The Young Guns vs The Vets
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Ryan Reynolds here for, I guess, my 100th Mint commercial. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I mean, honestly, when I started this, I thought I'd only have to do like four of these. I mean, it's unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month. How are there still people paying two or three times that much? I'm sorry.

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What's up, y'all? It is your favorite duo. Welcome to another episode of Queens of the Court, an Odyssey original podcast produced in partnership with the WNBA. I'm your girl, Cheryl Swoops. And I'm Jordan Robinson. And Court is in session. We're back. Did you miss us? After we do that, we need to have some type of a, I don't know, like...

like a sound effect like uh yeah yeah i feel like we say boom but maybe there needs to be like a little explosion or something okay listen we got something about to go down we got some really good people working on this show so i'm sure they can come up with something we just put it out there and they can come up with something we'll come to life so oh man well

I'm going to go first. Yeah, set the stage, Cheryl. I'm going to go first, and then I want you to go after me, because you know how we always talk about, like, how was your weekend? What you got going on? Where you been? What you doing? So mine is, like, not so good, so I want to go first so you can hopefully give us something good. And I'm not going to make this about me. So, you know, the hurricane, Burl, Burl, however you pronounce it. I say Burl because I'm from the country.

It hit Houston. It's been like just destroying and it's been very destructive. And, you know, I know people have been affected even just here in Houston. There are a lot of people without power. I have been one of those people finally got my back on, but I want to say to everybody out there who is,

Went through the storm, going through the storm, hang in there. We will get through this. And yeah, like I just kind of want to send some positive vibes out there, put it out there. I got through it. So everybody else will get through it and just thinking about you. Thinking about you, just making sure you're staying safe and just sending good vibes. Yeah, I, I, I just can't imagine. Yeah.

But yes, so we're here. We're also setting the stage. If Cheryl's internet goes out or power goes out, I'm holding down the fort. I'm holding it down. Yes, you are. Because that's what you do. So don't you worry. You're still going to get this episode, no matter what. One way or another. I also have to say it. So people, I don't want people coming on here talking about, dang, she looked rough. So, you know, I didn't have power. If anyone comes for you, no. If anyone comes for you,

I'm pump faking at the at the camera. No, you said James said I look good. So good. We're good. We're good. We're gonna have to go through all five five of me to get through. Then that what you've been to? Well, I'm in my reading era. Again,

am loving to read you know i took a break because as a writer and when i was an editor i'm like i'm reading all day long so i don't want to read some more in my free time yeah and now i'm back i'm like got my library card i'm going through books like once a week so i'm on like my third book um wait a minute wait a minute i'm sorry did you say your library card

Yes. Like you actually go to the library. I love that. No, I love that. Absolutely. Team library. One, I'm not going to keep buying all these books because as you can see behind me on this bookshelf, I'm running out of space. So I can't keep buying books and the library, it's just there and it's down the street. I have like five near me. I go to the library, check it out.

I'm going one at a time so that I have a deadline to read it. That's also what's helping me when I buy the book. I can kind of start it, put it down. I have like 10 half read books on my shelves. So a library card is like, nope, you got to read about this time or you got to extend it. I so love that. It's been fun. And it's me time. You know, I'm like lost in the story. It's been really fun to get back to. Okay. I feel like I'm a slacker.

- No, don't feel like that. - Ain't nobody got time to be reading all those books. - No, I- - I am a slacker. - You are not a slacker. You're not a slacker. I am just getting back into it and it's been fun for me, but I know that reading sometimes is anxiety inducing for some and that is, I am getting back to it, but I do not want to shame if you are not reading. That's not my goal. - Well, here's what I tell you. You know what I did read?

This is a great segue. I am rubbing off on you. I already know what you're doing. I read the WNBA all-star roster. That's what I read. Great segue. Amazing. Perfect. You're teaching me things. I'm teaching. I mean, that was perfect. Five stars. Let's get into this all-star list because I don't feel like it would –

i don't know maybe i'm just so used to debate now that i'm like it wasn't that bad but there were definitely some snubs uh some people were kind of edged out and not making the list but

Before we get to the snubs, let's talk about the players that actually made it. This is for Team WNBA, who will be playing against the Olympic national team at the All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Coming up soon, here's Team WNBA. We got Dewana Bonner, Aaliyah Boston, Kaitlyn Clark,

Alisha Gray, I want to make sure I get that right. Alisha Gray, De'arica Hamby, Bree Jones, Jonquil Jones, Kayla McBride, Kelsey Mitchell, Arike Agumbawale, Nneka Agumbike, and Angel Reese. I mean, that's a badass team. - Oh no, not questioning that. It is a badass team, but you know what?

Who you got? Who's who's saying it? It could have been more of a badass team with some players. Just saying. Before we get to who I feel got snubbed, I have a question, right? So since Erica is replacing Cam Brink on the 3x3 Olympic team, correct? Mm-hmm. Will she still play in the All-Star game? Yeah? Yeah, because it would only be like...

For example, Ryan Howard isn't on the national team, but she would be playing on 3x3. So that so Cam Brink, the 3x3 team is separate. So it's not. I got it. Even though it's the Olympics, but it's I got you. I got you. I got you. Yeah. Yeah. So.

First of all, let me just say shout out to the OG Nneka Ogumike. Nice all-star game. Let's go, sis. So deserving. Nneka, you know how we feel about you on this show, queen. So we're definitely, this ain't even the flower segment, but it is the flower segment for you, right? Always. So happy for her. And the other one, Dwana Bonner. Like, no doubt about it. She should absolutely be on this team. So yes. Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Um, well, well, so I should have said this first. Congratulations though. Seriously. That made the team. No, like, like making this team is, is a big to do because people are appreciating. They should be appreciating your talent and what you're doing for your team and all of that stuff. This is,

The ones I feel who got snubbed and I'm going to just tell you, I have three. Okay. And I will give you the names, but it goes back to the point or argument I was trying to make before about the voting. Like, I also don't feel like the league put the instructions out there well enough for people to understand, right? Like it's going to be WNBA all-stars versus Olympic team. So yeah,

I don't know. I just feel like they have to find a way to do this better and different because yes, I understand the Olympic team. Those are all all-stars and they deserve to have that on their resume, right? But the way the voting went without clarification, I guess, I feel like there were players who didn't get enough votes because you voted for all-stars who are on the Olympic team. So I'll just get right to it. Here are my three. Yeah.

