The 3 point King; 4000 and counting…

There are always certain where were you moments in sports that you just never forget as well as players.

Stephen Curry is definitely one of those players who leaves you speechless with a jaw dropping moment.

For example, the 2016 game winner he hit against OKC with Mike Breen on the call, by far one of my favorite plays in his career.

Steph has solidified himself as one of the all-time greats. December 14, 2021 in Madison Square Garden, he officially became the All- Time 3 point leader in NBA history surpassing none other than Ray Allen. That night was super fun, emotional, and one I won’t forget. Watching a player since college, his growth, the countless amount of criticism he receives on a day and day out basis, and constantly have to prove himself.

You would think a 4x NBA Champion, Finals MVP, NBA MVP, 3 point leader, Gold Medalist wouldn’t have to constantly prove himself over and over again but what do we always say, if you don’t have at least one hater are you really doing it right? LOL….

From three pointer number 1 to 2,974 ( passing Ray Allen) to 4,000+ it is amazing to just state the fact that the amount of work, strength, confidence, and conditioning goes into such an achievement. Keep in mind these are MADE three point shots, just imagine where the number would be if he didn’t miss. It is very astounding. I am always in constant awe whenever I get a chance to watch the chef cook it up on the court. I have also been blessed to see him in person as well. My hope is to get to another game before he hangs it up.

March 13, 2025 at home against Sacramento, Stephen solidified himself once again by hitting the 4,000 three point milestone. Congrats Steph! Keep changing the game for good and moving the needle. I feel like Steph at this stage in his career now is honestly in some of the best shape he has been in just overall stamina and his teammates. Having a good on the court team structure as well as trust makes for milestones like this truly inspiring. His teammates, coaches, trainers trust him to do his job but also have lots of fun along the way.

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Steph, I’m pushing for championship number 5. If the warriors would get it done, He will join the exclusive company: Magic, Kareem, Michael, Kobe, just to name a few. I know that is the one title he is seeking. With the playoffs on the horizon the western conference is going to be as competitive as ever. If any team can do it , Golden State can…Remember 2022?! Never ever count them out! With the 3 point king on their side.

Again Congratulations Steph on accomplishing a huge milestone. Your impact on the game is definitely seen, imitated, and imagined. There is only one Chef Curry! Keep shooting and when it’s all said and done on your hall of fame career, I can’t wait to see what the overall All-Time 3 point number ends up being.

Celebrate this moment and Kill it in the playoffs 🙂

As always I appreciate my readers! Check back with me next week. We head to the NCAA and celebrate the UCONN Huskies!! 🙂

*pics/vids courtesy of google/youtube*

Agent 0, The Hibachi, Mr. No Chill

Posted By Riah June 19, 2023

GILBERT ARENAS!!!!! 🙂

AGENT ZERO’S NBA GAME PLAN

  1. Attack opponent before they attack me- Trash Talk
  2. Finish Positive
  3. Come out on Top
  4. Straight Kill Mode (1-4 flat)

“This is how I attacked each and every game. Stats didn’t matter to me. I broke it down by quarter and that’s how Agent Zero became Agent Zero” – Gilbert Arenas 10-27-22; No Chill Podcast with Victor Oladipo.

Happy Juneteenth !

Today, I am overflowing with excitement to be able to write about Gilbert Arenas formally known as Agent Zero of the Washington Wizards. First, I would like to thank Gil for allowing me to write about him. I have previously written about him before but this time I will go more in depth about his career.

Before social media became popular, having the opportunity to write about someone I have watched many times in person during their prime is awesome.

Social Media was not prevalent as it is today, we still had to read the paper, listen to games on the radio, and regularly tune into ESPN to see highlights. I would listen to Dave Johnson a long time radio broadcaster for the Wizards as he would call every game. He made you feel as if you were at the game with his excitement and the ability to explain the entire game as it’s happening.

Basketball has been my favorite sport since I was young, and by the time I saw my first professional game in 2003, I was completely immersed in the sport.

Today’s post will highlight Gil’s NBA career primarily his time in Washington where I saw him play the most, how I met him, and his current endeavor Gil’s Arena.

