After two years at Duke, Oluchi Okananwa is in the middle of a new chapter at Maryland—one defined by growth, opportunity and a bigger role. 

A viral moment with head Coach Brenda Frese during the NCAA Tournament gave fans a glimpse into the competitive intensity that Okananwa brings to the game. 

In this Q&A interview with The Lead’s Jarrett Spence, the Maryland star opens up about her journey, development, and what is ahead as she continues to create her story. 

Playing for Maryland

Jarrett Spence: What was going through your mind in that viral moment with Coach Frese?

Oluchi Okananwa: In that moment, I was just locked in. It wasn’t really about anything outside of the game. I’m competitive, and I care deeply about winning. Coach Frese was pushing me, and I was responding, and that’s what you want as a player. Looking back, I think people saw the passion in it, but for me, it was just a real, in-the-moment exchange between a coach and a player who both want the same thing.

JS: How would you describe your relationship with Coach Frese, and how do you like to be coached?

OO: My relationship with Coach Frese is built on trust and honesty. She’s going to tell me exactly what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear—and I respect that. I like being coached to a high standard. I don’t want it sugarcoated. If you see something I can do better, tell me, because I know it’s coming from a place of wanting me to grow.

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JS: What have been the biggest adjustments from Duke to Maryland and stepping into a starting role?

OO: The biggest adjustment has been embracing responsibility. At Maryland, I’m being counted on in a different way, whether that’s leadership, consistency, or production. I’ve had to grow mentally just as much as physically, understanding the game at a deeper level, staying poised, and being someone my teammates can rely on every night.

Reflecting on the Moments

JS: Was there a moment where everything clicked for you?

OO: I wouldn’t say it was one single moment—it’s been a buildup. But there were definitely games and practices where I started to feel like, ‘okay, I’m understanding this new system I’m in and that confidence came from preparation and from trusting the work I’ve been putting in for years.

JS: What has been the toughest moment in your journey and how you got through it?

OO: One of the toughest parts has been navigating change—transferring, adjusting to new environments, and proving myself all over again. What got me through it was my faith, my support system, and just staying grounded in who I am. I reminded myself why I started and kept pushing forward. Christ placed me at Maryland for a reason and I rely on His own understanding not my own so I placed all anxiety and fear at His feet.

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Interest Outside of Basketball

JS: Away from basketball, what do you enjoy most?

OO: I love fashion and creative expression—that’s a big part of who I am outside of basketball. Whether it’s styling, content, or just putting together outfits, it’s something that lets me show a different side of myself. It’s also something I’m building into a bigger platform with ‘Styling with Luchi.’ Styling with Luchi is an epitome of my love for playing dress up and bringing others on that journey with me. I feel like fashion and clothing is such an earnest peak into someone’s mind and their personality. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family binge watching movies all day!

Motivation

JS: What does it mean to be someone young girls can look up to?

OO: It means everything to me and I don’t take that responsibility lightly at all. Being someone young girls can look up to is about more than just what you do on the court or what people see on social media. It’s about how you carry yourself every day, especially when no one’s watching. I want young girls to see that you can be confident, expressive, and still be disciplined and focused. You don’t have to shrink yourself or fit into one box to be successful. Be bold in your personality, creative in your style, and still locked in on your goals. Embrace every part of who you are.

My faith plays a huge role in that too. My relationship with God keeps me grounded and reminds me that my purpose is bigger than just basketball or achievements. It’s about serving others, leading with love, and walking in integrity. I want young girls to know that you can chase big dreams and still stay rooted in your faith—that you don’t have to compromise your values to succeed.

Next Steps for Oluchi Okananwa

JS:Who were your favorite players growing up, and what stood out about them?

OO: Growing up, I really watched Arike Ogunbowale, especially during her time at Notre Dame. Seeing what she did in 2018 with those back-to-back game winners on the biggest stage—that really stuck with me.

What stood out wasn’t just her skill, but her confidence and how fearless she was in big moments. She embraced the pressure and played with a presence that you could feel.

JS: Did you picture yourself in the WNBA? What would it mean?

OO: Definitely. That’s been a dream of mine for a long time. Reaching the WNBA would mean everything, not just for me, but for my family and everyone who’s supported me. It would be a reflection of all the work, sacrifice, and belief it took to get there.

JS: If someone were telling your story, what’s one thing they must get right?

OO: If someone were telling my story, the one thing they have to get right is that I never lost who I am. Everything I do is rooted in my relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s what keeps me grounded, especially in a world where there’s a lot of pressure, attention, and expectations.