I don't know how Dejanay Carrington one is not an, an all-star. She to me is having the best season that she's ever had in the W not to mention the fact that she's a big reason why Connecticut is being Connecticut right now, right now. Right. Yes. So she, for one is one. I was like, wow, don't know how she didn't make it. Um, as he,

Meg Begore. I think Ezzie is playing some great basketball right now. How she's not on the All-Star team, I don't know. The last one for me, and it ain't up for debate because I'm just saying it. No, Kennedy Carter. Like, Kennedy Carter. That's what All-Star games are all about. Like, people want to see all the funky stuff, just the tricks. Listen, Kennedy Carter is a problem.

She's a problem. I know. We're going to get to her when we talk about Chicago more. So those are my three that I'm like, please just tell me they should be on the, not Olympic team, the All-Star team. Okay. Well, you know what the next question is. You know what the next question is. Who do you take off? Who do you take off? And I think with Dejanay,

that guard section is so stacked right now. Like it is, it's so stacked. - Okay, so let me say this and then I'm gonna let you finish your argument. That's also where I was kind of confused because you got to vote on six front court players. Was it six? - Yeah, six and four. - Six and four. That's the part I was like, well, that doesn't make sense to me. They're at least make it five and five. - I know.

It didn't make it any easier. That made it hard. No, I agree with you with that part of it. I think, too, with Dijon A, you know, specifically... Well, one, let me say this. When I saw that she didn't make the All-Star team, I was bummed. But I also said...

She's going to she's my number one pick for most improved player like she's still going to get something out of this great season, you know, because sometimes I think when you get a snub in the all star, it's like dang, no one's going to remember this great season that you had.

And it's not going to be in the history books in any way because you're not an all-star, you're not a rookie, you're not most improved. So you just kind of were just in the mix of the year. I think Dijon and potentially Kennedy Carter too up for most improved player of the year award. So I hope that they are able to walk away from this season with something.

But let's also talk about this. Besides it going on your resume, it's a great look. You can say I was an X time all star. Yeah. There's money. There's money. There's money attached to it. Like, I don't know. But you're right. When you look at this, when you look at the roster, it's like, well, who do you take off?

And to me, it's not even about taking anybody off. It's about, it's got to be a better way to vote when it's this type of year where it's W All-Stars versus the Olympic team. That's all. I will say the thing about the voting. I mean, I know you've seen those graphics with side-by-side from last year. You know, Asia was the number one vote getter with 90,000, but yeah,

This season, it's like 700,000, like so much more engagement and votes and eyes on the all-star voting. So I did love that. But now fine tuning that voting process real quick before we move on, who would be your starters for this team WNBA? If you had to pick. Oh, for WNBA. All right. You're putting me on the spot. I'm going to go.

I'm going to want to Bonner. Okay. Let me keep going. I read get goombo Wally. Mm hmm. Nika goombo K. Mm hmm. I like it. Caitlin Clark. Mm hmm. And DJ a Carrington. Oh, my bad. She's not on here. Oh, Kayla McBride. Okay, Alicia Gray, one of those two.

Good one. Good one. That is tough though. But you know me, I'm always going to roll with my OG. So I got to go with Nneka and Dewana. Which I think they should. Like you kind of, you should start the OGs in the all-star game. Like you kind of have to. I just remember interviewing Becky Hammond last all-star game in Vegas. And it was Aaliyah Boston's first year. She was a rookie and

Becky was like, she's so nervous. She's taking it so seriously and no one else is like, this is supposed to be fun, but she's wanting to know what teams and what plays to do. So you got to let those rookie nerves kind of sit on the bench for a little bit. Watch, let the, let the vets take over those first parts. I know we're moving on, but you know what's interesting when I go back and look at this roster, granted, it's an all-star game. So it doesn't really matter what position you play, but when you really look at this roster, um,

They really only have Caitlyn as a point guard. Yeah, they do. I get, I've, yeah. You know, so. Uh-huh. Right? So I'm like, okay, so Alicia or Kelsey or Arike, who else is going to play for like.

I think Arike would kind of play point. And I think to what I was just saying about Aaliyah Boston being nervous, this is a different game. The WNBA, Team WNBA wants to beat the Olympic team and the Olympic team wants to beat...

the team WNBA. So different vibe for all-star all around. So they're going to make sure to put the best players of the best players on the court. I know we're moving on, but I can't without this. First of all, WNBA, I mean, the Olympic team, they owe WNBA because the last time this happened, WNBA all-stars beat the Olympic team.

Other thing, Arike pulls her name out of the hat to be on the Olympic team. So, you know, she's got a little extra something. Caitlyn not making the Olympic team. She's got a little extra something. I'm sure some other players who are like, I deserve to be on that team. So, yes, let's go make it do what it do.

i'm super excited to see caitlyn and angel on the same team i think that could be some some pick and roll action that we are going to get excited about and then that is going to be a storyline of how great they work together that's going to be a storyline in in the game so a lot of storylines to follow to your girl there's going to be so many storylines in this game

Can't wait. Okay, let's go. All Star coming up July 20th in Phoenix. We'll be there. Hopefully we see all of our listeners there because last year when we saw you guys all there, it was so much fun. So please come say hi if you see us at All Star. A couple other things we want to get to some newsy topics. Sky vs Storm. This was like a mini playoff series this past week.

First game on Friday, we're going to break it down. They played each other Friday and Sunday. On Friday, Chicago won 88 to 84. And then on Sunday, the Storm stormed back and won 84-71. Let's start with this game on Friday because as soon as we were talking about topics for this episode, Cheryl, you wrote back so fast that you wanted to talk about this game.

And besides the fact that they couldn't miss, what did you love about this matchup? Angel Reese, career high, 27 points, 10 rebounds. Kennedy Carter, insane, season high, 33 points.

What did you love besides the scoring part? I mean, what not to love. Here's the thing. I think Seattle's a really good team. And Chicago is still figuring it out, right? They have games where they look really good, but they're still a young team. So to me, they've really struggled with learning how to win when the game is close or fourth quarter.

And so this game in particular, I felt like they had so many opportunities or chances to lose. Right. But they found a way to win it. And so I was sitting here, I was watching the game. I was like, oh, my gosh, like right now is when you need a vet. Right. To to calm everybody down. You need a vet to go and get the ball and say, listen, we ain't losing this one.

So I'm looking on the floor and I'm like, but who is that? Right. Because they didn't have they don't have that vet or they didn't have the vet. It could be Izzy, but Izzy wasn't in the game. So I was so impressed with the composure, even though that, you know, they made a few mistakes here and there. But I was so impressed with the composure and for them to be able to hold Seattle off on the road. Yes, absolutely.

Is what was really impressive to me. Yeah, it is. Was really impressive to me. Yep. Angel hitting her two threes. Girl, and she shot him and they went in and it looked like this is what I do on the regular. Kennedy. I'm going to give her a good name. Kennedy Darnisha LaQuisha Carter.

