The Energy Has Not Dropped Off (Presented By AT&T)
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They too can see it, right? They're like, dang, we're so close. Like our record, it doesn't look like it, but we're so close to being able to make the playoffs. So who knows? Anything can happen. This is Queens of the Court.

What's up everybody? It is your favorite duo of all time. Welcome to another episode of Queens of the Court, an Odyssey original podcast produced in partnership with the WNBA. I'm your girl, Sheryl Swoops. And I'm Jordan Robinson. Court is in session. Dang, that was loud. Woo, that did. That kind of echoed a little bit.

I feel like we got a lot of things that need to be in court right now. We got a lot to bring to court. First of all, stick around. We have Shakira Austin coming up a little bit later in the episode. But yeah, I guess I just really want to start with something that, you know, a lot of people have been talking about. A lot of people have been asking about.

And just kind of want to set the record straight. And that is that, yes, our home improvements are still going on.

And actually, I just got my shower redone this weekend. So I know a lot of you guys have been blowing up Twitter asking about it. It looks beautiful. I love it. I went with oil rubbed bronze for all the hardware. It's stunning. That even that. OK, we need pics. We need pics for the next episode because that sounds really pretty.

It's gorgeous. You know, so I'm going to ask you. So the first time you took a shower in your new shower.

Like, were you worried about messing it up? You know what I mean? Because I would have been like, oh my God, let me enjoy this for a second. I wanted it to just be pretty for like a day. Because I just got done on Friday recording this on Monday. I just wanted it to be pretty just for a day. And I did. I FaceTimed my family. I'm like, look, it's done. It's gorgeous. But yeah. And then I'm like, okay, this is actually what...

We needed it for. So let's let's use it. But I mean, I got to see. I got to see. I got to see. It was luxury, which we love. Yeah. So speaking of renovations and new things and all of that. So remember, I called you. I was like, yeah, I'm looking for a TV. Yeah. I ended up getting an LG. OK, that I love. Yeah. And I love it. Love it.

But you know, the other thing I got over the weekend that I'm super excited about, because, you know, I'm not very tech savvy. You know that. You of all people know that. But don't answer. No, no, no, no, no. Don't answer. Just agree with me in your mind. So I actually got one of those like smart refrigerators. Ooh. And it's like. Wait, is it the one that has it like on the outside? Yeah. It's like a touch screen? Yes. What?

But so you can see inside your fridge with the door closed, Jordan, there's so much stuff you can do to it. Like I need someone to come over and just give me a whole tutorial.

It's like the best thing ever. It's the best thing ever. I'm just so excited about it. Kind of like you are with your shower. I'm this way about my fridge. We have upgraded in life. Upgraded, upgraded. Hey, last thing, because I know we got a lot to talk about. Your recommendation of Presumed Innocent. Thank you. Gave me life.

I don't know which one. That thing. Listen, y'all. If you haven't watched, oh my goodness, that thing right there was some kind of good. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Apple TV.

Jake Gyllenhaal. It's a courtroom drama. You know, Queens of the Court. We're going to give you the courtroom drama recommendations. We had Your Honor, which was on Netflix. Now, Presumed Innocent. I had people texting me, DMing me.

There is no better feeling than having a great show recommendation. And then I was just waiting for you to watch it. I was just waiting for you to catch up so that we can gab about who we thought it was, who we thought it was going to be. I don't want, I know it's over, but I still want to give some people to catch up. We can't talk about it. It was such a shock at the end. Oh my God. It was so bad.

I couldn't stop. I called you. I was like, oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Who did it? Who did it? Yeah. It was so good. So good. So good. So good. Yeah. But I don't know. It was just good. That's all I'll say about it. Because we can talk about other stuff to talk about. Where shall we go next? Where shall we go? Hmm.

We can talk about something else that happened over the weekend. Let's do, because I need to get a little something off my chest. All right. Go for it. The floor is yours. But I'm going to let you introduce. I'll let you mention it, because you posted something that I thought needed to be posted and needed to be said. All right. So we're going to go quickly over this. Yeah. Keep it short and sweet. Okay.

Our last episode, we had a very great conversation about mid-season awards. And we talked about a lot of mid-season awards. But one award in particular that stuck out was the Rookie of the Year Award, where we each gave our cases, which we brought it to court.

And I said, Caitlin Clark should be rookie of the year. Cheryl said, Angel Reese should be rookie of the year. We both agreed with both of our points and we kind of kept it pushing. But a lot of things were taken out of context. It kind of went viral for all the wrong reasons. We just wanted to, I actually remember saying that,

after we had the conversation, we just wanted it to be about basketball. And how lucky are we that we could have this type of conversation? But I posted a tweet because I saw a lot of the comments and a lot of them directed towards Cheryl and the show. And I just wanted to set things straight because I hope you listened to last episode, just like you're listening to this episode. We love you. Please subscribe. Always listen.

But don't take things out of context and just kind of, you know, just fit it to whatever you wish that it was saying or that you wanted it to say. I think we just made solid points and I feel like that got lost. Me too. Honestly, I thought that was, I always think that.

the current episode we're doing is the best episode, right? So the one we did last week, I was like, oh, this was really good. And I think both of us from different perspectives, right?

