Our Power Four Contenders and Pretenders

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben begin with a check-in on the CBA negotiations, explaining what a work stoppage and a status quo period really mean for players and the league. Then they turn to the Power Four conferences, breaking down whether the Big 12 has multiple teams capable of making a deep tournament run, what it will take to turn the ACC around, which SEC programs are on the rise, and who’s emerging as the contender for No. 2 in the Big Ten. The crew highlights the drama and challenges teams face as the season unfolds.

Plus, we reflect on our early days in journalism, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire the next generation of reporters.


No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/

00:00 Intro
03:02 What happens during a WNBA work stoppage?
06:41 A look at the Big 12
07:30 How many Big 12 teams can host in the tournament and reach the Sweet 16?
14:49 A look at the ACC
16:28 What must happen for the ACC to reclaim its dominance?
17:09 The depth of talent in the ACC has decreased
17:47 Assessing Stanford’s role in the ACC
18:43 Why Louisville is a team to watch
20:31 What’s preventing the ACC from being a landing spot for players?
24:23 Could NC State be this year’s sleeper team?
28:27 Can Virginia keep rising?
32:11 A look at the SEC
32:30 Are Vanderbilt and Kentucky legitimate national contenders?
35:44 What conclusions can we draw from Kentucky? 
41:58 A look at the Big 10
42:51 Who’s vying for No. 2 in the Big Ten?


Related links and articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6954... by Ben Pickman

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6952... by Sabreena Merchant

Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:
-YouTube: @No-Offseason
-Instagram: @tanooffseason [  / tanooffseason  ]
-TikTok: @no_offseason [  / no_offseason  ]

Credits:
-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita
-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman
-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm
-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings
-Produced by Taneka Burrell
-Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott

Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sport...

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