to do that.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
And you have done that with your company Rising Media
Stars being able to just give back to the next
generation of storytellers, reporters and analysts. And also I don't
know if I'm qualified to, you know, put in an application,
but come on over, girl, talk about Rising Media Stars
and what it means to you to be able to
(09:24):
you know, give back to the next generation.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Rising Media Stars is a nonprofit that I started wow
in theory back in like twenty eleven, right, because that's
when I had first started to really become a mentor.
I was getting so many emails from young girls that
were saying, I want to cover women's basketball, or I
want to sit in your seat one day.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
So whenever I could grab coffee or have.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Someone come and shadow me, I wanted to do that
because I knew the impact of actually being able to
reach out and touch someone that is doing the job
that you aspire to do, not just seeing them from afar,
but asking them questions, getting guidance. And so I started
taking those emails and those requests even though I didn't even.
Speaker 4 (10:08):
Really know what I was doing back then.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
But I would say Rising Media Stars became a formal
program back in twenty eighteen where my co founder Kevin Nixon,
and I accepted our first class, And basically it's a
program where we take five women of color every year
and we take them through what we feel like is
preparation for a long, illustrious career. And in sports broadcasting,
(10:33):
all of our women come from different backgrounds, different levels
of experience.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
We have a selection committee that has a really.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Hard job of narrowing it down to five, but they
get in the field experience.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
They covered the final four, they cover the draft.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
We work with our local sports teams here in Atlanta
where they get an opportunity to do stand ups and
sit in the press box and go into the locker room.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
So we are giving them real.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Life experience around how to grow as towards broadcasters, but
also providing them a community, a sisterhood mentors, just lots
of valuable experience which we hope will be the connector
that they need to encourage them and to nourish them
and to educate them on this journey. I mean, career
transitions are the toughest and you never know how long
(11:19):
you're going to be there until you get your moment,
and so we just want to be there as a resource,
as a point of encouragement of confidence. And honestly, it's
the most rewarding work I've ever done. I mean, looking
at the TV screen even last night and seeing Andrea Carter,
who was in our first class, and what she's doing.
We had nothing to do with who Andrea Carter is.
She would have been the amazing broadcaster that she is
(11:41):
without us, but to know she was a part of
our program and we helped her, you know, get those
first reps as a sideline reporter and things like that
just make me feel so good because now everyone's getting
to see her and her brilliance. And we hope all
of our women, no matter where they are in that journey,
will shine the way Andrea has, the way Stevenson hazar
or isis young, you know, and all of them will
(12:04):
get to where they want to be in their journey.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
I absolutely love that if you can see her, you
can be here. As you said earlier, and also shout
out to Misha Jones, producer on the Sarah Spain podcast,
you came through your program as well. So I love
that to get to you know, give an opportunity to
the women to be able to have different opportunities in
different career fields in sport. So now let's go down
(12:27):
to the nitty gritty and reason my way here to
break down this week's headlines and women's basketball in case
you guys missed it. Breaking headlines this week, Notre Dames
Olivia Mouse, the projected twenty twenty five number two pick
is going to forego the WNBA draft and enter the
transfer portal. Where were you when you heard this news
(12:49):
break from Shams?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
I was sitting on my couch and quite honestly, Christina,
I am on a break from social media right now,
which is the worst time to be taking a bird
because everything is happening with March madness. So I'll hit
treek up and like what's going on and give me
the juice so I don't see a lot of things
firsthand in this stretch. I gave it up for LYNT
just so everyone knows. I didn't pick this time a
(13:12):
year for my social media fast But here we are.
So my fiance, who was sitting on the couch next
to me, turns to me and says, Babe, Olivia Miles.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
I was like what.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
He was like, she's not going to the WNBA, and
I said what And he said and she's not going
back to Notre Dame and I said, okay, hold on,
hold on. So that's when I broke my phone out
and had to start searching for the headlines because I
was like what.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
And I don't know.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
Why it came as a shock, because we know that
these options are open for these women and looking at
how much the.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
College game has grown because of Nil, Like.