We bring something different and you see something that I don't see. I see something you don't see. So I thought it was really good on both sides. But obviously, there are always going to be people who don't like what I have to say, what you have to say. And I'll be very honest with you. I don't... It doesn't really bother me for those people that I don't know because...

You're either going to like me, love me or hate me. And that's okay with me. So, but if I don't like someone, I don't, I don't really, I don't follow them. I don't listen to them. I don't really care what they're doing. But anyway, but when it happens to be someone that, that I respect, that I like, and that I think I have a pretty good relationship with. And in this case, I'm referring to Elle Duncan, right?

I've always had nothing but respect for Elle and thought we had a pretty good relationship. So when I saw that, like her podcast, when she went all in,

I was like, oh, my gosh, it's so you're so wrong. Right. Like what you're saying is so wrong. But that goes to your point of just taking stuff out of context. And, you know, she reached out to me. We had a conversation and she admitted that what she did was wrong. She didn't listen to the podcast. She just went off of headlines, basically. And, you know, because I want to keep it short and sweet. I saw her apology. And I will say this, Jordan.

We've all made mistakes. I've made tons of them in my life. I will continue to make mistakes. You've made mistakes. So so I can appreciate her just kind of putting herself out there and apologizing. The other thing I will say, in addition to that, is that that one was kind of hard for me.

Like what she did was really hard for me. So it will take me some time to deal with that and get over it. But I but I do appreciate the apology.

Yeah, I love what you said there. You know, we do all make mistakes and appreciate Elle saying that she did listen and went back and listened and made it public. Well, she didn't listen. She didn't listen. She went back and listened. Back to listen. Yes. She went back to listen to the episode. And that's where the apology stemmed from. But we keep it pushing because we got bills to pay.

We got bills to pay. We're going to keep talking about basketball. And I hope you are listening because you love basketball just like we do. And that's what we're going to keep talking about. And let's talk about some Team USA basketball. How about that? Let's do it. Let's do it. So we're going to start with the five on five because they have been rolling since we last recorded last

They've defeated Belgium 87-74 and Germany 87-68. 87, is that their lucky number? I've been impressed. I think the All-Star game was a...

Indicator that Stewie and Asia were kind of going to be the anchors of this team. And that is exactly what's been happening against Belgium. Stewie had 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists. Asia went off for 23 points and 13 rebounds and two assists. They out rebounded Belgium 48 to 28. What a stat.

So they have they've been getting after it. But what's some things that have stood out to you when you watch these games show? First of all, let me just talk about Belgium for one second, because I thought that was a really good game. I thought it was a really good test for us. I've always been a huge Emma Mieseman fan. Really miss her playing in the W. I just she's just a talent. She is such a talent.

And gosh, I was trying to find her name because I don't want to pronounce it wrong. The guard for Belgium who plays for Washington. Yes, we learned. Because we've been saying her name wrong. It's Van Loo. Van Loo, not Van Loo. Van Loo. Yes, it's Van Loo. She said she knows that Americans say Van Loo and she's okay with it, but it's technically pronounced Van Loo. So then I'm going to be technically correct and say Van Loo.

Was she not on fire? Especially the, what was it, the first quarter? Like she just came down and just closed her eyes and threw it up and it went in. Not really, but it looked like it. I thought that was a really, really good game for Belgium. It was a great test for USA basketball. And then I'll go to the last or the most recent game with Germany. Yeah.

Listen, Asia and Stewie are just Asia and Stewie. Like the two of them, I don't even want to say when one has an off night, the other one's on because both of them have been playing very well together. And it's so, I don't think it's a surprise. It's nothing that we didn't expect because we've seen it before. But it's, I don't know why it seems a little different when you see it happening in

On this level, right? Like in the Olympics, because it's the best playing against the best from other countries. But I will say this, the player that this last game that I was like, oh, OK, that's what she's doing was Jackie Young.

I just thought 19 points. Yeah. When Jackie came in the game for me, it just completely changed everything. Her, her defensive tenacity. And listen, she was just shoot. She shot the rubber off the basketball. She, she, Jackie looked good. And you know how I feel about AT. AT brings something different to this team that I don't think anybody else has. Yeah.

And no, she hasn't played in the Olympics, but she has plenty of international experience and it shows, right? She gets in the game and depending on how the refs are going to call it, AT has the ability to be very physical. We know that, right? That's no surprise. But she just does all the little things. She defends, she rebounds, she pushes the ball in transition. She's going to get to the hole. She's going to find the right person to get the ball to. AT,

Jackie, I thought played really well. And I've been impressed with Sabrina, the minutes that she's gotten and what she's been able to do on this level with this team. Been very impressed with her as well.

Mm hmm. Well, yes, you mentioned so many things. I think Alyssa Thomas is just that utility player that every possession, you know, she's drawn charges. She got two charges in a row that really swung the momentum of this game. She's, you know, guarding one through five, wherever you need her. That's where Alyssa Thomas is. And and I'll be honest, I did think that.

it was going to be interesting to see the spacing with AT on the floor because she isn't a typical, you know, four. She's not a typical three. She, she doesn't typically shoot it from the outside. So I was like, okay, how is this going to work? But she is just like, okay, you need me to get an O board. I'll get that. You need me to guard somebody and have that energy is what is continuing to separate us. But I will say, um,

Germany didn't play bad. They shot 43% from the game. Satu Sabli, we are getting to see her play. She had 33 points the other night. Here she had 15 points and led Germany. And I was like, Satu, we miss you. Can't wait to see you back in the W. I know I had that thought. You? What do you think Dallas is saying? Woo! Dallas is ecstatic. Dallas is like, girl, please hurry up and get back. She looks good.

