Ben Pickman @benpickman Twitter profile

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Ben Pickman

6 months

No coach in CBB has had a last 2 weeks like Joye Lee-McNelis. Her dad died. She underwent chemo. Her @SouthernMissWBB team had a historic win. My profile of @CoachMcNelis . On an obituary she wrote, the resilience she shows, and the gratitude she feels

Through grief and cancer, Southern Miss' coach pulled off a defining upset

“It was a historic win and my week was an emotional whirlwind,” Joye Lee-McNelis says.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

Caitlin Clark enters the Brooklyn Academy of Music for the 2024 WNBA Draft

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 months

Another trophy for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

22 days

Candace Parker has retired from the WNBA. I broke the news to her. Here’s her instant reaction ⬇️

Las Vegas Aces

@LVAces

22 days

Forever a GOAT. Forever an Ace.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

6 months

A WNBA star is getting into the wine business — Mystics center Elena Delle Donne has launched Deldon Wines, which the company says makes her the first WNBA player with a namesake wine. For those curious, the wine is a Willamette Pinot.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

A WNBA spokesperson in a statement to @SInow re: Ukraine: “The few WNBA players who were competing this off-season in Ukraine are no longer in the country. The league has also been in contact with WNBA players who are in Russia, either directly or through their agents. (1/2)

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

SEVEN, yes, seven members of the @IowaWBB 's Final Four team once played for the EYBL team @AllIowaAttack For @TheAthleticWBB , a story on how the club first laid the foundation for this current group, and for its star, Caitlin Clark

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

11 months

Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu will be the cover athlete of the NBA 2K24 WNBA edition. She told @TheAthleticWBB is a “full-circle moment” for herself and her family. “It’s an honor to be able to represent the WNBA and women’s basketball.”

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 months

Iowa might be up 21 points over Colorado entering the fourth quarter but that didn’t stop either school’s mascot from sharing a hug at the quarter break

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

19 days

New WNBA ticket sales data via @StubHub on ⬆️interest: -Overall WNBA sales on StubHub are up 93% compared to last year, and 41x from this time in 2018 -Aces ticket sales up 190% compared to May '23 -Fever ticket sales up 13x compared to May '23 -Sky have tripled sales from '23

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

When @YolettMcCuin got to Miami Dade Community College in 2001, she says she felt "broken." She's come a long way since. Ahead of @OleMissWBB 's Sweet 16 game, a feature on Coach Yo's belief — in self and her players — en route to becoming a "blueprint."

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

22 days

Here's how Courtney Vandersloot, a teammate of Parker's in 2021 and 2022, reacted to Parker's retirement. "She was the type of player that changed the game. What we see now, Candace was doing that early."

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

22 days

Candace Parker has retired from the WNBA. I broke the news to her. Here’s her instant reaction ⬇️

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Nilay Aydogan, a Turkish forward who is a teammate of WNBA players Ty Harris and Queen Egbo, was visiting a relative in the Malatay province and is believed to have been in a home destroyed by the earthquake, according to her team, Çankaya Üniversitesi S.K.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

well…back with some more personal news!!! super excited that today is my first day @TheAthletic as a staff writer! I’ll be covering the WNBA and women’s college basketball! Subscribe, and follow along!

Ben Pickman: Follow me for women's basketball stories that take you to new places

Ben Pickman shares why he joined The Athletic as a women's basketball reporter.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

In case folks are interested in seeing how this was handled on Candace's intro press conference...Here is the video of @ANYamashita trying to ask his question about Dearica Hamby:

Crina Mustafa

@crinamm

1 year

Lmao, someone just tried to ask Nikki about the Hamby situation and was cut off and they said that she had to leave for a meeting and now we're on the last question & wrapping up the presser ...I think maybe a total of 5-7 media got to ask questions out of about 74-77

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

Plenty of storylines for Iowa-South Carolina I wrote about C. Vivian Stringer, the Hall of Famer who connects the title game's programs and coaches On her mentorship, history & role in WBB's growth “I’ve seen all this come full circle,” Stringer told me

A mentor and inspiration: C. Vivian Stringer as the thread between South Carolina and Iowa

The Hall of Fame coach has served as an inspiration to South Carolina's Dawn Staley and Iowa's Lisa Bluder.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

11 months

Breanna Stewart was asked to elaborate on her thoughts on the incident involving BG "I think it’s a little bit just traumatizing for all of us to think about, b/c we feel for her and we want her to be safe and know that when she’s back with us, she should be able to be herself"

Breanna Stewart

@breannastewart

1 year

This is unacceptable @WNBA we need to be protecting our players at all times, not only in arenas!