Gil’s NBA Career

In 2001, With the 31st pick in the 2nd round, The Golden State Warriors drafted Gilbert Arenas from Arizona. He averaged 19 pts. per game for his first couple seasons in the league. In 2003, he was traded to the Washington Wizards.

Who knew once Gilbert arrived in DC, it would change the trajectory of NBA basketball in the DC area. Players after him such as John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant all considered or even played in DC due to his impact during his time with the Wizards.

Gil played with the Wizards from 2003 -2010. At the age of 11, I saw him play in person for the first time and have kept up with his career ever since. I was in awe of his work ethic and his approach to the game so much so that I was keeping track of his stats in my head.

In his tenure in Washington, he averaged 25 points per game (ppg), 5.7 assists per game(apg), and 4.2 rebounds per game (rpg), as well as consecutive playoff appearances.

Gil’s other accolades while with the Wizards by the age of 25 included:

3x All NBA Team (2005-2007)- this honor was voted on at the end of each season.

3x NBA All Star (2005-2007)-this honor was voted on by the fans.

Top 5 NBA Scorer (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07)

Some of his iconic games include game winners against the Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls (playoff game winner), and scoring 60 points against the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gilbert redefined basketball and how the game was played. He was difficult to guard due to his speed, ability to shoot mid-range as well elevating his long-range game. He was shooting from the logo effortlessly before Stephen Curry came on the scene

Playoffs

From 2004-2008 The Wizards made the playoffs consecutively being the first team under the Wizards name to do so since 1997. Their most memorable playoff win came during the 2004-2005 season, facing the Chicago Bulls. During this series the Wizards went down 0-2, tied the series, Gilbert hit a game winning shot in Chicago in Game 5 to force a Game 6 with the Wizards closing it out at home in 6 games. I was able to attend game 6.  It was the most electrifying atmosphere I had been a part of during that season. The City of DC had its new face of DC basketball, and his name was Gilbert Arenas. In 2008, Gil extended his contract with the Wizards; a 6-year $111 million dollar deal. This would be the last contract former owner Mr. Abe Pollin, who loved and adored Gil, would sign before he passed away in 2009. In 2016, his contract payment with the Wizards ended.

Fun Fact

For the 2007 NBA All- Star Campaign, Adidas, and Gil were negotiating his shoe deal. Gil decided to throw a (fake) party to market himself and the All-Star game which was being held in Las Vegas. The marketing event worked when Gil bet on himself. His deal initially worth $15 million over the course of 5 years, ended up being agreed to for $40 million. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to bet on you and showcase your worth!  In 2007, Gil was voted as a starter and headliner for the All- Star game.

My favorite memories

Pic 1: When I met Gil at a Mystics game, he signed my hat for me. 🙂  Fun Fact: Gil was the first official NBA Autograph I ever received. It was important and special to me because I was finally able to meet one of my favorite players. He was genuinely nice and approachable. Gil was sitting adjacent to where we were sitting in the stands. I just remember waving at him, and he motioned for me and my sister to come over, sign our hats and take a picture. I felt like I had a piece of DC basketball that I could keep with me for a lifetime.

Pic 2: 11/18/2022 The night he was honored for shaping DC basketball during the 25 year celebration. The hat we received at the game. It was long overdue but I’m so glad DC welcomed him back with open arms. It was Gil’s first time back in DC in 12 years.

Another favorite memory: The Martin Luther King Jr. Game against Utah. My mom, sisters, and I attended this game. Little did we know we were about to see a game winning shot from who else, Agent 0!! The shot went in, and I jumped with excitement because the Wizards just won the game. The Washington Wizards won 114-111 against Utah Jazz. The game winner gave Gil 51 points for the game.

Let it be known Adidas Campaign

This was so much fun to just take pictures in the shirts and support one of our favorite players.

What’s Gil up to now?

Gil played 11 seasons in the NBA. Outside of his basketball skills on the court, his knowledge and IQ of the game has ignited the NBA fanbase. He started his podcast NO Chill Gil (his newest nickname).  He speaks his mind, has fun, and even ties in his own personal experiences with his guests. 

 Gil has expanded from a Podcast to a weekly basketball show called Gil’s Arena (WOO WOO) with Josiah Johnson. In the last few months, this show has grown tremendously. The show airs live on YouTube Tues/Wed/Thurs at 2:30pm EST.  You can stream the episodes soon after it has aired live. The show is everything you can think of sports related, entertainment, debates, latest news, and loads of fun. The best part, the fans (subscribers are allowed to interact with them as well).

