UNSCRIPTED: The WNBA is BACK! Who/What Will Be the Storylines this Season?
Unscripted
By Keith Edmonds
FWIS Contributing Writer
As you look at the picture what immediately comes to mind? For many of us it’s the constant reminder of two talented young women who were forced (at no fault of their own) to be the featured story all season long for the WNBA this past year. Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese were linked together even before they came into the league from their collegiate battles at Iowa and LSU respectively. Both players had record-setting seasons in their rookie years and now (with the draft being completed just last week and potentially new stars entering the league), the talk is still on these two young women. Why do you think that is? Is it a talent thing, race thing, or some other thing that has us so intrigued about these ladies?
When asked about the interesting dynamics of her rivalry with Caitlyn Clark, Angel Reese responded, “It all started from the National Championship game. I've been dealing with this for two years now,' (Reese said of her unpopularity with fans, compared to Clark.) 'And understanding that, yeah, negative things have probably been said about me but honestly, I'll take that. Because look where women's basketball is. People are talking about women's basketball, which you never would think it would be. I know I'll go down in history. I'll look back in 20 years and be like; yeah, the reason why we're watching women's basketball isn't just because of one person (as many think it is) it's because of me, too and I want people to realize that... a lot of us have done so much for this game, not just Caitlyn and I.” I agree with this statement wholeheartedly! The impact that these two women have had on the attendance, interest, merchandising, and overall appeal of the women’s game is unprecedented! But as with most sports, we need a hero and a villain with Reese and Clark being chosen to play those roles. Interesting....
When asked a similar question about her role in the Reese vs Clark drama, Clark responded..“We are both super competitive people that want to win and do whatever it takes to help our team be successful. The interest in us stems from our previous games in college and I understand that. From my part, there is no animosity that I have towards Angel, and I genuinely want to see her do well (accept when we play them) and be the best that she can be each night out.” Readers, do you believe that this statement? NO animosity between the two of them and just two ladies working hard to be successful? Hmmmm... Okay I’ll leave this alone! From my perspective they are trying their best to share what is the politically correct answer for us in the media while trying to hide their TRUE feelings about one another. Could I be wrong? Of course! But AM I wrong? You decide....
Now as for the WNBA season, it’s about to kick off in about 2 weeks and the team and experts think that the 2024 Championship New York Liberty will reign once again as champions! This Liberty group hasn't changed much with the core of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, (one of the best three-point shooters in the game), and Jonquel Jones all returning for another season. The Las Vegas Aces traded All-Star. Kelsey Plum to Seattle but got back perennial All-Star Jewel Lloyd to pair with Chelsey Gray and Jackie Young to make this team even more dangerous! Did I mention that they also have Aja Wilson (league MVP for 3 of the past 5 seasons) so we certainly can’t forget about them!
And then there is the Indiana Fever... With the return of Clark and Kelsey Mitchell and off-season signings of Sophie Cunningham, DeWanna Bonner, and Natasha Howard the Fever have set themselves up for a huge season for new head coach Stephanie White. They have been listed as #3 in terms of teams favored to win the title even though they are coming off a modest last season record of 20-20. What is ridiculous to me is that the majority of their games this season will be played in alternate arena’s due to the “Clark Factor” as teams need more room to accommodate fans coming to the games! Wow!
So, there you have it. I didn’t even mention that collegiate stars Paige Bueckers, (UCONN) Kiki Iriafin, (USC) and Hailey Van Lith (TCU) are coming into the league which should make the games fun once again so get your popcorn ready and lets enjoy the ride!