The Athletic Women's Basketball Show - Podcasts - The Athletic

The Athletic Women's Basketball Show brings you the latest news from the WNBA, Women's College Basketball and more, twice a week. Zena Keita hosts along with Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and guests from around the sport.
The Athletic Women's Basketball Show brings you the latest news from the WNBA, Women's College Basketball and more, twice a week. Zena Keita hosts along with Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and guests from around the sport.
The NCAA Tournament is about to begin and Sabreena, Chantel and Ben put the final touches on previewing the field. They discuss the impact of Elizabeth Kitley's injury, answer reader questions and shine a light on some of the stories they've been reporting that will shape the broader tournament conversation. -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
After Selection Sunday, Zena, Ben, Mark and Sabreens discuss notable snubs, toughest regions and teams that have a potential to make a Cinderella story. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Mark on X: @MG_Schindler -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Zena, Ben and Chantel check in ahead of Sunday's selection show to discuss the parity we've seen in the women's game, and how that was especially evident during conference tournaments. Then, they ponder: With talent dispersed across the country, could this be a season when a mid-major team can really make a run? And how should people start thinking about their brackets when the seedings might not be as indicative as they were before? -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
Zena and Sabreena go deep on the final Pac-12 tournament and what it means for the NCAA Tournament prospects for USC, UCLA, and Stanford. Then, Mark joins Zena to talk about how the conference tournament results shook up the bracket. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm -Follow Mark on X: @MG_Schindler
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb joins the show to discuss her unique start in college coaching, recruiting JuJu Watkins while building the Trojan program and how her experience in the NBA has informed her during her time in Los Angeles. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
After another confusing top 16 seed reveal, Zena brings on Mark and Sabreena to discuss the mechanics of bracketology. They get into the thought process behind seeding and determining the field of 68 and as well as what hangs in the balance before Selection Sunday. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm -Follow Mark on X: @MG_Schindler
Zena, Sabreena and Chantel sit down with Ohio State sophomore and Big Ten champ Cotie McMahon to discuss what she has learned since early enrolling at Ohio State, how her experience with Team USA has changed her as a player and Cotie's love for all things The Grinch. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Zena and Sabreena break down the player of the year races across the power five conferences (plus the Big East). While some leagues have a clear-cut favorite, the abundance of great candidates in other conferences forces the two hosts to dive into some nitty, gritty details to make their choices. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey and freshman Hannah Hidalgo join Sabreena and Chantel to discuss the biggest storylines from South Bend this season. Ivey and Hidalgo dig into how Hidalgo has gotten to five steals a game, what that season opener in Paris against South Carolina taught them and their thoughts on this impressive freshman class nationwide. -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Mark Schindler is back to join Zena to take a look back on the week in women's basketball. With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, Mark explains how brackets, being in the bubble and quadrants work in the tournament. Then, Chantel talks with broadcaster Ann Schatz, who was on the call for the Oregon State-UCLA game, which featured one of the most exciting finishes we’ve ever seen in college hoops. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Mark on X: @MG_Schindler
The Queens of Cassell join Chantel, Sabreena, and Zena to discuss their role in turning Virginia Tech into a must-watch team. Liz and Georgia share the origins of their chemistry on and off the court, how they're gearing up for another Final Four run, what's playing in the locker room before games, and so much more. After the Virginia Tech interview, stay tuned for The Athletic's new Bracketology contributor Mark Schindler and what to expect in the lead up to March Madness. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Zena, Chantel and Sabreena are back together to break down several headlines from the past week, touching on Oregon State's recent rise, Nebraska upsetting Caitlin Clark and Iowa on Super Bowl Sunday, Team USA's trip to Belgium and SC's dominant play against UConn. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
While in Iowa City, Chantel sits down with Iowa associate head coach Jan Jensen to discuss Caitlin Clark as she nears the Division I scoring record, Iowa's legacy of 6-on-6 girls basketball and the moments from that last's title game run that felt the most magical (and, yes, even the matching blazer with head coach Lisa Bluder). Then Zena takes you through the recent WNBA Free Agency moves that caught her eye and has a special announcement! -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
Zena and Ben cover several hot topics in women's basketball, including the history-making offense of Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, speculation on Clark's transition potential to the WNBA, WNBA Free Agency updates, views at USA Camp and what Ben learned about America's Team, the TCU Horned Frogs. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman
Becky Hammon joins Ben and Sabreena to relive the 2023 Las Vegas Aces title run. Hammon shares how the team dealt with the super team expectations, the grind of repeating, some special moments that buoyed them throughout the year, and goes into great detail on the shorthanded closeout effort in Game 4. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Zena and Chantel recap the biggest game of the regular season (South Carolina-LSU) and examine what UConn's loss to Notre Dame might mean in the college hoops landscape. Plus, a look behind the curtains at The Athletic's All-America teams. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
Greg Bibb, the team president, CEO, and a partner of the Dallas Wings, joins the show to talk about the life of a front-office executive during free agency. He gives his perspective on the draft/scouting, and some of his favorite offseason stories as well as how this time of year has evolved for teams since he first joined the league in 2007. -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
