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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. August’s WNBA Honors Are In 🏆
Kelsey Mitchell and A’ja Wilson were named the WNBA’s Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month for August. Natalie Nakase earned Coach of the Month after leading the Valkyries to a 10-2 record, while Olivia Miles was named Rookie of the Month. (WNBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: Mitchell has now won the award two months in a row, playing some of the best basketball of her career, while Wilson has taken it all four times this season. Wilson is the only player in league history to sweep the monthly honors in multiple seasons, and she is now one award away from tying Tina Charles’ record of 33.
Miles has also swept the Rookie of the Month every month this season, becoming the first rookie in Lynx history to earn the honor four times. We’re currently watching some of the best in the game play at the highest level. Mitchell and Wilson are both viable candidates for MVP, while Miles has all but locked up the Rookie of the Year award.
🗳️ Are you surprised by any of the August award picks?
2. More World Cup Players to Know 🌍
The list is now complete. Her Hoop Stats is back with another player-to-watch list for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, this time covering the eight countries in Groups C and D.
WHY IT MATTERS: As mentioned yesterday when we shared their list for Groups A and B, most WNBA fans already know the American stars and the international players they see during the WNBA season. These lists are helpful in highlighting some of the other talented players who do not get the same attention in the U.S., but could make a big impact in the World Cup.
3. China Loses Li Yueru for the World Cup 🇨🇳
There’s already a tough loss and the tournament hasn’t even started. China will be without Li Yueru at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after her passport was lost in the mail and she was unable to get a new one in time. The tournament begins tomorrow in Berlin. (ESPN)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a tough loss for China. Li was the team’s leading scorer at the 2024 Olympics, and China already faces a challenging first round in Group D play that includes Italy and the U.S.
🚌 Unrivaled Is Hitting the Road
Unrivaled’s bus tour starts today, with the league set to reveal the first city it’s taking its 3-on-3 basketball to next season. While we wait to see where they’re headed, you can rep your favorite Unrivaled team with one of these team-inspired tees.
*If you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout will earn a commission. Thank you for supporting our work.
OVERTIME ⏱️
Chi-Martini: Kate Martin has signed a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky after being waived by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Bigger Than Ball: Former LSU player Kate Koval, who is Ukrainian, confirmed she left the program because LSU added Russian player Anna Minaeva.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked if you would try to go if Unrivaled’s tour comes to your city, and 67% of you said absolutely. Sounds like plenty of you are ready to see Unrivaled IRL.