Speaker 2 (13:48):
Of course, duh, But it was still a moment of
reflection to me, like, Wow, the freedom, the freedom that
women's basketball players have now to prioritize whatever it is
that's most important to them in their lives in that
moment in their careers. They can do that, and I'm
glad that they do have more options. But I was
definitely taken back.
Speaker 1 (14:08):
I was as well. I think I was more shocked
that she entered the transfer portal. But I think what
stands out to me the most is, as you said,
players have the freedom to make these choices now. And
also I would be remiss if we didn't bring up
the CBA that's supposed to be in process of negotiations
currently and how that will have an impact on the
(14:29):
rookie scale salaries. But when we look at the twenty
twenty five draft, who do you think benefits from her absence?
Speaker 4 (14:37):
Yeah? Well, I want to go back for one moment
when it comes to this decision by Olivia Miles, because
I think you make a fantastic point, Christina about the CBA.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
The other thing to think about with Olivia Miles is
her career probably didn't in the way she wanted, right,
did not play well down the stretch. NCAA tournament numbers
were down, and she now has a chance to come
back and win a national championship depending on where she lands. Right.
Speaker 4 (15:07):
The other thing that's interesting and very intriguing for me
when it comes to Olivia, and this is a conversation
we're having with all possible WNBA draftees. Right, It's like you're.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
Making money within IL in school, and then there's the
WNBA where you know your rookie salary is not great,
but you get to play with the best in the
league and those ANIL deals can.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Come with you. But when I think about the superstars
of this year in particular, whether it's Page Beckers or
a flage A Johnson, when comparing to Olivia Miles, they
all had that brand attraction and that marketability. But we
didn't see Olivia Miles as much.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
We didn't see her on the commercials the way we
saw Page and the way we saw flage And so
there seems to be an opportunity now that she's come
back from injury, that more people are watching her play
seeing how dynamics she especially with.
Speaker 4 (16:00):
Her style, the highlights, the goggles like, there's so.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Much marketing ability of there, and so she could probably
looking at the potential for more NIL deals and.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
To just really possibly be the face of women's basketball
next year.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
I mean, if obviously Juju is working her way back
from injury, you have Lauren Betts there, but if la
Je Johnson leaves, and there's definitely an opportunity there for
Olivia Miles to take a step up from a marketing standpoint.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
All right, Chal, we gonna take a quick pause and
we'll have more from this conversation with the China Robinson
when you return. When you think about Notre Dame next year,
where do you think that program stands without a player
(16:50):
like Olivia Miles, And how do they replace a talent
like that?
Speaker 4 (16:55):
You don't you can't replace a talent like.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
That, you know.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Your your mind automatically goes to Hannah Hidalgo and her
just taking on more of the lift with Notre Dame.
They are losing a lot with Sony Ciditron, with Wes Beld,
now possibly with the Olivia Miles if she doesn't make
a decision to go back to Notre Dame. And so
there's a lot of rebuilding that has to happen roster wise,
(17:23):
and they have talent there, you know, I just think
more from an experience standpoint, that's where they would be
taking a step back. So will they be in position
next year to possibly get to a Final four? Will
that experience has to build? It depends on what they're
able to do in the off season with you know,
portal opportunities.
Speaker 4 (17:43):
Et cetera.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
But that's actually where my mind goes for Notre Dame
more than anything. It's not about the coaching staff, not
even as much about the roster as it stands any
of that. It's like, what is the university's commitment to
number one, like the portal, right, because we know, depending
(18:04):
on your school, some of those nuances and dynamics of
the portal system maybe not to your advantage. But then
also you know what's going on with Nil right, like
what does the pocket of money.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Look like and what can they offer?
Speaker 2 (18:20):
But there's definitely some rebuilding that has to be done,
and in my mind, you know, Notre Dame with the
roster as is, takes a major step back as a
as a championship contender with losing Olivia Miles.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
It's certainly interesting to see how the off season in
college basketball is mirroring like a free agency. And even
on the men's side, you're starting to see current active
NBA players become gns general managers for their alma maters.
