NCAA launching pilot program to grow women’s basketball

The NCAA has launched a new Division I initiative to raise awareness of womens basketball and enhance attendance at games.

“The program also will seek out the creativity of college basketball marketers throughout the country.”

The NCAA is on top of things. I’ve long advocated this approach for the WNBA. I’m glad the NCAA is doing their part to grow the game.

College team news:

New players could mean a return to an old style for Kentucky.

The Wildcats have the tools to replace what they lost last year.

High-scoring Ohio State is making defense a top priority this season.

Two tiny teammates have joined the Cal Bears.

Cal State Bakersfield is looking for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Oklahoma is beginning practices with a commitment to defense.

Athletic complex updates are a game-changer for Siena.

College player news:

Kelsey Mitchell reflects on her USA Basketball experience over the summer.

Senior Emily Durr has stepped into a leadership role for Iowa State.

How Kansas sophomore Kylee Kopatich found and embraced her own leadership role.

Alabama gave walk-on Taylor Berry a scholarship.

College coach news:

Interview with Western Kentucky coach Michelle Clark-Heard.

First-year New Mexico coach Brooke Atkinson looks to build on the team’s recent success.

Boise State’s Connie Thorngren was a mentor and friend.

College recruiting news:

Aquira DeCosta and Honesty Scott-Grayson both verballed to Baylor today. DeCosta is No. 4 in the 2018 class and Scott-Grayson is the No. 2-ranked guard.

WNBA player news:

Brionna Jones and Emma Cannon were denied entry to Turkey this week after a fallout between that country and the U.S.

Former WNBA player news:

Becky Hammon continues to blaze an impressive trail in the NBA coaching ranks.

Oklahoma will retire Courtney Paris’ jersey Nov. 10.

International news:

ESPN and FIBA have announced a multiyear agreement that includes the right to distribute events across ESPN’s platforms through September 2021.