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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Three Fresh Faces and One Returner Join Unrivaled 👀
Unrivaled is making noise, and the week has only just begun. The 3-on-3 league announced that Aneesah Morrow, Kiki Rice, and Sydney Taylor will make their Unrivaled debuts for the 2027 season, while Satou Sabally will return. (Unrivaled Basketball)
WHY IT MATTERS: Taylor continues to be one of the feel-good stories of the year, going from undrafted two years ago to becoming an important, and clutch, part of Chicago’s backcourt. Sabally’s return is the surprise here after injuries kept her out for the entire Unrivaled season and most of the WNBA season this year. Hopefully this is a strong sign that we will see her play again in January.
🗳️ Are you surprised Satou Sabally is returning to Unrivaled?
2. A Court Ruling Changes Eligibility Again ⚖️
For the two dozen basketball players who sued to have a fifth year of eligibility this season, it looks like their college careers are officially done. Last week, an Ohio appeals court panel reversed a preliminary injunction that had allowed them to play. The athletes in this case all graduated high school in 2022 and were seeking a fifth season of college competition this year. (Front Office Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: This adds another layer of uncertainty to an already messy eligibility picture, while bringing an abrupt end to the college careers of the athletes involved in this lawsuit. An Ohio trial court had temporarily cleared these athletes to play a fifth year, but the appeals court has now reversed that decision. This does not impact the other cases challenging NCAA eligibility rules in other states.
3. The WBIT Is Getting Smaller 🤏
Sometimes expansion also leads to contraction. The Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) will shrink from 32 teams to 24 beginning this season. (CBS Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is partly a response to the NCAA Tournament expanding from 68 to 76 teams this season, giving eight more programs a spot in March Madness. It also has to do with some qualifying programs opting out in recent years in order to focus on recruitment and other priorities. This smaller field could make for a more competitive second-tier postseason tournament.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Irish at Heart: Hannah Hidalgo said it was a “no brainer” to return to Notre Dame for her senior season.
Scary Moment: Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase talked about collapsing and getting back up late in Game 3 of Golden State’s first-round series.
Hawkeye Love: Iowa held an outdoor event in Iowa City to celebrate the launch of Caitlin Clark’s new Nike Caitlin 1.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked which Semifinals Game 1 win impressed you more, and 75% of you picked the Valkyries over the Aces. We can’t wait for the Game 2s tomorrow!