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 months

New @TheAthleticWBB : @GamecockWBB star MiLaysia Fulwiley electrifies fans with her aerial acrobatics. But to those who know her best, such moments are routine On how she learned to fly, yet stayed grounded. On ties to family and to her native Columbia⬇️

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

10 months

"In terms of women’s basketball, she’s by far the most popular French player ever." I wrote about Marine Johannès, perhaps the WNBA's most creative passer. On her origins, how she learned to pass and what it's like for her in her village of 700 people:

How France's best player is making a name for herself in the WNBA

"She’s by far the most popular French player ever. Everybody knows Marine Johannès in French basketball.”

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

NEWS: Overtime is launching a new league for top female high school basketball players in the US Overtime Select will begin next summer and some of the top HS recruits have already committed. It'll also focus on brand-building/info re: NIL @TheAthleticWBB

A new league launches for top high school girls basketball players

Overtime says in addition to elite competition, it will help girls build their brand and learn NIL insights.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

8 months

Marine Johannès was wearing a Victor Wembanyama jersey postgame. The French WNBA star said that Nike sent the jersey of the French NBA star to her and that it "was good timing" before the Finals. @TheAthleticWBB

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

8 months

“In terms of women’s basketball, she’s by far the most popular French player ever." Marine Johannès talent has long been evident, both in France and in the W. Our profile, from earlier this year, diving into the origins of the French star @TheAthleticWBB

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

The WNBA announced its broadcast and streaming schedule. The Indiana Fever will be featured by WNBA national broadcast and streaming partners 36 times. The Las Vegas Aces (2x defending champs) will be featured 35 times. LV and NYL will both be on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 8 times each

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

After finishing up her warmup, Sabrina Ionescu greeted this fan seated courtside with her sister (wearing an A'ja Wilson jersey) and signed the Liberty fan's sign, shoes and jersey. "I will trade my sister 4 Sabrina shoes" @TheAthleticWBB

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 years

The future of Wisconsin basketball: @Ferris_matt and @moeschpotato5

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

Today's @SINow Daily Cover: As unmarked graves of Indigenous youth were found in Canada this summer, the lacrosse world sought to raise awareness for the mass injustices and for a humbling part of the game’s history "Our ghosts aren't even being learned"

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

“She does a lot of things similar to Kobe. But right now, she’s Jewell Loyd. And this is Jewell’s game.” - @S10Bird From Friday for @SInow : It's been a challenging year for Storm star @jewellloyd , but she's found comfort in her platform and being herself

The Incomparable Journey of Jewell Loyd

After a challenging year and ongoing obstacles, Seattle Storm All-Star guard Jewell Loyd has come into her own.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Today’s @SInow Daily Cover: 40 years ago, Cheyney State made the first women’s NCAA tourney final. I visited America’s oldest HBCU to learn about their historic run, a program that fails to exist today and the quest to keep the ’82 team’s legacy alive:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 months

In the summer, @GamecockWBB 's @MollyBinetti runs SC through grueling (and creative) workouts called Final Four Fridays. Think snaking through their stadium w/a a heavy rope, tire-flipping, sandbag relays, etc. On how F4 Fridays prepped SC for the F4

How South Carolina's 'Final Four Friday' workouts paid off

Offseason rope courses, strong woman contests and other obstacles helped prep the Gamecocks for a Final Four run.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

My @SINow magazine debut!!! (and today’s daily cover): @deniavdia8 is projected to be among the top picks in the 2020 NBA draft. Meet the 19-year-old Israeli star who is preparing to carry an entire nation on his shoulders...

Deni Avdija Hopes to Be Israel's First NBA Star

Basketball has given Israelis several memorable moments of national import. But it’s never given them an NBA star they can call their own. Deni Avdija, a 19-year-old wing averaging four points per...