This is not her real middle name, people. It's not, y'all. But in this game, it needed to be. Because I said it in the open. Kennedy Carter is a problem. Like, she's so quick. But to be able to just stop on a dime and pull up Jay, like...

Like, like I love to see it. I just, Ooh, she got some dogs, some stank. She got some everything in her game. I was just so impressed with how they were able to hold off the storm on the road and get this win big win for them. You know what? I remember you talking about Kennedy Carter and we were just talking about, you know, her not making the all-star team and,

When Team USA, when she was still in college at Texas A&M, do you remember this? This was 2019. She goes up against the Olympic team and drops 30. I so remember that. Yes. And she's

Sue Bird, you know, during 2020 when her and Tarassi were talking about it, she got matched up with Kennedy Carter and Sue Bird was like, what the, why am I guarding her? Like nobody can guard her. I know. So that was like, I don't want no parts of this. She has been her since then. Like that was a,

against, you know, set a record for as many points scored against the national team. That's what she can do. So when you see her going out and again, it's picking her spots. It's the maturity in her game that I have loved seeing this year because even just seeing her a couple of seasons ago with the sparks,

It was like, I got to move really quick. I know I can get by you, but I'm just going to go, go, go, go, go a million miles an hour. Now it's that change of speed. It's like, I'm going to hezzy. Now I'm bursting. I'm going to dribble it back out, pass, maybe get the ball back. And then I'm attacking baseline.

So I say the maturity of her game, but also to your point, the team we're in July, I did not think we were going to get to see this Chicago sky team this soon. Like, I think it's ahead of schedule for them because of how young they are and their growth. So really impressed. But then again,

You see on Sunday, where the storm. Yeah, the storm are like okay. Mm hmm. We have all the events, all the events that you say you need. We got them all on this team, and we're going to show you exactly that we learned from a couple days ago we're going to make those adjustments immediately.

And we're going to win. And that's what I feel like happened on Sunday. It was definitely an age gap thing. No doubt about it. And Seattle was like, oh, no, y'all not coming in here beating us twice on our home court. Not going to happen. No, no, no. You're right. Those vets. Nneka, I thought, was incredible in that game. She just, she played like Nneka, you know. And let me say this, because I don't think

don't think we really give this kid, I know she ain't a kid, but we don't give her enough flowers of credit because Jewel Lloyd. Oh my God. We don't. Jewel Lloyd is nice. Every time I watch her, I'm in awe. And I don't think we talk about it enough. I think we're used to it maybe.

We're just used to her greatness, maybe like, oh, this is what Jewel Lloyd does. So of course, she's gonna make a behind the back spin move fade away off one leg. Like, of course, it's Jewel Lloyd. So I'm gonna say it right now, Jewel, we apologize, girl, we just we got to give you more love. So we're sending it all to you right now. And Mama Lloyd, don't come for us. Because we're getting...

But I love her game. She is. Yeah. I'm just the, the, the vets that they have. I thought Skylar played well down the stretch and. As he, as he is just. As he is good. I'm so excited. We got to talk about. I'm so excited for her. Career high eight blocks in that game on Friday. She had by the time Sunday ended, she had 16 blocks in three games.

What? So she is a blocking machine. And it's, I think that's what makes Seattle so dangerous because you have these guards up top, but then as he's just there as this last line of defense and really doing well in that category. So yeah.

Yeah, I think the Storm realized that this would have been a big deal if Chicago beats us twice. This would be a confidence builder for them. This would shake up the standings. This would be a lot of things. So they just turned it on. And I think, honestly, the score...

84 to 71. It looks way worse than what it was. Chicago came back, but they just started the comeback too late, in my opinion. Like they started it with like four minutes left to go in the fourth quarter when it really should have been like seven left to go in the fourth quarter. And then the storm just kind of went on their own run to end it. Yeah, that veteran leadership really showed for sure. Okay.

What else happened this week? I feel like there were some, you know, the sky storm was an upset, but the Sparks got the Aces in overtime. That was also an upset. It's like the Sparks has their number. It's De'arra Cahamby. It is De'arra Cahamby. She turns into another human being when she goes against the Aces. She does. How about Dallas and Atlanta? It's very personal.

Dallas beating Atlanta. I don't know if people think that's an upset, but I thought it was. Dallas played really well that game. I think Dallas getting a win is a big deal. Like, J.C. Sheldon was a key part of that win, too. How about that? Let's go, rookies!

Let's go rookie. Shout out to JC Sheldon for that. So yeah, there were a couple upsets this week, which make it really fun because you have to show up every night. That's the league. That is the league. You have to show up every single night. That's what I love about the league. You're 100% correct. It doesn't matter what your record is. You got to show up. You got to perform. You got to show up. Any given night.

Any given night. A couple other notables Angel Reese still doing Angel Reese things. She breaks the double double record that Candace Parker set over consecutive seasons, which she has in one season and she's a rookie. These are words that never go in a sentence together that she is formulating.

in her rookie season. That is crazy. And then on top of that, Kaitlyn Clark becomes the first rookie in WNBA history to have a triple-double points, rebounds, assists. Crazy. Wow. I think that also shows all the shot-making that Indiana was making that game because they upset the Liberty. We got to talk about that. Oh, yeah. Duh. The Fever got the Liberty. Duh.

Hard to beat a team four times in a row. And the Fever, that was a different team than Liberty played multiple times at the beginning of the season. And I think that's what showed. Well, and you heard, if you watch the game and heard Sandy's interview during the game, which, by the way, I hate. I know. They're so bad. Please stop the in-game interviews. Yes, I hate it. But...

On to the next. When Sandy said, we try to tell this team that this fever team is not the same team that we played last time. They've gotten better. They've had more practices. They're playing well. They're starting to gel. But for whatever reason, they decided they didn't want to listen. And I'll tell you, it absolutely is hard to beat a team four times. Kind of hard to beat a team three times.

But I thought what Sabrina said in her postgame press conference, I thought it was spot on when she was like, yeah, I mean, this was like their Super Bowl. Right. So, of course, they were going to come out and give us everything they had. They were going to play hard. And I just, you know, I watched the Liberty, Jordan, and I was like a couple of things, right?

They're playing the fever. So in their minds, we've beaten them three times. We'll come back. We'll win. That's what it showed. That's what it looked like. But they also looked really tired to me. New York looked tired to me. And for the life of me, I cannot figure out why Junquil Jones is not in the paint, on the block, demanding the ball, going to work. She had, I think, six points in that game.

