Episode XIV: Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman - a podcast by wheretheyat

The 14th edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the most prolific basketball players (male or female) ever, Nancy Lieberman. Nancy is still the youngest American basketball player in Olympic history, playing on the 1976 USA Olympic team at 18 years old. She went on to augment the Old Dominion Univ. women's basketball program and become one of the greatest players in the history of the WBL (Women's Professional Basketball League), while competing against men in the NBA (National Basketball Association) Summer Leagues, USBL (United States Basketball League) and on the Washington Generals (regular opponent to the Harlem Globetrotters). She was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and played in the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) at ages 39 AND 50. She has coached in NBA, it's developmental league (now called the G-League) and currently coaches Team Power in the BIG 3. Nancy is now doing remarkable work through her Nancy Lieberman Charities foundation (www.nancyliebermancharities.org). Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Nancy on a myriad of topics including:                       

02:13: On her foundation providing hot meals to the first responders in Dallas, Texas.                          

04:12: Her work with other celebrities and athletes, via the Stand Together organization, raising millions of dollars for people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.                         

08:20: On getting her son, T.J. Cline playing basketball in an urban setting.                            

11:47: Harlem and Rucker Park inspired Nancy as a basketball player and overall person.                          

18:49: Reminisces on her mentor Muhammad Ali and his everlasting influence.                           

22:02: On taking on the challenge to play basketball with a struggling program in Old Dominion University, leading a complete metamorphosis.                             

28:55: On David Stern sharing his idea of the WNBA back in 1984.                              

30:55: Reflects on playing in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL).                    

34:56: On being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.                            

39:14: On the diligent work of her foundation and the importance of helping people.                           

42:25: Getting the opportunity to coach in the D-League and NBA as well as her approach towards coaching.                             

50:17: On Kobe Bryant's overwhelming support for women in basketball and his tremendous respect for Nancy's impact on the game.                                 

58:15: Her impression of former Univ. of Oregon and future WNBA star & Kobe mentee, Sabrina Ionescu.                                

1:00:31: On the continuous overall growth and exposure of the WNBA.                                 

1:03:55: Nancy's thoughts on the NBA possibly having teams in only a couple of sites to play out the season.                                 

1:06:02: On LeBron James' longevity and greatness.                           

1:10:01: A candid and funny message that late, great coach Pat Summitt that shared with Nancy.                                 

1:12:46: FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Nancy.                                     

1:19:17: The inspiration for Nancy to become a recent subject for ESPN's The Magazine's Body Issue.                               

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com             

 

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