Basketball can change, opportunities can come and go but my faith is constant. It reminds me that I’m playing for something bigger than myself, and that my identity isn’t in stats, wins, or recognition. I try to carry myself in a way that reflects that—how I treat people, how I handle adversity, and how I stay disciplined in what I’ve been called to do. I’m not perfect, but I stay anchored in Him, and that’s what’s guided me through every stage of my journey. That’s the real story. 

The post Oluchi Okananwa, Inside the Mind of the Maryland Star appeared first on The Lead.

Texas women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer is going to have to reload his roster.

After making their second consecutive run to the Final Four, Texas is losing a handful of key players to the transfer portal. Three people with direct access to the transfer portal confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday that Jordan Lee, Aaliyah Crump, Justice Carlton and Aaliyah Moore are in the transfer portal.

Lee and Carlton were regular starters for the Longhorns, which won the SEC Tournament title this season for the first time in program history. Crump was sixth on the team in minutes played this season, while Moore — who missed this season with a knee injury — is a former All-Big 12 selection who averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 90 games for the Longhorns.

Coupled with the fact that Rori Harmon, Kyla Oldacre and Teya Sidberry have exhausted their eligibility and are set to graduate, Texas is losing six of its top eight players from its Final Four squad.

Three-time All-American Madison Booker and junior starting forward Breya Cunningham are still expected to return, but Schaefer has holes to fill around them.

Lee is perhaps the loss that stings the most for the Longhorns. Widely viewed as the glue of the team, she was named to the All-Region team in Fort Worth 3 in this year’s NCAA Tournament for her performances in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, where she piled up 22 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals while also providing strong defense. A sophomore, Lee averaged 13.2 points, 2.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from the floor, 34% from 3-point land and 75% from the free throw line.

Carlton — a sophomore who was selected to the All-SEC Tournament Team — averaged 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4% from 3-point range. A freshman, Crump averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

Texas is bringing a strong recruiting class, headlined by Addison Bjorn and Brihanna Crittendon, who are both ranked inside ESPN’s top 10 for the 2026 class. Bjorn was the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and helped Team USA win the U19 World Cup last summer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Glue player Jordan Lee headlines wave of Texas departures to transfer portal

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma has delivered another apology for his heated exchange with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley at the end of Friday's Final Four game in Phoenix.

Auriemma and Staley's tense back-and-forth dominated the game itself, and the UConn coach apologized for what happened on Saturday without directly mentioning Staley's name.

On Tuesday evening, Auriemma changed his approach and said he apologized to Staley directly for his conduct in the two's fiery exchange right at the end of South Carolina's win.

"I've lost more games in the Final Four than any coach in history," Auriemma wrote. "But Friday I lost something more important. I lost myself."

Statement from Head Coach Geno Auriemma pic.twitter.com/Ocrc2nF2UP

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) April 8, 2026

Along with Staley's Tuesday statement about her conversation with Auriemma, it sounds like both sides are ready to put this incident behind them. However, we know the next UConn-South Carolina game will be must-watch TV.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Geno Auriemma gives new apology to Dawn Staley after Final Four tiff

There's nothing fun about blowouts in championship games. It was especially bitter seeing South Carolina get stomped by UCLA yesterday knowing how much Geno Auriemma must've enjoyed it.

Who knew that guy was such a hater?

Well, now we know. The UConn legend exposed himself as such after his team lost to South Carolina in the semifinals Friday, and he threw the biggest tantrum a 72-year-old has ever thrown. Crying over imagined handshake snubs, ripped jerseys and spilled milk.

Actually, he didn't imagine the milk spill. That did happen. In the form of an upset loss by the previously undefeated Huskies. Which sent Auriemma into the tirade aimed at Dawn Staley.

We get it, Geno. You don't lose much. But get a hold of yourself, man.

STALE APOLOGY:Geno apologized without mentioning Dawn

You know who else doesn't lose much? Dawn Staley. Yet, even after getting destroyed in the title game for a second straight year, she gave UCLA head coach Cori Close a tight embrace and showered her with praise. Take notes, Geno.

"I'm always happy for people who've worked hard in this game, who are really quality people. I want good things to happen for them," Staley said. "And Cori is one of those people who really works at making our game better. Not just UCLA but our entire game. She's always speaking out and uplifting our game in so many areas. It's hard to continue to do that while maintaining the job that you have to do every day, but she finds the time. So, although we didn't win, I can swallow it because we lost to a really good human being and a good team that represents women's basketball well."

That's how it's done.

The Giannis vs. Bucks situation is getting weird

The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo are engaged in a unique dispute we don't often see in the NBA, and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

According to ESPN's Shams Charaina, Antetokounmpo said he wants to play but the team won't medically clear him. The Bucks, however, claimed Antetokounmpo doesn't actually want to play and declined an opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages as part of his return protocol.

