May 1, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: A look back on Parker, a look ahead on Reese and Cardoso
By The Next
Howard Megdal and Annie Costabile process the retirement of legend Candace Parker and analyze new WNBA stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso
On the latest episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, host Howard Megdal sat down with Annie Costabile from the Chicago Sun-Times to discuss the retirement of WNBA legend Candace Parker, as well as how the news of her retirement was delivered. They also analyze this year’s Chicago Sky team, focusing specifically on the additions of NCAA stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, and how they’re looking so far in pre-season camp.
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“When Candace Parker is not in market, she’s still keeping me on my toes.” In the first few minutes, Annie describes learning the news about Candace’s retirement and immediately sprinting to get the story. As the announcement went up while members of the Sky were still in practice, they were late to the story. “I wanted to get the rookies’ reactions,” shares Annie, describing her goal when she arrived at practice. “These are the players who watched these vets and [who they] emulated their games after. Angel [Reese} specifically gave a shout out to Candace.” Annie describes how Reese, in considering her number for the Sky, mentioned she knows not to choose three, as it will be retired for Parker.
Howard and Annie then segue to discussing current Sky players and how they’re beginning to look in camp, starting with Diamond Shields. “Diamond seems to feel like she’s been counted out in lots of ways,” Howard describes. “Her career might look different than others,” Annie offers, “but she still has the mindset of a superstar.” Though, Annie describes, Shields has a comfort about her that’s been present at practice. “She has a level of comfort and ease … she’s coming off a year of not playing … it’s about putting it on the court and putting it together.”
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Here at The Next, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.
Howard and Annie round out the podcast by discussing the integration of new NCAA stars Reese and Cardoso to the Sky squad. Per Annie, they’ve assimilated right away. “There’s no hesitation or nerves,” Annie describes. “It’s seamless. They’re so ready for the spotlight.”
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