Maddie and Jordan are BACK! WNBA, Naz O’Clock, Olipop WWWolverines & MORE! | Ep 30

[From Crisler Arena to courts around the world, they wore the maize and blue. And now they’re bringing you the game inside and [music] out. Hail Media presents Nolan and Hobbs, the Women’s Hoop Home Court podcast hosted by Maddie Nolan and Jordan Hobbs. Hello everyone and welcome back. And welcome back to myself.

Um, [laughter] America, baby. Yes, touchdown in the USA. Um, but welcome to the Nolan and Hobbs show. I’m Maddie Nolan and this is my co-host Jordan Hobbs and we are so excited to be back. Yes, it it was not the same monologuing for both of us. We both took our turns doing that.

So, it’s it’s good to be back and see each other’s faces. I’m so excited. [laughter] I know. I was just tell I was telling Jordan and our producer Doug earlier because I’ve basically been vacationing traveling around Europe the past two months and so obviously you’re 6 to 8 hours ahead of everyone in the United States. You’re like exploring all day so you don’t really have a lot of time to like FaceTime or call anyone. But Jordan would always text me and be like how’s Blank City that you’re in? And so it was always fun.

So we caught up like that but we haven’t gotten to see each other face to face in a while. So we’re very excited. loved checking my find my iPhone and seeing what country Maddie was in and it was always changing every two to three days. I was like, “Oh, she’s in Spain, she’s in France, she’s in Italy.” So, it was fun. Do you have any big highlights from your trip? Oh, it was so hard cuz I was just really blessed. I had so many friends and family get to come over there.

I think my favorite thing I got to see was the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Um Danielle and I actually went over there together, so that was really cool. Um I think it’s my favorite architectural feat in the world that I’ve seen so far. So um it used to be the Louvre, now it’s the Sagrada Família. And they just finished it after like 200 years of building. So really, really cool. Um what else?

I mean Rome, obviously getting to see the Colosseum is really fun. And then my family came over for the last part of the trip and that was our first time getting to like all be together in Europe. Um so that was really fun. And my brother had never been to Europe before and both my parents had only been to France. So we got to do um Salzburg, Vienna and Prague which were really cool and a lot different than the western part of Europe. So yeah.

Can you tell the viewers a little bit about your coaching experience and and the kids that you brought over to France? Oh my gosh. So, I had such a great opportunity to partner with a nonprofit called Just Right for Now. They’re based out of Georgia, but it is the grandfather of one of the girls that I train in Zanesville. And so, we partnered with them and we brought 10 U15 girls from the United States, seven from Zanesville, which is where I’m from, and then three from Georgia.

And they played in a U15 tournament in France in the city that I played in in Limoges. And so, that was really fun. The first day we got to do Paris and then we took um we ended up taking Vans. We missed our train. That was sad. I heard about that. Um we missed our train. It’s okay. It’s fine.

Um we ended up taking Vans to Limoges and then they played in a tournament on Saturday and Sunday and we went four and three and they learned a lot and we played against teams that had been playing together the whole year and all our kids had literally met and played together for the first time like six days before. So it was such a fun experience. We got to grow in our faith. they got to experience new cultural experiences doing Paris, we did Bordeaux and then obviously Limoges.

Um, but super super great opportunity. We’re hoping to do it again next year and maybe grow. So, yeah. Yeah, that’s such a cool opportunity and I’m sure the girls got so close like being around each other all the time. Yeah, that’s so fun.

It was so funny. one of the there were so obviously there were seven kids from Zanesville like I said but there they were all in different um age groups or like there were three freshman two eighth graders two seventh graders and so there was like a group of girls and one of the other coach was like oh my gosh are they like best friends did they know each other before this trip I’m like literally have never met before like have met twice before and so that was just kind of one of those trips where you bond um super you’re spending all your time with each other but it was really fun Crockett came um and Raina Frost, who was the grad assistant during my junior and senior year.

Jordan’s first, was it she there? Your first two years, too. Um, so we’re really excited. Hopefully, we can get Jordan on a trip next year. That would be very fun. I would totally be down. So, yeah. Welcome back to America. Like, what are you looking forward to being back?