She looks really good. And that, I don't know, that just gave me so much confidence because the USA just looked still head and shoulders better than a Germany team that has been, that were undefeated coming into this game. They had been rolling through. So that's 58 Olympic wins in a row and the number one seat in the pool. Let's go. Let's go. So,

I feel good. I feel confident. I hope all the people who watch the All-Star game that were, you know, biting their fingernails that they also feel confident because Team USA is doing their thing. Listen, I want to add one thing before we move on to the next segment. You know, because you see it and I see it.

Where, you know, just Twitter, the social media world, like, why isn't so-and-so playing? Why isn't so-and-so playing? And, you know, and one of those players I know everybody's talking about is Kalia Copper, right? Without question, Ka is where she's supposed to be. She's proven she deserves to be on this team. I want to say this, not even in defense of Cheryl Reeve, but...

More so because I was there, right? Like I was on three Olympic teams and the Olympic team is full of talent from the first player to the last player. And lots of times it's not about the score or if the coach likes you or not. Like that's not what it is, but it's more about like the who you're playing, the fit, what...

What does the team need in this moment? And that doesn't necessarily come out or show during like the preliminary rounds where we are right now or where we were. Right. But when it gets to quarterfinals, to gold medal round or to the medal rounds, it's

All of these players need to make sure they're ready, right? Because you never know what's going to happen to any player who you're, it might be two minutes. You might need to go in for two minutes and get a rebound or get a stop. And so I only say that because I don't want any of these players to get discouraged like a Kalia Copper. I want her to stay ready to stay in the moment. Jackie Young wasn't getting that many minutes. Exactly. Yeah.

And it just happens. So I just don't want her to get discouraged because she's where she's supposed to be. The team is going to need her. And I just want her to stay ready. And when her numbers call, go in and do what she does.

That's a great point. I know that's also the conversation on the men's side right now where, you know, Jason Tatum, who just won an NBA championship is getting zero minutes and they're saying it's a Steve Kerr agenda and all that. No, it's, it's sometimes just goes with matchups or where you are needed at the moment, but it's still the, um,

You're still there. You're still on the Olympic team, first of all. And I'm sure it's a humbling experience, but it's also you are playing for a bigger goal. You're playing for something bigger than yourself. And you have to know where you are needed and where you use, just like we were talking about with Alyssa Thomas. Maybe it's not for you to get 20 and a triple double. You know, you are being this utility player when you know your role.

So, yes, stay encouraged. We're still cheering you on. And Kyle had a great game against Germany. She came in, hit a couple threes. She's staying ready. Well, listen, when you get your gold medal, it's not going to say she only played X amount of minutes. True. You know what I mean? Your gold medal is going to look like everybody else's gold medal. And yes, I'm saying gold medal. I'm putting that out there because that's all we bring. Yeah.

Love it. I love it. Okay. On the other side of Team USA is the 3x3 team. And I feel like I have about 12 more gray hairs because of this Team USA 3x3 team. I'm sure we all have one. Let me just say I...

a part of the 3x3 world for years now and I love how everybody is learning the game seeing how fast it is seeing the talent that is out there because 3x3 is a completely different basketball game it is a different set of skills it is quicker it's faster your movement without the ball has to be

through the roof. So it brings me joy that people are realizing how fun 3x3 is. But at the same time, the U.S. team lost three straight in opening pool games. And we were a little worried. And then they went on and won three straight.

And then now we're in the play-in. And we're recording this on Monday morning. Just not too long ago, they lost in the semifinals in overtime to Spain, a team they had already beat. We got cheated. I didn't say that. The refs were an issue.

there there's just a lot going on but hopefully by time we the next time we record that we at least have a medal we at least have that bronze medal because we are now out of contention for gold but um yeah what what have you been seeing from this 3x3 team that you've liked or not liked okay so i'm gonna be very honest with you yeah because you know i will

Please, always. It's hard for me to watch. And not just this team. Like 3x3 is hard for me to watch. Like I watch it because I'm going to support us, but it's really hard for me to watch. I get frustrated. And to your point, right? Like you've been a part of 3x3 forever.

a while now. It's still kind of sort of brand new to me. And so when I, and to your point though, just watching it, the game, it's very different. 3x3 is very different from five on five. And so I just find myself at times trying to figure out why are we, or why are the players doing certain things that you typically wouldn't do if it was five on five, if that makes sense to you.

So it's been hard for me to watch, but I will say this. Because it's different, I don't really understand how the players are selected. You know what I mean? So I just, I think the fact that we lost the first three, right? And every, like,

social media world was in shambles. Like, what are we doing? But for them to bounce back and get to where we are or were today to make it to the semifinals, and unfortunately, we weren't able to pull it out. But kudos to all of them, right? Cam brings on the team, she gets her, then you got to replace her. I just feel like they went through so much pain.

to get here. And to your point, hopefully we can win and come home with a bronze medal. Listen, coming home with bronze is better than coming home with nothing at all. Absolutely. A medal is a medal. I love that you said that because even DR Gamby was quoted saying, you know, maybe we needed to lose those three games to like wake us up. But,

When you talk about the team being selected, you know, all the other teams that are in the Olympics, they play with each other all year round. This is their full time job to do 3x3 to qualify for the Olympics. They have unspeakable chemistry. I didn't see that, though.