It was a week full of upsets in college basketball. The Athletic's Zena Keita and Ben Pickman break down the results that caught their eyes over the past week. Then, they discuss the scene and significance from Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer's record-setting day and give some quick thoughts on TCU's surreal injury situation. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman
As Stanford Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer closes in on the all-time college basketball wins record, The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings, Ben Pickman and Zena Keita chat with VanDerveer and star forward Kiki Iriafen about their respective journeys, the role of mentorship, and how technology impacts women’s college basketball today. Then, Zena talks with Connecticut Sun star DeWanna Bonner about her jersey retirement at Auburn University this weekend, how her upcoming free agency is going with Alyssa Thomas in the house and who she's taking notes from in college basketball. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
No one’s having more fun this college season than Iowa State and their five fabulous freshmen. Except maybe USC and the Trojans’ ever-growing crowds in L.A. all clamoring to see JuJu Watkins. Or perhaps Florida State and the Seminoles’ sharpshooting backcourt. In today’s episode, Zena and Sabreena go through what they’re enjoying watching the most as well as some exciting conference races across the country. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Florida State coach Brooke Wyckoff and guard Ta'Niya Latson join the podcast to discuss the depth of the ACC, how both have grown as leaders in their respective roles and how they'd spend a rare off-day in Tallahassee. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
A handful of prominent lawsuits the NCAA is facing could impact the future landscape of college athletics. The Athletic’s college football and basketball writer Justin Williams and Ben Pickman join Zena Keita to discuss the implications of a recent subdivision proposal and other legal challenges on college basketball and the sporting landscape. Zena also launches a new segment! -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Ben on X: @Williams_Justin
The NCAA reached an eight-year agreement with ESPN worth $115 million annually to televise 40 college sports championships, including women's basketball. Chantel Jennings joins Zena Keita to discuss the deal, what is and isn't in the agreement and what the NCAA should do next. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
The whole team gets together to discuss some reader-submitted questions as they close out 2023. Will Caitlin Clark be on the Olympic team (should she be)? Is player of the year too weighted on offensive production? What should Atlanta do at PG? -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, two stars of the undefeated no. 5 Texas Longhorns, join Chantel and Sabreena to share some behind-the-scenes stories about Texas practices, how much Coach Vic Schaefer really talks about defense, and what they're looking to improve heading into Big 12 play. Rori and Madison also answer some rapid-fire questions about the holidays, game day, and Schaefer's practice plans. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
We're going deep in the Pac-12 this week, as Zena and Sabreena discuss the remaining undefeated teams on the West Coast, specifically what to make of Washington and Oregon State as we head into conference play. Then, it's a reassessment of the best transfers this season, starting with UCLA's Lauren Betts while also showing some love to veteran transfers at South Carolina, Ohio State, and Baylor. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Zena has a real conversation about money and financial literacy in the world of women’s basketball with 3x WNBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and NCAA Champion Napheesa Collier. Napheesa shares how the WNBA’s official banking partner, US Bank, helped get her on track to achieve some of her biggest financial goals, as well as her thoughts on NIL and the outlook of her alma mater’s (UConn) season. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita
The Indiana Fever won the Caitlin Clark draft lottery and the Los Angeles Sparks, with pick No. 2, feel pretty good, too. Plus, we take a look at the top six conferences to determine how many Final Four contenders are in each. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn joins the podcast to talk about the Fever's outlook heading into the WNBA Draft lottery. Dunn shares some stories from draft lotteries past, when she had the opportunity to select Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird in back-to-back seasons, as well as some insight on this year's Fever. Stick around for Dunn's prediction on how the draft and college eligibility could change in a meaningful way. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Sabreena and Zena chat about this week's Power Rankings and give some love to teams and players that haven't shared enough of the spotlight despite their undefeated seasons and impactful performances, respectively. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
Zena sits down with UCLA Bruins Head Coach Cori Close to talk about what makes UCLA a special place to be, the importance of leading with transparency and authenticity in today’s age of sports and the various people who poured into her journey to make her a unique, or uncommon, coach and player. -Follow Zena on Twitter: @itszenakeita
South Carolina has a high-powered offense that rivals its elite defense, NC State has found a clear identity around elite guard play and Stanford has a dynamic duo in the paint — A few weeks into the season, these three teams have all surpassed expectations in a big way. -Follow Zena on Twitter/X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on Twitter/X: @ChantelJennings
After another chaotic week of upsets, Zena and Sabreena break down the latest power rankings and what goes into ordering teams at this point in the season. They also tap into Zena's post-player roots and highlight some of the standout performances from frontcourt players across the country, including Kiki Iriafen and Alissa Pili. -Follow Zena on Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on Twitter: @sabreenajm
Zena chats with Cal Berkeley's Head Women's Basketball Coach, Charmin Smith on her fascinating journey from playing at Stanford to playing in the WNBA to now being a head coach in one of the country's toughest conferences--all while staying true to the competitive and activist spirit within her. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita
A rare in-person conversation between Chantel, Ben and Sabreena breaking down the three biggest shockers from the first week of action. Then, a three-pack of bold predictions about the National Player of the Year race, Final Four sleepers and if some of the country’s top players will turn pro after the season. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
From Paris (where South Carolina's Milaysia Fulwiley and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo showed out) to Cali (where USC's JuJu Watkins impressed) — some of week 1's best performances in NCAA women's hoops came from the first-year players. Plus: Why LSU's loss might be a good thing, reflecting on the 584-day wait for Paige Bueckers' game and a lookahead to this weekend's most intriguing game. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
In a true crossover of The Athletic's extensive coverage, Senior College Sports Writer Nicole Auerbach joins to discuss the historical context of NCAA conference realignment, the current state of conferences today, and the impacts of realignment on women's college hoops. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Nicole on X: @NicoleAuerbach
College basketball season is upon us and we take a look at some of the most intriguing women's players to watch. Zena is joined by The Athletic's women's basketball writer Lyndsey D'Arcangelo who shares her process of selecting these intriguing players and how their impact is good for women's basketball. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Lyndsey on X: @darcangel21
How will teams defend Caitlin Clark? Can UConn push forward after a season of injuries? R.I.P. to the Pac-12. And a first for a NCAA regular season game to be played in Paris. Zena is joined by The Athletic national WNBA/women's college basketball writer Chantel Jennings to discuss all of this and how the transfer portal is changing the landscape of women's basketball. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Chantel on X: @chanteljennings
As we dive into the WNBA off-season, Zena is joined by The Athletic's women's basketball writer Lyndsey D'Arcangelo to discuss free agency players returning from injury and how the future of the league has never been brighter. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Lyndsey on X: @darcangel21
A day after Las Vegas’ championship parade, Zena and Sabreena celebrate the 2023 Aces season. They start with the preseason coronation of the “super team” and comb through all the highs and lows (some manufactured, some self-inflicted) that resulted in a repeat title. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
It was a close game, a great game and an exciting game but wasn't the best played game. Despite being down two starters the Las Vegas Aces responded well in Game 4 to become back to back WNBA champions. Zena and Ben discuss this along with the adversities the Aces had to deal with during the season and the amazing run by the New York Liberty. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman
Zena, Ben and Sabreena have the latest on the WNBA Finals. The Liberty avoided a sweep with a Game 3 win and are right back in the series. Meanwhile, the Aces are potentially without star guard Chelsea Gray after she left Game 3 with an injury. How will they fill the void of losing the 2022 Finals MVP. In Off The Script, The Athletic's Scott Dochterman joins the show to talk about the Iowa women's basketball team's record setting game at Iowa's football stadium, Kinnick Stadium. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Zena and Ben talk over the domination by the Aces over the Liberty in the WNBA finals. A look at the lagging defense by the Liberty.  What is it going to take for Breanna Stewart to get going? And the Aces quest to repeat.   -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman
Zena, Ben and Sabreena talk about the star studded event of Game 1 of the WNBA finals. How the environment impacted the game. A look at the Aces and the Liberty. Is Betnijah Laney an x-factor for Liberty? And what adjustments will we see in Game 2? -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X: @sabreenajm
Washington Mystics star guard Natasha Cloud joins Ben and Sabreena to preview the WNBA Finals. Cloud shares her thoughts on how both he Liberty and Aces are playing really great basketball right now. And how it's really hard to slow these two teams.  -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
Sabreena and Ben give their closing thoughts on the semifinals. A look ahead to offseason of the Sun and Wings. Along with Sabreena and Ben's anonymous WNBA GM poll. -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman
Zena, Ben, Sabreena break down the tight game two's in the semifinals. What is keeping the Wings in games despite the Aces stellar offense? How the Aces are disrupting Satou Sabally play. A look at the WNBA awards and the transparency of the voters. And could there be an expansion team in the Bay Area? -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
Zena and Sabreena continue discussion on the WNBA playoffs. Impressive showing from Rebecca Allen. And thoughts on the announcement of DPOY. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
One athlete, one event can change the landscape of business in the WNBA. Zena and Ben discuss the impact of the business side. And a recap and preview of the WNBA playoffs. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman
Zena, Ben and Sabreena recap and preview the WNBA playoffs. Did the league get it right with the playoff format? And what we may expect in the Tuesday night matchups. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
It was an uneventful start to the WNBA postseason. Zena and Sabreena discuss that and how collegiate ties bring culture to the WNBA. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss the playoff landscape and what to expect out of the matchups. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant explore the complex issue of travel for WNBA teams--laying out the existing policy, the impact on players, and the possibilities for a resolution. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman -Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss and breakdown their WNBA MVP, MIP and team of the year. Along with a look at this season's Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty series matchup.
The Athletic Women's Basketball Show covers all things women's hoops, from the WNBA to the NCAA to the international game. Join host Zena Keta, along with The Athletic's women's basketball reporters Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and Chantel Jennings twice a week for in depth coverage about what's going on in game, behind the scenes and more.

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