In a league often dominated by high-profile rookies and media darlings, Kate Martin emerged as a surprising standout in the WNBA Rookie Class of 2024. Despite not receiving high scores or garnering focused attention from the media leading up to her debut, Martin defied expectations and captured the spotlight with her stellar performance on the court.
Prior to her debut, Martin flew under the radar, overshadowed by more hyped rookies and established stars making their mark in the league. With limited media coverage and attention, she entered the WNBA with modest expectations, quietly preparing to prove her worth through her actions on the court.
However, when the moment arrived for Martin to step onto the hardwood and showcase her skills, she seized the opportunity with unwavering confidence and determination. In her debut game, Martin displayed a level of poise and maturity beyond her years, earning praise from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
While other rookies may have garnered more attention leading up to the season, Martin’s performance on the court spoke volumes, solidifying her status as a rising star in the league. Her ability to shine under pressure and deliver when it mattered most set her apart from her peers, earning her the respect and admiration of those within the basketball community.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Martin as she continues to make her mark in the WNBA. While her journey may have started quietly, her debut performance has thrust her into the spotlight, cementing her place as one of the brightest prospects in the league’s rookie class.
In the end, Kate Martin’s journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the potential for hidden gems to emerge when least expected. Her debut may not have been heralded with fanfare, but her impact on the court speaks volumes, proving that sometimes, the brightest stars shine in the most unexpected places.
Hot news:
“Correct” attitude of a star!!! Nika Muhl “Greets” Fans After Winning First WNBA Game. You will love her even more after watching this video!!!
Nika Muhl Visits Fans After Winning First WNBA Game | Seattle Storm.
Watch the video here:
Former UConn women’s basketball star Diana Taurasi had high praise for Nika Mühl, the latest Husky to join the ranks of the WNBA
Mühl’s first WNBA preseason appearance came against Taurasi as the Seattle Storm faced the Phoenix this week.
Following the game, there was a postgame video of Mühl talking to Christyn Williams and Taurasi. Mühl was knocked over by Taurasi under the basket during the game.
“You were pushing me all over the court!” Mühl said to Taurasi.
“I was waiting for you,” Taurasi replied.
On a WNBA media Zoom call Thursday, Taurasi was asked about welcoming new UConn alumni into the league.
“Yeah, I’ve been a fan of Nika since she got the school,” Taurasi said. “I mean, she plays with that, that grit. She has that Eastern Bloc mindset, which nothing is given to them and I just love the way she works and she’s gonna have a hell of a career, because she loves the game, because she’s selfless. She plays for the team. It’s always nice to have a fellow Husky around. We’ve gone through the same experiences with Coach (Geno Auriemma), so I’m just happy for her.”
The Zagreb, Croatia native missed the Storm’s exhibition opener against the Los Angeles Sparks in Edmonton due to issues with her student visa.
Mühl is the backup point guard to starter Skylar Diggins-Smith and subbed in for Diggins-Smith twice in the preseason game against Phoenix. She finished the game with six points, three defensive rebounds and two assists in the Storm’s 85-59 win over the Mercury at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
Angel Reese chose Reebok instead of Nike in the advertising contract, the shocking reason was revealed, surprising everyone
In October 2023, Angel Reese signed a multi-year endorsement NIL deal with Reebok, making her the brand’s first new basketball athlete with Shaq as president of their basketball division.
An X video that surfaced on May 3 showed Reese explaining the three reasons why she chose Reebok instead of Nike, who she “could have signed easily with.”
“So many different shoe companies wanted to work with me,” Reese said in the video, per X user @dadeasskickz. “But I chose Reebok. What was it about Reebok? One, they didn’t have a women’s basketball player [as] a face. So I wanted to be that.
“Two, Shaq. You know my relationship with Shaq,” Reese added.
“And three, I like how they’re rebranding everything and they’re letting me be the creator behind everything I want to do. So I’m having my own shoe line coming out, merch with my name on it. … Y’all like what I wear, y’all like how I dress, y’all like my style. So I wanted to incorporate that into Reebok.”
Reese also said that she, “will have my own [signature] shoe [with Reebok] in maybe like two years.”
The Chicago Sky forward ended the video by saying, “I wanted to be a priority. I could have signed with Nike. I would have signed with Jordan. But like, everybody is doing that. Y’all know I don’t like doing what everybody do. I like to do the complete opposite.
“I’m bringing Reebok back,” Reese concluded with a sip of water.
Shaq & Angel Reese’s Business Relationship
Shaq was announced as the new president of Reebok’s basketball division on October 12, 2023. His first order of business was signing Reese.
“For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT,” Shaq said per Boardroom. “There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese.”
“I am honored to be working closely with one of my longtime mentors, Shaq, along with a brand that I have admired since I was just a little kid,” Reese said, per Boardroom’s Nick DePaula. “It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation.”
“Angel has this unique mix of unapologetic swagger and style combined with off-the-charts athleticism,” said Reebok CEO Todd Krinsky. “Her individuality and personal irreverence are helping transform college sports and inspiring an entire generation.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Angel and look forward to further imprinting our presence on sports culture, together.”
At Least Nike Has Caitlin Clark
Although Nike missed out on signing Reese, they did land the only other rookie who can compete with the “Chi-Barbie”, in terms of star power.
According to an April 17 article from The Athletic, Caitlin Clark signed a $28 million contract that spans eight years and includes a signature shoe.
Clark was reported by CBS Sports to have turned down deals from both Adidas and Under Armour, in favor of Nike.
Reebok was never reported to be speaking with Clark, regarding a potential shoe deal. They had already found their face of women’s basketball.