You can tell because all of, you know, during their season, it's called the FIBO 3x3 Women's Series. They're playing all these different locations together in the USA because we have two WNBA players or because we have, honestly, just a lot of talent in the USA. They're kind of mixing up.

who those four players are. So these four players have only played together over the past couple weeks leading up to the Olympics. So that is one part of it. So my question for you, Jordan, sorry to cut you off, is to that point, like how much practice time did they have?

Not a lot. Not a lot. Because of the WNBA season, you know, the women's series is happening right now. So all of the USA stops that they have been playing was different lineups, was different people. And I think that goes to your original question is how this team was selected and

And so for the four person Olympic team, two players needed to be ranked in the top 10 in their country, two players ranked within the top 50 of their country or have a minimum number of ranking points. And when you get those ranking points, that's what I'm talking about. You're going to all these stops. You're playing in the season. And so you couldn't just I think a lot of people were like, well, why couldn't you just pull that?

So and so WNBA player to the 3x3 team. They had to earn those ranking points by being able to compete throughout the season to avoid that, basically, to avoid every country just pulling their favorite...

players or the best players from their country just for the Olympics. You needed to earn that and you needed to have a top ranking. So when even when Cameron Brink went down, we had to replace her with someone who was playing 3x3 and who was able to get those points. And De'Erica Hamby was one of those people. So De'Erica was playing three on three somewhere, right?

Yes, for Team USA in different World Cups or playing. She was playing with Brink and Van Lith for a lot of those stops.

And I think it's a little bit like what we were having the conversation with the five on five team. You make a decision years before that I'm trying to make this team. And that is the same for 3x3 because you need those ranking points and you need to be ranked in the top 50 or the top 10 to make the team. You're...

having that decision, you know, in 2022, like, okay, I'm going for the 3x3 Olympic team. I need to hit this many stops. So hopefully that shines some light on,

This isn't just a random group of people thrown together. They had to kind of earn this ranking and earn this stuff. Yeah. I mean, thank you for educating me because I had no idea. So my last question, because I know we went kind of long, is so like there's a pool of players for USA Basketball 505. Is there a pool of players for 3x3? Yes. Okay.

Absolutely. Okay. So those players, you know, Blake Dedrick, Alicia Gray was in that pool. Lexi Hull had played some 3x3. Kelsey Mitchell was ranked in the top 50. Lucy Olsen has also done a lot of games. Mikayla Williams at LSU, she was getting some points. So there was a pool of players to pick from that –

met those standards, had the ranking points, was in the top 50, was in the top 10. But this is the team that they decided to pick from that pool. Okay. It's good to know. Thank you.

You're welcome. You helped me. I'm sure you helped a lot of people out there. I also posted a video about all the rules of 3x3 as well, because the rules are all different. So just here to educate. Just here to educate. Hope we got some new fans. It's been fun. All right. Well, yes. 3x3 Team USA. Bring home a medal. We're rooting for you. Let's go. Rooting for you. All right. So...

While I was at All-Star Weekend, I got to sit down with Shakira Austin and ask her about an injury update, what she thinks of her Mystics, how they're playing so far. She made it very clear that their record does not reflect how good they are. And we had a great conversation. So take a listen. Okay, well, we got Shakira Austin here with us. Thank you for stopping by, Queen. Welcome to the show. Thank you for having me.

It's always a pleasure. And I always love talking to you, but I have to admit, I love watching you play and I miss watching you play. Me too. I miss playing. So fill us in. Give us an update. How are you feeling? What's been going on? I'm feeling good.

I'm feeling refreshed right now. You know, I've been sitting for a couple weeks, took the time to just really tone back in and focus on my rehab and understanding that, you know, it's bigger than just this one year, no matter what anybody says. So this past couple months have just been filled with growth for me. Going into this next second half of the season, I'm just coming in polished. I'm feeling really excited. I have a

A new level of energy, a new level of love, and I'm just ready to get out there with my girls again. Well, I know that this has not been an easy journey coming back. I know you had surgery on your hip in December. So what's been the rehab like? I know sometimes you're in the gym 10 hours a day from practice, rehab, media. Yes.

How has that been physically on you? Physically, it's been something I've never done before. People talk about it all the time, how much you have to really prepare your body and put the time into it. At 22, I could just wake up and be ready for a game, drop 20 if I want. That was kind of my routine. It was just free-for-all, and now that I have gone through this injury,

It's been a lot. It's taken a toll for sure, but it's also allowed me to blossom into a whole new person. So right now it's just continuing to really polish up my hip and make sure that I'm stable and confident in all areas. I think that's really one of the biggest things is just being confident in everything, being confident in my trainers, being confident in my coaches, my body, my

It's been so much, and, you know, I've been getting it from all aspects. So to finally be able to come up, you know, with a good plan and, you know, put the rest of the season, you know, up there for options to play. So it's a great time right now. Okay, that's what I was going to ask. Like, you know, we have this extended break right now, which I know is really helpful for a lot of players to get healthy, just to say.

some extra days in there where there's no games so can we expect you to to see you out there on this next half Lord willing that is my plan to come out strong to come out confident I really didn't want to play the go out and test it game you know and I get that's kind of the norm for some people but I'm gonna be honest that doesn't make me feel secure in my bag in a couple years

Right, yeah.