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

Lacrosse News: The @PremierLacrosse is planning on returning to a tour-based model this summer, with the season starting June 4th. “We’re moving in a direction where we’ve got a lot of momentum at our back," @PaulRabil tells @SInow :

Premier Lacrosse League Back to Tour-Based Model in 2021

The 2021 PLL season will begin June 4.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

8 months

New WNBA commissioner Kiah Stokes at the podium ahead of Game 1. Asked about what changes she wants to make now that she's the commissioner, she talked about charter flights for players. @TheAthleticWBB

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

11 months

The WNBPA was adamant Saturday: "The matter of charter travel is NOT a ‘competitive advantage’ issue" It's hard to disagree.Competitive inequities are already found across the WNBA, like, as Breanna Stewart said, "having a practice facility" My thoughts:

Pickman: Why WNBA charter flights should no longer be considered 'competitive advantages'

Competitive advantages exist across sports. WNBA should recognize using charter flights is no different.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

New for @SInow : The daughter of Sudanese refugees, Awak Kuier possess natural talent that few others her age have. Meet the 19-year-old, slam-dunking star who could be the top pick in Thursday's WNBA draft. “I think she has no limits."

Awak Kuier Is Ready to Soar in the WNBA

The slam-dunking star out of Finland is a likely top-five pick.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

The WNBPA announces it has partnered with Priority Pass, to offer all WNBA players access to their airport lounges. WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson called the partnership "a significant step in the right direction," in efforts to provide more travel comfort to players

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Dawn Staley brought the national title trophy over to the South Carolina band so they too could get in on the celebration.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Çankaya Üniversitesi S.K. put out a statement Sunday saying that Nilay Aydoğan has died in the earthquake. She had traveled to the Malatay province to visit her grandmother.

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Nilay Aydogan, a Turkish forward who is a teammate of WNBA players Ty Harris and Queen Egbo, was visiting a relative in the Malatay province and is believed to have been in a home destroyed by the earthquake, according to her team, Çankaya Üniversitesi S.K.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation.” (2/2)

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Today’s @SInow Daily Cover: While @A_Hooper25 sat out two WNBA seasons with long-haul COVID, they had time to think about who they were and who they wanted to be. Now, AD is comfortable living in their truth. On their trying journey back to the court:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

For @SINow : Of the four legacy North American sports leagues, not one team has a dog as its primary logo. Enter @PremierLacrosse ’s @PLLWaterdogs The story behind @PaulRabil ’s expansion, the team’s naming process and the power of the dogs:

PLL Announces Waterdogs as Expansion Club

As the PLL prepares for its second season, its first-ever expansion club, and seventh team overall, will be known as Waterdogs.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

— Some personal news! — Today is my last day at Sports Illustrated Thanks to everyone for reading over the last four years! It’s been amazing to work with some of the best writers and editors around, and I’m grateful to so many for their guidance, mentorship and friendship.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

'They have no homes to go to right now. That’s the scariest part' Two WNBA players, currently playing for a Ukrainian club, competed yesterday in a EuroCup contest in Bulgaria. My @SInow story on that game, having Ukrainian teammates and being displaced:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Sylvia Fowles knows for certain she doesn’t want to be buried. Beyond that, the WNBA legend who is retiring after this season hasn’t made too many plans for what comes next. Consider today’s @SInow Daily Cover a living eulogy from some who know her best:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

Congrats to Tim Duncan on making the Basketball HOF

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Today’s @SInow Daily Cover: There are plenty of fake NBA graphics floating around online But few have drawn as much attention as those by @BallsackSports . The story behind BS. And a look into what its rise tells us about Twitter, misinformation and more:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

9 months

Who do players think is the best player in the WNBA right now? And what about who will be the best in five years? Plus, who is most underrated player and best trash talker? @sabreenajm + I talked to nearly 50 players for part 1 of @TheAthleticWBB 's poll

WNBA Confidential: Players reveal who they think is the future of the league in our anonymous poll

Almost a third of the league answered our anonymous poll. Who did they say is the W's biggest trash-talker? Who's the MVP? Most underrated?

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

When Tom Brady joined the Bucs last March, he said that he had to "come in and do my part." He did that, and then some. My @SInow instant gamer on Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV win over the Chiefs:

Brady, Bucs Top Chiefs to Win Super Bowl LV

Tom Brady won his record seventh Super Bowl on Sunday as the Buccaneers topped the Chiefs.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

"Any Israeli athlete that can play [in the NBA] is carrying the whole nation on his shoulders" Deni Avdija is already one of the most famous people in Israel. Before tonight, get to know the potential top 5 pick. My @SInow profile from earlier this year:

Deni Avdija Hopes to Be Israel's First NBA Star

Basketball has given Israelis several memorable moments of national import. But it’s never given them an NBA star they can call their own. Deni Avdija, a 19-year-old wing averaging four points per...