Steph Curry's going back to Davidson to be an assistant GM.
Trey Young was just named the assistant GM at Oklahoma.
(18:58):
So I'm wondering if the women's basketball space, if they
will sort of mirror's mirror that trend of having former
players help in the recruitment of players and building rosters.
It's just an interesting thing that I've been seeing.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
Yeah, it would.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
I'll say, though, is you know, with Steph Curry, I believe,
and in this situation, he's also giving a big check, right,
And so I don't know that w NBA players at
this point, even though the money is getting there, the
bag is getting there. Trey Young also cut a check
(19:33):
so that it seems to be going along with this
GM position and making sure that their schools are competitive
when it comes to NIL. So yeah, not saying the
w NBA bag is a deep, but position wide.
Speaker 4 (19:50):
Yeah, to do the job. Yeah, they can.
Speaker 2 (19:52):
They can help but I actually think this is more
about the money is available to those schools absolutely well.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Looking ahead to the Final four on Friday, the stage
is set, Yukon, Texas, South Carolina and UCLA will play
for you know, their chance of getting a championship. When
you look at the four teams who have made it
to the final four, what stands out to you the
most about this group of teams?
Speaker 2 (20:19):
Man, Well, first of all, I love the longevity of
these coaches, right, not that it is a downer if
a new face or a young coach makes it to
the final four, but it speaks volumes for what Gino
has done for a very long time and we tend
to take for granted, or what Don Staley has built
(20:42):
in South Carolina, which I think this is like seventeen
years for her. It's crazy how fast that has gone,
but that's tremendous growth, and she's built it from the bottom.
And Corey Close, who was an assistant at Florida State
when I played basketball at Wake Forest. Corey has been
doing this for a very long time. And of course
Vic Schafer has as well, you know in his previous
(21:03):
at Mississippi State and then at Texas A and m
as an assistant for many years alongside Gary Blair. So
I just love that these coaches are still getting to
see the fruits of many years of labor with the
success of their teams. But in terms of the identity
of the teams, it's the defense. It's the ability of
these teams to really lock you down and force you
(21:26):
to be uncomfortable on the offensive end. I mean, they
all can do that. Texas stands out the most because
of the style in which they do it with the pressing,
the aggressiveness, the denial, but every single one of these
teams has the ability to lock you up, and whether
it's Lauren Bets in the middle for UCLA as a
shot blocker really changing what you can do at the rim,
(21:47):
or South Carolina and how they can keep bodies coming
in with their depth. Boy, I mean, the players keep
coming right so they can stay fresh on the defensive end.
And then Yukon having you know, Gino and Chris, who
are some of the best game planners and scouters, are
going to have a plan to shut down your defense.
Speaker 4 (22:05):
So I think that's something that I'm.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Excited about, is to see how these offenses show up
because every team in the final four, can lock you down.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
How it's gonna be. My next question about the key
fact is that will determine who will come out on top.
So you're saying it's gonna be the defense that will determine.
Speaker 2 (22:24):
It's the defense they have in common, but I would
say the factor then in turn becomes the offense.
Speaker 4 (22:32):
Can you score a bucket against these defenses? Like do
you have enough offensive variety and depth in which you
can do offensively? But then also do you understand your
offensive priority? Let me tell you about offensive priority and
how I feel like we don't talk about that enough.
In the game of basketball, you need to know who.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
Needs to be taking shots, when, where and why at
all times because those possessions start to sh when you
get to this level, when you get to championships rounds,
when you get to the final four. So your ability
to know and make those decisions under duress against a
tough defense is important. And so while the defense is
(23:13):
the one thing that these teams have in common, that
in turn means that my key for these four teams
is what can you do to score? How dynamic can
you be on offense against a tough defense?
Speaker 4 (23:24):
And then how.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
Can you balance that variety in versatility and offense with
knowing where your shots need to come from, because before
you know it, it's a tight game. You know it's
the end of the fourth quarter, and if you haven't
spent those offensive possessions the way you want, you're gonna
feel it down the stretch of the game. You're gonna
want to get your best player going, You're gonna want
to get the balls in the pay and get high
percented shots.
