Cast your mind back to Paris 2024: Team USA vs. France, and Gabby Williams’ foot just inches on the three-point line. That moment proved the global talent gap has vanished. This week, Daniel Artest responds directly to online criticism regarding the influx of international players in the expanded 15-team league. A rising tide lifts all boats. Find out how international eyeballs turn into higher salaries for your favorite American superstars.Follow: @The9450 @danielmartestSubscribe to Keep’n It 9450 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Description: The 2026 WNBA rookie class isn’t waiting. Daniel Artest breaks down who’s showing out and who’s arrived.Follow: @The9450 @danielmartestSubscribe to Keep’n It 9450 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.

The WNBA season is already delivering surprises and this week on Keep’n It 9450, Kevin “Kdot” Lewis and Lolivia Pope break down the biggest storylines from opening week.The crew dives into the Atlanta Dream nearly shocking the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, why Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics are playing well above expectations early, and what’s going wrong with the Los Angeles Sparks. Plus, discussions on Sonia Citron’s breakout performance, Rickea Jackson’s emergence, Chelsea Gray’s clutch gene, and early concerns surrounding Indiana’s defense.Topics Include:Dream vs Aces recapSky vs Valkyries recapMystics vs Fever overtime thrillerChicago Sky exceeding expectationsWashington Mystics young core discussionLA Sparks strugglesTeams and players making early statementsFollow: @The9450 @KdotLew3h @LolobykeSubscribe to Keep’n It 9450 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Daniel Artest opens the first ever episode of Real Basketball Talk: No Hot Takes with something personal. TC31 has officially retired. Tina Charles. Queens bred, UConn made, WNBA legend announced her retirement after 15 years of professional basketball, and Daniel gives her every flower she deserves. Then we talk about Chennedy Carter reminding this league exactly who she is in Las Vegas. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo both get their first franchise wins, and the stories behind them are bigger than the scores. And we close on a somber note, honoring Cigi McCollin, a Queens girl, a Hofstra legend, and someone Daniel knew personally, who passed away following a battle with cancer.No hot takes. Just real basketball talk. Every week.🎙️ Subscribe: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the9450/id1563350360

This week on She’s Always Had Game, Ruthie Bolton joins Zachary Draves for a powerful conversation about legacy, perseverance, faith, and the evolution of women’s basketball.Known as “Mighty Ruthie,” Bolton was one of the original stars of the WNBA and the face of the Sacramento Monarchs franchise. A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer, All-WNBA selection, and former standout at Auburn Tigers women’s basketball, Ruthie reflects on her historic basketball journey and the sacrifices made by the pioneers who helped build the foundation of today’s game. Zach and Ruthie discuss:The early days of the WNBAThe impact of the legendary 1996 USA Olympic TeamPlaying for the Sacramento MonarchsOvercoming adversity on and off the courtFaith, purpose, and healing through basketballThe growth of women’s basketball across generationsWhy today’s players should understand the history of the gameRuthie also opens up about life beyond basketball, including her advocacy work, motivational speaking, and commitment to empowering young athletes through her life experiences and testimony. This is more than a basketball conversation — it’s a reflection on resilience, legacy, and the women who paved the way for the modern game.

The WNBA is BACK and Keep’n It 9450 returns with Kevin “Kdot” Lewis and Lolivia “Lolo” Pope breaking down everything from opening weekend of the 2026 WNBA season.From Toronto Tempo’s historic debut to overtime battles, rookie standouts, MVP-level performances, and controversial officiating discussions — the league wasted absolutely no time delivering storylines.This episode includes:Washington Mystics vs Toronto Tempo reactionsNew York Liberty vs Washington Mystics OT thrillerGolden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury takeawaysLas Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks breakdownSeattle Storm vs Connecticut Sun reactionsAtlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx analysisRookie debut evaluationsEarly MVP conversationsLeague-wide officiating discussionBiggest surprises from opening weekendKevin and Lolo also discuss:Marine Johannès catching firePauline Astier’s breakout performanceExpansion team expectationsIf officiating is already becoming a problem league-wideFollow: @kdotlew3h @The9450 @lolobykePresented by:SeatGeekWelshmode CoffeeHomefield Apparel