Somebody is lying. The NBA is investigating to find out who.

Both Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have told league investigators different stories: Milwaukee informed the NBA that it doesn't believe Giannis is ready and actually wants to play; Giannis informed the NBA he wants to play but the team will not medically clear him, sources said. https://t.co/XAYU72V8Dx

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 4, 2026

The Bucks have a lot to gain by Antetokounmpo sitting, with lottery odds on the line, but who knows what's actually happening here.

What I do know is this might be too much for the sides to come back from. After previous rumors of Antetokounmpo wanting out of Milwaukee, this offseason might finally be the right time for a split.

Quick hits: Artemis II photo ... ceremonial 1st sip ... and more

• Artemis II mission commander Reid Wiseman shared a jaw-dropping photo of Earth from space.
• Tired: A ceremonial first pitch. Wired: A ceremonial first sip, like this 21-year-old Nationals fan took to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the team's first game.
• Nikola Jokic's rainbow shot to ice the Spurs in OT left Victor Wembanyama in absolute shock.
• Dan Hurley poked fun at his ref head-butting incident after fans booed him at the Final Four.

This was For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dawn Staley showed Geno Auriemma how to lose with class

The transfer portal for women’s college basketball opens Monday, April 6.

This is a change from last season, when the portal opened for 30 days after the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The transfer window is also shorter this year, open for 15 days.

As coaches predicted, moving and shortening the window will neither stop players from announcing their intentions to enter the portal, nor stop their agents from communicating with teams.

"I have several transfers on my team now, but I'm also going to lose six seniors," UCLA coach Cori Close said. "We're going to be very proactive in the transfer portal. We're probably going to sign five transfers."

Last season saw several stars of women’s basketball transfer. Olivia Miles went from Notre Dame to TCU, MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina to LSU, Ta’Niya Latson from South Carolina to Florida State and Cotie McMahon from Ohio State to Ole Miss. 

USA TODAY Sports will rank the best players in the portal as they announce their intentions to transfer. Here are the top 20 players who have entered the portal. Click for the top 40.

1. Audi Crooks, Iowa State

A two-time All-American and three-time All-Big 12 selection, Crooks is easily the most talented scorer in the portal so far. She led the nation in scoring this season with 25.8 points per game and also averaged 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Despite her individual accomplishments, Crooks never played in the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with Iowa State.

2. Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee

The 6-foot guard from South Carolina has one year of eligibility left after spending two seasons with Kim Caldwell’s Lady Vols. Cooper led Tennessee in scoring this season with 16.1 points per game and shot a career-best 34.3% from 3-point land. She’s a two-time All-SEC selection.

3. Jada Williams, Iowa State

Williams has one year of eligibility left after spending two seasons at Arizona and this past year at Iowa State. With the Cyclones, she ranked third nationally in assists per game with 7.7 and also posted 15.3 points per game.

4. Addy Brown, Iowa State

The versatile junior forward will spend her senior season elsewhere after three years with the Cyclones. A two-time All-Big 12 selection, Brown averages 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 36.7% from 3-point land for her career.

5. Zam Jones, NC State

The sophomore guard was promoted to a starting role this season at NC State. A volume shooter, she showed the ability to score in bunches for the Wolfpack against marquee opponents, dropping 30 points in a first-round NCAA Tournament win over Tennessee and scoring 26 points in a road overtime loss at Oklahoma.

6. Kiyomi McMiller, Penn State

A Jordan Brand and McDonald’s All-American as a high school prospect, McMiller will play for her third school in as many seasons after spending her sophomore campaign with the Nittany Lions. She was 12th nationally in scoring this year with 21.6 points per game. The 5-foot-8 guard began her career at Rutgers.

7. Madison St. Rose, Princeton

A two-time All-Ivy selection, St. Rose has one year of eligibility remaining after averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in her final season at Princeton.

8. Lanie Grant, North Carolina

One of the youngest sophomores in the country, Grant reclassified to join the Tar Heels a year early. She’s with Team USA at the youth level, was 2024 Virginia High School Player of the Year and an ESPN top 100 recruit. Grant emerged as a starter for the Tar Heels this season and averaged 10.8 points and 2.3 assists per game. She shot 41.9% from 3-point land, which ranked 21st nationally.

9. Taryn Barbot, Charleston

The junior guard led the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance this season and scored 36 points against Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium in a first-round loss. She ranked 17th nationally in scoring this season with 20.1 points per game. Barbot was twice named CAA Player of the Year.

10. Achol Akot, Oklahoma State

The 6-foot-1 Canadian forward was third in scoring and first in rebounding for the Cowgirls this season with 12.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Her 63.3% shooting clip from the floor ranked sixth nationally and she was ninth in points per scoring attempt with a mark of 1.31.

