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.

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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.

Takeaways

• Title IX revolutionized women's sports
• The 1976 U.S. women's basketball team made history and paved the way for future generations Title IX and its impact on women's sports
• The legacy of the 1976 US Women's Olympic basketball team

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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.

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In this episode, host Kevin “Kdot” Lewis dives into the heart of Hawkeye State hoops with special guest Zachary Draves, journalist for SB Nation and Swish Appeal. Together, they explore the latest developments in Iowa Women’s Basketball and their rivalry with Iowa State.

🏀 What’s Inside:

• Iowa’s transition without Caitlin Clark and how Jan Jensen is leading the team through early-season challenges.

• A breakdown of the intense Iowa vs. Iowa State matchup and key takeaways for both teams.

• Analysis of Iowa’s recent loss to No. 17 Michigan State and what it means for their season.

• A deep dive into Big Ten play: key games, standout players, and expectations for the Hawkeyes.

• A quick chat about Chicago Sky new First Chair, Tyler Marsh and expectations coming into the 2025 season.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual follower of college basketball, this episode offers expert insights and engaging discussions you won’t want to miss.

📢 Tune in now to stay updated on all things Iowa hoops!

In this solo episode of Keep'n It 9450: Codename WBB, host Daniel Artest provides an in-depth preview of the 2024 WNBA playoffs. With co-hosts KDOT and Lolo unavailable, Daniel takes the reins to break down each playoff series, offering insights on team strengths, key players, and potential outcomes. He covers the matchups between the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever, and the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm. Tune in for a detailed analysis and to find out which teams are poised for a deep playoff run.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:46 New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream Preview

04:11 Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury Breakdown

08:54 Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever Analysis

13:52 Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm Showdown

21:55 Conclusion and Thank You

🎙️ The9450 Presents: Daniel Artest’s 2026 WNBA Season Preview

Get ready for a deep dive into the 2026 WNBA season as Daniel Artest breaks down everything you need to know heading into tip-off. From title contenders to breakout stars, this episode sets the stage for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in league history.

🔥 Episode Breakdown

🏆 Championship Contenders

• Can the Las Vegas Aces maintain their dominance with their core still intact?
• Are the New York Liberty positioned to finally get over the hump after multiple deep playoff runs?
• Where do the new expansion teams fit in the contender tier?

📈 Teams on the Rise

• The evolution of the Indiana Fever as they continue building around their young core.
• Atlanta Dream and their system identity heading into a full season under their current coaching philosophy.
• Dallas Wings and their ability to turn talent into consistent wins.

👀 X-Factors & Wildcards

• The ceiling of the Phoenix Mercury and how roster balance impacts their playoff push.
• What to expect from the Chicago Sky in a transitional phase.
• Can the Minnesota Lynx outperform expectations yet again with a new look roster?

🌟 Players to Watch

• MVP candidates and early favorites shaping the narrative.
• Second-year leaps (including the continued evolution of rising stars across the league).
• Impact rookies entering the league and how they fit immediately.

🧠 Key Storylines

• Pace, spacing, and the evolution of offensive systems across the league.
• Defensive versatility becoming a defining trait for contenders.
• The growing impact of analytics and player tracking.

🎯 What Makes This Episode Different

Daniel Artest brings a film-room meets culture perspective—blending X’s and O’s with the energy, storytelling, and real conversations that define the WNBA space.

📲 Stay Connected

• Follow: @The9450
• Subscribe to The9450 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube
• Tap in for weekly WNBA coverage, breakdowns, and exclusive interviews

💬 Tap in, subscribe, and don’t miss a moment of the 2026 WNBA season.

In this episode of Codename: Aces, host Daniel Artest makes a compelling case for A'ja Wilson as the 2025 WNBA MVP. DA breaks down the MVP race by analyzing the seasons of top contenders including Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier. Through stats, narratives, and key performances, he argues why Wilson's leadership and on-court production make her the most deserving candidate. Tune in for an in-depth discussion and follow-up episodes on more hot topics in women's basketball!

00:00 Introduction and Apology

00:27 MVP Debate Overview

01:45 Alyssa Thomas: The Triple-Double Machine

03:45 Napheesa Collier: The Team Engine

06:01 A'ja Wilson: The MVP Case

12:21 Conclusion and Social Media Plugs