Division I college basketball is heading into March Madness, which women's hoops now officially uses (prior to 2022 the term "madness" was men only). The Division II tournament kicks off tomorrow, and Division III action resumes tomorrow as defending champion NYU continues their pursuit of back-to-back titles when they take on SUNY Geneseo.
The women's pro game is also thriving. As is the case every year, some WNBA players have taken their skills overseas, but there is also a ton of exciting women's professional hoops action happening stateside. Athletes Unlimited wrapped play last week with Maddy Siegrist earning MVP for season four. The league will return to Nashville in 2026.
In its inaugural season, the 3×3 league Unrivaled is garnering incredible attention. The unquestionable queen of season one is Napheesa Collier, whose Lunar Owls are dominating. In addition to leading her team, Collier cleaned up in the league's 1×1 tournament and then gave half of her $200,000 prize to the Lunar Owls staff. She is co-founder of the league, so one might expect some grand gestures, but that one is regal.
As Unrivaled heads into the playoffs, it is clear that season one has produced high energy excitement, from Brittney Griner giving the league its first dunk to Kayla McBride having a career resurgence to Chelsea Gray showing she's returned to form. Unrivaled is not traditional 3×3, which is played on half court, but the format enables viewers to see players from different perspectives. Even the broadcasters are taking innovative approaches -- shout out to Renee Montgomery. More on Unrivaled next week.
This article wouldn't be complete without a nod to Diana Taurasi, who recently announced her retirement. Since I began covering women's basketball in 1999, Taurasi has been part of the game. I heard about this promising high school senior from California who was sure to take the college game by storm, which she absolutely did, winning three NCAA titles at UConn. Then she began her incredible pro career, winning three WNBA titles with the Phoenix Mercury and an unprecedented six Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball.
In this Women's History Month, let's take a moment to acknowledge the career of someone who did what we ask of great basketball players -- she made those around her better ... even a journalist who knew little about basketball back in 1999.