Speaker 4 (23:45):
All of those things for every single one of these
teams is going to be critical.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
We know that this time of the year is the
time where you know stars are made. So are there
any players who have been standing out to you in
particular throughout the tournament?
Speaker 4 (24:00):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (24:00):
Man, yeah, I mean I you know, Christina, you probably
know this, but I have started to cover more WNBA
than college.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
I covered college.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
For fifteen seasons and so I don't do as much
college coverage.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
But I still watch.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Especially a lot of the superstars that I know will
be playing in the WNBA. And Sarah Strong from Connecticut
has me in a whole choke hold, like as six' to,
two all the things she can do in the, poise
And i'm grateful AND i still can't believe.
Speaker 4 (24:32):
IT i have to pinch.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Myself AND i have a relationship with her, Mother Alison,
feaster who was one of my heroes growing, Up SO
i was texting her in That elite eight game, like
are you serious right? Now just watching her go to
work AGAINST usc and how calm she is and how
confident she is in her skill. Set cannot believe that
she's a. Freshman so definitely keeping my eyes on her.
(24:55):
Page beckers is always. There Asy fudd to me as
THE x factor for, them BUT i would say collectively
For texas love their. Defense malaysia Full wilie is always
someone WHO i hold my breath when she's getting ready
to come down the floor because you know she's gonna
go behind the, back she's gonna do something and make
it look so.
Speaker 4 (25:13):
Easy And i'm just intrigued.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
By the impact and the steps forward that she will,
take you, know in this final four and to see
how she continues.
Speaker 4 (25:22):
To grow as a.
Speaker 2 (25:23):
Player and Then Lauren, Betts i'm, obsessed quite, honestly as
a big girl that played the game in the. Post her,
aggressiveness her relentlessness like sometimes with post players or bigs
as they're, Developing like it's always a little bit later than. Guards,
guards you, know they come out and they know they've
(25:44):
got the. Ball they're small and small to meum six
y four and they got big. Mouse they talk all the.
Trash they want to take the big. Shots so we
hear about the guards so often having that. Moxie but
to see that From Lauren betts at six seven now
she's not afraid to be that she's gonna post, strong
that she embraces her size and her. ADVANTAGE i love,
(26:05):
It LIKE i am about all Things Lauren betts right.
Now LIKE i Know Asia wilson had posted something always
back AND i had the chance to COVER ucla up
close and, personal like the footwork is, complete the shot,
blocking passing out of, traffic all those. Things Like ucla
has something that no one else in this final four
has and That's Lauren. Betts and you can't teach side
(26:28):
and you can't teach that level of. Skills So i'm
excited about all the. Stars but those are a few
highlights for.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Me, YEAH i agree with all three that you, said
Especially Sarah. STRONG i, mean she's a, freshman but she
cures herself like a senior and the maturity Of malaysia,
folally just seeing her growth from last year to this,
year just being able to be clutching the moment For
South carolina has definitely been exciting. Basketball and as you
Mentioned Lauren, BETTS i, mean she's just been phenomenal FOR.
(26:56):
Ucla what's a prediction that you have for this final
four that may surprise the audience listening right?
Speaker 4 (27:03):
Now you, KNOW i Can.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
I've been asked this, question AND i don't know THAT
i can come up with something that's just, like, oh,
like CAUSE i do think there's been consistency with these
teams pretty much LIKE i was gonna, say someone other
than the Big stars is going to be the most
outstanding player right of the final, Four but that's not
A bowld prediction like that.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
Can, happen, Right SO i don't know if that really.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
Counts you, Know i'm wanna say something crazy AND i
don't really actually have any backing for this, Whatsoever but
we could see a lineup change in the final, four
AND i don't know who that could. Be BUT i
am leaning into these coaches and they're years of knowledge
(27:54):
and their ability to adjust to the, Moment so we
could see a starting lineup, change.
