How Women’s College Basketball has Stepped into the L.A. Spotlight

·30 min·3 clips

A Los Angeles Times cover story signals how women's college basketball has seized the spotlight in a city obsessed with the Lakers.

Host Clinton Yates opens the episode by referencing a Los Angeles Times cover story on UCLA coach Cori Close, framing the conversation around women's basketball's arrival in Los Angeles. Guest Paolo Uggetti, an ESPN reporter, traces the momentum back to a packed, high-energy USC-UCLA game last January where freshman Juju Watkins announced herself. The discussion centers on the upcoming Thursday matchup between undefeated UCLA (23-0) and USC (21-2), a game with major implications for the new Big Ten Conference. Uggetti provides historical context: USC has the legacy of Cheryl Miller but had recent struggles until hiring Lindsay Gottlieb from the NBA, while UCLA built through a foundational 2022 recruiting class. UCLA's success is attributed to that junior core and the addition of Stanford transfer Lauren Betts, a 6'7" post player. The episode delves into coaching styles, highlighting Cori Close's old-school, demanding approach and her personal connection to UCLA legend John Wooden. Uggetti contrasts the teams' styles: USC's offense revolves around star Juju Watkins, while UCLA plays through the post. The conversation assesses whether this success is sustainable, with both programs actively building culture for the long term. The reporter describes the vibrant game atmospheres, with sold-out crowds, celebrities like Snoop Dogg in attendance, and packed student sections—a stark change from the past. The teams' transition to the Big Ten is discussed, noting their immediate dominance. Uggetti analyzes roster construction, including USC's addition of key players like Kiki Iriafen to support Watkins. The episode concludes with predictions for the upcoming game and the NCAA tournament, with Uggetti giving UCLA a slight edge for a deeper run due to their depth and versatility.

As heard by us

A packed rivalry game and two contrasting styles make the case for women's basketball's staying power in Los Angeles.

ESPN Daily frames women's college basketball in Los Angeles through momentum, using a packed Galen Center meeting between UCLA and USC as the proof point.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want to know whether L.A.'s women's basketball moment can outlive its star power.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from ESPN Daily