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Brionna Jones and Alyssa Thomas have been key pieces for the @ConnecticutSun for years. But it's in Prague where the pair has been a true anomaly. On their 4 seasons together abroad — how/why they created second homes there and how it's helped them w/ CT:

From Maryland to Connecticut to Prague: The enduring chemistry between Brionna Jones and Alyssa...

Free agency might bust up the long WNBA pairing of Jones and Thomas, but they intend to continue playing together overseas.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

For @SInow / @TheCrossover , I talked with a number of players who swapped jerseys with @DwyaneWade to learn the art of the NBA jersey swap. What do players do with their jerseys? What else is in their collections? What do jersey swaps mean to them?

Inside the Art of NBA Jersey Swapping

In recent years, jersey swapping has become a growing trend for players throughout the NBA.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

The relaunch of @PLLCannons is now official, as the Boston Cannons (now Cannons LC) will be joining @PremierLacrosse 's as the league's 8th team. Our @SInow write on the PLL-MLL merger from this past December:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

“The concentration of professional lacrosse on television will be unlike anything anyone has ever seen,” @PaulRabil says. News: The @PremierLacrosse will hold a fully-fanless, quarantined tournament this summer during NBC's Olympic window

PLL to Hold Two-Week Isolated Tournament This Summer

In place of its second season, the Premier Lacrosse League will host the PLL Championship Series, a two-week tournament without fans this summer.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

New York Liberty brass are in the building in Istanbul to watch Breanna Stewart, as Fenerbahce and Bologna square off in a EuroLeague matchup.

José Ramón Alba Benlloch

@Joserra40albben

1 year

. @SBrondello is in the building! #WNBAFreeAgency #WNBATwitter

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

Hogan's addition is the latest high-profile move for the @PremierLacrosse . Already this offseason it has: -Merged with MLL -Expanded to 8 teams -Announced return to a tour-based model -Held Entry Draft Lottery -Seen Rob Pannell get traded More on PLL Y3:

Premier Lacrosse League Back to Tour-Based Model in 2021

The 2021 PLL season will begin June 4.

www.si.com

Chris Hogan

@ChrisHogan_15

3 years

I have signed with @premierlacrosse for the 2021 season. As many of you know, my roots are in lacrosse, and I’m excited to fight for a roster spot with the best in the world! #LFG

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

For this month's mag, and today's @SInow Daily Cover: They dreamed their whole lives of making it to the NBA. And when the opportunity finally came, it was over in a matter of seconds. Hear the tales, and meet the members of the NBA's One-Minute Club:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

6 months

NEW: Lauren Betts, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2022, transferred from Stanford to UCLA. As a soph, she's regaining her confidence and building back her sense of self. On her efforts to reset, "do hard things," and sing. My profile (A sub's just $1)

How Lauren Betts found a new home, a new start and renewed confidence at UCLA

After transferring from Stanford, the 6-7 center reunited with Cori Close, who had recruited Betts as the No. 1 high school prospect.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

A floater by Sabrina Ionescu has cut Chicago’s lead to 9, forcing James Wade to call a timeout, much to the delight of the home NY crowd.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

NEW: Before the WNBA Finals, Breanna Stewart said she hadn't thought much about her upcoming free agency, though, she told @TheAthleticWBB : “I can pretty much almost guarantee that I’ll be cored, since I’ve never been cored...I’m happy in New York."

Will New York Liberty be even better positioned to chase a WNBA championship next season?

Plan on the Liberty prioritizing securing Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Curt Miller was an assistant coach at @CSUWBasketball while Becky Hammon was the school’s star PG. So who better to talk about each WNBA Finals HC than Tom Collen, that CSU team’s HC. He tells stories from that era and shares who he is rooting for: @SInow

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Jonquel Jones considered playing for the Mystics. Courtney Vandersloot decided New York the night before announcing it What sold Breanna Stewart? And Sabrina Ionescu, the recruiter? An @TheAthleticWBB feature— How the Liberty pulled off their offseason

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Las Vegas acquired the No. 8 and No. 13 picks in the 2022 WNBA draft on the day before the event in a trade with the Lynx. Today, the team announced it waived Mya Hollingshed (No. 8) and Khayla Pointer (No. 13).