Oh my gosh, I’ve been saying this for ages. I have like three big things outside of my family and friends and like training the kids that I really really missed while I was in Europe and my French teammates made fun of me for the first one.

So the first one is iced coffee specifically in a plastic cup and because it’s different and they put it their to-go containers in Europe are paper and I love saving the planet and being sustainable but being in a plastic cup really it really like just keeps the ice better. it doesn’t melt into the cup the the paper part.

So, I’m really excited to do that. I already got a Starbucks one day. Oops. Um, and then the second thing is a bagel. They have bagels in Europe. They’re just not the same as they are here. So, I’m really excited for just like a bagel sandwich. And Zil just got a new shop, Gabby’s Bagels. I’m hype.

And then the third one is a lot of you guys know I’m obsessed with OLIPOP. Wait. Um, and so we’re really excited. Um cuz I didn’t get I well this is kind of funny. I snuck like I didn’t sneak them. I put five OLIPOPs in my checked bag when I came home when I came back for Christmas back over to France. I put them all in my checked bag so I could have OLIPOP in Europe because they just don’t have the like healthy sodas like OLIPOP in in Europe like they do here. So I’ve been so excited.

Um and this one’s this one’s one of my favorites. I like classic grape a lot cuz when I was a kid, my mom wouldn’t let me drink caffeinated sodas. So, I would have to drink like uh the other sodas that didn’t have caffeine. So, the grape like really has a nostalgic factor to it. But, I’m super hyped um to be back.

Well, we’re actually partnering with OLIPOP. We are like I and in partnerships people like sometimes lie, but like Maddie and I drink OLIPOP at least once a day. So, this is a sick sponsor, not even sponsorship, partnership that we’re doing, partnership, um, with OLIPOP.

So, if you go to drinkolipop.com/goblue in all caps, goblue in all caps, you can get 20% off of your first order. Um, so yeah, we’re going to cheers to Maddie being back in America. If I can open my can, I might need to use my teeth. Cut this out. Oh, Jordan, what?

That’s crazy. I couldn’t get it. Okay, we’re going to cheers to Maddie being back in America. Cheers. Cheers. So glad to have you back. Oh, it’s so good. I can’t even lie. I’ve had like five OLIPOPs since I’ve been home, but this one is really good. I was telling Jordan and Doug, I texted my mom while I was in Europe, and OLIPOP came out with like a special box with like Shirley Temple and um raspberry sorbet and everything.

And I was like, “Mom, please get this box and like hide it from my dad cuz my dad will drink all the OLIPOPs.” I’m like, “Please get it and hide it from dad and save it for when I get home.” So, she was like, when we were coming back home, she’s like, “Guess what? I have your box of OLIPOPs for you.” Um, so this partnership just made a lot of sense and we’re super excited to have them.

And like we said, just healthy soda, good vibes, still like the great taste of like what you normally get, but you don’t feel as icky after in my opinion. Yeah, I agree. I I feel nice and skinny and healthy when I drink [laughter] it personally. Um so love me some OLIPOP. And so like Jordan said, we have the the website and you get 20% off your first order. We’ll put it in the description if anyone’s interested. But I mean Jordan and I are big fans, so you might as well you might as well try it out and fans of us.

Like it just makes sense. A to B to B to C. Boom. [laughter] Well, oh sorry. You go ahead. Twins. cuz look at this telepathy. Um well uh Jordan, I was just going to ask you what you’ve been up to since you’ve been home. You’ve had some fun adventures. I have. Um man, I’ve been our our family has a lakehouse, so I’ve been there a little bit uh two different times and I got to see my nephew at the lakehouse. Um so cute. It’s so fun to be an aunt. Um what else have I done?

I had a Christian athlete camp that I was around for and got to see a bunch of my friends for that. I went to a hot air balloon festival this last weekend in New Mexico on a whim. One of my friends invited me and we drove down. So that was a lot of fun.

And then actually on Wednesday of this week, I will be leaving to go to Spokane, Washington to do a 3×3 tournament where Leigha Brown is actually going to be. So I’ll be reunited with her. I’m so excited to see her. Uh there’s eight teams in the tournament and we start play on Friday. There are ways to view it.

