With Monday night's Draft in the books, the future of the WNBA is here. Who won, who took risks and who took big swings in the three rounds? We break it all down...
Love the term coverage equity. Any one see the interview with UConn women’s term at the beginning on the tournament? Had them into the studio. At the same time ESPN shuts down their West Coast studio. Heaven forbid any sports occur west of the Mississippi River.
God yes, couldn’t agree more about the UConn coverage. As a self proclaimed UConn hater, I was reminded, both last night and during March Madness, that my hatred for them has little to do with the team itself (although Geno’s abject hatred for any star players that aren’t on his team is annoying), and mostly to do with media coverage. You really would’ve thought that Paige was the only interesting draft prospect, which was a little crazy to me not only with how unique Dom is, but honestly I think most of the draftees have a very good chance of making a roster?
For all the complaints about the media coverage of CC, it was weird to see everyone just seem totally fine with the hyperfixation on UConn this year. Especially because to me it feels so forced - like I think you could argue CC was an organic phenomenon, but with UConn it straight up just feels like ESPN tells us they’re great because they’re down the road from them.
Regarding the UConn coverage from ESPN, I didn't mind the broadcast stuff as much but I think what felt really weird to me was all the coverage of Azzi on the espnW socials. She's not even being drafted this year and they did a whole "behind the scenes" of her getting ready. And there is a bunch of Paige and Azzi content that imo was borderline "ship" content of the two of them that I thought was really odd coming from a media organization rather than a fan on TikTok. Just super weird stuff.
Great summary. Re coverage for 2nd and 3rd rounds - I was disappointed that the interviews overshadowed 3 to 4 pics at a time. All of the draftees worked really hard - case in point - Lucy Olsen. She was watching with her family at home and saw that she was drafted when ESPN flash four draft picks at a time. The announcements for second and third rounders could’ve been handled a little bit better and Balanced better with whatever interview is going on by the ESPN crew at the time.
Andrew Haubner you are a good writer. Best synopsis of a draft I’ve ever read. Entertaining too!
I’m disappointed with Golden State - feel like they wasted that #5 pick. Would love to be proven wrong though!
Love the term coverage equity. Any one see the interview with UConn women’s term at the beginning on the tournament? Had them into the studio. At the same time ESPN shuts down their West Coast studio. Heaven forbid any sports occur west of the Mississippi River.
God yes, couldn’t agree more about the UConn coverage. As a self proclaimed UConn hater, I was reminded, both last night and during March Madness, that my hatred for them has little to do with the team itself (although Geno’s abject hatred for any star players that aren’t on his team is annoying), and mostly to do with media coverage. You really would’ve thought that Paige was the only interesting draft prospect, which was a little crazy to me not only with how unique Dom is, but honestly I think most of the draftees have a very good chance of making a roster?
For all the complaints about the media coverage of CC, it was weird to see everyone just seem totally fine with the hyperfixation on UConn this year. Especially because to me it feels so forced - like I think you could argue CC was an organic phenomenon, but with UConn it straight up just feels like ESPN tells us they’re great because they’re down the road from them.
Great Article, even tho i disagree on few points i aways respect your guys opinion and will share this on socials.
Regarding the UConn coverage from ESPN, I didn't mind the broadcast stuff as much but I think what felt really weird to me was all the coverage of Azzi on the espnW socials. She's not even being drafted this year and they did a whole "behind the scenes" of her getting ready. And there is a bunch of Paige and Azzi content that imo was borderline "ship" content of the two of them that I thought was really odd coming from a media organization rather than a fan on TikTok. Just super weird stuff.
Great summary. Re coverage for 2nd and 3rd rounds - I was disappointed that the interviews overshadowed 3 to 4 pics at a time. All of the draftees worked really hard - case in point - Lucy Olsen. She was watching with her family at home and saw that she was drafted when ESPN flash four draft picks at a time. The announcements for second and third rounders could’ve been handled a little bit better and Balanced better with whatever interview is going on by the ESPN crew at the time.