Big Hoops Energy: Your Cheat Sheet for Women's March Madness

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Big Hoops Energy: Your Cheat Sheet for Women's March Madness

It’s that magical time of year when underdogs become legends, productivity plummets, and we passionately defend a school we can’t locate on a map. The women’s NCAA tournament tips off tonight with the First Four. And this year’s tournament could have more bracket busters than ever before. (Haven’t made yours yet? Don’t worry — it’s not too late.) Here’s what to watch for:

• The heavyweights: Out of the 68 teams dancing in the tournament, No. 1 seeds UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and USC are among the favorites to go all the way. The South Carolina Gamecocks, the reigning champions, are going for their fourth NCAA title, but UCLA is expected to put up a fight. Meanwhile, USC is rolling in with some extra motivation, and No. 2 UConn is trying to prove the doubters wrong. 

• The Cinderellas: Every year, there’s at least one team that takes everyone on a fairy-tale run. Will it be No. 10 Harvard this year? Or No. 11 Murray State? Some analysts are even looking at No. 6 Iowa, aka Caitlin Clark’s former home. We love an underdog story… even at the expense of our bracket.

• The MVPs: If you didn’t know JuJuMania was a thing, that’s about to change. USC’s JuJu Watkins — a favorite for national player of the year — led the Trojans to their first Big Ten title game. Also look out for UConn’s Paige Bueckers (the likely No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft) and Florida State’s Ta'Niya Latson, the top scorer in the country. If FSU makes a run, you’ll know who to thank.

Whether you’re watching in person or from your couch, get ready for the drama, the buzzer-beaters, and the inevitable bracket heartbreaks. It’s time to dance. 

Related: The Men’s NCAA Tourney Is Underway, and Sports Experts Are All In on This Team (CBS Sports)

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The Press Box

Our Well Played co-hosts Caroline Hendershot and Blake Morgan sat down with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East to talk sports and parenting.

Q: What is your favorite team or sports franchise to root for?

A: Right now we’re really into women’s pro volleyball. We helped invest in Indy Ignite. I have been going to a bunch of games. These women are incredible, and to see how many opportunities have been coming up for them has been really cool. 

Q: There was a viral video of you reacting to your daughter doing a cartwheel on the balance beam… What's it like being on the other side of being a gymnast?

A: I try to keep a very clear boundary line — I will forever be her biggest cheerleader and nothing else. I don’t offer to coach her, I don’t offer to teach her. She still doesn’t understand and doesn’t know that I could teach her how to flip. 

Q: What’s your biggest sports pet peeve? 

A: People forgetting that sports are for fun. There’s a toxic culture right now where people think that kids should be specializing in one sport by the age of 8 or be on the travel league doing 30 hours a week. 

PS: Check out the full interview here. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

In past years, a few powerhouse teams have often dominated March Madness, but this year feels different. What’s driving that shift?

With more girls growing up playing and watching the game, there is a bigger talent pool to draw from. We are also seeing an increase in NIL (name, image, and likeness) opportunities and viewership of women’s basketball as a whole, which means more money for the sport. The more resources it has, the more comfortable players can be going to a variety of schools. For example, sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins was able to stay home and go to USC without worrying that she wouldn’t get the same exposure as other players. She’s still on TV, still getting sponsorship deals, and is a household name. That wouldn’t have happened years ago unless she went to one of the country’s “mainstream” programs like UConn, Notre Dame, or Tennessee. The benefit for fans is top players being sprinkled throughout several programs rather than just a few good ones, which means more competitive teams and more exciting games.

FEATURED EXPERT:

Eden Laase

Writer at Hoops HQ 

TOGETHER WITH MASSMUTUAL

Player To Watch

With a certain women’s basketball tournament tipping off today, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Flau’Jae Johnson. LSU’s star guard and leading scorer has already proved she’s a force to be reckoned with. So, what’s the secret to her exploding career? Preparation and guidance — the same things it takes to achieve financial success. That synergy is why Johnson’s teamed up with MassMutual to show how their tools, advice, and tailored strategies can help women plan, grow, and protect their financial futures. Talk about a slam dunk.

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