11. Filipa Barros, Cal Baptist

The MVP of the WAC Tournament, Barros was the bus driver for the Lancers as they made the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history. The 5-foot-9 redshirt junior guard from Portugal was the only player in the nation to average at least 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting better than 40% from 3-point land.

12. Naomi White, Northern Arizona

The Big Sky Rookie of the Year, White led the conference in scoring with 20.8 points per game, which also ranked 15th nationally. She also led the Big Sky in minutes played and 3-point shooting at a 36.5% clip.

13. Jadyn Wooten, Oklahoma State

The sophomore guard averaged 12.8 points and 5.4 assists per game off the bench for the Cowgirls this season. She ranked 10th nationally in assists per 40 minutes with 7.7. Wooten made the All-Big 12 Freshman Team last season.

14. Shannon Dowell, Missouri

A former All-Missouri Valley Conference selection at Illinois State and averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Tigers this season.

15. Milan Brown, Wake Forest

An All-ACC freshman team selection, Brown — a native of Baltimore — did a little bit of everything for the Demon Deacons, averaging 9.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.1% from 3-point land. She’s a published author and scored more than 2,000 points in high school.

16. Vanessa Harris, Rhode Island

The 5-foot-10 guard from Maryland was voted the Sixth Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10 after averaging 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game as a freshman.

17. Sophie Burrows, Syracuse

The 6-foot-2 guard from Australia has one year of eligibility left after spending three seasons with the Orange. Burrows shot 39% from 3-point land last season as a sophomore and this year averaged 11.1 points per game.

18. Amari Whiting, Oklahoma State

The 5-foot-10 junior guard from Idaho will transfer for the second time in her collegiate career after averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Cowgirls this season. Whiting previously played two seasons at BYU and shoots 40% from the floor for her career.

19. Solé Williams, Florida State

The 5-foot-9 guard from Ohio averaged 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game from the Seminoles.

20. Jaylah Lampley, Mississippi State

Ranked as the 37th recruit by ESPN in the 2025 class, Lampley averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs this season. She shot 50% from the floor and 37% from 3-point land.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking best players in women's college basketball transfer portal

PHOENIX ― UCLA star Lauren Betts appeared to be having a tough time against the South Carolina Gamecocks in Sunday's title matchup at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Betts scored four points and grabbed three rebounds early, but was fairly quiet after that. Eventually, the UCLA center motioned to the bench and checked out of the game with 2:14 remaining in the first quarter.

REQUIRED READING: UCLA vs South Carolina in women's national championship: Highlights, score

Betts immediately went to the bench and began talking with a trainer as she coughed into a towel and motioned toward her throat. The center remained on the bench for the remainder of the first quarter.

Here's what to know of UCLA's star center:

Lauren Betts injury update

Betts was not on the floor to open the second quarter and was seen motioning to her throat, coughing, on the Bruins bench. She was also taking deep breaths and breathing into an inhaler.

UCLA star Lauren Betts was taken out in the 1st quarter of the National Championship after telling the bench that she had something stuck in her throat.

UCLA staff gave her an inhaler and examined Betts until she returned to the game in the 2nd quarter 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DARePwbygf

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 5, 2026

Betts returned to play at the 8:41 mark of the second quarter, finishing the half with six points on 3-of-6 shooting and seven rebounds.

Speaking to ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe at halftime, Betts said she felt like she had something stuck in her throat, suggesting it may have been the dry Phoenix air.

"I think it's really dry out in here Phoenix, it felt like I had something stuck in there," Betts told Rowe. "But it's good. I'm all good."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lauren Betts injury update: UCLA C returns after throat issue vs South Carolina

PHOENIX — And then there were two.

The South Carolina women's basketball team will face UCLA for the women's national title Sunday, April 5 at Mortgage Matchup Center (3:30 p.m., ET, ABC).

The Gamecocks ended UConn's 54-game winning streak to advance on Friday, April 3. The Bruins defeated Texas in a defensive struggle in the other semifinal.

Lauren Betts leads UCLA, averaging 17.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 blocks. Kiki Rice adds 15.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

South Carolina has a balanced offensive attack with five players averaging double figure scoring including Joyce Edwards, Ta'Niya Latson, Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson and Raven Johnson.

South Carolina vs UCLA: NCAA Championship date, start time

The South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins and will face off Sunday, April 5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT)
• Date: Sunday, April 5
• Location: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix)

How to watch South Carolina vs UCLA: TV channel, streaming

South Carolina vs. UCLA will air live on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET on April 5, with streaming options on Fubo and ESPN Unlimited.

• TV channel: ABC
• Streaming: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UCLA vs South Carolina in women's national championship: Time, TV