Hello and Happy New Year!
New Year’s Day used to be a difficult time for me. I always felt like I hadn’t accomplished enough or that I was behind my peers in some way. But now that I’m older, I realize there is no such thing as being ahead or behind anyone else. We are all succeeding and failing in our own ways, every day. Now I see a new year as not only something to celebrate, but also as an opportunity.
So let’s kick off 2026 the best way I know how: By talking about women’s basketball! Today I’ll be answering mailbag questions. I plan to do this about once a month, so if you didn’t get a question in, no worries! You will have more chances.
Q: Can anyone beat UConn?
The Huskies are the clear favorite to win the title once again. Conference play is always a breeze because the Big East is weak, so the only challenges UConn has left are Notre Dame and Tennessee. Though I don’t anticipate either of those games being close. But when it comes to March Madness there is one team that could challenge the Huskies: Texas.
The Longhorns had one glaring weakness last season, and that was 3-point shooting. But that problem has largely been remedied thanks to sophomore Jordan Lee (38.8%). Freshman Aaliyah Crump is also solid from long range, but she’s been hurt since her team’s fifth game of the season. Getting her back will help Texas’ cause. The Longhorns are also the best defensive team in the country, making them one of the few teams that could speed the Huskies up by making them uncomfortable.
Rori Harmon is also, in my opinion, the best point guard in the country, so mistakes are rare with her running Texas’ offense. All that being said, it would take a near-perfect effort to defeat UConn. Sarah Strong remains unguardable and the rest of the Huskies are so solid and comfortable in their roles. So to (sort of) answer your question: Yes, but it’s doubtful to actually happen.
Q: What’s wrong with Notre Dame? Can it be fixed by March?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for any Notre Dame fans, but this team’s issue is one that can’t be remedied until next year. The Fighting Irish simply don’t have enough scorers. Hannah Hidalgo is one of the country’s best players, but Notre Dame relies on her far too much, simply because it doesn’t have any other options. The point guard is averaging 25.5 points per game and has one of the highest usage ratings in the NCAA at 34.6%.
The Irish already lacked scoring depth, but a knee injury to junior KK Bransford further aggravates the issue. There is currently no timetable for her return.
Now, for the good news: This is likely only a one season problem. Coach Niele Ivey and company hit the recruiting trail hard, landing four top 50 players for next season, including the No. 9 ranked wing in 6-foot-2 Jacy Abii. Plus, you never know who they could pick up in the portal!
Q: Who is an underrated player people should have their eyes on?
Maryland’s Oluchi Okananwa has been outstanding this season. The junior’s decision to leave Duke for the Terrapins was a good one, as she has improved in every way this season, averaging 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
Maryland has struggled with injuries all season, even losing top scorer Kaylene Smikle, but the Terrapins have managed to stay undefeated and in the top 10. That’s largely because of Okananwa. The dynamic guard plays with infectious energy and at an intense pace. She gets to the rim with ease and is a nightmare for opponents on defense. Okananwa hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention nationally, so far this season, but I expect that to change now that Big 10 play is in full swing.
Q: What, in your opinion, has been the game of the year so far?
It’s a tie between UConn’s 72-69 win over Michigan and Maryland’s 100-99 double-OT victory against Minnesota.
Maryland’s 10-point comeback in less than a minute of play was exactly the kind of beautiful chaos that makes basketball so much fun. Saylor Poffenbarger (another underrated player) was unbelievable, finishing with 30 points, 10 rebounds and the game-winning shot.
The UConn and Michigan matchup was fun for multiple reasons. First, it gave us a glimpse of Michigan’s future. Sophomores Syla Swords and Olivia Olson are one of the country’s best duos and they will only improve over the next two seasons. The Wolverines also showed fight and poise, coming back from a 45-27 halftime deficit and nearly eking out a win.
But it also showed just how dominant UConn truly is. The Huskies fell apart in the second half and Michigan did everything right. The Wolverines hit insane shots and held UConn to just four points in the third quarter, yet it still wasn’t enough to win.
Q: What matchup would you most like to see in March Madness?
I would love to see UCLA play Iowa State. Lauren Betts and Audi Crooks are the two best posts in the game right now and they both play traditional, back-to-the-basket basketball. But at the same time, the two are very different. Crooks uses her strength to score around the rim, while Betts is more about footwork and reading defenses. They both, however, have a little finesse to their games, with Crooks debuting her fadeaway this season and Betts extending her range. It would be one hell of a matchup.
Q: What will happen with the WNBA draft if the players are on strike?
As the Players Association and the WNBA continue to negotiate the CBA, and with a potential strike on the way, the likelihood of the season starting on time is low. Because of that, both the expansion draft – where the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo will pick players for other teams — and the college draft, will likely be pushed back. During a negotiation such as this, all league activities come to a halt. Now if the WNBA would just give the players what they deserve, then we could get back to playing ball… But until then, things are up in the air.