Las Vegas Aces

@LVAces

2 years

Roster Update: The Aces have waived Mya Hollingshed and Khayla Pointer.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Diana Taurasi provides her thoughts on the death of Bill Russell, to @DougFeinberg and me: @SInow @TheCrossover

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

"I just think it's coming, and it's coming soon," says @greg_bibb New for @SInow : I went BTS with the @DallasWings to understand how the #WNBA 's team of the future is also taking major strides in the present. A dive into what's brewing in Dallas:

The Wings Have Arrived Sooner Than Expected

With a young core led by Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas could be playoff-bound ahead of schedule.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

11 months

The Liberty trotted out a revamped roster in '23, doing so on an entirely new court. A BTS of their design process — “We wanted it to be really unique" — of how they did it. Including a look at versions (see the GIF below) of courts not selected:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

9 months

some exciting news @TheAthleticWBB !!!! we have launched a WBB podcast!! hosted by @itszenakeita , we'll bring you episodes twice a week talking WNBA, college, and even some international 🏀. and if you want a weekend listen — our first ep. is out now!

WNBA Awards And Series Matchups

Listen to this episode from The Athletic Women's Basketball Show on Spotify. In the debut episode of The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss and...

open.spotify.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

10 days

Some WNBA TV media news, via @ESPNPR : "ESPN will utilize a WNBA Finals-level production setup for Indiana’s first game to document Clark’s debut" on May 14 vs. the CT Sun WNBA Countdown will air live from on-site CT as well

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

ESPN has announced it will introduce Fantasy Women’s Basketball next month, which is says is the first full-scale, season-long fantasy game dedicated to a major women’s sport. @TheCrossover

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

“This time last year we were trying to convince people that we were real,” @PaulRabil says Now, in its second season, the @PremierLacrosse is heading to a number of new markets. The league is very real, and growing On how they selected their locations:

PLL Continues to Grow in Second Season

The Premier Lacrosse League's tour-based second season will feature stops in new cities like Portland and Raleigh, N.C.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

6 months

Just announced: Cheyney State and C. Vivian Stringer have been given the 2024 Trailblazer Award by the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Back in March 2022, I visited Cheyney for SI to write about the school's past and present (1/2)

The Lost History of the Only HBCU to Make the Final Four

Cheyney State was C. Vivian Stringer’s first coaching stop. Today the program is gone.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

5 months

How does Caitlin Clark compare to some of 🏀's all-time great shooters? I combed through data to see how her shooting from 25-30 feet, early shot-clock 3s and 4 other metrics stacked up with Steph, Dame & SAB. Great visuals + reporting on CC's practices:

Their lights stay green: Comparing the shooting prowess of Caitlin, Steph, Dame and Sabrina

Comparing Clark's advanced statistics to other elites in the sport shows she ranks among giants.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Her winding path to the WNBA began at a missionary camp in the middle of sugarcane fields in Brazil. She excelled at the NAIA level, had two ACL tears and made a pit-stop at Iowa State At Monday's draft she'll likely be a top6 pick Meet Stephanie Soares

How an ACL tear might help a prospect’s WNBA Draft stock

Despite playing only 12 Division I games, Soares could be a top-six pick.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

11 months

. @OregonWBB coach Kelly Graves is like a proud parent watching Liberty games from afar this year. I spoke with him him, and others within the NYL, about how (Graves' two former stars) Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot are already meshing on-court:

Backcourt blend: How Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot mesh with the New York Liberty

Despite roles as heady guards, Ionescu and Vandersloot had no qualms about playing together and sharing the ball.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

8 months

“In terms of women’s basketball, she’s by far the most popular French player ever." Marine Johannès talent has long been evident, both in France and in the W. Our profile, from earlier this year, diving into the origins of the French star @TheAthleticWBB

How France's best player is making a name for herself in the WNBA

"She’s by far the most popular French player ever. Everybody knows Marine Johannès in French basketball.”

