Six players departed through the portal but Coach Porter Moser matched that number with incoming transfers ahead of this season. The ex-Loyola Chicago leader is building a culture in his new colors, bringing his fiery and passionate personality to the sideline. 

Even with all the fresh faces, Sooner fans still have some familiar hoopers to cheer for. Case in point: Milos Uzan, a 2022-23 Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection. “Los,” as he’s been called, showed promising potential in his first year, doing a little bit of everything offensively. That finishing package, though, is special. And his classmate Otega Oweh? He knows a thing or two about filling it up, too, especially in clutch time. Just ask Andy Enfield and USC. 

Putting it bluntly, this group just has a bunch of athletes. Like, guys who can actually jump out of the gym.

“We’ve got a lot higher athletes. Guys who can put their head at the rim. We didn’t really have that last year too much,” Uzan said in October. “[We have] more of a paint presence, as well.”

Junior guard Javian McCollum is part of that presence. A recent transfer from Siena, where he was the go-to player for the Saints on the offensive end, McCollum hoops like there’s no tomorrow. You can’t even tell he’s the shortest player in Moser’s rotation. McCollum merges shiftiness and an elite handle to display some showstopping creativity. Just weeks into his career as a Sooner, No. 2 took home MVP at the Rady Children’s Invitational. But he’s not the only creator on the perimeter. Rivaldo Soares is a dangerous wing threat off the bench, and Le’Tre Darthard, a transfer from Utah Valley, is a difference-maker with and without the ball. 

In the frontcourt, John Hugley IV, the former main man at Pitt, can shake things up on both ends. During the 2021-22 campaign, only three players in the ACC averaged more rebounds per game than he did. The ex-Panther is just one former member of the ACC on OU. Jalon Moore, a dynamic slashing wing from Georgia Tech, owns some real hops that make him a force in Moser’s starting unit. 

OU has a history of seeing its walk-ons reach success. That trend continues with this team. Just two seasons ago, Sam Godwin was coming off the bench for Wofford College. He received a walk-on offer from OU, and the rest is history. Now, he’s contributing to the starting five of a Big 12 program. If you need a rebound, Moser’s first call is an obvious one. Few are better at earning a second chance in the halfcourt than Godwin. 

Boomer Sooner. 

The post The 2023 Jumpman Invitational: Get to Know the 2023-24 Oklahoma Sooners Men’s Team appeared first on SLAM.

Led once again by former Fab Five member Juwan Howard, UMich is equipped with a new-look squad. The program lost two players to the NBA (Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin), three to the transfer portal and two to graduation, but Howard and his coaching staff haven’t let that slow them down; they were busy in the portal, too. And let’s not forget about the players who stuck around in Ann Arbor. The combination of those two things makes this an intriguing group. 

There’s a new “Duggie McBuckets” in college basketball. We all remember Doug McDermott and the prolific shooting touch he brought to the Creighton Bluejays. In 2023, the Wolverines’ Dug McDaniel owns that title. The sophomore guard from the nation’s capital is as tenacious as they come on the defensive end. Only Bufkin averaged more steals than No. 0 for Michigan last season. He isn’t the only player on the team that is a force defensively, either. Tarris Reed Jr knows how to send shots in the other direction, too. 

As for McDaniel’s skills with the ball, Bill Raftery put it perfectly on a broadcast earlier this season: “He’s a magician.” Someone else called him “The Blur.” We are here to endorse both. Break an entire Rick Pitino press? Done. Right-hand dribble drive, step back into a tough jumper? He does that in his sleep.

The man is a highlight waiting to happen. His touch in the lane is what separates him. To be able to stop on a dime in front of a shot blocker and float it in with either hand is something special. With Nimari Burnett now in the frontcourt, Big Blue has another perimeter scorer to pair with McDaniel. Don’t sleep on Terrance Williams II and Tray Jackson, though. The two upperclassmen know how to fill it up from anywhere. 

Bringing in transfers was a big part of UMich’s offseason, and none were bigger than Olivier Nkamhoua. You’re probably like, Wait, that name sounds familiar. When you were on your couch watching March Madness just nine months ago, Nkamhoua was out there balling against everybody who came across his path, including a blue blood. He was knocking down fadeaways over Kyle Filipowski and throwing down game-clinching one-hand slams. That was when he donned orange and white. Now the Finnish forward reps the maize and blue. Different school. Same results. 

