The9450

On this episode of She’s Always Had Game, host Zachary Draves sits down with New York Liberty legend Kym Hampton for a conversation celebrating the history, growth, and legacy of women’s basketball.Hampton was there at the beginning. An original member of the Liberty during the WNBA’s inaugural 1997 season, she helped establish the identity of one of the league’s cornerstone franchises and was part of the New York team that reached the first WNBA Finals. Before New York, Hampton starred at Arizona State, becoming one of the most accomplished players in program history.Zach and Kym revisit those early days of the WNBA, what it meant to represent basketball in New York City, the personalities and competition that shaped the league, and how dramatically the women’s game has evolved from 1997 to today.They also explore Kym’s journey beyond the court and what it means to see a new generation of players and fans embracing a league she helped build from the ground up.Before the packed arenas, record audiences and unprecedented attention—there were pioneers like Kym Hampton.🏀 She’s Always Had Game is about honoring those stories and making sure the history of women’s basketball is never forgotten.Follow us for more:@The9450@DravesZachary

The conversation delves into the historic significance of the 1976 U.S. women's basketball team and the impact of Title IX on women's sports. It explores the team's influence on future generations and the evolution of women's basketball, highlighting the progress and recognition of the sport over the years. The conversation covers the impact of Title IX on women's sports, the historical context of the 1976 US Women's Olympic basketball team, the challenges and strategies against the Soviet Union, international competition and cultural exchange, and the transition to coaching and administration. The legacy of the 1976 US Women's Olympic basketball team is also highlighted.TakeawaysTitle IX revolutionized women's sportsThe 1976 U.S. women's basketball team made history and paved the way for future generations Title IX and its impact on women's sportsThe legacy of the 1976 US Women's Olympic basketball teamFollow @The9450 on Twitter/X and YouTubeFollow @DravesZachary on Twitter/X for more stories

Nneka Ogwumike announced her retirement, exactly ten years to the day after her 2016 MVP season and Sparks championship. Daniel breaks down the full Hall of Fame résumé, franchise scoring and field-goal records, a top-five spot on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list, before getting into the CBA she delivered as WNBPA president. Plus: a speculative but well-grounded segment on whether Ogwumike could be next in line for WNBA commissioner, with Cathy Engelbert’s contract expiring this same season and Ogwumike declining to rule it out in an interview. And an honest look at what this farewell season actually looks like for a rebuilding Sparks team.

Indiana just went 9-2 behind all three of its stars peaking at once, Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, and Daniel makes the case for why Mitchell deserves to be in the MVP conversation alongside A’ja Wilson and Olivia Miles, not left out of it. Then the show heads west for a look at the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion-era team that’s built the league’s best defense in just year two, and the honest question about whether that formula holds up against the WNBA’s true elite.Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts, follow along on Spotify and YouTube, and subscribe to The9450 Weekly Drop newsletter for game recaps straight to your inbox.

Undrafted. Overseas. Undeniable. This week on Real Basketball Talk, Daniel breaks down how Sydney Taylor went from a non-guaranteed Chicago Sky training camp deal to being on pace for the highest scoring average by an undrafted rookie in WNBA history.Enjoying the show? Leave us a rating & review on Apple Podcasts, follow along on Spotify and YouTube, and subscribe to The9450 Weekly Drop newsletter for game recaps straight to your inbox.