But, you know, at the same time, I'm mentally prepared that if that's not already and it's not where it needs to be yet, you know, I'll sit it down and I'll put myself first. Well, your team, I mean, they have been fun to watch. You guys have been in the mix with every single team. That record don't define us. Not at all. Not at all.

Not at all. It does not tell the whole story. So I know that you have been on the sideline, but you have been watching. And what have you been seeing from your team in this first half of the season? Yes. I mean, it's so much to expect out of a team where they come in, you know, expecting to play with players like Shakira, players like Slim, you know, and they kind of had to adjust to, okay, this might not be what's going to happen right now. Right. So.

how can we kind of figure out how to win? I mean, that's literally what it's been is figuring out how to win with a bunch of role players. Like that's really hard to do. And they've come in, it's been hard, but I can say from the first day of training camp, like the energy never died. We came in and we was losing 10, zero 10, but,

You're still looking around like, okay, we have something we can still get to. We still have a goal. We still like being around each other. It wasn't like a...

oh, we losing, oh, we tanking, Shakira injured, she don't want to play. Like, it was literally like, okay, what can we do to just continue to push this, you know, push this pedal and figure out what we can do. And that's what they've done. I mean, every single player has, to me, done anything that we can ask them. Like, everything we've asked, they kind of overachieve. I mean, like I said, it hasn't shown in the record, but.

those girls, they playing their hearts out. And once they get some reinforcement coming, hopefully it's going to be scary for a lot of people. Yeah. That reinforcement named Shakira Austin and Brittany Sykes. Yes. And I think we all are seeing that. We're just like, okay, a few more pieces. Your big pieces are right there on the sideline. So, and I love that the confidence never died because it has to be a confidence boost when you're, you know,

beating the Aces at halftime, or you're playing these teams all the way down to overtime with this group. So that was going to be my question. What is the morale of the group? And what have you been seeing, you know, what you can add when you do get out there because you've been watching from the sideline? Yeah, I mean, they put a good chemistry together. You know, they've figured out how to kind of get past some of the humps we've had previously in the season, right?

You know, by the end of the day, they're coming in, like I said, and they're doing what they need to do. And it's just great to just be surrounded by professionals. I mean, we have a vet in Stephanie Dolson. You know, she comes in and is vocal and, you know, has that IQ to actually be able to speak on stuff. Right.

You know, we have Julie. She's a rookie, but coming in and breaking the, you know, three points made in a season, like coming in and trying to figure out how to set her teammates up, how to show her own skills. I mean, the list goes on. Shatori, I've seen the biggest leadership jump in her from, I really can't explain it, like,

just the energy she's been carrying and, like, taking on, like, that bench. Like, the bench is hers, and you can feel it. She sets the tone for them. You know, she comes in and has expectations for them. And just to see her evolve as well in this position, because we have Slim out, we have one of our leaders out. It's just been amazing to see everyone really just take advantage but also know, like, okay, when we do try to come back in,

And, you know, we don't want to mess up anybody's play. They've gotten, like I said, a good chemistry going on. But I think they're excited for us to come back. And we're just ready to get this ball going. We're ready to get back and play with each other. They're hype. We're hype. Let's get it.

And the playoffs are like still in reach. Like it is, it is still there. So what are the goals for the second half of the season? Because like you said, the record doesn't reflect the level of play, but is it okay? We want to make the playoffs or we just kind of want to end it on a better note than, than it started.

For me, I want to make the playoffs. I'm pretty sure they would love to make the playoffs as well. I think, like I said, we have to figure out how to kind of not take a step back as we add these new pieces. It's going to be some adjustments, and we're going to have to take some time to learn to play with each other again. But we're all coming in like, hey, we still have a chance. Yeah.

I'm not coming in just to get a couple games and end the season. To be honest, I could just sit if that's what the plan is. Right. But I'm trying to come in and win, and they know that we can win. So, to me, that's the best we can do, and we're just going to keep going from there. Well, I want to talk about Aaliyah Edwards coming in as your rookie. My baby. And how...

How have you just seen her grown and being able to kind of coach her as you're seeing her growth from game one to now? We've all been seeing the growth. Yes. What have you kind of seen behind the scenes as well? Aliyah is a pro, and I mean, it's a testament to her and it's a testament to UConn, but she's just a pro. She's mature. You don't have to tell her about little things to do. You don't have to, you know, keep on her about stuff like that.

She comes in and she's ready to work. And, you know, I know she was excited. I was excited to play with her. I was so glad we got her. But just watching her grow throughout this season and, you know, her confidence continuing to shine. And, you know, for me, trying to be, you know, sort of a vet. I do like to call myself a vet sometimes. I love it. Please. Because the way I be treating her is like, okay, I'm a leader. Yeah.