Not very many touches, not very many shots. Carolyn Peck said this. She said, "New York goes as Junkwell Jones goes." And I have to second that. JJ has got to get more touches. But the other thing is JJ has got to want more touches. - Mm-hmm. - Right? - Demand. - Yes. - Yeah. Because when she decides that she's going to dominate and she goes to work on the block and in the paint, there's nobody that can guard her when she makes up her mind that that's what she's going to do.

But I just, I thought Indiana, they jumped on them from the very beginning. New York made a run. They cut the lead. They took the lead. But the fever, even being a young team, they never quit. They were just like, oh no. They were determined. They were determined that they were going to win that game. And they did. I love it. I saw tweets. They were saying, you know, when they were leaving the arena in Indiana, that everybody was honking. They were like, they won the WNBA finals.

Like this is our, this is it. That was a big win for them. Right. That was a big win for them. Yeah. For, for, you know, I, I think the same thing with Chicago too. I'm, I'm impressed by the, the speed of these young teams getting up to speed and making changes and adjustments. And I think too, we, we saw this the last time there was an Olympic break in a WNBA season for these rookies, uh,

It's going to be like their sophomore season when they come back from the Olympic break. Like they are going to be able to watch game film. They're going to be able to work on so many things that they did in the first half of the season that they can already start to change. And what we're in for a treat come mid-August, when we look at these teams, it's going to be like a restart to a season for a lot of these players and a lot of these young teams. I hope the fever, they just reoccur.

do open runs like the whole time, just get familiar with each other. All the things that you weren't able to do in training camp, you can do that during this Olympic break. And now we're going to see a lot of teams, Dallas get healthy, bunch of teams are going to come back and it's going to be exciting when we come back from. Get healthy and yes, work on a lot of things, but at the same time also get you some rest, like let your body rest.

Don't listen to me, actually. No, but you look at Camilla, Angel, Kaitlyn, the ones who were playing deep into the tournament, right? Like they went straight from college to playing in the NCAA tournament, playing in the Final Four, straight to the draft, straight to training camp, straight to games. So this absolutely is a good...

Just let me breathe for a minute. Let me catch my breath. Let me rest. Yeah. And enjoy. Enjoy the time off for sure. That's so true. The NBA Summer League is happening right now. And I was just like, dang, what if the W had like a summer league equivalent where it was just a time before the season started that you can just kind of get your feet wet a little bit against the competition. Man, that would just be so nice. But no, it's like, OK, OK.

you won the championship confetti is still in your hair congratulations but don't celebrate too long don't celebrate too long we we got another season to go um all right well that what a week that was a quick little rapid fire roundup but man you guys are in for a treat when we come back from break

I can't wait for you guys to hear this. We are chatting with the Lauren Jackson, two-time WNBA champion, three-time MVP. Don't go anywhere. LJ's coming up next. And now a word from our sponsors at Betterment.

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Welcome back to Queens of the Court and we have a very special guest, the most special guest, Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA champ with the Seattle Storm, three-time MVP, seven-time All-Star out of Australia. It's Lauren Jackson, everybody. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oi, oi. Let's go, let's go, let's go.

Queens of the court. Thanks queen for stopping by.

thank you for having me it's very early here and i look terrible because i just literally got out of bed but um yeah it's i as soon as cheryl asked me i was like absolutely i will do anything for you so here i am listen you don't look terrible i don't care what time it is you don't look terrible jordan because i'm gonna put this out there because i know you did the intro but can we also say five time olympian no i'm not

Congratulations. Here's a little stat for you. And I want to ask how, how you feel after I say this. It's been 24 years since your first Olympic team and 12 years since your last Olympic team, which was number four for you. When you hear that, how does that make you feel?

Oh, look, it's crazy. I definitely, like you said, I had a hiatus in there. I had two little children and a knee replacement, which was fantastic, which I needed. Wow.

But, you know, I tried to get fit because I put on quite a lot of weight after I had my kids. And I was sort of like, right, well, I'm sort of happy. I've got a job. Life's good. I've got my babies. I want to try and get my body back a little bit. So I got in the gym and started trying to get stronger and everything. And that literally led to me playing for my team here in Albury like I did when I was a kid. And, yeah.

After eight games, I got the call up to go and try out for the Australian sport again for the World Cup. And then that's just where it took me. And then last year I broke my foot and then I ruptured my Achilles tendon. Wow.

and thought it was all over again um but I did the rehab um not expecting to play again or anything but just I did the rehab because I wanted to be there for the boys and to be able to move properly and stuff and um here I am here I am again so I'm like you know a cockroach I never die

oh that was good that was good because you know what cockroaches don't ever die they just keep multiplying jeez that's right so and lj like if we didn't already know that you were like her like that woman we do now seriously because

I don't even know where to go right now, but you talk about retiring from the W and you're going to go back home to Australia, live your life, do your thing. And here you are still hooping at, I am going to say it, sorry, 43? Yeah. No, but the age of 43. But let me say this, you're not just hooping and going through the motions. You are still getting buckets.

Yeah, but it's not like I'm playing in the WNBA or anything. I'm playing in it. No, but you're playing. You're playing against talent in competition, though. Yeah, yeah. But, I mean, look, it's, you know, I'm enjoying it. It's fun. There's not a lot of pressure, like in the competition that I play back here. Yeah.

or that i have been playing in and even i remember when i was playing in the wmba i remember like having moments where i'd be like oh i wish i was just playing for aubry you know in seville or whatever um because there's no pressure and i'm playing at home i've got my family here i'm playing in little stadiums and it's just easy and it's really funny that now like all these years later i get the opportunity to do that and i've got my kids with me like my children sit on the bench with me

um we have fun we carry on I'm with my best friends like it's easy it's safe it's fun like so I think that's that's it you know I'm just really enjoying that part of it okay no I get that but stop Lauren it's like you're you're getting like 50 a gate it's not the WNBA I don't think

but it does to me it feels like just hearing you and seeing you talk about it it's that joy for the game again right would you say that that kind of reignited it maybe for you oh absolutely because i just wanted to do it at home you know and i think um like getting through all the issues with my body and stuff and feeling as good physically as what i feel now it's like

it's like the twilight, you know, and I know it's coming to an end. Um, you know, my kids are getting to the age now where I'm going to be like following them around playing sport now and taking them to where they need to go and stuff. So, um, I've had the time of my life really like the last couple of years and I've really thoroughly enjoyed it. Um, and especially the process of getting my body back after the injuries last year. Um,

you know, if I was this healthy and I looked after myself like this back, you know, back when I was in the WNBA and everything, it'd be interesting to sort of see where I'd got to, you know? Okay. Well, you keep talking about your kids, your boys. So tell us about them, their names, their ages. What are they like? What are they into these days? They're

Very cheeky. Harry is seven and he's basketball. Everything's basketball. He loves everything about the WNBA, the NBA. Wow. Wow.