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

Tonight’s WNBA Draft in-person invitees on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

The 2024 WNBA Draft Class is lighting up the Empire State Building this morning

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

New for @SINow : Arike Ogunbowale knows what it takes to thrive in big moments, and the @DallasWings star is solely focused on reaching the postseason. On advice from Lisa Leslie, watching Team USA, and her overall journey || Arike Ogunbowale Is Unfazed

Arike Ogunbowale Is Unfazed

Never too high or too low, the Wings’ star seeks to end her team’s playoff drought.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

The NBA, WNBA and Fanatics will launch new cloth face coverings with team logos on them with proceeds from the sales going to coronavirus relief, league sources tell @SInow / @TheCrossover

NBA to Sell Cloth Face Masks for COVID-19 Relief

All league proceeds from the sales of the new face cloth coverings will benefit organizations in the United States and Canada.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

For reference here, the WNBA had fined the Phoenix Mercury $10,000 when the entire team skipped postgame media obligations following the team's Game 4 loss to the Chicago Sky at the end of the 2021 WNBA Finals.

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

The New York Liberty have been fined $25,000, the WNBA announced, "for violating league rules governing postgame media interview access" Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney were each fined $2,000 for declining to make themselves available for postgame interviews

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Can report Chelsea Gray's jumper travels well, whether she is in Las Vegas, Uncasville or Istanbul.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

A congratulatory video message from Shaq and Jayson Tatum. A familial homecoming. And, of course, a missed call from coach I went BTS with @haleyjoness19 in the immediate aftermath of the @AtlantaDream drafting her "It’s everything I could have dreamed."

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

I asked Marine Johannès about Wemby wearing her jersey ahead of Friday night's game. "I think it's cool," she said. They have the same agency, and though he hasn't reached out during the Finals (b/c "I think he has a lot to do right now," Marine said) she appreciates the support

New York Liberty

@nyliberty

7 months

. @MarineJ5 🇫🇷 @wemby

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

6 months

UNC field hockey just defeated Northwestern in a shootout to win its 11th national championship. Erin Matson, the team's 23-year-old head coach, won 4 national titles as a player. And now has one as a coach. Good time to re-read @BrendanRMarks feature:

Last year, she led her team to a national title. Now, at 23, she’s the head coach

Two-time national player of the year Erin Matson is navigating unique challenges — and opportunities — as a first-time head coach

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

My latest @SINow mag and today's daily cover: Dr. J calls him a "treasure." Ian Eagle says "it's not a Nets season" without him. Meet Herb Turetzky, Brooklyn's official scorer, who has been with the team since its first game in '67 and hasn't ever left:

Meet Mr. Net

In his 54 years as the franchise's official scorer, Herb Turetzky has seen it all.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

The Dream Team is maybe the greatest bball team ever assembled. In an upcoming new podcast series, @McCallum12 dives into the "Arthurian legend," tells the "most complete" story of why Isiah missed out and much more. The latest for @SInow / @TheCrossover :

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Nilay Aydoğan radiated joy. And she was on a surprise visit to her grandmother when the Feb. 6 earthquake struck Turkey Nilay would be found motionless, her arms wrapped around her grandmother in a final embrace @TheAthleticWBB , I wrote about Nilay

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 months

Tara VanDerveer has been the head coach of two undefeated teams in her career. The 96 Olympic team is one The other was her first HC opportunity— @OhioStateWBB 's 1976 JV team On the lessons from the junior varsity & the origins of the @StanfordWBB great

As a JV coach in the '70s, Tara VanDerveer drove the team van, went 8-0 and found her calling

Stanford's Hall of Fame coach can surpass Duke's Mike Krzyzewski for the DI coaches' career wins record (men or women) as early as Sunday.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

Cathy Engelbert just confirmed The Athletic’s reporting from earlier today about the WNBA’s desire to get to 16 teams in the next few years

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

With @MikeVorkunov —How will Caitlin Clark impact the WNBA? We tackle that with thoughts from GM/coaches (“I would trade my whole team for her," one said) But also have NEW reporting on: -W Expansion latest -Media rights talks -Clark tix/gambling impact

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

"It’s just not as consistent as it needs to be when the product is as good as it is." Does the WNBA have an officiating problem? Over the last two months, I talked with coaches & GMs, as well as people at the league office, to try and learn more ⬇️

Does the WNBA have an officiating problem? Coaches cite high turnover, inconsistency

“I believe our officiating was the worst this year than it had been in 15 years,” a WNBA general manager says.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

News: The @PremierLacrosse is partnering with @GeniusSports , as its data and integrity partner for sports betting. Genius will provide sportsbook operators with league content/stats & protect the PLL from betting-related corruption.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

10 months

NEW: I spoke with Cathy Engelbert, Terri Jackson and more than a dozen players about WNBA travel On improvements that *could* be made in the short-term. New reporting on recent charter proposals made (and turned down), a new travel partnership +more (1/7)

WNBA travel woes persist. Besides charters, what are the answers?