Speaker 4 (27:59):
AND i will say it doesn't have to be the
beginning of the.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
Game it could be a starting lineup change in the
third quarter of a, game, Right but that is something
That i'm not necessarily a fan, of BUT i think
could be an interesting wrinkle or dynamic in this final
four that we might.
Speaker 1 (28:16):
SEE i just want to point out To Chloe kids
also came to. MIND i know that we talked about
players that have been standing out the tournament, time but
Also Chloe kits has been exciting to see in terms
of her contributions To South.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
Carolina saying it is like my.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
Niece i've known her since she was five or six years,
old and when she was taking those fade away one
leg jump shots Against duke When South carolina needed, BUCKETS
i was, like look at.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
HER i was super.
Speaker 2 (28:43):
Proud so, Yeah i'm with you in The gangcock inside.
Game it's it's been it's been really.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Good, hey y'all are going to take another. Break and
when we get back more of this week's. HEADLINES i
have a little bit of a bonus question for you,
now a little fun bonus. Question if you could choose
(29:11):
or pick your own starting five out of the players
who are in the final four right, now who would
you pick if you had to create your own little
starting five using the players from the fourteens in the final.
Speaker 4 (29:22):
Four, WELL i think.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
It's gonna be definitely the players THAT i just, mentioned Right,
SO i would say pagebackers in the backcourt, yep With
malaysia Full. WILEY i would Say Madison booker for. Sure
But i'm gonna put a little twist on this and
Put Madison booker in the power forward.
Speaker 4 (29:46):
Position i'm gonna Put Lauren betts at my, center no.
Speaker 2 (29:51):
Surprise and my last backcourt member is maybe gonna surprise some,
people BUT i am the the, biggest Biggest Tessa johnson Van.
LIKE i Think tessa is so, smooth her defense is much.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
Improved she's like locked.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
In she gives you a little bit of size in
the backcourd Like i'm.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Going i'm Going. Tessa.
Speaker 2 (30:19):
Now there is honorable. MENTION i told You Sadaia Fagan
i've known, forever SO i got to put her out.
There But i'm also A dmv, girl so honorable mention
would Be Asy fudd And Kiki. Rice anybody could be
there in, there but those two for, sure so that
would be my starting. Five it would Be, Page, Tessa, Malaysia,
(30:42):
Madison Lauren.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
BETTS i like that.
Speaker 1 (30:44):
GROUP i like that group all. Right moving right along
to the twenty twenty five to help YOU mbah. Draft
you just Mentioned Paige becker's The Dallas wings hold the
number one pick And page she has officially declared for the.
DRAFT i don't think it was ever a question to.
ME i don't think there was ever a question if she.
Would you, know it's a clear for this year's. Draft
but how do you see her fitting into The wings
(31:06):
roster if they if they draft?
Speaker 4 (31:08):
Her, YEAH i see her fitting very.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
WELL i, mean playing alongside A Riquet goombawala that is
going to be an amazing. Backcourt and What i'll say
About page's game, is right, now she is reminding us
that she can score the.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
Basketball we already knew that she's a great.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
Pastor she sees the floor so, well and we've seen
that scoring in, spurts but nothing like we've seen with
the pressure on her shoulders under duress post, injury in,
particular as she's been getting her.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
BEARINGS i, Mean.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
I've been really impressed with her and showing that she
has that other dimension just makes her that much more
valuable in that. BACKCOURT i already really like the acquisition
of DJ A. CARRINGTON i Think Ty harris is way
underrated and doesn't get the credit that she deserves as
WHAT i believe to be one of the best league
guards in the.
Speaker 4 (32:02):
League SO i Think page will fit in very. Well
AND i love that For.