Um, I’ll try to put that in the description. Um, but I think like on Prime Video and then some other streaming services. Yeah, I don’t really know. That’s probably like the the championship game. So, hopefully I get there, but no promises. Um, so yeah, I’m really excited to do that.

That’s throughout this weekend at this Spokane Hoop Fest. Apparently, a bunch of people go and uh there’s like a lot of games going on, not even just the the women’s three-on-three. So, Oh, cool. That is what’s going on next. I don’t know where I’m playing next year still, unfortunately. We’re praying for God that Thank you.

Um, but yeah, just living life in in summer and getting tan, having fun. Jordan’s always super tan. It’s Yeah, it is really I was tan and I lost it. It’s fine. Um, wait, Jordan, who’s on your team for the three-on-three? Do you know yet? Yes. The one people most people would know is Dara Mabrey. A lot of them are like either played in the W or got drafted or were on training camps. Correct. From what I’ve seen, obviously you and Leah, you both got drafted into the W.

One girl that was with me in Chicago was going to be there that got drafted. So, yeah, it’s a lot of I mean, either pros or uh got drafted and have some professional experience. Um, Merritt Hempe, she’s been an overseas player. She’s played 3×3 in Europe a lot.

And then I’m going to butcher the name. Okako. I don’t know her last name though, but she played at USD. So Oh, cool. Our team I I don’t really know what to expect. We have some practices on really Wednesday night and Thursday and then play Friday. During the practices, yeah, but during the play, you don’t have a coach. You’re just with yourselves. I remember hearing about that. And I’m going to my uncle’s lakehouse this weekend. And Jordan was supposed to come, but now she can’t. And I guess it’s okay. Only if you win.

If you don’t win, then you’re never invited back again. If I win, if I win, I’ll send you a Venmo uh for drinks on me because No, because there’s prize money. [laughter] Okay, deal. Fine. Deal. Some OLIPOP on me. Oh, down. Wait, that would be fun. Maybe I’ll bring my OLIPOPs to the beach with me this weekend. I know everyone would love that. Wait, that’s a really good idea, actually. I’m going to back them. I’m backing them. This is great. Everyone’s going to love me. Oh my god.

[laughter] I mean, they’re all my like they’re all my friends anyway, but now they’re going to really love me. Okay. Anyway, so we’re also other than Jordan and I catching up and filling you guys in on what we’ve been doing and sharing our new partnership with OLIPOP, we’re also going to dive into a little bit of the WNBA season. Obviously, Naz, first of all, just like clap it up for Naz. My grandpa, I got to I haven’t seen him in a long time, obviously.

So I went over there and we were chatting d catching up and he goes, “Have you seen how Naz has been playing? I’ve been watching her on TV.” So just yeah, fans everywhere and so we’re really excited for her. Um, but Jordan and I were just talking about there was the Fever and the Mercury played last night and so obviously the Fevertown team, but I’m kind of in Atlanta Dream fan now, obviously for Naz, but there were five technicals in that game.

It was crazy cuz for those of you guys who don’t know, DeWanna Bonner, who’s now on the Mercury, was with the fever last year, like basically asked to leave during the middle of the season for, you know, who knows what reason, right? There’s always a lot of things that we don’t know about and we’re not going to speculate about them, but there obviously some tensions last night um with all of that and the crowd got into it in Indiana and so um a player on the Fever, Myisha Hines-Allen, got ejected.

It was a really physical game um but a really fun game. The Fever actually started the first quarter. They were down 19 to6 and ended up winning by it was it didn’t look as close in the final score, but they were up by almost 20 um for most of the game. But um those are two teams who honestly haven’t been performing nearly as well as everyone expected them to, especially based on their previous season performances. And both those teams really returned almost everyone.

The Fever added um Monique Billings and they added Myisha Hines-Allen. along with Raven Johnson who I’ve been really impressed with as a freshman or a freshman a rookie. Um I mean I’m not surprised she played under Don Staley but Jay just talk about let’s talk about those two teams first and then we’ll probably dive into like the rest of the rankings. Um yeah.