Having lost the program’s top three scorers from last season, Howard needed some firepower. Nkamhoua is that. He’s a jolt of energy on both ends of the floor. Listed at 6-9, there is so much that the ex-Volunteer brings to the floor. Ferocious rebounding. An increasingly more consistent three-point shot. To top it all off, he’s got some bunnies. His talent for cutting allows him to use those hops more than most. Against UNC Asheville earlier this season, Nkamhoua piled up five dunks. 

Off the bench, Will Tschetter adds even more offensive production. The sophomore forward can stretch the floor while doing all the little things that help accentuate the talents of others around him. 

Adding up all the pieces—new and old—has this Wolverines squad set up to make Ann Arbor proud. How far can they go?

We can’t wait to see. 

The post The 2023 Jumpman Invitational: The Michigan Wolverines Men’s Team Has Something to Prove appeared first on SLAM.

As we get ready to watch yet another showdown, let’s take it back to what went down on Sunday. Here’s a quick recap to get you hyped before tip-off.

Key Moments From Game 3

A’ja Wilson Rocks All-Black Fit in the Tunnel…Then Drops a Double-Double

It’s okay, we’re all thinking it. No one was gonna try to mess with A’ja Wilson anyways, and especially not after she rocked the all-black fit before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The black Air Force 1’s sent a message: she and the Aces are really ’bout it as they look to solidify another ring.

Despite the loss, Wilson finished with a double-double of 16 points and 11 points.

France Shows Support for Marine Johannès

France has a true “famille de basket-ball,” which in English translates to, “basketball family.” Early in the WNBA Finals, Liberty wing Marine Johannès showed her support for Victor Wembanyama after he won France’s Player of the Year. Tony Parker, and Wembenyama himself returned the favor this weekend. Parker pulled up to Game 3 to chat with the Liberty sharp-shooter in person while Wemby showed his love ahead of his pre-season game by rockin’ a No. 23 Liberty jersey. Game respecting game.

Electric Environment at Barclays

Liberty fans did their thang supporting the hometown team on Sunday, and so did former hoop stars and celebrities alike. There was too many to count: Dawn Staley, who surprised Jason Sudeikis who plays Ted Lasso, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, and four Liberty Ring of Honor members, including Vickie Johnson, Crystal Robinson, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks. If you want to count Becky Hammon, and Rebecca Lobo, six out of the seven were in attendance.

New York showed up for Game 3. We cannot wait to see what is in store for Wednesday night.

Jonquel Jones GOES OFF

The 2021 WNBA MVP has that DAWGG in her. Jones said, “No, no, no, not today” more than just once. She had three rejections in total, including one where she threw what looked like an easy layup into the court-side seats.

Not only did she host the block party in Brooklyn, Jones was out here doing it all: snatching rebounds, dishing dimes to Betnijah Laney. JJ was in her bag and delivered in the must-win game.

Joan Jett Loves Rock and Roll, and the Liberty

It was a win or go home situation for the New York Liberty, and long-time Liberty fan and rock legend Joan Jett was there to see it all. There was no voodoo doll this time, but her presence was all that was needed to help turn the luck into New York’s favor. Will she be at Game 4?

Stewie Blocks A’ja and Kelsey in the Span of a Minute

Breanna Stewart was named to the All-Defensive First Team for a reason. Late in the third quarter with Vegas fighting to get back into the contest, Wilson attempted an elite mid-range fadeaway, but Stewie had other plans. Go watch the clip and then play it back. DID YOU SEE WHAT SHE JUST DID?

New York Becomes Scorching Hot From Deep to Secure the W

Did you think New York was going to miss that many open shots again? Nah, everyone on one. In the last six minutes of the contest, the Liberty dropped five shots from beyond the arc from five different players. Clutch.

Ruby Steals the Show at Post-Game Presser

Stewie’s daughter Ruby was at it again following Game 3 with arguably the best moment of Sunday. The highlight was when Stewie, Sandy Brondello, and Jones were trying to answer post-game questions. Ruby was on the side continuously walking up and down the stairs to the stage. She was a straight up mood.

Photos via Getty Images

The post 8 Key Moments from Game 3: Liberty Host Block Party, A’ja Wilson Rocks Black AF1s Before Dropping Double-Double appeared first on SLAM.

Then there’s all the storylines in between: the 2022 WNBA MVP vs. the 2023 MVP. The Vegas strip vs. the Big Apple. The first Finals meeting between two coaches that used to drop buckets in the W.

