“Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself”

Founders Note:

Here there! Black Rosie Media is officially launching a weekly newsletter! Each week, we will curate the most notable news in Women’s Basketball, including key takeaways from our two original podcasts Gotta Get Up and Tempestade Talk.

In this week’s WBB Roundup, Brian Fleurantin guides readers through why we believe Jonquel Jones was the undisputed MVP of the New York Liberty in the 2024 season.

Plus, is Unrivaled adopting co-founder Breanna Stewart’s knack for playful trolling? And, who will the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm protect in the upcoming WNBA Expansion Draft?

Also, in this week’s WBB Roundup:

• 🏀Unrivaled rosters revealed

• ⛈️A Storm in Seattle

• 📝 Stories worth your time

New York’s Real MVP

Hey, women’s basketball fans!

Brian Fleurantin here, co-host of Gotta Get Up: A Podcast for New York Liberty fans here. Now that your WNBA champion, New York Liberty, are in the off-season, the staff at Black Rosie Media has you covered throughout this extended break.

Over the next few months, we will do extended breakdowns of each player on the Liberty roster.

Who’s up first?

That’s right, we’re starting with Finals MVP Jonquel Jones! Jonquel was the star of the hour for the Liberty as her steady play helped New York overcome a ferocious Lynx attack. Erica and I devoted the latest episode of Gotta Get Up to all things JJ.

Jones’ success in the Finals was extra special because she conquered a Lynx team that left her frustrated and befuddled in the regular season and Commissioner’s Cup Final.

As Jones would say, Delayed, not denied.

Also on the latest episode of Gotta Get Up:

• 🎉Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey became the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA Basketball history

• 🗽What is the New York Liberty repeat strategy?

• 🏆 Does New York’s team success hinder the opportunity for individual awards?

A Storm is Coming…

And we're not talking about WWE superstar Jade Cargill!

This week, the WNBA's big news centers on Seattle. On November 16, Annie Costiable of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Storm is under investigation for mistreating players. After that report, all hell broke loose. 

Christan Braswell of Circling Sports Seattle reported that the Storm players held players-only meetings without All-Star/WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike.

In a three-part series at Beta Basketball, Roberta Rodrigues took a behind-the-scenes look at the drama in Seattle and the issues bubbling underneath the surface. 

Roberta and Black Rosie Media founder Erica L. Ayala recorded an emergency episode of Tempestade Talk, discussing everything related to what we know (and don’t know) about the situation.

This story is FAR from over; we'll keep you covered with the latest developments.

Unrivaled is On the Way!

Opening Day is drawing a bit closer, and Unrivaled is starting to take shape. On Wednesday, the teams and coaches were announced in the league’s inaugural Draft. Co-founder and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart will headline Team Mist alongside current teammate Courtney Vandersloot and former Storm teammate Jewell Loyd.

Unrivaled’s other co-founder, Napheesa Collier, will lead the Lunar Owls alongside Skylar Diggins-Smith and 2024 All-Star 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge champion Allisha Gray. The Lunar Owls and Team Phantom also have a wildcard spot reserved for the last two players, which have yet to be announced.

Although many have speculated Caitlin Clark would be announced, Michael Voepel says it’s a no-go for the inaugural season.

For more on Unrivaled, watch the latest episode of Pull Up with Myles and Owen featuring friends of Black Rosie Media (and awesome humans) Myles Ehrlich, Owen Pence, and Kevin Lewis.

Psst! I have a secret. 

Well, I don't have one, but the WNBA sure does! We are a few weeks away from the Expansion Draft on December 6th. Teams can protect up to six players, but they won't be telling us.

On the November 7th edition of Gotta Get Up, Erica, Gigi Speer of The Next, and I discussed the Draft as it relates to the Liberty and which six players we would protect. You can also check out who Roberta & Erica think the Seattle Storm will protect in this episode of Tempestade Talk.

We find out who's heading to San Francisco to play for the Golden State Valkyries. After December 6th, the Liberty will begin preparing for free agency and the star-studded 2025 Draft.

NCAA STANDINGS

If the early returns are any indication, the NCAA Women’s season will be another one for the ages.

On Sunday, the UCLA Bruins (5) defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks (1) 77-62 in non-conference play. This was the first loss for Dawn Staley’s crew in 43 consecutive games. The Bruins shot nearly 48% from the field while holding the Gamecocks under 37%. This was the first time UCLA WBB defeated a No. 1 ranked team in program history.

After the game, head coach Cori Close reminded her team that the win was a reflection of all the work that came before, not just the 40-minute battle on Sunday.

Also in Southern California this weekend, the Notre Dame (6) defeated the USC Trojans (3) 74-61. Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo led the Fighting Irish with 24 points, followed by backcourt partner Olivia Miles with 20 points. JuJu Watkins led the Trojans with 24 points in the loss.

Will the Top 10 teams in the AP Rankings change this week?

AP Rankings (as of November 17):

1. South Carolina

2. UConn

3. Southern California

4. Texas

5. UCLA

6. Notre Dame

7. LSU

8. Iowa State

9. Oklahoma

10. Kansas State

What We’re Reading:

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in women’s basketball. Here’s what we’re reading, starting with a throwback to a JJ feature we mentioned on the last episode of Gotta Get Up! A Podcast for New York Liberty fans.

• Jonquel Jones and the untold story of the WNBA's reigning MVP - Katie Barnes, ESPN

• Nyara Sabally steps into the future - Brian Fleurantin, The Local W

• New Unrivaled women’s league reveals team rosters and coaching assignments - Mia Berry, Andscape

• How Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey built a dynasty at UConn - Erica L. Ayala, CBS Sports

• Sparks announce Lynne Roberts as new head coach - Jacob Rhude, Silver Screen and Roll

• WNBA expansion draft: Which six players will be protected by every team? - Kevin Pelton, ESPN

• BREAKING: Unrivaled Announces Six Head Coaches for Its First Campaign - Myles Ehrlich, Winsidr

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