June 4, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: Caitlin Clark and the bigger picture — WNBA coverage
By The Next
Gamelli: 'I'm glad to see people representing this sport, hopefully in the right way and seeing where it's at right now'
On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, host Gigi Speer and Ball is Life WNBA staff writer Sara Jane Gamelli review storylines from across the league, including Chennedy Carter‘s controversial flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark, what they’ve seen from the New York Liberty so far, and more. They started by discussing the increasing attendance they’ve seen at WNBA arenas lately, particularly at Barclays Center which they both frequent.
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“We’ve seen the league grow, you know, people [are] saying it just took off today, and you and I know, we’ve been covering this sport for a while, the trajectory has been increasing,” Gamelli said. “And sure, you know, we’re capitalizing off NCAA popularity and the media rights deal, but I think right now, it’s just a perfect storm. You know, it’s the hardest league, there’s only 144 roster spots. I mean, these athletes are incredible. They’re the cream of the crop, you know, and it’s only going to get better talent wise with more technology they have in broadcasting.”
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“I tell people, when you go to a New York Liberty game, or Connecticut Sun or Atlanta Dream, like, it’s contagious. There’s just no other way to put it. The product is great. The atmosphere is great, but the gameplay is great. You’re seeing just phenomenal athletes … I’m glad to see people representing this sport, hopefully in the right way and seeing where it’s at right now,” she continued.
Then, they discussed the Indiana Fever’s recent struggles and touched on Clark’s highly scrutinized transition to the WNBA.
“The physicality is different. And these are veterans, these are not people that are going to just let you pull up and shoot,” Gamelli said. “And we’ve seen that even with [Sabrina Ionescu] and some of the sharp shooters in the league … It’s not always going to translate and this is a young team. I mean, they need grace. They need time to get it together. And then you’re going up against the Liberty team that was just in the finals. So when you have Kayla Thornton, when you have Betnijah Laney, no, I didn’t expect [Clark] to drop a 30 bomb to be honest with you.”
Tune in to Locked On Women’s Basketball to hear more from Gamelli and Speer about the WNBA’s recent growth, covering the New York Liberty, and what they’re looking forward to as the season marches on. Make sure to subscribe to the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast to keep learning about the WNBA, women’s college basketball, basketball history and much more!