Amidst an exciting expansion announcement by the League, the time is now for women’s basketball. Game 1 will take place in Vegas to an already sold out crowd. We love to see it.

We won’t say we told ya, but the Aces did grace the cover of WSLAM 3 and the Liberty were just on the cover of SLAM 246. Looking back, both squads made it clear that they were ready to prove any and all narratives wrong and play the game their way.

To get you ready for all ‘tings WNBA Finals, check out our coverage below:

LAS VEGAS

NEW YORK

As New York head coach Sandy Brondello stated in her early assessment of the “superteam clash” following their Game 4 win in Connecticut: “We haven’t done it for so long, but we’re playing the champions from last year. I think it’s going to be a really competitive series and hopefully more and more people turn their eyes into the game and we can continue to grow it.”

No matter what happens, something historic is in the cards. “Someone’s making history,” Hammon explained. “It’s either we get the back to back or New York gets their first one. As far as dynasty and all that, we’re (going) on No. 2. Before you get to three or four, you’ve got to get to two. We’re really getting ready for the task at hand and not worried about years down the road.”

We’re hyped for this Finals match up, are you?

REP YOUR SQUAD

It’s not too late besties, there’s still Aces and Liberty Cover Tees in stock, as well as copies of SLAM 246 and more.

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Photo via Getty Images.

The post 2023 WNBA FINALS Preview: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Game 1 appeared first on SLAM.

Challenges were few and far between before a trip to Connecticut early in the campaign. It was exactly what the ball club needed in order to realize what it was going to take in order to return to where it was last year.

The entire team, ignited by Hammon’s statement following that game made it a mission to take that next step defensively. From June 11 on, nobody has been better.

That theme of a relentless resistance has been paramount to this postseason run so far. While scoring over 90 in three of their last five games, the Aces have not allowed an opponent to net more than 85 points since August 28 at the New York.

With a berth to the Finals on the line, the Aces dug in. The ball pressure was tremendous. With help rotating over led by A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas held one of the W’s most elite scorers, Arike Ogunbowale to just 25 percent shooting in the final 10 minutes.

Up by one with under 1:30 remaining, the defending champions pieced together multiple special defensive possessions. All five players were communicating, and working in unison. It was Hammon’s dream. The Wings did not make a single field goal in the final 4:58 seconds of the contest. The Vegas coach could not help her excitement. Her smile postgame was of a proud coach that saw her team accept the challenge and dominate.

Hammon kept it real after grinding out the close out game on the road. “It just shows you that we can win with our defense. It’s not always going to be a pretty one. These are the ones you actually have to find ways to win.”

She continued, “When the ball’s popping and we’re scoring 90 and 100 points, those are easy ones for us. When we have to win like this and really prove to ourselves that we can win like this, that it’s not about the offense all the time, it’s about rebounding and defense, which we did very well down the stretch.”

If Vegas can continue this kind of defensive efficiency, it will become the second team since 2015 to own a playoff defensive rating under 90. The versatility on this end of the floor starts and ends with back to back WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson. The former South Carolina star was the only player in the W to average two or more blocks per 40 minutes.

You can see it live in action, her emotions on the floor explain to the world truly how much defense means to her. She is on you defensively like your mother with a camera on a family vacation.

It does not stop at No. 22.

Remember the 2020 Seattle Storm championship team? Current member of the Aces, Alysha Clark was a key piece to that side’s success, especially defensively. Bringing in the 2020 All-Defensive First Team forward was an early sign Hammon wanted to focus on defense. It has more than paid dividends. Clark has done everything Vegas has asked of her coming off the bench.

Guess who was the main defender on Satou Sabally in the final 10 seconds of Game 3? It was the Middle Tennessee product.

Don’t sleep on Kiah Stokes either. The 2023 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year tied her career high in steals, and recorded more than 0.9 blocks per game for the first time in three years. Stokes and Clark were the only two Aces’ players with a defensive rating under 96 in more than 20 games played in 2023.

It is all accompanied by Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. The three perimeter players cause constant havoc. Both Young and Plum increased their steals total from 2022 while the “Point GAWDDD” matched last season’s total.

It is the true definition of a complete team. Hammon’s team managed to do that for the most part against Dallas, but the challenge becomes even tougher with the Liberty on tap.

This year’s WNBA Finals and going to be a match up for the ages. We’re hyped, you ready?

Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Atiba Jefferson.

The post The Aces’ Defensive Identity Has Elevated This Team to Another Level appeared first on SLAM.