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert says charters not yet financially feasible. "They’re not going to have jobs ... if we did it today."

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

NEWS: @PremierLacrosse 's Championship Series is headed to Utah. Despite only emerging after PLL's initial May 6 announcement, Zions Bank Stadium quickly became the league's choice. "It really checked every box," @PaulRabil tells @SInow

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

10 days

New🖊️ @TheAthleticWBB In the aftermath of last year's Finals defeat, Breanna Stewart spent the offseason reflecting in a manner she hadn't before On how Stewie managed overloaded emotions, her convos with a mental performance coach, and her growth

Breanna Stewart and New York Liberty seeking a 'higher ceiling' this season

After losing in the WNBA Finals, Stewart spent the offseason figuring out how to get over it ... and get better.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

Six of the seven New York Liberty Ring of Honor members are at Game 3. The four in the video, plus Becky Hammon and Rebecca Lobo

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

4 years

New for @SInow : What was life like for the Bulls after MJ retired? I talked with members of the '99 team to learn about not having enough players to practice, bringing in a new coach and struggling in a 50-game season despite being the defending champs:

Life After MJ: What It Was Like to Be on the 1999 Chicago Bulls

As expected, the 1999 Chicago Bulls struggled to adjust to life without Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson. The team opens up about playing after the dynasty ended.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

The @AtlantaDream have traded for @A_Hooper25 In a statement, coach Tanisha Wright said, “We understand the obstacles AD has fought through to get back to playing basketball, and we look forward to teaming up with them and continuing that journey…” Our story on that journey⬇️

Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 years

Today’s @SInow Daily Cover: While @A_Hooper25 sat out two WNBA seasons with long-haul COVID, they had time to think about who they were and who they wanted to be. Now, AD is comfortable living in their truth. On their trying journey back to the court:

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

8 months

“People have been waiting for this moment to get behind the Liberty again,” Breanna Stewart tells @TheAthleticWBB I dove into the # about how everything (attendance, TV ratings, social media engagement, merch sales) is up this year for the Liberty

The Stewie Effect: How Breanna Stewart's stardom boosted wins, tickets and ratings for the Liberty

TV ratings and attendance are up in New York thanks to Stewart's star power.

www.nytimes.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 month

The @wnbagoldenstate team announced that it has eclipsed 6,000 season ticket deposits since the franchise was announced in Oct. 2023. It will begin play in the 2025 WNBA season. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Monday the W will likely hold its expansion draft in Dec.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

8 days

Some Sunday New York Times reading, via @TheAthleticWBB After losing in the WNBA Finals, Breanna Stewart spent the offseason reflecting in a manner she hadn’t before On managing overloaded emotions, convos with a mental performance coach, and her growth

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

3 years

New for @SInow : Sky guard @kahleahcopper may be the W's most underrated player. But the budding star is taking strides not just because she's an improved player, but because she is also now a coach. "As I always tell her, ‘There’s no turning back now.’"

Kahleah Copper Is the Sky’s Elite Player-Coach

The Chicago guard is soaring this season—on and off the court.

www.si.com

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

7 months

A number of current/former WNBA players are playing in China this offseason — Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Teaira McCowan, ONO, Tina Charles, Chennedy Carter — add another to that list Jonquel Jones confirms "I'm going to China" this offseason.

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

1 year

Back in the US after 34 days abroad for @TheAthleticWBB 's 'No Offseason' project The trip took me to 6 countries, 9 cities and 8 games. Proud of what we've done so far about WNBA players overseas, & SUPER EXCITED for what's to come (so follow/subscribe!)

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Ben Pickman

@benpickman

2 months

New @TheAthleticWBB : A look @PrincetonWBB 's Kaitlyn Chen journey From a freshman year w/o games, to star of the Ivy League (she turned in a thesis draft last Wed.), to future high-profile grad transfer On one of the most unique times to be an Ivy athlete

How Princeton's Kaitlyn Chen handles thesis deadlines and NCAA Tournament dreams

“I’ve still got a lot of editing,” Chen said. “Stuff to take out and put in.”

www.nytimes.com

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