Yeah. I mean the Fever have they’ve taken off a little bit in the past few weeks which has been fun to watch. So, I feel like they’re clicking a lot better and even in some of their postgame interviews, they’ve kind of touched on that, just working out some kinks, um, like working through injuries and stuff like that. True.

Um, but it just seems like they’re playing really well together right now and really like celebrating one another and having fun. And I think when they do that, they play at their best, as does everyone. Um, but, you know, Caitlin’s going to lead the offense at least, and and when she’s having fun and confident, uh, the rest of them kind of follow in. she’s going to find her shooters in the corners and her post players on the roles and all those things.

So, yeah, they’ve been looking good in in recent weeks. So, I’m curious to see how they can continue into All-Star break at the end of July and if they can get some more wins in a row to to carry them in. And then, yeah, Phoenix has kind of just been disappointing, I guess, is a word. Like, I think in the beginning of the year, I was really expecting them to be great.

I mean, they have Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, um, great shooter in Sami Whitcomb. Like, they have all the pieces that they need and like you said, return most people from last year. Um, but they just haven’t seemed to find it. And I don’t really know why. And it seems like their their coach and organization is trying to make changes throughout like cutting people and adding Lexi Held that they had last year.

Yeah. Yeah. Um, so it seems like they’re they’re trying to move some pieces around and figure it out. And I mean, the season just moves so fast, so it does one game after another that you can get in a hole and and lose confidence. But, um, I wouldn’t doubt if Alyssa Thomas gets that team back on track and and leads them to some more wins.

Um, I think it would be really important in these next three weeks before All-Star break to get some momentum turnurning. Completely agree. And, uh, the Fever and the Mercury actually play, I believe it’s tomorrow, um, again. So they’ve been doing a lot of those because the Fever just dropped two to Atlanta home and away where Naz played fantastic and we’ll talk about that in a second, but they’ve been doing some of these home away series which are kind of interesting in my opinion.

But um yeah, definitely keep an eye out for those two teams. They obviously as we’ve talked about have the star power, but we’ll go into who is leading the league right now um in each of the conferences and then kind of just some takeaways that Jordan have and I have seen and then in the coming weeks we’ll probably dive a little bit deeper into the W and what we expect.

Yeah. So right now Minnesota’s at the top 13 and four. The top three are all pretty close because Vegas and Atlanta have one game less than Minnesota. So, they all have four losses. Um, but yeah, Minnesota at the top of the league right now. But yeah, Maddie, any anything that stands out from you from any of those three teams?

I mean, Minnesota maybe the pickup of the draft in Olivia Miles. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. And we knew I mean Jordan, bless your soul, got to play against her [laughter] two years ago. Yeah, I did. Sorry. Um but then I just thought she really had the chance to shine at TCU um last year and we’re seeing a lot of that development and confidence continue on throughout the W. And I just feel like she’s almost a superhero in the sense like every game I feel like she gets tronger and just like takes more.

And you know what would be really interesting if Fee if Napheesa Collier comes back this season what that dynamic is going to be because Miles um is obviously having to do a lot more of the scoring than maybe initially expected with uh Fee being out but she’s doing a tremendous job of it. She’s super efficient and not only that she’s rebounding. She’s averaging a bunch of assists a game. I think it’s around five or six. It’s insane. if you guys haven’t had a chance to watch her.

And the Lyns are always going to be good at defense. Like Coach Reeve, that’s her thing. They’ve always been a solid team, but when you can add that scoring power, and they’ve obviously had Napheesa the last couple years, but now with Olivia Miles at the true point guard position, it’s really really fun to watch. I agree completely. I I don’t think I’ve anyone really expected her to be that good in the league.

Like to not even take a step back in any sense. like she’s almost better than she was in college and playing against pros, which is crazy. And I see people on on social media saying she looks like a guy out there in the sense that she is so athletic and quick and crafty that she’s doing things that like women haven’t really done yet in the league and it’s just so fun to watch.