And yeah, he's going to be a little baller for sure. And then my youngest is Lenny. He's five. He's currently got influenza A, which was I had to take him to the hospital after our Australian game on Friday night in an ambulance. Oh, no. He's fine. He bows back like a trooper, as they do when they're five. Yeah.

And he is just a firecracker. Like he'll be great at whatever he chooses to do. I'm not going to limit that. I think he's probably, yeah, he's amazing. He's a beautiful little boy. So I've got, they're very different, but they're just the coolest kids and, yeah,

they're incredible well they have the coolest mom and i'm sure they are going to be repping you you know representing the team for the olympics and i want to talk about too because i feel like you hinted at it but

your most recent retirement was only a few months ago. And having that process of, that emotional process of deciding you are going to retire and then coming back from retirement and then deciding you're going to retire again, how is that thought process for you? And when you decide to come out of retirement and say, I'm going to represent Australia for the Olympics?

Okay. So that was an interesting one because after I ruptured my Achilles and my foot, all that stuff happened, I never anticipated I was going to play again. So I did the rehab here in Albury, just with my, you know, with my gym guy here. And in August I was running again. So like six months post-surgery, I was running again. And the salesman said, you know, look, by

there's no reason why, you know, by November you shouldn't be able to play your first game of basketball. So the team that I was playing with in the WNBL, they were like, look, we'd love you to come and play one more year and try and finish it out. And I was like, okay, no problem. So I got myself, I had two or three months to get back into game shape.

And when I started playing again, my confidence was completely shot. And I think like I underestimated the amount of trauma that I went through because when I broke my foot, the doctors didn't see the break in my foot. They told me it was arthritis. So after game, I was like in so much pain and I had to get sort of cortisone and stuff to settle it down just to the point where I could walk on it.

But I played for three weeks thinking it was arthritis. So like in my mind, it was like, well, if this is a pain that I'm going to be playing with, I'm definitely going to be done at the end of this season because I can't handle it. I couldn't sleep after games. I couldn't walk, yada, yada. Anyway, after three weeks, I go back to the doctor. They're like, oh, we'll go and get one more scan just to make sure. And then they saw the break. They saw the ruptures in the ligaments. They were like, okay, you've broken it.

you need surgery. Um, you shouldn't be playing, might be an old injury. And I was like, no, it's not old. I know when I did it. Um, and so in my mind, I was kind of like, well, I've been playing for three weeks on it. If I can get another injection, try and get through the end of the season, then it'll all be, you know, done. I played, I think another three weeks. And then by that point, my, I was favoring my other foot so much that I ruptured my Achilles. Um,

And that was in this game. It was like this game that they made for me, like we were trying to get the biggest crowd ever in the WNBL. So they'd marketed this game to come and see Lauren play, yada, yada. Within 10 seconds, my Achilles just snapped. And I remember being on the court. I took one step. I remember being on the end of the court standing there 10 seconds into the game thinking, wow,

how am I going to get off this court? I can't take a step. And the referees, the ball had gone down the other end on offense and I'm standing on that baseline going, I actually have just ruptured my Achilles and I can't walk. And I don't know how I'm going to get off this court. Like I couldn't bring myself to roll around on the floor crying, but anyway, so long story short, I got off the court, um, had surgery later that week on both of my feet and, um,

Yeah, so moving forward, all of that sort of trauma and everything that I went through confidence and stuff, it took me like two or three months to even get back to feeling normal on the court again. Like, I don't even think I scored in some games. I don't even think I was playing like more than 10 minutes. I just was a mental like it was a real mental kind of minefield for me.

And people that knew me were like, Lauren, you just need to wait until Christmas. You'll be right. After Christmas, it's 10 months. You'll start to feel better. And then, you know, by 12 months, you'll be fine. And I wasn't in any, like, physical pain. It was all mental. So by Christmas time, I'd said to my parents, look, I know I'm fit. I feel strong. My feet are good. Once I start playing well, I'm going to officially retire from the national team. So...

And like in January, I started playing better. And then I had a great game against Sydney. And I remember straight after the game, I called my agent, I called my parents, I called everyone. I just said, look, I'm retiring officially from the national team now. I've proved that, you know, I haven't lost it. You know, like I've started playing well again and stuff. And then my agent called and he just said, look, Sandy's going to call you. You need to...

you know just be prepared for a phone call from I was like that's fine you know I'm driving home to Albury to have a champagne and celebrate everything with mum and dad and the kids are in the car like we're all good and Sandy's like Loz I just want you to consider coming to the Olympic qualifier with the girls um we could really use your experience and I was like

in my mind I'd talk the kids I was like okay let me she's like you've got 24 hours to make a decision Sandy knew what she was doing she knew she did right no pressure yeah you got 24 hours to wow either way so I went home and mom you know my mom being my mom she was just like

how would you feel if the girls didn't qualify and you stayed at home oh and I was like you're right mum said it's not about the boys because you're dropping the boys off now to start school so I was dropping the boys back I wasn't going to see them anyway for a couple of weeks she's like it's two weeks go and do it so I was pretty emotional about it I don't think I had a lot of time to process it properly and I didn't think that I'd be playing for Australia again after World Cup so

I got to Brazil played in it but when I tell you I was a wreck I I really was like I was crying when I dropped the kids off I cried before the game I like I was really emotional about it because I thought it might come to finish and um so once we qualified after the game I said to a reporter over there I'm done like this is it I I miss my kids like I just want to be home I just want to

be with my boys um and look I got tears all in my eyes right now oh I know that was um a lot of people sort of didn't understand the background to that either and like what had happened like Harry my eldest son he when I told him I was going over to Brazil for the qualifiers he's like mom you're a liar you lied to me um you wouldn't be traveling again without me

There was a lot of conversations like that. My younger brother wouldn't let me walk out the door. Like it was just, it's the real emotional guilt stuff that I was just really grappling with at that point in time. And they're at that age where they can manipulate a little bit better than most people can.

So I was really, really grappling with that. And then I get back from that qualifier and I was playing well again. We ended up going on to win the WNBL championship and did some really great things. And I started, I just really took off. The fitness, all the work that I'd done beforehand had really started to pay off and I was starting to play really well.

so long story short um well not very short because that just but it's a riveting like I love all of it I know I know but you got you got to tell it all afterwards after we won the championship Sandy was like look you know just have a think about it go home talk to your parents talk to your children um and decide what you want to do like if you want to commit to the process and like going to the squad and

we want to support you to do she's like we think that you know you're good enough to be in the squad and up for selection so if if this is the way you want to go like we want to give you the opportunity to do it so don't say you're done yet come back to me in April so I had about four weeks basically to make my mind up

and or at the beginning of May and I worked through it with the kids um the kids dad the um my parents and it was like a long process and also she had to wrap my brain around it all and I think the fact that I actually had the time to really go through and figure out what I wanted was what I really needed um and I think too there was a part of me as well it was like you're not good enough you're too old

you know, like you're taking opportunities away from younger kids. In the meantime, I kept training and I was still playing for Albury. And I was like, damn, I am good enough. Like I am actually still good enough to be here. And I've proved that to myself and to anybody else who would say otherwise. Yeah. Yeah, so I went ahead with it. And, I mean, look, it's still hard. Like there's no doubt. I still...

