The WNBPA issued a statement emphasizing unity among players as negotiations continue with the league on a new CBA. Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena discuss the implications of the statement and where the players’ union and the league stand ahead of the drop-dead deadline. They also recap the Unrivaled championship, highlighting standout performances and the league’s continued growth.
From there, they share their predictions for the major national awards in college basketball, including Coach of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Player of the Year. They begin by breaking down Shea Ralph’s impressive coaching success at Vanderbilt and why it makes her a strong Coach of the Year candidate. From there, they spotlight some of the most impactful freshmen across the sport before wrapping up with a debate over their Player of the Year selections, weighing each candidate’s stats and influence on their team’s success.
Finally, we wrap things up with a question from the mailbag.
REFERENCES:
WNBA player union emphasizes unity as fissures exposed in CBA negotiations by Sabreena Merchant
Breanna Stewart outduels Kelsey Plum as Mist claim Unrivaled championship by Sabreena Merchant
UConn's Sarah Strong: The Athletic's women's basketball Player of the Year by Chantel
Jennings
Vanderbilt’s Shea Ralph earns The Athletic’s women’s basketball Coach of the Year by Chantel
Jennings
The Athletic’s women’s college basketball All-America team by Sabreena Merchant, Chantel Jennings, Zena Keita and Eden Laase
Check out The Athletic Show on March 8th for an exclusive interview with Napheesa Collier