Award-winning sports journalist and host of the Sportly podcast on Immigrantly, Kavitha Davidson, joins Liz for a one-on-one interview about her remarkable sports journey. From the sights and sounds of old Yankee Stadium to her memories of former Yankees Center Fielder and musician Bernie Williams, Kavitha reflects on her unique path, including her parents’ inspiring immigrant story. But before that great convo, Liz and Karen kick off the episode by savoring the electric ending to the 2024 WNBA championship, where the New York Liberty clinched the title, and dive into the journey of the team’s Finals MVP-winning Center, Jonquel Jones. Drafted with the 6th overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, this Bahamian basketball star’s career reads like a movie script, and the women of the Hoops Talk pod are here to give her her flowers!

Introducing Levels to Breast Cancer Awareness from Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby.

Follow the show: Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby

On this episode of Levels to this, in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Breast Cancer survivor Cynthia Smith joins the show to share her story on overcoming the disease and her road to recovery. Tee and Sheryl talk about their first-hand experiences with Breast Cancer, advocacy, and the importance of early detection.

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

This is a whopper of an episode! Liz and Karen recap the WNBA 2024 Finals with a big congrats to the New York Liberty champions, as well as MVP of the finals, Jonquel Jones. The duo also takes a look at court side fashions spotted during the series, including Angel Reese's iconic Stewie/Napheesa jersey, made by the talented Jocelyn Hu. Liz and Karen also unpack Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve's post-game comments: her emotional critique of the officiating and her shady congrats to the Liberty. And, of course Ellie the Elephant, the MVP of mascots, gets her flowers in this episode. With the start of the 2024-25 NBA season upon us, Liz and Karen tee up burning questions about teams and players (i.e.Will the Celtics repeat? Can the Knicks beat Boston? How many games will Lebron play? Or Curry?) This over/under round of predictions is coming in hot. Closer to home, it’s time to look at the Hoops Talk Fantasy League, critiquing the 8-teams draft and trades, while also passing along some fantasy team tips.

MENTIONS

Liberty finally give New York City a basketball championship:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/nyregion/new-york-liberty-champions.html?unlocked_article_code=1.UE4.Ojqv.eXM8ZO79uei8&smid=url-share

Jocelyin Hu:

https://jocehu.com/

Jocelyn Hu Instagram Reel:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZFqopuHOQ/

Jocelyn Hu Brittney Griner 42 Weeks:

https://jocehu.com/42-weeks

Fantasy Basketball All-Fades Team: 5 players you should avoid in drafts for the 2024-25 NBA Season:

https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy-basketball-busts-2024-25-121000752.html

Leaves fall, the W ascends, NBA fantasy leagues draft, “Les Brons” debut: this season’s many transitions are ripe for hot takes, and Liz and Karen are here to deliver. Plus, special guest Alex Taylor, founder of Hoop York City, sits in with the Hoops Off Pod for a chat about her journey, drive, and mission to create a NYC-based women's basketball collective. Taylor reveals the devastating incident that triggered her into action, and shares the special meaning behind one of her favorite Hoop York City logos. Liz and Karen also discuss rookie of the year Caitlin Clark's offseason plans to joins LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam on the green and at the Women's Leadership Summit. Then, due to a listener's correction, Liz sets the record straight by providing a deep dive into the ownership and head coaching changes for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. Karen gets a good chuckle at the "Elder" nomenclature being used to differentiate the Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James from his son Bronny James, making history as the first Father/Son duo to play on the same team in the NBA. Liz and Karen also show some love to Shamwow, share NBA Fantasy League tips and of course, take off their hoops!

MENTIONS

Hoops York City:

https://www.hoopyorkcity.com/

WNBA's Caitlin Clark to compete in the LPGA Pro-Am hosted by Annika Sorenstam in November:

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10138470-wnbas-caitlin-clark-to-compete-in-lpga-pro-am-hosted-by-annika-sorenstam-in-november

JuJu Watkins and Nike reach a lucrative deal:

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/41684352/sources-usc-juju-watkins-nike-reach-lucrative-extension

Lebron, Bronny James first father and son to play together:

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41653840/lebron-james-bronny-james-share-court-first-nba

Can Zion Williamson, Ja Morant reach their 'potential' after years of starts and stops?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5825604/2024/10/08/zion-williamson-ja-morant-usa-basketball-void-pelicans-grizzlies/?source=freedailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=728016

ESPN hires Shams Charania:

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/10/08/shams-charania-espn-move?publicationSource=sbd&issue=33a8f5eecf1f4d208320439ad68169e2

Fans are outraged that Josh Giddey is playing during NBA Investigation:

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fans-outraged-josh-giddey-playing-220001062.html

Liz and Karen, spirits high, are loving the WNBA playoffs (with one tiny, but very relatable, exception.) The duo shine a light on the historical rises in playoff viewership. They also try to understand the short lifespan of WNBA coaches—now that a third head coach has been fired. On the announcement of Big Brittney Griner signing as a founding member of the Unrivaled League, Liz and Karen do a deeper dive into the rules, players, equity, salary and more, of the league. Update on the Hoops Off NBA fantasy league open spot: it has been filled! But Liz is still feeling commissioner's woes, and half of the teams are still needing to register and pay! This week’s Hoops Off segment gets personal for Karen. For Liz, she looks directly into the recording camera to give the so-called “new-look” Los Angeles Lakers a much needed kick in the pants