I got to have the kids with me here in Melbourne for this last training camp and it was like as much as I love having them around and need them around me it's hard being professional athlete with kids absolutely um because it's still never about me it's about everything that they need and like I was telling you after our last game I was in the emergency room with my child right

I got told that I made the Australian team when I was in an ambulance with my kid. Okay. She'll always remember that though. Yeah, she will. So Lauren, will they, will the boys travel with you to Paris? Yeah, they're going to come over. Yeah. With my mom and dad and their dad is coming as well. So, um,

Yeah, their father is actually going to help my parents look after him, which is a huge relief for me because my parents are getting a lot older. So they, you know, the boys love their dad. So it's good for him to be there. Yeah. What a story. Wow. Listen, as if, right? I was going to say, I'm already impressed because, so we have this segment, right? It's just, it's a flower segment where we give people their flowers for just being incredible in whatever it is they do.

And so obviously this whole episode, we're giving you your flowers because you so deserve them. Like as if I wasn't already impressed by fifth Olympics and then your age, and then you put, throw in all of your injuries and coming back from that, like this story itself, like. Yeah, it's crazy. Girl, this is a documentary. I would watch it. It's a pilot. Yeah.

Wow. That's impressive though. That is so impressive. Wow. Look at the team that you guys have now. How, how do you see your role on this team? Cause I know your role has probably changed from that first Olympic team from the second to the third, you know, now in your fifth Olympics, what do you see that you can bring to this team after everything you've been through?

Yeah, well, my role is really different. And, you know, this last, we've been in camp for like a week and a half. And when I tell you it's the most pressure I've ever felt in my life, because I've never had to like really fight for a team. I mean, even the World Cup, I didn't, I didn't even expect to make it. I don't even think I really, I was so afraid at that point in time, because I'd only played like eight or nine games, and I did not think I deserved to be there. So I

It wasn't real, whereas this time I really put my heart and soul into training and I wanted to make it. And there's every chance that I could have missed out, you know, so I really sort of put myself out there and my role will be so different. You know, I'm not the star anymore. It's not about me. I just want to be the best teammate I can be and support those girls. I think having someone like me on the bench or coming off the bench makes...

I guess gives, gives the girls confidence, you know? Yeah, for sure. You know, I'm a huge, like I'm a big woman. I'm a big, big woman. So I think that just that in itself, that presence helps the girls. My experience helps the girls. I think my leadership's probably a lot different than it was back in the day. But I think that confidence piece is a big piece. And then also too, when I come in and play two, three, four minutes, whatever it is,

They're not going to lose anything by having me out there. And I've made sure about that because I'm fit and I'm strong and I'm playing good basketball again and I can move. So I feel like I'm there to fill some gaps and I'm there to be a leader and that's, you know, and I'm really good with that. I think I can play that role really well and I can't wait to play behind Izzy and, you know, she is incredible. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

I'm so excited for the girls and I'm so excited to be a part of it. So, yeah, that's it. And, I mean, I don't really...

That's it. And I'm looking forward to it. Yeah. That's it. I feel like you could have just said, I'm Lauren Jackson. And that would have been an answer. And could have. Yeah. No. And could have. Yes. Well, still, you are LJ. How about that? Lauren, when you look at this squad, though, I mean, you know, US and Australia, we've had some battles and great battles.

But when you look at this particular team, this particular Olympic team, where do you see you guys finishing? What are the expectations? Yeah. Well, I mean, the expectations and the goals are the same. You don't want to leave an Olympic Games without a medal, but you'll want to go for that gold medal.

You know, America, like you said, we've had battles, like epic battles over the years. But you never know what can happen on any given night. And I mean, we, you know, in 2006, you guys got knocked off by Russia, you know, and then we got to play Russia in a grand final.

to win the gold medal at the World Cup. At the Olympics, I know like it's again, high stakes, anything could happen. And I think just being there and putting ourselves in a position to be able to vie for that medal, anything could happen on any given night. And look, I know the talent on that team is just phenomenal.

I really like the way that we're playing basketball right now. I love that we've got so many players over in the WNBA that are confident, that are playing confident basketball over in the WNBA. And, you know, any given night, right, we get out there, we have that opportunity to compete. You never know what's going to happen. Yeah.

So, like I said, the goal is always going to be gold and we're going to go for that, absolutely. But I'm just looking forward to being able to compete, you know, with the girls and to see where it takes us. It's, you know...

- No, absolutely. That's why you play the game. - Yeah. - Right? - And you talked about those battles. I wanna set the record straight. It was three straight Olympics, 2000 to 2008, where it was USA versus Australia in the gold medal game. You and Sheryl battling in 2000 in Sydney and in 2004 in Athens. A question for both of you guys. What do you remember about those battles specifically?

you know oh god um i remember something so when i was going through this process of like deciding whether i wanted to do this again i watched a game from before the 2000 olympics we played america we played the us team in melbourne

in the lead up to the Sydney game. So it was like a week before or something, you were out here. And that game was at Broadlaver Arena. We had like a sellout crowd because the men's team was playing the US men's team as well after. And I actually found it on YouTube. It came up because the kids watch YouTube all the time. And it came up...

on one of their ads and I was like no way this game could not be here and yeah that was like there were tempers flaring and everything um but yeah I remember just being so scared when we came up against you guys in that gold medal game and um but yeah just wanting to go out there and you know fight like I did especially as a 19 year old I was fiery and listen Lauren was uh she says fiery and we gonna keep your PG so I'll roll with that

But you know what's crazy is she says she was scared. That word never came across my mind or any of our minds, right? It was, we always knew if we ended up playing Australia that it was going to be a lot of talk, a lot of trash talking. It was going to be some battles, right?

But it was good, though. Like, it was great competition. And they always had great players. And, you know, when Lauren just talked about all of the Australians who are playing in the WNBA, like, it's always been like that. You know, for me, I always remember just certain matchups, right? It was always Lauren and Lisa. And then it was nine times out of ten, it was me and Penny. Because Penny was...