Speaker 2 (32:06):
Dallas right they're getting ready to make a move to
a bigger facility downtown In. Dallas they'll be able to
fit you, know maybe three, thousand four thousand more, FANS i,
believe and so that's got to be exciting for that
community to think about the prospect of Getting paige and
her resilience also is something THAT i think is going
to make her a great Pro and.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
You mentioned her score and, ability BUT i think that
the efficiency is what stands out to me the. Most
like she can score at a high, level but she's
really efficient at, it And i'm excited to see how
she could potentially help The Dallas. Wings moving right along
to The Golden State, valkyries who have already started to
build their roster through the Expansion, draft and now they'll
have a chance to add some pieces in this year's,
(32:48):
draft having the fifth pick in each of the three
rounds at the, draft what do you think they should
prioritize in terms of getting players that will help compliment
their roster to help them compete if if that's your.
GOAL i know that ownership has come out publicly and
said they want to they want them to win a
championship in five. YEARS i know that this year is
kind of a you, know jumble with just teams having
(33:11):
different players and this being the debut season for The.
Valkyries what do you think that they can do in
this year's?
Speaker 2 (33:17):
Draft, yeah let ME i want to look at My
valkyrie's roster because WHAT i would say is That i've
been impressed with the way these pieces have come. TOGETHER
i think they could be low key, contenders.
Speaker 4 (33:32):
Right and here's WHAT i.
Speaker 2 (33:33):
LIKE i really Love Tiffany hayes on this roster and
giving her an. OPPORTUNITY i, mean she was the woman In,
atlanta but there's been lots of different chapters Of Tiffany
hayes since, then whether that Is connecticut or obviously With,
vegas and we have just continued to see her, blossom
aging like fine. Wine So i'm looking forward to how
(33:56):
she will be featured now with more on her.
Speaker 4 (33:58):
Shoulders Julie Van lou love.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
Her Stephanie talbot has always been to me one of
the better underrated versatile, players AND i think having another
year under her belt post injury is gonna be.
Speaker 4 (34:11):
Great, timmy that was a huge Pickup Kaylen thorton From New.
YORK i know we were all, like What kayla's gone
because she was a.
Speaker 2 (34:20):
Dog, yes excited to see What Kate martin And Monique
buildings will. Do BUT i just think reinforcing what they
already have Right, LIKE i don't know THAT i guess
in this draft at the five pick that they're going
to get someone who's going to completely transform their. Roster
(34:43):
but WHAT i do think is that they can reinforce
what they already. Have one THING i am a big
fan of THAT i don't believe they have on this
roster right now is a power forward that can pick and,
pop that is, versatile that can do all And christina
as you know in THE, wnba that position is, critical
(35:04):
like they have had leticism at that. Position they have.
Rebounding but when you think about the likes Of Asia
wilson And Brianna stewart and a feast Of collier who
all line up at the fore spy and we can
go back further than that To Elena deladon and all
the players over the, years Or Kandas parker who have
played kind of that versatile power. FORWARD a lot of
(35:24):
THE wnba teams run their offense through that, position and
you got to really be able to guard at that.
Speaker 4 (35:30):
Spot.
Speaker 2 (35:31):
NOW i don't know how they could possibly move some
pieces around to get more reinforcement at that position BECAUSE
i don't think it's going to be an immediate impact
out of the, draft but that is something THAT i
would be looking. At is that possibly a kiky area
Of finn who has an opportunity to develop and expand
(35:51):
her game over the next few years even more than
we've seen her. Growth do they maybe want to do
something at the point guard spot and have a dynamic
lead come in like.
Speaker 4 (36:00):
A georgia A.
Speaker 2 (36:01):
Moore all of those things, work BUT i am absolutely
looking at the power forward. Position however they can do,
it whether the draft or, otherwise To goid to get
some some girth and some more versatility at that.
Speaker 1 (36:15):
Spot and looking at some of the other teams on you,
know the first round, board the mistakes in the. Sun
they have multiple first round, picks how do you see
them kind of leveraging those picks to you, know get.
Speaker 2 (36:29):
Better, yeah, again lots can, Happen AND i do want
to preface this by Saying i'm using the rosters that
are available to, us because you know how things, happen
whether it's training camp or players that are overseas that
might still slide in and make a. Difference so all
of that is still totally up for. Discussion but you
have to think with a team like The mystics that
they really want to lean Into Shakira, Austin Britney, Sykes Aliah,
(36:53):
edwards and that says to me, athleticism getting up and
down the, floor even though we don't know what their
playing style would be under new, leadership but supporting those
kind of players in their second, UNIT i would think
would be something that they would be looking to do
through the, draft and that could be through a player
like Dam Leigue malonga From.