Um, so yeah, I I recommend watching the links just to see uh how good she is as a rookie. I mean, she’s in MVP talks as a rookie, which is kind of unheard of in the W. Vegas and Atlanta, I think they’re I mean, they’re coming off great years from last year as well.

Um, Vegas, obviously, they have Asia, so it’s going to be it’s going to be a good year anytime they have her. And couple that with Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, like the best one of the best point guards ever, so they’re going to definitely make a run for the title.

And then Atlanta just is very well balanced. Rhyne Howard, uh, Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Angel, the Angel Reese pickup I thought was really good, especially with Brittney Griner going to the Connecticut Sun in the offseason and then Brionna Jones has been hurt for a lot of this season. The Angel Reese pickup has been huge for them.

Um, and then it’s just kind of fun because obviously Naz was super offensive rebound in college and still crashes the boards but isn’t on the block as much anymore. And then you have Angel Reese who’s obviously a great offensive rebounder as well.

So, I think their team flows really well together. They’re not very selfish. I don’t think they share the ball well and they just play they just play tough and you know, we know how Naz is always going to play hard. It’s going to do whatever the team needs her to do to win. And this year, they need her to shoot threes and score. And that is what she has been doing.

Well, Maddie, that’s a great segue for one of my favorite segments of all time. Naz O’Clock. What time is it? Naz O’Clock. Yeah, I love [laughter] it. She has been killing. And one thing I love about Naz is she could score two points in a game and the next game, two days later, she goes off for like 20 and 10 rebounds.

Yeah. And there’s no difference in her attitude. There’s no difference in her leadership. She’s the same. So steady, so constant. And I think that’s what makes her a great player. That’s what has kept her in the league and and grown her game. so much over the years is just how consistent she is and how hardworking she is. But I mean, I’m looking at her stats right now um from the month of June against Indiana, 19 points and six rebounds and then 17 points, four rebounds.

Um against Chicago earlier in the month, 16.6 rebounds. Um so she’s putting up some big numbers. Always going to rebound the ball. Um he’s just had a great season thus far. She’s averaging about 10 points, 9.9 and five rebounds. Um, so just great numbers from her, shooting the ball really well. Uh, cannot be happier for Naz.

No, so welld deserved. So excited for her and for her team. It’s been really cool because obviously her and Ryan were drafted. I can’t believe I think it’s been five years, which is just like crazy to me. Does not feel real. Anyway, we’re drafted together um in the draft five years ago. Wow.

Um and they the dream were not good and they were they honestly struggled for a while there and then these last two seasons for Naz um to stick it out and to to be there to help build this program up and now they’re contenders for um the championship this year. And so that’s been really fun to see the growth obviously of her personally but of of her team as well and that they’ve been able to keep the core of that team together and kind of get the pieces that they need um has been super fun to watch.

So I mean we’re telling you guys to watch basically just watch the WNBA, okay? Point blank period. It’s so fun. They is so fun. They’ve done such a um great job of getting their games on TV the last couple years. So, they’re much more accessible than they were. Um and obviously anytime you can support Naz is great, but there’s a lot of other great players.

And maybe if you’re watching you watch a Naz game, you’re like, “Oh, who’s this person on this team?” And you’ll find like a new favorite player, a second favorite player. Naz is number one, but um a second favorite player that you guys will want to follow or watch. But I would just just recommend like find a game. They’re on almost every single night.

Um, which is really fun. And yeah, just just watch some W. That is all for our update on Naz and the W in general. Um, but with Naz kind of segueing into our next segment is Worldwide Wolverines. A little update on some Wolverine alumni. So, right now, Greta Kampschroeder and Emily Kiser are playing in Australia. They’re playing in different leagues. Greta’s in NBL West, I believe, and and then Emily is in NBL North, NBL1 North.

Um, so we’ll start with Greta. She’s averaging about 13 points, um, 2.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds. Her team has been doing really well. They are third in their league. Uh, they’re 11 and4. And I talked to Greta like last week. She’s having so much fun. Will is there with her and he has been playing really well himself.

Um, so I think they just love Australia. She told me that they have iced coffee and that was like huge for her. So, I’m telling you [laughter] it it’s a big deal. It’s a big deal. It’s a big deal. We missed it over there. We did. Um and then Emily Kiser.

