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Good morning! âď¸
A quick reminder that Team USA begins its FIBA 3x3 World Cup run today against Hungary (12:55 PM ET) and Australia (2:45 PM ET). You can watch both games on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.
What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. Anybody Can Beat Anybody Right Now đ¤Š
Through the first few weeks of the season, the WNBA standings are remarkably tight. Just 2.5 games separate first-place Minnesota from tenth-place Los Angeles, and expansion teams Portland and Toronto are already right in the middle of the race.
WHY IT MATTERS: The league's parity is a huge reason this season has been so much fun to watch. In some recent seasons, it felt like we already knew the most likely Finals matchup before opening night. This year feels different. It's still early, but there are several teams that look capable of making a championship run.
2. Vanderbilt Keeps Building, Lands a Top-10 Recruit â
Vanderbilt added another big piece to its future this week. Five-star forward Lauren Hassell, one of the nation's top recruits and a Tennessee native, announced she'll stay close to home and play for the Commodores. The 6-foot-3 standout averaged 25.5 points and 11.2 rebounds as a junior while shooting 60% from the field. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is the second time in less than three years that Shea Ralph and Vanderbilt have landed a top-10 recruit. The last was Mikayla Blakes, who became one of the nation's top players and helped lead the Commodores to a 29-5 record and the Sweet 16 last season. Hassell's commitment is another sign that top recruits believe Vanderbilt is becoming one of the rising programs in women's college basketball.
3. Olivia Miles Is Making Her Case Early đĽ˝
The No. 2 pick in the draft has wasted no time settling into the WNBA. Olivia Miles is averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists for the first-place Minnesota Lynx, and she's scored in double figures in all nine games this season. (CBS Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: With Napheesa Collier sidelined and several key contributors from last year's team no longer on the roster, many expected Minnesota to take a step back. Instead, the Lynx sit atop the standings. Miles has stepped into the starting point guard role with confidence, using her vision and quickness to help power one of the league's best offenses. Nine games into the season, she's already emerging as the early favorite for Rookie of the Year.
đŹ Missed June? Join Us for July
I dropped the June Post-Up Club mailings in the mailbox yesterday. If you'd like a monthly dose of women's basketball delivered to your actual physical mailbox, now's the perfect time to join before the July issue.
OVERTIME âąď¸
Not So Fast: Hailey Van Lith has signed a development player contract with the Connecticut Sun just two days after being waived.
Next Up: USA Basketball announced its Women's U18 National Team, which will compete at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup in Mexico next week.
Lavender Ladies: Golden State Valkyries guards Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams are featured on the newest cover of SLAM Magazine.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Yesterday: The Commissioner's Cup tipped off Monday, and we asked whether you're interested in the WNBA's in-season tournament. It looks like you are, with 69% of you answering yes.