Former Rutgers University standout Betnijah Laney is just that for the New York Liberty. Don’t be fooled by her smile. When she steps between the lines, the versatile wing is prepared to do whatever it takes to win.

She’s also played a pivotal role in New York snapping the franchise’s postseason streak—for the first time in over two decades, the Libs are headed to the WNBA Finals and will match up against the Las Vegas Aces for the championship.

On both ends of the floor, No. 44 is invaluable. On a roster stacked with superstars, including two former MVPs, the Delaware-native is a piece the Liberty cannot do without. Laney netted 20 or more points in each of the final three contests of the WNBA Semifinals against the Connecticut Sun.

Betnijah Laney and the Liberty starred on the cover of SLAM 246. Read the cover story here. 

With her team’s back against the wall on its home floor in Game 2, the former second-round selection showed up. In a must-win game, Laney connected on five shots from beyond the arc, the most she has converted in any game of her career—two of which came in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter.

Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, Laney sits in the top-two of New York’s field goal percentage, three pointers made, and total points. Only three players in the postseason have contributed to more points in the painted area than the 2020 WNBA Most Improved Player.

She was one of just seven players in the entire W this season to have a three-point shooting percentage over 39 percent while taking 1.5 or more threes per contest. The corner is her domain. The result is almost inevitable if you fail to close her out.

“B’s built like this,” Brondello said following the clincher in Connecticut, “I know it was a little bit of a process early in the season. We were trying to work it out how it all combined, but I think we took off when we found “B” getting more integrated into the offense because she’s an amazing scorer. We just didn’t want it to just be “B” the defensive player.”

The defensive side of the ball is the part of the game what she is best known for. In a series against a historically prolific Aces’ offense, Laney’s ability to guard more than one position will be critical.

The 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Final was a perfect example of what she can do on that end of the floor against Las Vegas. The 6-foot wing was tasked with the responsibility of predominately guarding Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray—in the third quarter, No. 44 was locked in when playing halfcourt defense on Plum in isolation, and took on the task of marking up Gray full-court after a Stewart three.

“Whether its guarding the other team’s best player, or making plays, she is someone who knows what she is good at,” Stewart said about Laney following a win over Washington. “To be able to have her on our side is huge for us. She continues to keep playing, giving us that sense of clarity when times get tough.”

Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Marcus Stevens

The post The Undeniable Brilliance of Liberty Wing Betnijah Laney appeared first on SLAM.

The eleventh overall selection in the 2014 WNBA Draft has emerged into a bonafide star and an offensive threat on the floor. She seemingly visualizes her next two or three moves before they even happen (and definitely before opponents know what to expect). Behind the back pass from behind the basket? No problem. No-look dime from outside the arc? Walk in the park.

“I try to be that calm within the storm, whether it is a game of runs or in different quarters,” Gray explained after Game 2 on Tuesday night. “It is not always me scoring, or getting assists to my name, it’s calling the right plays and calming everyone down.”

Chelsea Gray and the Aces starred on the cover of WSLAM 3. Read the cover story here.

Her patience, flare, and most importantly her creativity have allowed her to reach the success she has had so far. It is a nightmare to defend. Just ask the Dallas Wings. In Game 2 of the 2023 WNBA Semifinals, CG was dialed-in. There are few in the League that are more terrifying with the ball in their hands in the fourth quarter than Las Vegas’ offensive orchestrator. 

With the Aces up by seven with just under five to play, the “Point Gawd” herself took over. The five-time WNBA All-Star played a major role in 12 of Vegas’ final 18 points, six of which were free throws.

After accumulating five straight points herself, Gray found a wide-open Jackie Young in the paint for an easy score.

Gray isn’t just new to this, she’s stayed true to this her entire career, including in the final six contests of the 2022 postseason, where she averaged over 22 points per game while dishing out double-digit dimes in two of those matchups. 

At the conclusion of the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup Championship, Hammon stressed the importance of Gray’s leadership—not just as player, but the one calling the shots.

“She’s a huge part of what we do. She is the extension of the coach out there. Hell, I’m her assistant. I tell them all the time, ‘If Chelsea calls something and I call something, you listen to Chelsea. So, when the head coach calls something, you run it.’”

As it stands, the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP is seventh all-time in playoff assists, which means that she’s well on her way to eventually climb the rankings—she’s currently behind both Briann January and Candace Parker. 

Until then, we’re all witnessing Gray play the game at the highest level. Salute.

Action photo via Getty Images. Portraits by Atiba Jefferson.

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