I'm going to be honest. I just want it to be something that I didn't really get to have as guidance and really just going through it in the season. It's always cool to get the aftermath and after the season talk about, oh, this could have happened or you could have just shut it as this. But I think to have someone who's been through that

help you in the moment. Like, it's literally a valuable lesson. She's getting minutes. She's getting this experience. And she's showing that, you know, she was built for it. And, you know, we're just trying to continue to allow her to grow. I'm trying to, you know, allow her to be her own, but to also, like I said, share my experiences and understand, hey, this is what happened to me. I don't want this to happen to you. And, you know,

it's just been, it's exciting. I can't wait to get back on the floor with her. She's like my little sis. She's so annoying, but I love her. That's what little sisters do. Yes, like I realized she was definitely like a little sis when I be looking at her like, girl, I'll put a smack you. Like, she'll just come over and just bump you or just do something like annoying. I'm like, girl, I'm gonna beat you up. That's a,

rookies are supposed to do. They're supposed to just be those match. She's such a sweet soul. Yeah, she is. That's so fun. Well, I know that the last time we actually talked was right before your draft. And we were talking about the possibility of you going to the Mystics and playing in the DMV in your hometown. And that became a reality. Yeah.

So how has that been, just being able to be home? And even during this physical and mental toll that is your journey of your injury, having that...

family there and everyone close to you. Yeah, it's been a great journey. This has been amazing to be able to be drafted back to my hometown and, you know, walk around and people know you, point you out. Like, it's an amazing feeling. You know, the goal is to bring a championship here. I will say it's not necessarily home anymore because both my parents are gone. So it's more like a

a reunion, like a home reunion. But I love it here. I'm really excited to see what we can do as an organization to see if we're going to continue to grow

It's all things I'm excited for. Well, the growth of the league, just lastly, you just want to touch on, even from when you were drafted in 2022, it has exploded because we always knew that this is what the product was. We just needed an opportunity. Just needed an opportunity. Just needed everybody to catch on. There's some more seats on the bandwagon. Like, come on. Get with the memo. But...

How's it been from your eyes? Because even in those short years that you have been drafted and you see Aaliyah Edwards draft class coming in, what has that been like? Going and playing at sold out 20,000 people in attendance. What has that been like?

It's been amazing. I feel like it's been well overdue. You know, like I said, it's really just about opportunity. Like we're finally getting the viewership. We're finally getting the space to allow people to be fans. And I think this new class just came in and really just took advantage of the new generation, the new NILs, the new social media trends, like,

We really took advantage of that, and I think it's able to show in kind of just the stepping stools. You know, we have years ago the people who put in the work, and then, you know, you have the recent couple years where you have the aces who are getting back to bags, continuing to skyrocket, continuing to hit our, you know, viewership. And then, boom, we come in with these dogs, and they're showing that they can, you know, come in and make a statement. Yeah. And...

I think it's just been fun. Like, it's really been fun for me watching, whether I'm playing, whether I'm on the bench. It's just like, yo, people out here competing. Like, I don't know about anybody else, but it feels like we taking these games a little bit more serious. They got a few more fans. So, you know, people don't want to tighten it up a little bit. Just a little bit. Just a little bit. Don't want to be viral, you know, on Twitter. You know, they go crazy out there.

But it's just been exciting for me. I just love to compete. So I can't wait to get out there and, you know, have the chance to play against Angel, have the chance to play against Caitlyn in those crowds. Like, it's what basketball is, what hoopers want to do. Well, I know I can't wait to see you out there and compete. You are such a force when you are on the court and off the court from fashion and style. We know, we know.

But thank you so much for stopping by and chatting with me. Good luck. I always have a great time with you. Thanks so much. You're the best. Yay! Woo-hoo! Calling all WNBA super fans. With AT&T, 5G, and home internet, you can connect to what you love your way. You can cheer like crazy in the comfort of your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or backyard. Which might startle your neighbors, but they won't judge you for it. You could fist pump AT&T.

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From streaming to shopping, it's on Prime. Visit amazon.com slash prime to get more out of whatever you're into. Whatever you're into, it's on Prime. No matter what you're going through, you are never alone. Join me on my podcast, From the Heart with Rachel Brathen, every Friday. Each episode is like sitting down with your best friend for a cup of coffee. From self-care tips to inspiration for healing, this podcast offers the chance to return to nature, return to community, and return to who you are at your core.

straight from my heart to yours. Listen to and follow From the Heart with Rachel Braithwaite on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, welcome back to Queens of the Court. Cheryl, what'd you think about Shakira? She's always so fun to talk to. First of all, I'm a huge Shakira Austin fan. I was a fan last year and she just has so much...

talent and potential. Like I hate she's not playing right now because the mystics could absolutely use her there. There were so many great things in that interview. First of all, you held it down. Thank you. I just, I love the fact that she's like, listen, our record doesn't indicate how good we are to me. They are one of,

two players away and I like how you were like yeah that player that they're missing is Shakira Austin right Shakira comes back they're a completely different team they're a completely different team um and and for her when you said um so playoffs like are you trying are y'all trying to make the playoffs or you know you're just trying to build off of this and finish the season strong she's like oh no no no no no I want to make the playoffs we all want to make the playoffs um

But like you said, they're not out of the playoffs. They're not far off. And I think my favorite thing that she was talking about is that the energy hasn't dropped off. I think a lot of people would have guessed if you start 0-12 that they might be...

catty towards each other. They might have been, you know, blaming the blame game, but she said, no, we were, it hasn't dropped since training camp. And that is really positive to hear. And, and I also think you can kind of see that because they go out and compete every single game and,

So that was interesting to know. And I mean, I'll be the first one to say I'm very hopeful that she can come back and play the second half of the season. But also understand that it's the long game. It's not just this season. It's making sure she can play for many years to come. So, you know what I thought was funny? What I thought was funny was when you ask her about Aaliyah Edwards.