The wing on the team that was so, and Timsy, and they were just always really, really good. So, you know, that is why you play the game. You can never count Australia out because they always come and they're ready to, they're very well prepared. Lauren, I want to ask you a question.

How much do you still follow the WNBA? And what are your thoughts on just kind of sort of where the league is today? Yeah, I still watch it. Obviously, I think the way the game has evolved and the athletes and stuff, it's remarkable. So, yeah, I follow it. I love it. I love where the league has gone, I think, forever.

like globally the WNBA has set a standard you know for women's basketball now and I think um everybody knows what the WNBA is what it's about um and how the athletes particularly how like the social sort of drivers um have been such a big part of moving the W forward it's been remarkable um and that movement has it's been so special to watch so

And I'm proud of that. Like, I'm proud that we were players in that league, you know, and pioneers in that league, like you especially. But like, you know, to think what we went through, you know, those like through, well, for you, like when it started, but when I came in in 2001, it was very, very different. And it was, you know, we were almost like a bit of a counterculture, whereas now it is. It's popular, you know? Yes. Yes. It is. It is.

Yeah, it was so special and I'm so proud of where they've taken it. Yeah, and I really haven't talked that much about it, but I think for me personally, I'm really honoured that I had the opportunity to play there and that, yeah, we were part of building something that has gone on to make such a huge impact on people's lives off the court. Like it's...

Yeah. And just off of that, just what you did when you were in the WNBA. And I know, Cheryl, I talked about this with you earlier, but having those three WNBA MVPs is such rare air. And I'm in rare air right now because I got two out of the

three players that have ever had three MVPs along with Lisa Leslie. And you say you still watch the league. And I know Asia Wilson is one of those names that could be in that rare air by getting that third MVP. What do you like her game or what do you like about her joining the club potentially? Yeah, she's definitely joining that club. She'll probably surpass us. No doubt. No doubt. Yeah. Wow. Like,

wow i mean there's not too much i can really say about her um but nobody wow says it all yeah wow and you it just makes it look so easy and i think that's um you know

what can you say she's she's the best really her and I love Stewie too like I have to tell you I'm a huge fan yeah not only because they're yeah that was like that kind of seems maybe a little little storm bias there that's okay little storm vibes maybe a little just a tad bit I'm definitely biased but um

Yeah, I love those. She's so adorable. But, yeah, Asia, wow, she's so much fun to watch. And, you know, you watch her and you think she can't possibly do that. And then she does it and it's so easy for her. Yeah, it's special to watch. But she's great. And, yeah, like rare, all right. She's so good.

So good. She's amazing. But a lot of the athletes over there are like, as you now, like the defense, okay. CL storm. I know, but she's also straight. I love, I love it. We love it. By the way. Yes. Like, and so smooth, you know, it'd have been an all-star. I'm just going to put it out there.

Yeah, yeah. But anyway. Like I said, I think defensively she might be one of the, if not the best defender, you know, in the world right now. So I'm really looking forward to watching her, well, being her teammate at the Olympics because even at the qualifiers, like some of her blocks were just...

You know, you don't see that. The athleticism is out of control. Out of control. Had a career high eight blocks just this week against the Chicago Sky. So I'm sure she will be swatting them away in Paris as well. Yes, absolutely. So, yeah, I'm watching it. I'm following it for sure. So, Jordan, I'm going to go away from basketball for one second because – and I'm going to try to do this without getting emotional –

No, because I just really not want, but I need people because, you know, we have new fans in the WNBA today, like them or not. But this one right here on this screen that we are talking to, Lauren Jackson, without question, not only one of the best basketball players to ever play the game.

but without question, one of the best human beings that I have know that I have ever had an opportunity to be in the presence of. And I am so thankful and grateful that not only do I get to call you a friend, but I get to call you a sister. Like I got mad love for this one right here. And, and I don't think,

I don't think we talk about Lauren Jackson enough when you talk about the greats that have played in the WNBA, because without question, she is at the top of that list.

Oh, babe, thank you. I'm not American either. So it's easy to sort of forget about the players that haven't come from America and been through that. No, that's true, but that shouldn't be an excuse. Because it doesn't really matter where you come from. If you can hoop, you can hoop. Point blank and period. Oh, that was true. Look, I've got a story about you. So I was a 19-year-old drop. Whatever, Jordan. I love story time about Cheryl. She's beautiful.

Cheryl's my favorite and this is why. So, you know, obviously Cheryl's legend is huge, but you know, back in the day when I was drafted, I like, I was scared. I was, I had, I put on this big front because I feel like the only way that I wanted people to see me was angry. I didn't want people to actually hurt me. So I like, I had this like, she did. She did. I had a, this was the dark. Was this the dark hair? Yeah. Yeah. This is the dark hair, Lauren.

So I had like, you know, I was really, I wouldn't let anyone in. I had a chip on my shoulder. I played really mean. I reckon I had 20 technicals in my first year because I was just like, I'm not going to let anyone mess with me because if they do, I will break down and cry. So I'm just going to fight back. Like that's my persona. Especially after what happened at the Olympics, like there was just this rivalry already. And I think I was too young to like process anything.

where I was at, what I was doing. I wasn't smart enough either to like really understand what was going on in my body and to work through it, you know. And anyway, I remember I got selected for my first all-star team that year and we went to Orlando, I think, or something. I can't even remember. And I was so scared because, you know, Cheryl was on the team, Lisa, like all of these players that I was so intimidated by that just really, like,

you know, America, Australia, that whole thing. And then I was this rookie that I just felt like I just didn't belong, you know? And anyway, Cheryl took me under her wing, that all-star game. And actually like that was the kindest, most beautiful thing that ever happened to me. And that actually made me feel like, I don't think I would have gone back to the WNBA if you hadn't done that. Like once she...

under her wing and made me feel like I belong there, I was like, oh, my God, this woman. So that was probably the most special moment for me in my MBA career, truly, because I felt so out of place. I felt like, and I mean, I didn't have, I didn't really have a support network over there or anything like that. So having that as a 19-year-old was the most important thing ever. And so I just want to say the biggest thank you to you because,

yeah that moment and then look like throughout my career as well like having you feeling like i had you on my side like i love you you are so i love you back so i really appreciate that your love runs deep it runs so deep and then you guys were teammates too at one point so that was fun finally yeah she's just a fun person you know i was kind of at my point in the career where i was like you know what

I'm going to just play basketball so I can still get a check, but I can't do the things I used to be able to do. We just, we had fun times. We did. We had fun times. Yeah, Lauren. Oh, gosh. I love you. I think that is a perfect play. I mean, I'm tearing up as well, which we cry pretty much every episode, Lauren, on Queens of the Court because we...