I am looking forward to what is to come for Gil. 🙂 Good luck with everything! I am glad I was able to connect with you!

Be sure to keep up with Gil

IG: no chill.gil

Twitter/ Tiktok : GilsArena

This blog was a special one for me. I appreciate everyone who took the time to read it.

I will be back friday with another one 😉

*Gil Pics courtesy of Google Images*

*Gil accolades courtesy of the official Washington Wizards instagram page, be sure to follow them @washwizards*

One Pot Wonder Recipes Cookbook

My first cookbook is available for purchase now!!! Get the #1 New Release now 🙂

Purchase #1 New Release here 🙂

WNBA Spotlight: A’ja Wilson 🏀

Posted By Riah June 2, 2023

WNBA Spotlight: A’ja Wilson 🏀

Happy Friday! & Happy June!

Some announcements June 7- My first cookbook will be available for sale. I’m super excited about it & Agent 0 ( Gilbert Arenas) blog will be live June 19 🙂 So be on the lookout for those two things!

Let’s jump right in with another LEO! 🙂

A’ja Wilson who is now entering her 5th full year in the WNBA and coming off a championship for the Las Vegas Aces is currently in season. She is also the defending league MVP & Defensive Player of the year.

A’ja in the beginning wasn’t too fond of basketball, actually wasn’t too interested in it until late in highschool. But once she fell in love with the game it was a wrap lol.

A’ja attended South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley and let’s put it this way, when you hear South Carolina University you immediately think of A’ja Wilson. She is a household legend. She dominated in college and just fun to watch. She is a baller! Her legacy is cemented at the University with a statue.

How cool is that?!

Between 2020-2022, A’ja as a center averaged 19+ points per game, made the All- Star team every year with the exception of the covid year, and first team All WNBA. Not to mention she is super down to earth and never forgets the sacrifices she has made as well as her parents. The relationship she has with her family is everything.

Your support system is sometimes the extra push you need to keep going no matter what you are working on.

Also some of her endorsements include Nike, Ruffles, and Mountain Dew! 🙂 Always bet on yourself if you can, you never know where it will lead you.

Having a strong support system is just as vital too. It keeps you going, grounded, & motivated.

I always appreciate my readers & supporters!

See you guys next week!

*Pics/Vids courtesy of Google Images*

KG: The Big Ticket

Posted By Riah May 22, 2023

KG: The Big Ticket

Happy Monday!

New Week, New blog!

My dad sent me KG’s documentary Anything is possible, which I have seen a couple of times which gave me the information I needed for today’s post. Anything basketball related I will watch alot.

As I was listening to the documentary, I made the point that Kevin Garnett was Lebron before Lebron. What I mean by that is, he was drafted straight from highschool to the pros after having faith and writing a letter to David Stern. Stern was the commissioner of the league at the time until 2014. Prior to KG being drafted in 1995 from highschool, the last NBA player drafted from the same caliber was in 1975. Crazy how the game has changed. Bron was drafted in 2003.

Kevin grew up in a small town in South Carolina and instantly fell in love with the game of basketball. His mom however didn’t want him playing at all. He had to sneak and play the game he loved so much. Eventually his mom would see him play and be in awe of him, so much so his family moved to chicago where he would become a household name.

KG was tall, long wingspan and could dominate both ends of the floor. Like most household names in sports there came doubters if KG would even do well in the NBA.

In 1995, Kevin would receive his dream opportunity! With the 5th pick The Minnesota Timberwolves select Kevin Garnett! He did it! Now it was time to go to work.

Coming into the Timberwolves organization, Kevin had to work to become a starter. Once a starter he would remain one for his entire 12 years with Minnesota. KG dominance earned him the nickname: The Big Ticket!

Although Minnesota was winning games and making the playoffs, they could never get over the hump for a championship shot.

Kevin had a decision to make. This decision would ultimately lead him to the promise land.

2008

Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers- what are the odds. A legendary rivalry renewed but this time KG, Allen,& Pierce up against the Black Mamba.