And she was like, yeah, I do. I call myself a vet sometimes. I'm like, what? You're a vet, baby. You're a vet already. But I love her positivity. And I think the reason why the energy hasn't changed or dropped is because, and I'm like you, I hope she's able to come back. But only if she's 100% healthy.

Only if she's 100%. And I feel like that's what the mode, the motto that she's also following. She doesn't want to test the waters or just go out and see if she can, if she can do it. So fingers crossed there. But she's always great. I'm glad we got to talk to her. All right. Now it's time for our listener mailbag segment. This week's mailbag segment is delivered by Amazon Prime. Whatever you're into, it's on Prime.

Let's start out with the question from Shante Nichols. Since I'm new to this, I wanted to ask you guys, what were your introductions to basketball and who or what continued to foster it? Oh, go ahead first. Okay, I'll go first. I like that. Since I'm new to this, and I guess she said, well, we're true to this. We're true to this. She's new to this. But anyway,

For me, it was my brothers. I started playing basketball when I was seven years old, had two older brothers who, you know, it was just like, let's go. And honestly, that was the only way my mom would let me like really leave the house to go play basketball is if I was going with my brothers. So, yeah, I started at seven. My brothers introduced me to it. And, you know, as they say, the rest is history. Thank God they introduced me to it.

For all of our sake. Thank goodness. We got to see Cheryl Swoops become Cheryl Swoops. I had the same, a little bit of the same story. My brother, my brother, my older brother played basketball and I wanted to be like him in every way possible. So if he was playing basketball, I wanted to play basketball. And I started playing when I was five. I had the T-shirt jerseys.

And my mom was a cheerleader. And so she didn't really want me to play basketball. She wanted to meet me to be a girly girl, which is still my, my family nickname is girly. So she would like make sure my hair was really cute. And I had bows in my hair and I had ribbons holding up my, my t-shirt Jersey. So she was like, okay, you're going to play basketball, but you're going to be the girliest basketball player ever. Um,

So, yeah. And then what continued to foster it was watching. I watched a lot of basketball. That was what was playing in our house. We were Laker fans growing up in Sacramento, which was in the early 2000s, quite a hoot. And I asked questions when we would watch. I would just ask a lot of questions. And that's what continued to foster my love for it.

And my, the rest is history, but my history isn't as decorative. Whatever. Yeah, it is. It is. Your history is, it is. On to the next one, Jordan. I love that question though. It reminds us of the beginnings. Always fond memories. Thank you, Shante. Thanks, Shante. Okay. Our next question is from Becky Feirstein.

That's my guess, Becky. I like that. You're saying Fierstein and I would say Fierstein. Fierstein. Okay. I don't know. I don't know. Sorry, Becky. Hopefully it's one of those two, Becky. Becky said, Hey, Cheryl and Jordan. I wanted to send photos in from my daughter's 3x3 weekend. She's a nine-year-old in love with the W and love.

It's the name of your podcast. Thank you for the platform you use to continue inspiring our next generation of hoopers. We are very excited for the W to come to Toronto. Cheryl, you would make my dreams come true if you decided to come coach in 2026. Becky. Becky.

I don't know if that was a question. That was just a hope and a prayer out there. It was a state. Well, no, she had to tell us about her daughter, but did she tell us her daughter's name? No, no, she didn't. But can we describe these photos to you? You guys, this is the cutest thing ever. Their team name is Queens of the court. They have these yellow t-shirts on. They are adorable. One photo is with Bluey because of course,

And they're so cute. And I am honored that their name, their team name is Queens of the Court. I mean, the pictures, we have to be able to show them the pictures because we can't really just subscribe. I mean, describing it doesn't give them justice. But shout out to your daughter and her team. Keep hooping. Keep doing what you're doing. And I'm not ignoring your statement because it wasn't a question, Becky. Um,

You know, stranger things have happened. I thought she was wanting you to coach the nine-year-old 3X3 team. That would have been an automatic yes. I'm there. But, you know, I will say this. I'm super excited for Toronto to finally get a W team. It's going to be lit. It's going to be just crazy bananas. Don't know if I will be coaching Becky, but I will absolutely be.

Be there and come to some games. Can't wait for it. I'm super excited about it. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see what their name, their colors, because we saw what happened with the Valkyries and that just blew up the internet. It was so fun. So I can't wait for them to...

reveal that it's going to be good. But thanks, Becky. Thanks for the photos and the statement. That was the best. That was Listener Mailbag delivered by Prime from streaming to shopping. It's on Prime. Visit amazon.com slash prime to get more out of whatever you're into. Coming up next, we're going to give out some flowers. And now a word from our sponsors at Betterment.

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That's BlueNile.com. Welcome back. And time for our favorite segment. We have to hand out a few bouquets. That means it's time for giving flowers presented by AT&T. Cheryl, I heard you have some flowers to give out. I do. Look, I got a list because I don't want to forget. Written down. Yeah, I don't want to forget. So I'll go. I'll go first. First, and this has to be a big bouquet because it's for a team.

