Unrivaled: A Platform for Lisa Leslie's Legacy
In a world where sports legends often fade into the background, Lisa Leslie, the iconic Naismith Hall of Famer, has found a new stage to shine and inspire. She calls herself a proud auntie, and with good reason!
Leslie's journey with the Unrivaled league has been nothing short of remarkable. As a color commentator, she's witnessed the evolution of women's basketball from the front row, but her impact extends far beyond the broadcast booth.
But here's where it gets controversial...
While Leslie's commentary adds depth to the league's coverage, her true impact lies in her mentorship. The Unrivaled facility, with its array of amenities, has become a hub for player development, and Leslie is at the heart of it.
From weight rooms to saunas, and even on-site estheticians, the players have access to top-notch facilities. But the most sought-after service? One-on-one time with Lisa Leslie herself!
Over this Unrivaled season, Leslie has worked closely with frontcourt players, offering guidance and mentorship. Cameron Brink, Dominique Malonga, Ezi Magbegor, and Monique Billings are just a few of the lucky athletes who've benefited from her wisdom.
And this is the part most people miss...
Leslie's mentorship isn't limited to basketball skills. She's a role model, a mentor, and a friend. When Monique Billings, a former fan and now a professional player, approached Leslie for tips on 3-on-3, Leslie's response was immediate: "Take my number and let's get in the gym."
Though Leslie never played in a formalized 3-on-3 league, her experience with the format is extensive. She recalls using 3-on-3 as a training tool, a way to stay in shape, and even as a "punishment" due to its intense nature. Leslie even referenced her famous 1995 Nike commercial with Dawn Staley and Sheryl Swoopes, where they played 3-on-3 all day!
For Billings, working with Leslie is a surreal experience. Growing up in California, she remembers attending Los Angeles Sparks games and chasing Leslie's autograph. Now, as a professional player, she's working alongside her childhood hero.
"It's incredible how much she pours into me. Nine-year-old me is freaking out!"
Leslie's challenges are not just about basketball stats. She pushed Billings to average a double-double, but it was about more than numbers. It was about building confidence and a growth mindset.
Billings delivered, ending her first Unrivaled season with impressive averages of 14.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. But it's not just about the stats; it's about the impact Leslie has had on her mindset and approach to the game.
Leslie's mentorship extends to other players as well. She worked with Shakira Austin and Angel Reese during the inaugural Unrivaled season, and her impact is evident.
"With Angel, it was all about that desire to be great. And you can see it in the way they show up, in their texts, calls, and eagerness to improve."
Dominique Malonga, a post player, has always looked up to Leslie as a reference point. When Leslie entered the gym during one of Malonga's practices, her presence was commanding. Leslie asked to work out with Malonga and her teammate, Cameron Brink.
"Dom has been great. She's a high IQ player. She's checked all the boxes we've worked on. It's a pleasure to work with her."
Leslie's impact on Malonga goes beyond basketball. She's encouraged Malonga to challenge herself at the rim, to adopt a dunker's mindset. Malonga has converted three in-game dunks this season, and Leslie's pride is evident.
"I think she's proud. It's fun for her to witness, given her leadership. I'm happy to be able to do that."
For Leslie, it's not just about passing on basketball knowledge. It's about building mental strength and empowering players to believe in themselves. She wants them to be spiritually strong and confident, and she's succeeding in fostering that self-belief.
"It's important to help them mentally as well. They're dealing with a lot, and I want to give them the tools to see the fun and excitement in the game."
Leslie's proteges, like Billings and Malonga, speak highly of her impact. They describe her presence on the court as commanding yet deliberate, and her knowledge of the game shines through during workouts.
"When we're working, she means business. She has an aura about her, a confidence that inspires."
Leslie sees her role as a continuation of the legacy left by the generations before her. She looks up to Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers, and Nancy Lieberman, who pushed the sport forward in their era and passed it on.
"Today's players understand the past and how we've helped build this. They're building for the future, for the little girls watching now."
Both Billings and Malonga now view Leslie as a mentor, and she encourages them to reach out for advice, not just about basketball.
"Sometimes life is heavy, and these women need a safe space. They know they can communicate with me."
For Billings, working with Leslie, a pioneer of the sport, is a source of pride and inspiration. It's a blessing and a privilege, and a feeling shared by many.
"I admire her. Twenty years later, I'm still in awe."
Sean Hurd, a senior writer for Andscape, covers women's basketball with a unique perspective. His athletic peak came at the age of 10, when he was named camper of the week at a Josh Childress basketball camp. A true testament to the impact of mentorship!