Speaker 4 (37:14):
FRANCE i Hope i'm saying her name. RIGHT i was
actually calling the games in The. Olympics she didn't play that,
much BUT i watched her AND i am just impressed
with her upside and six', six, size, athleticism length all of.
Speaker 2 (37:27):
THE things i could totally see her complimenting those. Players
WELL but i would think that the profile of a
Player like washington would look something like that and supporting
what they already have in.
Speaker 1 (37:38):
Their core.
Speaker 2 (37:40):
In terms Of The connecticut son very intriguing to ME
because i can't really pin down the style of play
based on the roster and again new, head coach new. Playing,
style yes You Have Diamond miss Deshields And marina Maybury And,
tina charles AND so i think it really comes down
to best. AVAILABLE talent i don't know for them it's
going to be a lean into playing. Style, NECESSARILY again
(38:03):
I know i keep bringing up the Likes OF. Georgia,
a moore and THAT'S because i feel like we have
so much depth at the point, guard positioned so much
more than we had maybe in, previous years and that
the true point guard is a. DYING breed i don't
think she'll be on the board. Very long but maybe
It's the Hailey van lyth who's had an uptick all of,
a sudden Or An anissa morrow who's her stock.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
Went up maybe It's A sedonah prince who has six
seven gives you.
Speaker 2 (38:29):
More Size so connecticut's a little bit harder to. Pin
down but that's a lot of picks there in that.
First round and gms on other teams, are watching right
they're WATCHING the ncaa tournament, to, see well maybe we
should put something or someone on the table to make
them available for some possible Picks from Connecticut.
Speaker 4 (38:47):
OR washington i don't know that that will happen at.
THIS point i think the draft is takes a step
down in terms of Talent If olivia Miles And flaje
johnson do not enter, the draft and so that's also
something to potentially. Look, at yeah that.
Speaker 1 (39:02):
Was gonna be my next question to you in terms
of the position group you think would be the strongest
in this draft based off. Team NEEDS and i feel
like just through free agency and, you know talking to,
you know some some teams throughout, this offseason a lot
of teams are prioritizing just continuity and more veteran players on.
(39:23):
Their roster we saw how beneficial it was For The
New york liberty last year to get players with. Overseas
contracts my, only pee bitch was so crucial to them
winning that championship. Last year so that's all like going
through my HEAD as i think. About this but what
position group do you think is the strongest in this
draft class based off.
Speaker 2 (39:41):
Team, MEETS yeah, i Mean Before olivia miles decided to.
Speaker 4 (39:46):
PULL out i was like excited about the. Point guards
to have pal Pal AND.
Speaker 2 (39:51):
Georgia a Moore and miles like players, you know page
run the point like players that can really play that league.
Guard spot, you know that was kind Of where i'm
leaning TO and i still Feel like i'm leaning. There
again in the w N, b a everyone has to
be able. To Score so i'm not saying like a
point guard who doesn't have any scoring ability would be
(40:13):
at a premium at.
Speaker 4 (40:14):
This POINT but i do believe that there's still an.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
Eye for the past point point guard and how they
run teams and their leadership and, their intangibles and that's
obvious through all the PLAYERS that i, JUST named i
would say the. Point guards but also there's been an
uptakeing interest for me at the center slash power. Forward
POSITION as i talked about with How Well. ANISSA morrow
i think she's got a tremendous upside and, so like
(40:40):
where can she possibly fit in undersize at, six' one
but showing that she can, shoot the three could she
be that that at that for a spot that gives
you some versatility at some point in Her Career or
snaia fagan, who's Played Well or raya marshall, who you
know showed what she can do at the at the
CENTER Position, for USC so But i think i'm gonna
(41:00):
stick with the point guards even though you know the.