🎙️ The9450 Presents: Daniel Artest’s 2026 WNBA Season PreviewGet 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 ContendersCan 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 RiseThe 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 & WildcardsThe 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 WatchMVP 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 StorylinesPace, 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 DifferentDaniel 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 ConnectedFollow: @The9450Subscribe to The9450 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeTap 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, we delve into one of the most significant eras in women’s college basketball—the mid-2000s Rutgers program—and explore the enduring legacy established under Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer.From the historic 2007 National Championship run by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights women’s basketball team to the national attention surrounding the Don Imus Rutgers controversy, this program transcended mere competition. It played a pivotal role in shaping culture, fostering resilience, and redefining what it meant to represent something greater than basketball.Joining the show is Brittany Wallace (formerly Brittany Ray), a Bronx-born guard who emerged from Rutgers during that transformative era. She became an integral part of the foundation that sustained the program’s unparalleled excellence. Brittany shares her journey, the rigorous standards set within the program, and how playing under Stringer profoundly influenced her approach to the game and her life beyond it.This conversation goes beyond statistics and accolades, delving into the realm of legacy, identity, and the profound impact of Rutgers women’s basketball on the sport.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who understands the culture of the game.Follow The9450 Basketball Network (@The9450) for more stories that live at the intersection of basketball, culture, and community.SponsorsSeatGeekUse code THE9450 for $20 off your first purchase.Homefield ApparelUse code KDOTLEW15 for 15% off vintage college gear.Welshmode Coffee

Episode Title: Court Queens: The Stories That Built the GameHost: Zachary DravesGuests: Jordan Robinson & Emma BaccellieriThis week on She’s Always Had Game, Zachary Draves is joined by renowned journalists Jordan Robinson and Emma Baccellieri to celebrate and delve into their compelling new book, Court Queens.The conversation explores the untold stories, cultural significance, and trailblazing figures who have shaped women’s basketball long before it gained widespread recognition. From pioneering the game to modern-day stars carrying the torch, this episode seamlessly weaves together history, storytelling, and the evolution of the sport we cherish.If you’re passionate about the future of women’s basketball, understanding its past is crucial. This episode provides an insightful exploration of its origins and the journey that has brought us to this point.🎧 Why You Should ListenThis isn’t just a casual conversation; it’s an in-depth exploration of the rich history and profound cultural impact of women’s basketball. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, a media professional, or a newcomer to the sport, this episode will enhance your appreciation for the game and its trailblazing figures.📢 Connect & Support • Follow the show: She’s Always Had Game on The9450 Platform • Support the guests: Purchase your copy of Court Queens • Explore more women’s basketball coverage and captivating storytelling🏁 Closing NoteThe game didn’t just emerge; it was meticulously crafted. And as this episode poignantly reminds us, she’s always had game.🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6006019249012736

Jump Ball N’ Study Hall – Awards Watch & Draft Outlook (Part 2)In Part 2 of our Champ Week roundtable, Kevin “Kdot” Lewis continues the conversation with Jay, Nick, and Wiley of The Best Damn W as the focus shifts from conference championships to the individual stars shaping the season.The crew analyzes the Freshman of the Year race, highlighting the young players already making significant impacts across the country. From exceptional scoring to two-way contributions, the next generation of stars is already making a strong case for national recognition.They also delve into the National Player of the Year discussion, examining which players have built the strongest resumes heading into the NCAA Tournament and what factors could ultimately determine the race.To conclude the episode, the group shifts to the future of the game with WNBA draft conversations, exploring which college stars could make the jump and what evaluators might be looking for as the professional pipeline continues to expand.Part 2 focuses on the players who are defining this season and those who could soon define the next level.⸻Show NotesHostKevin “Kdot” LewisGuestsJay, Nick, and Wiley(The Best Damn W Podcast)⸻Topics Covered🏀 Freshman of the Year Race • Early FOY candidates across the country • Freshmen already impacting winning🏀 National Player of the Year • Players with strong résumés heading into the NCAA Tournament • Factors that could determine the race🏀 WNBA Draft • College stars who could make the jump • Evaluators’ considerations as the professional pipeline grows Which young players are making the most significant impact on the game?🏆 National Player of the Year Discussion- Players building the strongest résumés- Statistical production versus team success- What factors could ultimately determine the award?📈 WNBA Draft Outlook- College players generating professional buzz- Skills that translate best to the next level- Players that evaluators and front offices are closely monitoring⸻SponsorsSeatGeekUse code THE9450 for $20 off your first purchase.Homefield ApparelUse code KDOTLEW15 for 15% off vintage college gear.Welshmode Coffee⸻Presented ByThe9450 Basketball NetworkFollow the network@The9450@JBallNStudyHall