It was a battle with Boston winning in 6 games. Kevin finally achieved the dream. NBA Champion, he captured his win by saying Anything is Possible!!

He is right! Hard work, dedication, blocking out the haters(secret supporters) You will always be destined for great things.

Boston & LA would meet in the Finals again in 2010, Lakers would win in 7 games.

Kevin has since retired from the NBA, had his jersey retired by Boston & is a hall of famer! Same hall of fame class as Kobe.

Now in his post NBA career, Kevin has his own podcast KG Certified. (full episodes on youtube) I thoroughly enjoy his episodes. He is a great storyteller, advice giver, and someone with a good spirit. He also spends his time mentoring young rising players in the league through his various basketball camps.

I hope to meet and chat with him someday!

I appreciate you guys for reading! I will be back friday!

*Pics/Vids courtesy of Google Images*

Welcome Back BG!!

Posted By Riah May 15, 2023

Welcome Back BG!!

The WNBA 2023 Season is among us!

Teams are prepping to begin the season this coming week. Crazy how fast time flies, seems like the Las Vegas Aces just won the championship!

They will be defending their title win.

The big news all season will be the return of Brittney Griner. As many of you know she was detained in Russia for months and with the help of President Biden, She is now home, healing and returning to the game. Mistake on her part, I’m just glad she is safe and can be back on US Soil. I wish her the best of luck. The only reason she was playing over seas like most of her WNBA counterparts is due to lack of salary the league offers.

If you were unaware the NBA salaries to WNBA are vastly different by milllions of dollars. The #1 overall draft pick for the WNBA averages a salary of rougly $78,000 a year not including endorsements or now NIL deals. It’s sad that for as long as the WNBA has been established, the money, resources to keep players and their families happy. Playing overseas has most often than not been an option once the regular season ends. After the Griner situation, most WNBA players were reconsidering the thought of traveling to play.

I hope in years to come to the WNBA can be just as lucrative as the NBA. They also need more teams. 12 WNBA teams isn’t going to cut it especially if the players that are drafted don’t actually make the the roster.

This was somewhat news to me, I didn’t realize if you are drafted late you aren’t guaranteed a roster spot even if the team really wants you and markets you.

A direct example of this was shown with the Conneticut Sun. They drafted Alexis Morris from the National Championship LSU Tigers. She was had to basically try out to make the team only for Connecticut to waive her.
You work so hard to make it to your dream job, have them promote you, only to be let go.

I’m sure it is a frustrating process but I know Alexis will get picked up somewhere if not , her next option is overseas.

We will have to wait and see how everything comes together for her. I know it will! Good Luck to you Alexis, BG and all of the WNBA players on the upcoming season.

Never give up and if anything always bet on yourself:)

That will wrap up today’s blog! See you guys for Football Friday!! The new schedule is here! Let’s talk about it!!

Thanks for reading!

*Pics/ Vids courtesy of Google*

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

Posted By Riah May 1, 2023

GSW: A solidified dynasty?

In 2013, the Golden State Warriors lost to Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs ousting them out of the first round and on a rebuild. Coach Jackson was relieved of his duties and Coach Steve Kerr was introduced. In the last 10 years, the Warriors have appeared in multiple finals, won 4 championships, set numerous records including a 73 win season passing the 72 win chicago bulls. Their leader Stephen Curry with 2 MVP’s and 1 finals MVP (2022 Champions). The argument is always posed is Golden State a solidified dynasty with the likes of the Lakers, Bulls, Celtics. I mean what is left for them to prove honestly. Let’s talk about….

The 2014-2015 NBA season, the warriors finally broke the curse and won their first championship and since than have been a nemesis, underdog, the team no wants to meet in the playoffs or even the regular season. Through injuries, ups and downs, struggles on the road, the warriors proved their name true time and time again. Curry with multiple ankle injuries, Thompson with his achilles/acl injuries etc. They just find a way to win and dominate and prove everyone wrong. I love watching this team and their bond. Steph, Draymond, and Klay are the only three teammates in recent years that have been dedicated to stay together as long as they have. If it’s not broke then it doesn’t need fixing. Even with the addition of KD, their chemistry and bond never wavered. No matter where the warriors are seeded they always find a way to come out on top. 4 championships later, the argument remains, Are the warriors one of the best dynasty’s. My answer yes! At this point there shouldn’t even be a debate but it should be when it’s all said and done and Curry, Green, Thompson are no longer playing where will they rank? I think at least top 5 all time. I mean Stephen Curry lol.. Need I say more!

Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter ever. The way he has taken care of his body over the course of his career and to sustain it is a testament to his dedication to the game. It is so fun to watch him play. I have had the pleasure of watching him in person and it’s worth every penny. He puts on the show and just dominates. From his ball handling skills to just pure shooting ability, he is one of the best of all time and especially in the last 10 years. He has proven time and time again by his game alone that he and his team deserve respect. If you know Steph’s journey then you know it is more than just basketball and who he plays for (represents). His platform is his way of showcasing not only his talent but faith that God can do anything and use anyone for his honor and glory.

Thompson, Looney, Green have all solidified their legacies as well. I mean let’s just look at last season. Warriors started in the Play in and ended up winning the championship despite the odds. Everyone from newcomers Poole, Payton II etc. all showed up big for their team and helped bring the championship back to the Bay.

As the Warriors prepare for another Lebron /Steph matchup this time Bron on the Lakers, the question is posed how will they fair? This lakers team is slightly different from their 2020 Championship roster but I think it will be a good challenge for them. The warriors are the team to beat but honestly once they get going, on a run, and steph takes over they are really hard to beat. Steph now 35 and the Lebron now 38, I’m excited for the matchup ahead. Hopefully the Warriors can cruise past LA in their quest for Championship #5. Let me know your thoughts….

It’s time to put some respect on the Warriors.

Love Them, Envy Them, They are here to stay adding to their already solidified legacy. 🙂

As always thanks for reading!

Leave a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion

*Pics/Vids courtesy of Google Images*

NBA Playoffs: My Recap so far :)

Posted By Riah April 24, 2023

NBA Playoffs: My Recap So far :)

With the 2023 NBA playoffs currently underway, I wanted to give my recap on all things playoff related.

The NBA Playoffs are a sight to see as we watch great matchups, players rise to the occasion, unfortunate injuries, and of course the media giving us their breakdown of each team.

Let’s start in the East!

The Milwaukee Bucks being the overall #1 seed is the high favorite. Miami winning the 8th seed in the play-in tournament is giving them a run for their money currently up 2-1 with a game 4 happening tonight. Giannis has been out the last two games due to a bruised tail bone. He is set to make his return. Will Miami go up 3-1 and continue their momentum & potential upset? Or will the bucks get back in the series and tie it up. With another crushing injury to role player Vic Oladipo, will his absence affect Miami’s quest to move on to the second round. I think both teams matchup well but if Miami jumps out to a hot start they have a chance to continue to dominate.

Philadelphia took care of Brooklyn in 4 games and they await their opponents for round 2.

How about the New York Knicks?!! They have the right chemistry and pieces I think to go deep in the playoffs. The addition of Jalen Brunson was a good one. I am keeping my eye on them.

Boston is one game away from securing their second round spot after going up 3-1 on the Hawks. Game 5 is a MUST WIN for them. Trae Young can shoot lights out but has been struggling. I hope he can find his mojo and help his team fight back in this series.

On to the western conference…… 🙂 My favorite conference, It’s really anyone’s game.

Denver is the quiet favorite right now. They aren’t being discussed as much as the Lakers, Warriors, Grizzlies, Suns. Minnesota fought back and now have a chance in this series down 2-1 instead of 3-0. ( no team has come back from 3-0). Stats don’t lie lol. The next game will be fun now that the Timberwolves have some life.

The Suns are looking to wrap up their series with the Clippers. With Kawhi and Paul both being out indefinitely due to injuries, it’s looking like KD and Phoenix are ready to move on and prep for round 2 which will be the winner of the Denver/Minnesota series.

Alright, Drama & Entertainment time lol. I think you know where I’m going.

Boy oh Boy- Tell me you watched game 4 for the Lakers/Grizzlies.

