Inaugural Unrivaled 3×3 league coaches, rosters now set
The rosters are now set, team names and the coaches are in place for the new Unrivaled 3×3 women’s pro league.
Co-founded by Napheesa Collier (MN) and Brianna Stewart (NY), Unrivaled should not be confused with Athletes Unlimited (AU), an existing 5×5 off season women’s basketball league. The new league which starts in January is entire made up of current WNBA players.
Secondly, the AU league is player-driven while all six Unrivaled teams have coaches – two are Black females, two are Black males, and all six coaches have extensive player development experience.
Laces — Courtney Williams, Alyssa Thomas, Kate Martin, Stefanie Dolson, Kayla McBride (Kelsey Plum recently announced she will not participate) — Coach Andrew Wade
Mist — Jewell Loyd, DiJonai Carrington, Rickea Jackson, Aaliyah Edwards, Courtney Vandersloot, Breanna Stewart — Coach Phil Hardy
Phantom — Brittney Griner, Jackie Young, Marina Mabrey, Satou Sabally, Tiffany Hayes, wild card player–Coach Adam Harrington
Vinyl – Arika Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston, Jordin Canada, Dearica Hamby, Rae Burrell –Coach Teresa Witherspoon
Lunar Owls — Skyler Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, Napheesa Collier, Natasha Cloud, Shakira Austin, Wildcard player — Coach D.J. Sackmann
Rose — Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Angel Reese, Azura Stevens, Brittany Sykes, Lexie Hall — Coach Nola Henry.
The MSR was among the national reporters recently invited on the Unrivaled HC Zoom call.
Phil Hardy is renowned as one of the NBA’s top skilled coaches.
“This is just a great opportunity to really tap into the women’s side of basketball, which I’ve been doing for a long time, and making some history with this new league,” stated Hardy, one of two Black male coaches along with Andrew Wade. “I think anytime you get a chance to be a head coach, being a head coach gives you an opportunity just like the players. You get a chance to work on your reps. You get a chance to be on the forefront of building your practice plan.
“So anytime you get a chance to be a head coach and get some reps in that area that is going to develop you as a head coach,” he reiterated. “There’s no better experience than just experience itself.”
Adam Harrington focuses on shooting mechanics and offensive strategies over the years as an NBA assistant coach. “I’m really excited, really blessed to have this opportunity,” he noted.
Nola Henry’s coaching experience includes working on grassroots programs and player development roles. She is one of two Black females coaching in Unrivaled.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity just to coach so many of these amazing players,” explained Henry. “We have a group of 36 players that are going to be excited to go out there and compete against each other and take on the challenge.
“It’s an honor to be one of two Black women on the staff,” continued Henry. “It’s definitely something that I’m going to give my all and make the best because representation matters.”
D. J. Sackmann has worked with athletes at every level from high school to NBA: “Excited to learn and grow, and just grateful to be here,” he pointed out.
Andrew Wade has a rich background in sports science, athletic, conditioning and recovery.
“I’m a big relationships guy,” stressed Wade. “I’m super grateful to be up there with some of the legends of this game. I’m going to be picking knowledge every single week from these guys.”
Teresa Weatherspoon completed her first and only season as Chicago Sky head coach but was fired soon after the season ended. She is one of the sport’s most celebrated figures and has coaching experience as an NBA assistant coach.
“I was excited just to be a part of these young ladies and then to help them grow,” declared Weatherspoon. “It doesn’t matter how long you have coached, that’s what it is.
“It’s about growing and developing in every aspect of the game, especially when it comes to coaching and knowing what you have to bring on a daily basis to help these young ladies to grow,” she concluded.