And it's the Nigerian women's national team. Yeah. And I wrote this down because I didn't want to forget. Yeah. But they're the first African team to make Olympic quarterfinals in basketball. That is phenomenal. Like, wow.

Kudos, flowers. I think Abby Olajuwon is an assistant for the team. Mfan Udoka, who I played with for a year with the Comets. She's Nigerian, so she's like all over this. So shout out to the Nigerian Women's National Team or Olympic team, I should say. Yeah, for just getting it done. Yeah. The second one, and I hope I say her name right. Is it Rebecca Andrade? Andrade? Yeah.

The gymnast? Yes. She won gold on her floor routine. Amazing. From Brazil, right? From Brazil. So I'm giving her flowers because listen, to have to compete against the goat and I got her on here too. You know, she's on here. To have to compete against the goat forever for so many years and always come up

right? The fact that she was able to win gold on her floor routine, she deserves flowers. And then I thought it was the cutest thing when Simone and Jordan Childs, they like saluted her. Yay, queen. Congratulations. I loved it. An all black podium. How about that? First, second, and third. Listen, won't you do it? Um,

Yeah. So kudos to all of them. But Rebecca, this one is for you. This is your flower queen. Katie Ledecky. Katie Ledecky did Katie Ledecky things. I don't swim. My mom told me I swim like a rock. You know what a rock does? Sink. Go straight to the bottom.

So I'm not a swimmer, but I respect an athlete when I see one. And Katie Ledecky, there is no one like you, queen. Here are your flowers. Congratulations. Keep doing what you're doing because it's so beautiful to watch. All right, two more. Sha'Carri Richards. Sha'Carri? Sha'Carri. Sha'Carri. Sha'Carri. Sha'Carri Richardson. Excuse me.

Right? Yes. Am I right? Okay. You're looking at me like, who? Yeah. No, her. No, I'm just waiting. I'm just waiting. Well, no, here's why. Because I know a lot, like she's had so much pressure on her, not just this year. When you go all the way back to just everything she's been through, right? And so many people are like, oh my gosh, she didn't win gold. Listen, this is her first time competing in the Olympics and she's coming home with

At least one silver medal. Like she did the damn thing. Congratulations, sis queen. Keep doing you because we're watching and we love you. We support you. We got your back. The last one, just the U.S. women's gymnastics team. All around. Yes. They're just phenomenal.

They're so cute. They're so strong. They're so beautiful. They're so powerful. They're so good. They're just good. No, they're just great. So a big bouquet to the entire women's U.S. gymnastics team and a special bouquet to the GOAT, Simone Laquita Darnesha Biles. Listen. Oh, man.

sometimes that's all you got to do is just say the name and don't say nothing else. That's all it is. Sis, I'm in awe. I'm a fan. We appreciate you for just showing everybody how it's done. So thank you. That's all I got, Jordan. That's it. That was what a recap. Such a flower segment recap of the Olympics. Amazing. 10 out of 10.

Well, I'm going to give flowers to someone who loves the Olympics so, so much and has instilled in us to root for Team USA would get us all matching American flag shirts to watch to watch the Olympics in, which is my mom. I want to give flowers to my mommy.

Because not only is she the cutest and the sweetest woman ever, but specifically because we have a family scholarship. It's called the Ligon Scholarship, after my maiden name. And she started this because she wanted to give high school students at the high schools that me, my brother, and my sister all went to,

money to go and pursue higher education. Just started it by herself. Didn't know anything how to run a scholarship or a nonprofit or anything like that. She just knew that she wanted to give back.

to the community in Sacramento that gave so much to her kids. And she has been working tirelessly all year round. We have a golf tournament fundraiser coming up and it's all to give back to high school kids. And my mom is just that person. She's so selfless and it's an honor to be her daughter.

And yeah, I know that she's working really hard, especially as the golf tournament is approaching. So I just wanted to give her a huge bouquet. When I see her in a couple of weeks, I will actually give her some flowers. I love it. But I love her so much. So shout out to my mommy, the original queen of our family. So that's why you got me emotional over here. And I told you not to make me cry, you know, because I,

My mom passed away seven years ago. So it's just so nice to be able to listen to you give your mom, very deservingly so, give your mom her flowers. And I wish I could give my mom hers. But it's beautiful. That is so beautiful. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. I love you, Mommy. All right. Well, what a flower segment. My goodness. This has been Giving Flowers presented by AT&T.

Please continue to follow, rate, review the show. It's available on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also send questions, photos, comments, stories, all of it to our listener email, queensofthecourtatodyssey.com.

Well, and after last week, you should know where to find me on social media. But just in case you don't know. Okay, for real. But in case you don't know, you can find me. I'm at airswoops22. And she, Jordan, is at HeyJordanR. Not the little samey shake. Hey. The court is an honesty original created in partnership with the WNBA.

The show is produced by James Jackson. The executive producers are Asha Saluja, Maddie Sprung-Kaiser, and Leah Reese Dennis. Social media assistance from Isabella Apple. Music from T-Storm Battle. And a very special thank you to Lena Moss Glazer and the one and only Alex Ozzie. And court. And court. Is adjourned. Woo! Woo! Woo!