Ep. 187 - NBA: Playoff Trends & Awards Debate, W NBA Preview, NCAA Live Period‪!‬ In The Paint Show

On Episode 187 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana go hard on the NBA playoffs and the fast-approaching 2024 WNBA season. The ITP crew also touches on the high line themes of the upcoming NCAA live period (May 17-19) and if high school players will ever again be en vogue to college recruiters?
First, Ani and Chelsea give their first take reactions to the NBA playoffs? Is experience the difference and the style of play in the post-season making all the difference in the world?
There is a big difference between regular season statistical output and winning and losing in the playoffs, but what does that say about NBA Award-Winners? Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get robbed of NBA MVP? Is he going to have to earn one with sustained excellence? Did voter fatigue keep The Joker from winning it last season and it turn keep SGA from winning it this time around? Did Rudy Gobert deserve NBA Defensive Player of the Year? Who are the league's best on-ball defenders and do they deserve more recognition? The ITP Crew breaks it down!
Did Jamal Murray's non-suspension change the tide of the NBA playoffs?
As the WNBA season tips off, we reference Ep. 115 with special guest Kelsey Bone about the W coming of age and hitting the big-time. Is this the moment? Is what transpired over the last 3 months women's basketball Bird and Magic moment? Ron and Ani put Chelsea on the hot seat as the 2024 season tips. Will the Las Vegas Aces be the champs once again? Who will be league MVP? Who will be most improved player? Which team will take the biggest leap? Who will win Rookie of the Year? Chelsea breaks it all down!
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are breaking barriers and knocking down doors in terms of their popularity and legitimizing the W as a first-rate league. Will the public embrace those two over the long haul for their accomplishments, or are they more folk hero and sex symbol?
The ITP Crew closes this episode with a quick breakdown of the upcoming NCAA live period. Will collecge recruiters embrace high school recruits once again after the elongated eligibility of COVID era players is up? Or will transfer portal regulations be the change that does it? Can Duke's incoming recruiting class, led by 2024 Mr. Basketball USA Cooper Flagg, make noise in next year's NCAA Tourney?
The ITP Crew goes in-depth on a variety of relevant topics in this week's pod, so make sure to tune in to Episode 187 from start to finish! Also make sure to check out our ITP Overtime shorts for more info, insight and behind the scenes stories!

(0:00) - Intro
(1:11) - NBA Playoffs & Draft Lottery: 1st Reactions!
(5:19) - NBA Awards: Controversy & Breakdown!
(12:44) - Defensive POY: What's Its Purpose?
(18:33) - Who Is Just a Great On-Ball Defender?
(25:59) - Jamal Murray Non-Suspension: Game-Changer!
(28:03) - WNBA Preview: 1st Reaction To Change Coming!
(31:33) - Reference To Ep. 115: Is This a Bird-Magic Moment?
(37:25) - ITP Hot Take: WNBA Predictions!
(47:48) - Will Public Embrace Players' Role As Sex Symbols?
(53:06) - Charter Flights: Why Now?
(55:16) - Live Period (5/17-5/19) What To Expect!
(59:34) - 2027 Class: Will Colleges Seek HS Players Again?
(1:04:09) - Will Duke's Recruiting Class Make NCAA Noise?
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