MENTIONS

WNBA Most Viewed Semi-finals in 22 Years:

https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/10/sundays-wnba-matchup-between-las-vegas-aces-new-york-liberty-delivered-wnbas-most-viewed-semifinal-in-22-years/

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark deserve better sophmore seasons from everyone:

https://andscape.com/features/angel-reese-and-caitlin-clark-deserve-better-sophomore-seasons-from-everyone/

What Wright's Firing Means for Dream, WNBA coaching landscape:

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/41576332/wnba-2024-atlanta-dream-fire-tanisha-wright-coach-openings-vacancies-next

Unrivaled League:

https://www.unrivaled.basketball/

All-Star Brittney Griner joins Unrivaled's 3-on-3 hoops league

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/41572520/all-star-brittney-griner-joins-unrivaled-3-3-hoops-league

Lindsay Gibbs Power Plays Substack:

https://substack.com/@powerplays

Natasha Cloud Get Out The Vote:

https://www.powerplays.news/p/get-out-the-vote-with-natasha-cloud

Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, send us a voicemail: hoopsoffpod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/

With an expansion draft for the W coming up, and NBA trades making news, Liz and Karen deliver some spicy astrological perspectives on building team chemistry. But first: Playoff basketball is special, and Liz and Karen are LIVING for the excitement of these high-caliber WNBA semifinals! Once again Liz breaks down the box score and goes deeper into the +/- category for individual players.

The Golden State Valkyries will soon have players. (The expansion draft is scheduled for December 6th). Karen explains the expansion draft rules, and names the players she’d recommend for potential draft picks. Overall, things can get messy because current teams can only protect 6 players from the draft; and the head coaching job is a chance for the WNBA to do better!

The NBA Media Days offered no shortage of drama and fun. The ladies discuss the impact, and astrological signs, of the blockbuster trade with the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves that included Karl Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo and a first draft pick from the Detroit Pistons. Lastly, the Hoops come off when Liz takes a stand for Fantasy League Commissioners, and Karen slams the WNBA for a slow response to protect players against threats. Plus, The ladies also choose the first listener to take one of the two spots available in the Hoops Off NBA Fantasy league.

Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/

MENTIONS

WNBA Playoffs

https://www.wnba.com/playoffs/2024

Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft:

https://valkyries.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-expansion-draft-set-for-december-6-20240930/

Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft Rules:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjPpZDyU5B/?img_index=3

Draymond Green already mad at media days:

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/draymond-green-nba-reporter-fans-teammates-fan/2821a8c1f31398250c299f54

Lonzo Ball is Back:

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lonzo-ball-with-a-brand-new-knee-hopes-to-play-in-bulls-season-opener-after-two-and-a-half-years-away/

Knicks and Karl Anthony Towns trade:

https://www.nba.com/news/knicks-await-official-arrival-of-karl-anthony-towns

WNBA won't tolerate racism:

https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba-says-wont-tolerate-racism-191322093.html

Liz and Karen's WNBA Playoff breakdown is coming in fast and hot this week. They take a look at stats (believe it or not!) and discuss how the matches are stacking up. Players are racking double-doubles and triple-doubles during these playoffs, but there are tweaks Liz and Karen would like to see some of the teams make. Both are excited about A'Ja Wilson's unanimous MVP distinction. They highlight her 2024 accomplishments, and recount the impressive way she received the MVP news. Liz wants us to keep an eye on Raj Sports, who, in addition to owning the Sacramento Kings, now own two professional women’s sports teams in Portland (the yet-to-be-named WNBA Portland franchise, and the NSWL Portland Thorns). Karen breaks down Kelsey Plum’s style, as well as the lack of style in the newly rumored NBA City Edition Jerseys. A farewell to Adrian Wojnarowski, who dropped his final Woj Bomb via social media, and reflections on his legacy. And, finally, podcast listener Don, takes his hoops off with Liz and Karen!

MENTIONS:

WNBA Announces Portland Franchise:

https://www.wnba.com/news/portland-15th-franchise-announcement

RAJ Sports now owns two Sports Franchises in Portland:

https://rajcapital.co/rajsports#raj-sports

More reporting on that from the Oregonian's Sports Columnist Bill Oram:

https://www.instagram.com/oregoniansports/reel/DAJ-GaGBNQr/

WNBA Playoffs:

https://www.wnba.com/playoffs/2024

Kelsey Plum talks to Complex Sports:

https://www.complex.com/sports/a/caidin-ferrigno/kelsey-plum-las-vegas-aces-wnba-interview-smartwater

NBA City Edition Jerseys:

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2024/9/19/24248969/nba-city-edition-jersey-2025-season-ranked-best-worst

With Retirement from ESPN, 'Woj' Leaves a Changes Sports Media World:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/sports/basketball/adrian-wojnarowski-retires-espn.html

Give us your thoughts and questions in an email or, better yet, a voicemail: Send it here: hoopsoffpod@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @thehoopsoff https://www.instagram.com/thehoopsoff/