NCAA MARCH MADNESS FINAL FOUR PREVIEW - IOWA VS. UCONN / April 3, 2024 by Hussein Abdullahi

Caitlin Clark Scores 41-Points to led Iowa to 94-87 Win Over LSU

On Monday night the basketball world gifted us with a rematch of last year's National Championship game between Iowa and LSU. The Match-up between Caitlin Clark and Angle Reese has been eyeing on the March Madness Bracket since the first round. The Hawkeyes came back for revenge, as Caitlin Clark led them to a 94-87 win over the LSU Tigers. The magnificent run of Caitlin Clark continues as she cements herself as a generational player. In the win, Clark has become the 1st player in NCAA Tournament history to have three 40-point games and has set the record for the most 3-point FGs made in Division I history. With the victory, Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes will return to the Final Four to take on Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies.

PAiGE BUECKERS OUtLASTS JUJU WATKINS AND USC

USC Freshman JuJu Watkins' freshman season was nothing short of magical. In a matchup against an experienced UConn Huskies squad, Watkins and the Trojans were in quest of a Final Four bid for the first time since 1986. Despite its lack of depth in the roster, and early game foul trouble, Geno Auriemma's Huskies executed down the stretch. A large part of their 4th Quarter run was Paige Bueckers, whose leadership and poise were the ultimate difference maker. UConn ends Watkins' magical season with an 80-73 win.

Despite the loss, JuJu Watkins made history by becoming the all-time freshman leading scorer (920 points), surpassing Tina Hutchinson. In this NCAA tournament, JuJu Watkins put up 110 points just one point shy of Tamika Catchings' tournament record back set in 1998. In one season, Watkins led USC to a Pac-12 title (for the first time in 10 years), finished second in scoring (26.9 PPG), set a USC scoring record with 51-point performance, and an elite eight appearance. The passing of the torch is near, and we're witnessing the new face of Women's Basketball... JuJu Watkins!

Coach Auriemma will make his 23rd Final Four appearance with the Huskies (most for any program all-time). UConn will take on Iowa in a Final Four matchup for the ages. A clash of the stars - Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers. In their last matchup, UConn defeated Iowa in the Sweet Sixteen 92-72. However, Both Clark and Bueckers were freshmen. Now at the peak of their powers, Will Caitlin even the score or will Coach Auriemma record another National Championship?

The Future of Women’s College Basketball

The growing popularity of women’s college hoops has created a cultural shift in sports. According to ESPN, Monday’s Elite Eight matchup drew 12.3 Million viewers, becoming the most-watched women’s college basketball game on record. For the second straight year, the women’s NCAA Tournament has overtaken the men’s from a viewership perspective. A contributing factor lies in the unique storylines — whether it’s Kim Mulkey’s vs. the media, Caitlin Clark’s breaking records, or Coach Staley’s South Carolina Squad going undefeated. Fans are intrigued by these programs and get the chance to witness the rise of the college’s brightest stars. This year’s Final Four will have yet another opportunity to showcase the product of women's talents while redefining new standards for women's college hoops.

Nike Supports Grizzlies' Star Ja Morant after Viral IG Live Video / March 15, 2023 by Hussein Abdullahi

Nike Stands in Support of Grizzlies’ Ja Morant after Viral Video

Nike has decided to support their youngest superstar Ja Morant following an Instagram live video circulating online. This comes months after the corporate sneaker giant cut ties with NBA star guard Kyrie Irving. In the video, Morant brandished a firearm while at a nightclub in Denver. In the following hours, the Memphis Grizzlies suspended Morant for two games. On Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Ja Morant is suspended for eight games for conduct detrimental to the league. The suspension covers the six games missed, including Wednesday night vs. The Heat. Morant has left a counselling program in Florida and is eligible to play on Monday vs. Dallas Mavericks. To conclude the NBA’s ongoing investigation Morant met with the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on this matter. The meeting finalized the last step in the process for Morant. Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement and said,

“ Ja's conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.”

The investigation included extensive reports of which Morant was the subject. The allegation of Morant included threatening a mall security guard and punching a teenager during a pick-up basketball game. Despite Morant’s problematic behavior, Nike released a statement and said,

"We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support the prioritization of his well-being.”

Nike, which has a signature sneaker line with Morant, received backlash from fans for backing the Grizzlies star. A few months earlier, Nike ended its partnership with NBA star Kyrie Irving. Nike failed to publicly support Irving, raising an uproar across the sports world. Several NBA players expressed their thoughts on Nike’s stance, highlighting the company’s selective morality. Still, that has not stopped the corporate sneaker giant from unethical business practices. Their history of human rights violations in Asia and the diametrically opposite stances involving Morant-Irving highlights the lack of corporate leadership. Phil Knight openly expressed “Kyrie stepped over the line It’s kind of that simple. He made some statements that we just can’t abide by, and that’s why we ended the relationship. I was fine with that.”

The hypocrisy of Nike for their lack of action showed towards Grizzlies star Morant proves that endorsing a product in exchange for millions is more important than company values. In other words — Nike cares about millions over ethics. Nike continues to leverage brand partnerships to maximize their ROI. The Morant case highlights the problematic dangers corporate sneaker brands face when partnering with athletes in exchange for millions. Morant is a two-time All-Star, former Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved player. Morant is touted as the young face of the league, and that comes with a certain sense of responsibility. As for, Nike, they’ve doubled down on their investment. Morant will have to keep a squeaky-clean image for his career.