Well, first I’ll say Greta is playing for the Warwick Senators. There is an app, an NBL1 app. So, if you want to keep up with those two players, you can get that app. Um I know you guys sometimes ask about like how we can um keep up with them and stuff.

So, and they also have like highlight videos and sometimes games on that app, too, I believe. Um, that’s fun. So, get the NBL1 app if you want to keep up with them. And then Emily Kiser is on Rockhampton and she is killing it. She is averaging over 18 points a game, three and a half assists, and 12 and a half rebounds.

So, uh, just a casual double double. No big deal. No big deal. Um, yeah, it’s fine. but she’s in more northern Australia, so she is like in more of summer vibes and Greta is it’s like a little cooler down there, like 60s7s. And then I think Emily’s more in like the 80s, so she’s been at the beach a lot and and really enjoying what Australia has to offer.

Um, I think they’re both loving it. But they are playing really well, too, which is super fun. Really exciting. I mean, first of all, props to them for going directly basically from their European, both their Germany teams and then heading essentially straight to Australia. Like I I mean, obviously I couldn’t do that.

So, round of applause for them. Um, but it looks like they’re having a lot of fun and um obviously they’re what are they at least 12 hours ahead of us. So, it’ be hard to probably catch a game, but I like the the app shout out Jake could find you.

And then just future worldwide Wolverines, Alyssa Crockett just signed a contract with a team a little bit outside of Milan. They’re in Italy’s first league. Their team was in the second division last year and they won so they get to move up. So we’re really excited for Alyssa Crockett. She’s super excited being talked to her. Um so that’s exciting. Someone you guys can continue to watch.

And then obviously when everyone else gets signed and shares that, we’ll share that with you guys as well. So really exciting news about Leigha Brown. She’s on the Puerto Rican 3×3 national team. So, we obviously highlighted her insane season last year with the Puerto Rican team that she was on. I think I believe she’s played there for three seasons now. Definitely two. I’m pretty sure it’s three.

So, playing on their 3×3 national team. They have a couple tournaments in France, I believe. Are they playing together in Swain? Okay. So, they’ll be playing Jordan will be playing against her this weekend, which will be kind of like a fun You have to like know her moves. I’m pretty sure I’m gonna have to guard her.

So, I’m really not looking forward to [laughter] it. When I was in Puerto Rico, I had to guard her and I texted her before the game and I said, “If you hit the too little on me, I will punch you. I will punch you instantly.” I’m going to be I honestly I probably We’re all going to be too tired to even celebrate anything real. But if she hits it, I’ll be too tired to do anything. But no, no fight. I’ll be mad later.

I was like Leah because I don’t know if you guys remember at Michigan she I mean loved playing with her but she whenever she would score I can’t I’m not standing up but she would like do this but lower to the ground. Um and it was so funny like I loved she she did it to someone when we played Baylor my junior year and we were in overtime and I ran down the court and I was like it was sick.

Okay anyway but I was like if you do that to me we are no longer friends. [laughter] So, we’re really excited for Leah, obviously, Emily and Greta, Alyssa, and then continued prayers for everyone else to find their teams for next year, Jordan.

I mean, who knows what Emily and Greta are doing, but really excited to continue Worldwide Wolverines. We’ll do some more updates on Emily and Greta this summer and then continue that next season. Um, we’re going to continue to work on getting some interviews for you guys.

So, if you have anyone specific, we’ve seen a couple of the comments, but if you guys have anyone else you want, drop them in the comments. And then we’ll also continue to highlight the W and go through probably some breakdowns of the other teams or thoughts um and then maybe just highlight some plays of the week or players of the week um that we we think you guys should be paying attention to. But if you have any other content that you guys want to see, please please please drop it in the comments.

We’re so excited to be back. It was been way way way too long. [sighs and gasps] Well, that was a great outro, Maddie. I guess we will see you next week on the next episode of Nolan and Hobbs. As always, go blue. Go blue. If you like this kind of content, please like, share, follow, and subscribe. And as always, go blue!]