In the world of Chicago basketball, the Notre Dame women's team is making waves, gaining momentum as they gear up for the tournament. Meanwhile, the WNBA players are facing a delicate situation as the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement approaches, with some players expressing reticence about a potential strike. Let's dive into these stories and explore the dynamics at play.
Irish Gaining Steam
After a challenging season, the Notre Dame women's team has risen to the occasion, winning their final five regular-season games and securing a strong No. 5 seed in the ACC Tournament. Guard Hannah Hidalgo has been a standout performer, averaging an impressive 28.5 points, six steals, nine rebounds, and seven assists in her last two games. Her exceptional skills have earned her the ACC Player of the Week title for the seventh time this season, breaking her own single-season steals record.
Hidalgo's impact on the team is undeniable. Coach Niele Ivey praises her consistency and leadership, stating, 'She plays with her heart and soul every time she steps on the floor and in practice.' Hidalgo's contagious energy has elevated the team's performance, and the Irish are now poised to make a strong showing in the tournament.
The Irish will face the winner of the Stanford-Miami game on Thursday in Duluth, Ga., adding another layer of excitement to their journey.
WNBA Players' Strike Reticence
As the March 10 deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement approaches, the WNBA players are navigating a complex situation. The league and the players' association have been engaged in negotiations, with both sides exchanging counteroffers in recent weeks. The players have expressed encouragement about the latest concessions, which include improvements in player housing provisions, salary increases, and faster paths to maximum deals for All-Rookie players.
However, the issue of revenue sharing remains a sticking point. The WNBA's offers have been based on net revenue, while the players advocate for a share of the gross revenue. This calculation dilemma raises questions about the best approach to revenue distribution. Should the players take a larger share of a smaller pie or a smaller share of a larger pot? The players' union leadership is signaling that acquiescence might be necessary to avoid a truncated WNBA season, but the decision is not without controversy.
The players' stance on the strike is a testament to their determination to secure fair terms. Kelsey Plum, WNBPA vice president, emphasizes the players' desire to play and their commitment to negotiation, stating, 'I want to play and players want to play.' The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the season and the players' collective bargaining power.
Mid-Major Tournament Watch
While the major conference men's teams wrap up their regular seasons, the Missouri Valley Conference is gearing up for its tournament, which begins on Thursday. Belmont earned the top seed after a strong regular season, but three Illinois teams are also in the top five, ensuring an exciting tournament. Bradley, led by Jaquan Johnson, is seeded second, while Illinois State and UIC are third and fifth, respectively.
Valparaiso, coached by Roger Powell Jr., is the No. 7 seed and is hoping to make a run in St. Louis. The Beacons have made significant progress under Powell's leadership, climbing from a low point in his first two seasons to a strong 17-14 record this season. This tournament will be a test of their resilience and a chance to make a lasting impression.
Number of the Week: 11
The Chicago Bulls' February was a challenging one, as they lost all 11 of their games in the month, marking the worst month in the franchise's history. While this is not the longest losing streak, it is a significant moment in the team's journey. The Bulls' struggles serve as a reminder of the importance of resilience and the need to stay focused on improvement.
Week Ahead: Bulls
- Tuesday: vs. Thunder, 7 p.m., CHSN
- Thursday: @ Suns, 8 p.m., CHSN
- Sunday: @ Kings, 8 p.m., CHSN+
Week Ahead: Best College Basketball Games
- Tuesday: Oregon men at No. 11 Illinois, 8 p.m., NBCSN and Peacock
- Wednesday: Illinois women vs. Wisconsin at Big Ten Tournament, 5 p.m., Big Ten Network
- Wednesday: Villanova men at DePaul, 7 p.m., Peacock
- Wednesday: No. 15 Purdue men at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m., Big Ten Network
- Thursday: Notre Dame women vs. Stanford/Miami at ACC Tournament, 12:30 p.m., ACC Network
- Sunday: No. 11 Illinois men at Maryland, 2 p.m., FOX
Illinois and Northwestern Senior Night
Illinois and Northwestern will honor two memorable players on senior night. Kylan Boswell, a native of Champaign, will be recognized for his leadership and defensive prowess during his time with the Illini. Meanwhile, Nick Martinelli, the Big Ten scoring leader, will be celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the Wildcats.
What We're Reading Today
- Column: Chicago Bulls say good riddance to February, while sports fans welcome the madness of March
- Big Ten Tournament: Illinois women are seeded 10th and will open against 15th-seeded Wisconsin on Wednesday
- Morez Johnson Jr. leads Michigan to a Big Ten title with an 84-70 victory over Illinois
- Anfernee Simons' wrist fracture raises concerns for the Bulls' trade-deadline acquisition
- Coby White reflects on his time with the Bulls as he returns to Chicago with the Charlotte Hornets
Quote of the Week
'That physicality, that nastiness, that grit, that fight, that’s on me. That’s not on them. That’s on me. I’ve got to do a much better job getting us much nastier in those situations.' - Illinois coach Brad Underwood on the team's need for improvement after a loss to No. 3 Michigan.
