ONE37pm's WNBA Opening Day Preview

This is going to be a fun one! Kysre Gondrezick (you may have heard of her) makes her highly anticipated debut against Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty. Gondrezick has had an eventful few weeks since being drafted 4th overall with increasing popularity, and the announcement of a multi-year Adidas deal which is sure to be something to look forward to during this season. Of course, Ionescu’s season was unfortunately cut short last year in the bubble due to an injury, so her return is definitely something to look forward to. The game is slated to begin at 7:00pm EST.

There is some serious history that is going to be made tomorrow night, as the Dream will feature an all-Black female broadcast team for the first time, in a move that will continue throughout the season. LaChina Robinson, Autumn Johnson, Angel Gray, and Tabitha Turner will comprise the broadcast team, and this truly is going to be a monumental moment. No. 3 draft pick Aari McDonald is a dope addition to the team after putting together a human highlight reel during the NCAA tournament, and while the Dream’s core has a couple of familiar favorites such as Tiffany Hayes and Monique Billings, there are going to be a lot of new faces this season (I.E. Chennedy Carter.) The Dream will have a new coach this year (Mike Petersen who will serve in an interim position) after the departure of Nicki Collen.

As far as the Sun, DeWanna Bonner is expected to have another big year alongside her partner in crime Jonquel Jones, and will enjoy the return of guard Jasmine Thomas after she clears Covid testing. The Sun also have a new face with the hiring of the legendary Jennifer Rizzotti as their new team president. The game will start at 7:30pm EST.

Skylar Diggins-Smith. Brittany Griner. Diana Taurasi. Destiny’s Child. When Bria Hartley comes back we’ll call them En Vogue. Okay I’m done, but as usual the Mercury is a dangerous team to watch. Their veteran leadership, experience, and overall cohesiveness as a unit makes them a beautiful team to watch. The Mercury obviously have their sights set on another championship, and even though DT is the GOAT, it would be nice to see her capture some more rings if possible.

As far as the Lynx goes, they are a team with a ton of potential. Napheesa Collier is a beast. Crystal Dangerfield is a beast. Sylvia Fowles and recent draftee Rennia Davis are forces to be reckoned with. New member Aerial Powers is a monster (you get the point). I think the Lynx have a case from being one of the most dynamic and versatile squads in the W, and I’m personally looking forward to seeing Davis with the team when she returns from her injury. The addition of Powers will also be super fun as her game matches the Lynx’ unit perfectly. You can catch this one at 9:00pm EST.

Tomorrow night will also mark the anticipated debut of No 1. Draft pick Charli Collier. Collier was widely regarded as the best player in the NCAA last season (hence why she went No.1), and she will join Satou Sabally and Arike Ogunbowale along with fellow draftees Chelsea Dungee, Dana Evans, and Awak Kuier on a Wings team that has a lot of potential. Collier is an excellent player, and recently signed a deal with Nike, so that will be something to keep an eye on. Side note: Collier is also a budding journalist and has her own series which is very entertaining. Hopefully we can get more interviews, vlogs, etc., through the season.

Now onto Los Angeles. It is admittedly going to be weird seeing Candace Parker not donning a Sparks jersey (she makes her debut with the Sky on Saturday), but the Sparks still have an incredibly strong team (one of the strongest in the W). You’ve got Chiney (check out her documentary 144 on ESPN platforms), Nneka, Te’a, Britney, Bria, Kristi etc., so much talent. Unfortunately Gabby Williams' suspension with the Sky will carry over to the Sparks so we won’t see her in action with the team until next year, but expect L.A. to still have a dominant year.