I think Dillon ended up with his foot in his mouth. We all know what he said. The lesson here don’t ever poke the bear or be disrespectful to the point an opponent has to shut you up. The lakers did just that scoring 40+ in the first quarter as a team. Lebron finished the game with 25 points. He played the most aggressive last game than ever before. The Grizzlies have been the talk of the league due to their chatty behavior with no deep playoff run to show for it. Will that continue to hurt them? Ja is going to be Ja every game but I will say this his style of play will continue to cause him harm than good injury wise. I never want to see a player get hurt and it’s okay to adjust your game a tad and still keep your essence. Ja is one of my favorite players but I don’t want to see him get seriously hurt trying to make a statement. I honestly think the Lakers are going to win this series with how everything is going as they have a 2-1 series lead.

Lastly, the defending Golden State Warriors, barely won. They were able to tie up their series with the Kings 2-2. A gutted team win that literally could’ve went any other way. Championship teams with experience know how to pull out gritty wins. No team has beaten the Warriors at home since Boston did in the finals last year and they still pulled it out. No one even has the Warriors winning another championship this year. I lowkey love the underdog route, no matter how they are seeded they always find a way to win and just kick the champion mentality in high gear. The suspension of Draymond for Game 3 fueled them, his unselfishness to come off the bench in Game 4 helped keep the momentum. The Kings who haven’t been in the playoffs in 17 years are fighting, dominating and not backing down from the challenge of playing the champs. It’s honestly a really good series. De’Aaron Fox unfortunately has a fractured finger on his shooting hand and as of right now is doubtful for Wednesday’s game. If he is out, we will have to see how the Kings respond but the offense runs through him. He is dominant and just a pure scorer. I like watching him.

The question now is..does this secure the Warriors a second round spot if Fox can’t play. I honestly say stick to the game plan and take it one game at a time especially with how bad the road games have been for the warriors. Let’s not discuss the refs. LOL If you know you know.

I’m excited for the rest of the playoff games. I love watching and engaging. Each game is different.

Let me know who you are rooting for and who you think will win this year’s championship. Drop a comment or tweet me @bballmypassion

As always thanks for reading 🙂

*Picture courtesy of google images*

Caitlin; Angel; Changing the game for good!

Within the past 48 hours, the following has been said about Angel or Caitlin: Classless, Idiot, Lame,etc. After Angel taunted Caitlin with the “Jon Cena” gesture. We have all seen it hundreds of times now so this blog won’t be about that. My only wish is that Angel would have taken those 10 seconds to at least give a handshake or hug to Caitlin. Good Sportmanship is a choice sometimes that can easily define your legacy regardless of the heat of the moment. Had Angel not chosen to follow Caitlin on the court, we wouldn’t be talking about it. But when you think about it, when was the last time a Women’s National Collegiate Championship game had this much buzz post the final buzzer. Your normal 24 hour congrats, highlights shown and we move on to the next thing.

From the time the final buzzer sounded, this situation between two star athletes in their own right became the topic of discussion which is still on-going. I began to think about it and also engage in it. I love the game but from jump the refs ruined what could have been a legendary game when Reese, Clark, & Graduate player Czinano all picked up multiple, questionable fouls which changed the trajectory of the game moving forward.

With Reese & Clark on the bench early in the game other players from both teams had to step up. And step up they did. Carson & Morris from LSU who both struggled all tournament lit up the score board hitting any and everything. They were able to stretch their lead by half time to 17. Warnock and Martin also contributed for Iowa but again questionable foul calls hindered their run game. Iowa was playing catch up all game. Clark ended the game becoming the woman with most points in the ncaa tournament passing the legend Sheryl Swoopes!! 🙂 so Awesome and should be talked about and celebrated but it’s not. I’m taking this moment to uplift Caitlin. She balled out all tournament. You can celebrate that, it was awesome to see her shoot from Steph range as she racked up a 40 point triple double not only that she repeated her 40 point performance in the semi-final and 30 point performance in the final game although coming up short. Her performance not only put Iowa as a University in the spotlight but also more eyes on the Women’s game.

