The newly formed Unrivaled women’s 3×3 basketball league is poised to make waves with an all-star coaching lineup for its inaugural season. Headlining the staff are WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon and renowned NBA assistant Phil Handy, both bringing decades of experience to the cutting-edge league.
Weatherspoon’s Return to the Hardwood
Teresa Weatherspoon, a Naismith Hall of Famer and five-time WNBA All-Star, is embarking on a new chapter in her storied career. Fresh off a stint as an assistant coach with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, Weatherspoon is eager to impart her wisdom to Unrivaled’s star-studded roster.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking league,” Weatherspoon told sources close to the organization. “Unrivaled is providing an incredible platform for these talented women to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level during the WNBA offseason. I can’t wait to get started.”
Handy’s Championship Pedigree
Joining Weatherspoon on the sidelines is Phil Handy, a three-time NBA champion as an assistant coach. Handy’s player development expertise, honed through stints with the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Raptors, is expected to be a major asset for Unrivaled’s players.
“Phil’s track record speaks for itself,” said a source within the league. “His ability to connect with players and help them reach their full potential is second to none. We’re lucky to have him on board.”
A Coaching Staff Built for Success
Rounding out Unrivaled’s coaching staff are:
- Adam Harrington, former Nets assistant and player development coach
- DJ Sackmann, renowned NBA/WNBA skills coach
- Nola Henry, former Sparks assistant coach
- Andrew Wade, most recently with the Mystics coaching staff
This diverse group of coaches brings a wealth of knowledge from both the men’s and women’s games, positioning Unrivaled for success in its debut season.
A League On The Rise
Unrivaled, the brainchild of WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, tips off January 17th in Miami. The league boasts an impressive player roster, with the likes of Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Brittney Griner, and Angel Reese set to compete.
In addition to top-tier talent, Unrivaled is making waves with its player-friendly policies. The league offers the highest average salary in women’s professional sports history, as well as equity ownership for its players.
“We wanted to create an environment where these incredible athletes can thrive both on and off the court,” Collier explained in a recent interview. “Providing them with financial stability and a stake in the league’s success was a top priority for us.”
Looking Ahead
As the Unrivaled season approaches, excitement is building around the league’s potential to revolutionize women’s professional basketball. With a star-studded player roster and an equally impressive coaching staff, the stage is set for an electrifying debut.
“We’ve assembled an incredible group of individuals, from the players to the coaches to the front office,” Stewart shared. “I truly believe Unrivaled is going to change the game, not just for these athletes, but for generations to come.”
The basketball world will be watching closely as Unrivaled tips off, with Weatherspoon, Handy, and their fellow coaches poised to lead their teams to greatness. Will this innovative league live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Unrivaled is ready to make its mark.