We are so sappy and sentimental. So this is a staple you fit right in because you also made us tear up. But thank you so much for taking the time out of the crazy time difference for coming on and talking basketball. Can't wait to watch you in your fifth Olympics for the Opals. Thanks for hanging out with us. Yeah.

Oh, look, thank you for having me. I'm sorry my little boys didn't make a cameo, but they're crazy. They're still asleep. That's fine. More a break for you until they wake up. Yes. It's been amazing, actually. I know. Say hey to the boys. Good luck in Paris and stay healthy. I will, babe. I will indeed. All right. Thank you. Love you. Bye.

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That's BlueNile.com. Overnight, Duncan's Pumpkin Spice Coffee has sent folks into a cozy craze. I'm Lauren LaTulip reporting live from home in my hand-knit turtleneck that my Nana made me. Mmm, cinnamony. The home with Duncan is where you want to be. Welcome back to Queens of the Court. Wow. Wow. Um...

Before we have a lot to unpack from that because that was an incredible interview. We have to hand out a few bouquets this episode. That means it's time for giving flowers presented by AT&T. And let's just start with giving a huge green and yellow roses, the Australian colors. - Let's see what you did there. - To Lauren Jackson.

I want to give her all her flowers and the vulnerability of her sharing her journey with us. I just think it's incredible. And just so kind of jealous of the Australian national team that they get to play with this legend. All these young players are going to get to grow from her. And I know we mentioned it in the interview, but I just want to list it off real quick, Cheryl, of all the WNBA players.

who are on the Australian national team. Kayla George was with the Aces last season, but she'll be on that team. Rebecca Allen, Ezzie Magmigore, Alana Smith, Steph Talbot, Christy Wallace, Sam Whitcomb, Jay Melbourne. I mean, that is a lot of WNBA talent that...

is also going to be with an OG star when Lauren Jackson. So that's incredible. That's a squad. And let me just I know we talked about it, but listen, 43 years old playing in her fifth Olympics and still getting buckets, right? Like she ain't just going through the motions. So to say whatever that role is coming off the bench, yada, yada, yada.

That's not even that important. She's very humble. She is a very humble superstar. Yeah. I'm so happy for her. I'm happy for her. I'm happy for them. I'm going to cheer for them, except for when they're playing U.S., if they end up playing each other. But golly, I got mad love for Lauren. I love me some LJ. So happy for her.

So, so happy for her. And she's just coming on and sharing that. She's the best. Who else do we want to give some flowers to Cheryl? This is our favorite time of the pod. Yeah. Well, a couple, a couple. So I want to, can I go to a listener email? Yes, please. And give him his flowers. Let me say, I'm going to, can I read it?

Yeah, I'm going to read it. I don't want to say his name. I want to read it. And then I'll tell you why I want to give him his flowers. So the subject though of this email was giving flowers. So he was giving you and I flowers and now we're giving them right back to you. So I'm going to read this real fast.

He says, just found out y'all, excuse me, not found out, just found y'all and couldn't be more excited. Not only are y'all providing amazing insight, entertainment, and depth, but y'all are a breath of fresh air after years of formulaic sports radio, which can often be toxic.

The positive energy between Cheryl and Jordan radiates from this incredibly informative podcast. I dare say it's been therapeutic. As a recovering addict struggling with anxiety, I am extremely grateful to find joy in a given moment, which perfectly describes what y'all are bringing to the game. Please keep it pushing. We have very little access to the WNBA and your analysis is crucial for newcomers like me. I just subscribed to the League Pass though and caught a great game between the Liberty and the Lynx. Happy summer.

Patrick. Wow. Um, so first of all, yeah, first of all, Patrick, thank you for being a subscriber and listener. Thank you for giving us our flowers. Um,

it's always very nice and refreshing to get any listener email, but one that just states everything that you so eloquently stated. And we're very appreciative and grateful and thankful and congratulations to you also. Like that's,

that's not an easy feat, I would assume. Right. But for you to stay the course and keep doing what you did, what you're doing says a lot about who you are. And we're so grateful that you did find us and hopefully we can continue to brighten your day and put a smile on your face. And yeah, just thank you. And here's your, I don't know if you like bouquets, but we're giving you a bouquet.

I was going to say, you could have your pick. You could have a bouquet. You could have a boutonniere. You can have whatever you want, Patrick. You deserve it all. Thank you. Thank you for giving us our flowers and we're throwing them right back at you. Thank you. Thank you. I love this segment. It brings me so much joy. Always giving flowers to you, Cheryl, every single week. More flowers to you. I caught it.

I caught it through the trees. I wish you guys could have saw that. Did you see me catch it? I saw you catch it. Good catch. That was a great throw. This has been Giving Flowers presented by ACAP. Wait a minute. Can we give one more person flowers? Oh, damn it. Yes, please. Please. Can we? Do we mind? Yes. All right. We're going to give one more person before we wrap this up.

And we saved her for this segment because she just has been holding it down for the squad. She left the Mystics. Now she's with Phoenix doing her thing. The other night, Tosh Cloud went off for 31.

31. And they got the career high career high career high 3031. Tosh said, Listen, y'all, I don't just defend and pass the rock. I'm a bucket to when I need to be. But yeah, Tosh, we're sending flowers to you. We're giving you your flowers. You know, we got mad love for you on this show. So anytime you want to come on, we're ready for you.

Oh, I would definitely welcome that. And I want to say too, there was no Diana Taurasi. There was no Beck Allen. They were going against the Sparks who just beat the Aces in overtime. Like this was a time where Natasha Cloud needed to step up and she did. Ka also had 25 points, but it was very much like, okay, next woman up and it's my time to shine. And that's exactly what she did. So yes, here is your bouquet.

Tosh Cloud, you're the bomb. And now this has been Giving Flowers presented by AT&T. Please continue to follow, rate, review the show. Keep sending your listener emails, your questions, your stories. We love them all. Thank you so much. Our email address, queensofthecourtatodyssey.com.

Y'all know where to find us. You can find me on social media at air swoops 22 and she, her Jordan is at Jordan.

That was a body roll that time. I wasn't ready for it. In case you guys are wondering. Yeah, I really need y'all to clip that for social media because I need everybody to see that roll. You know, I'm not the best dancer, Cheryl, and it's an insecurity of mine. I just love to use the gavel as a cabbage patch or do a little body roll. But that's the extra bonus video footage. It was good. It was good.

Queens of the Court is an Odyssey original created in partnership with the WNBA. The show is produced by James Jackson. The executive producers are Asha Saluja, Maddie Sprung-Kaiser, and Leah Reese Dennis. Social media assistance from Isabella Apple. Music from T-Storm Battle. And a very special thank you to Lena Moss Glazer and the one and only Alex Ozzie.