Angel Reese, a transfer from Maryland is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. Dominant in her own right nicknaming herself ” Bayou Barbie” She is confident in who she is while representing the DMV area. I love rooting for and watching players that are close to my area where I live. Transferring to LSU after an injury and losing to stanford in the Sweet 16, Reese was looking for a fresh start, a shot at a national championship and an opportunity to solidify herself as one of the greats. By taunting Clark the way she did, did she cost herself the opportunity to be celebrated for having the most double doubles in a season with 34 for LSU , the most NIL deals for any male or female collegiate athlete, as well many accolades that include but are not limited too: AP Third Team All American, USBWA All-American, Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist all for 2022. For this year she was named the NCAA Outstanding Player. It is to note she was not eligible for the John Wooden award due to not meeting all of the awards criteria. Maybe that is a reason she mentioned being disrespected or feeling as if she has to be outspoken about who she is and not changing who she is. It would make sense since Caitlin was the most talked about female athlete all tournament long outside of South Carolina being undefeated all season on the cusp of potentially repeating as National Champs. LSU honestly was an after thought until they started winning. A lot of their games were close ones too throughout the tourney.

For what it’s worth March Madness always gives what it is supposed too. Heartstopping, Fist Pumping, Edge of your seat fun. I live for it every year. The women’s tournament this year was the most engaging thanks to Clark, Reese and a host of others.

I’m really glad the women’s game is in the spot light right now for programs you normally wouldn’t expect to pull off the upsets and do. We always expect the UCONN’s, Stanford’s, UCLA’s, Tennessee’s to be the champs. It feels good to see programs like LSU & Iowa receive recognition and spotlight. This tournament gave us that. Two Universities with two star players dominating and leaving their mark.

Now to the question at hand is trash talk good? Warranted? Horrible to the game. NO, It makes the game engaging and more fun to watch. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have had or even heard about how many people don’t engage in the women’s game due to pace or boring feel or it’s not the same intensity as the men. Within the last 5 years or so the women’s game has evolved and changed and honestly for good! Trash talk is fine as long good sportsmanship follows. At the end of the day these student athletes are in school working hard in degree fields that are difficult at times as well as dedicating their time to the game. That should be praised most. I’ m proud of both Angel & Caitlin. They both represented their school with grace. Should the way Angel taunted Caitlin be this blown up ,after giving it some deep thought nah. In hindsight, Angel opened up the discussion for the women’s game and how they should be treated like the men. We don’t get in an uproar when Men athletes trash talk. lol so why not give the same grace for some banter between two star athletes. But again I prefer good sportsmanship over everything especially since in this NIL era how you represent yourself on a national stage is criticized. My only advice on a national stage as a young student- athlete protect your brand and uphold it with grace, humility, and respect. You are representing yourself and your university more than anything. How you respond on a national stage can definitely have an impact going forward. Instead of praising the contributions of the entire LSU Tiger team and their first national championship in school history we are only discussing 1 player. And please believe if Clark retaliated it would be a different conversation altogether again taking away from all of the hard- work and sacrifice to get to this point. Am I reading too much into this situation, nah I just have seen time and time again how one decision can hinder or change how one’s career can go.

I’m rooting for Angel.

I’m rooting for Caitlin.

I hope one day they can shake hands and hug since LSU didn’t give them handshakes after the game which was also not cool. Yes I said it! Good Sportsmanship goes a long way especially in the thick of the game.

Reese. Clark. Both now household names, with long careers ahead of them. I look forward to seeing them in the future.

Both Changing the Women’s game for good!

I appreciate everyone for reading.

I’m thinking about blogging again. If I should let me know. Comment on this post or hit me on twitter, ig.

Twitter:@bballmypassion

IG:riah_3

*Pics/videos courtesy of Google Images*

M.B.

Favorite Sports Moments #2

WNBA-Draft

Last Night the WNBA honored the beautiful lives and families of those lost on January 26.

Huge Congrats to Alyssa, Gianna, and Payton on being drafted last night a dream come true!

So I wanted to give you 5 more of my favorite sports moments. 🙂

#5 Team USA wins back to back gold medals for Men’s Basketball (2008,2012)

#4 Gilbert Arenas buzzer beater vs. Utah Jazz on MLK Day 2007-I was at this game! CRAZY!

game winner

#3 Russell Westbrook Triple Double Season- He’s a beast!

#2 Washington Nationals win it all!!!-Woohoo

nats

#1 Washington Capitals winning the Stanley Cup!-DC Stand up 🙂

caps

This was again fun for me to write, if you have any sports moments you would want to share let me know in the comments 🙂

Until next time!

*pics/vids courtesy of google images*