Speaker 1 (41:03):
Guards are, okay you know it's so interesting you, talk
ABOUT versatility and i look at some of the coaching
hires in the off season that the, seven new coaches
and a lot of them are like coaches who thank
their styles on spacing out the floor and having. Those,
INTERCHANGEABLE players again i go back To The Champions new
york liberty and how their, roster was constructed and you
see that they have a roster where, players are interchangeable can,
(41:25):
play multiple, positions are versatile and so it's going to
be interesting to see how, the game evolves not only
this season but years to come based off how you
know the game. Is changing, ends so oh, that's so,
Interesting all right so to, round us out if you
could be a fly on the wall in any war room,
during the draft which team would you want to be
(41:48):
a fly on the?
Speaker 2 (41:48):
WALL and why i Would say probably seattle because life
has probably changed quite a bit For Them since olivia miles,
made her announcement not saying they said They, were TAKING
miles but i would think with.
Speaker 4 (42:03):
Her, on the board that gives you so. Many more
OPTIONS but when I look, at SEATTLE'S roster and i
did that just in general, BEFORE our call i Really
like where.
Speaker 2 (42:15):
Seattle's ROSTER is and i think despite The Injury, to
jordan horsten which you, hate to see the Key Pickup
of alicia, clark was HUGE right like I Think, her
lexi brown The Fact That skyler diggen smith can play
one or two that just gives you a little bit
(42:35):
MORE than what i thought they would have Had in
losing miles at this, number two pick and honestly gives
them a little bit more freedom in my mind.
Speaker 4 (42:45):
Again with just being able to move.
Speaker 2 (42:47):
The Pieces around so i'm wondering with having options where?
Do they go but not having the option that they
thought that they were, going to, have right like where
Does where does seattle? Go FROM here so i WOULD
probably say i would definitely want to be in their
war room and here kind of how they.
Speaker 4 (43:05):
MAKE this, decision i mean the decisions.
Speaker 2 (43:07):
Are always made before we get to, the war room
but kind of how they talk through their options at.
The two spots so maybe it's the PRE war room
i would. Want to hear but, all, IN all yeah
i think my Eyes are on seattle now with that.
Speaker 4 (43:19):
Number, two Pick.
Speaker 1 (43:20):
Yeah so i'm excited. For the draft for all, of
YOU listening the wnbh draft Kicks off, on april fourteenth
but before, all of that make sure you tune into
the Final. FLOUR in tampa i just want To Thank
with china robinson again for joining, us this week and
in case, you Missed It, With christina williams it's been
such a pleasure to. Chat with you it's always fun to.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
Chat with you thank you for having me, and don't
listen pick up the phone and call ME back because
i want to be ON during, The wnba season so don't.
Speaker 2 (43:46):
Be a stranger don't. Forget about, Me you know i'm
one of, the Old heads but i'm still here if.
Speaker 4 (43:50):
You need me.
Speaker 1 (43:51):
Thank you with china and looking forward to having you.
On the season look front of the show. Through and
through thank you so much, For being here thank you,
for having me and that's kin do it for this
Special Edition Of In Case you Missed It. WITH christina
williams i just want to Shout Out with china robinson
again for joining us this week as a guest, on
the show and We're. Heading to tampa we're taking The.
(44:12):
Show to tampa if you Guys are in, tampa this
weekend make sure you stop by and say hi if
you see me. In the streets but also come through
and listen to our Live show happening sunday at twelve Thirty.
Pm at visitors we're going to do a crossover episode
with The Hosts Of Full, Circle Seattle storms Lexi Brown.
And mariah rose so, go miss that come out and
(44:36):
pregame with us before the big Championship game On, Sunday.
In tampa florida and also don't forget if you like,
what you, hear to rate review and subscribe to the
podcast and hope to see y'all This. Week In Tampa
In Case you Missed It with christina Williams is an
iHeart women's sports production In Partnership With deep Blue. Sports
(44:57):
and entertainment you can find US On The i, Heart Radio,
app apple podcasts or wherever you. Get your podcasts
Host
Khristina Williams
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