Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops

🏀 SEC Women's Basketball is BACK! The 2026–27 college basketball season is officially underway, and opening day delivered big performances, surprising storylines, and plenty of questions!

Welcome to The Weekly Chalkboard, your weekly SEC women's basketball recap from Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops! Each week, we're going beyond the scores to break down the biggest games, standout players, and developing storylines across all 16 SEC programs.

🔥 In this episode:

🏀 South Carolina vs. Maryland: The Gamecocks opened their season in Paris with a win, but 17 turnovers and Maryland's second-half comeback raise questions about offensive leadership and ball security.

The 2026–27 SEC Women's Basketball season is almost here, and it's time to make some BOLD preseason predictions! 🏀

The SEC Media Poll and Coaches Poll have been released, but do they have the conference rankings right? In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, Mal breaks down both preseason polls, shares her own SEC Women's Basketball rankings from 1–16, and explains which teams she believes are being overrated or underrated heading into the season.

Is South Carolina in a league of its own? Can Vanderbilt finish SECOND in the SEC? And is Texas really a lock for the...

🏀 Texas vs. UConn Exhibition Recap | 3 Biggest Takeaways from the Longhorns' 83–61 Loss

Texas and UConn were tied at halftime, but the Huskies took control in the second half to secure an 83–61 exhibition victory. So what did we learn about the Longhorns heading into the 2026–27 women's college basketball season?

In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, Mal breaks down the Texas vs. UConn exhibition, highlighting the Longhorns' promising first half, their third-quarter struggles, standout individual performances, and what head coaches Vic Schaefer and Geno Auriemma had to say after the game.

🔥 In This Episode:

🏀 SEC Women's Basketball Media Days 2026 — Day 2 Recap!

What did we learn from Day 2 of SEC Women's Basketball Media Days? 

Eight more SEC teams took the stage, and we're breaking down the 5 biggest takeaways and 8 questions heading into the 2026–27 college basketball season!

In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, Mal recaps the biggest storylines from Florida, Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Georgia.

From major roster changes and new coac...

🏀 SEC Women's Basketball Media Days 2026 is officially underway!

Day 1 of SEC Tipoff brought plenty of interesting storylines, offensive changes, major questions, and expectations for the upcoming 2026–27 women's college basketball season!

In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, Mal breaks down her 5 biggest takeaways from SEC Media Days Day 1, featuring LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

Rather than simply recapping what coaches and players said, we're digging into what their comments actually mean for the upcoming season.

🔥 What stood out from SEC Media Days?

🏀 N...

🏀 SEC Women's Basketball Media Days 2026 are HERE!
Who's attending, when will your favorite team take the stage, and what are the biggest questions heading into the 2026–27 women's college basketball season?

In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, Mal breaks down the SEC Basketball Media Days schedule for October 13–14 in Birmingham, Alabama, including all 16 SEC women's basketball programs, their head coaches, attending players, and scheduled appearance times.

From Dawn Staley and South Carolina to Kim Mulkey and LSU, Vic Schaefer and Texas, Shea Ralph and Vanderbilt, and the SEC's newest head coaches, there's plenty...

🏀 The SEC heavyweights are stepping into the spotlight!

In the FINAL episode of the First Test series, I’m breaking down the first major challenges facing four of the SEC’s biggest women’s basketball contenders: Vanderbilt, LSU, Texas, and South Carolina.

These early-season matchups could give us our first real look at whether these teams are ready to live up to the expectations surrounding them.

🔥 FIRST TEST MATCHUPS:
⚓ Vanderbilt vs. Iowa — MAJOR TEST
🐯 LSU vs. NC State — MAJOR TEST
🤘 Texas vs. UConn — NATIONAL TEST
🐔 South Carolina vs. Maryland — MAJOR TEST

For Vande...

🏀 The First Test Series continues with the SEC Contenders!

In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women’s Hoops, I’m breaking down the first major non-conference tests for six SEC women’s basketball teams: Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.

These early matchups could tell us a lot about which teams are ready to make a move in the SEC this season.

🔥 FIRST TEST MATCHUPS:
🏀 Mississippi State vs. Indiana & TCU — Major Test
🏀 Texas A&M vs. California — Legit Test
🏀 Ole Miss vs. Ohio State — National Test
🏀 Tennes...

The 2026-27 women’s college basketball season is almost here, and it’s time to find out when the schedule gets REAL.

Welcome to the FIRST TEST series on Chalk Talk South: Women’s Hoops! 🏀 In this series, I’m breaking down the first matchup on every SEC team’s schedule that could give us a real look at who they are heading into conference play.

We’re starting with the SEC Risers: Arkansas, Auburn, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

For each team, I’m breaking down:
🏀 The game I’m circling
🔍 Why the matchup...

Kentucky women’s basketball star Clara Strack joins Chalk Talk South: Women’s Hoops to talk about the Wildcats, her growth as one of the top post players in the country, and what’s ahead for Kentucky in the 2026–27 women’s college basketball season.

Coming off a standout season in which she averaged nearly 17 points and 10 rebounds per game while recording 91 blocks, Strack has established herself as one of the premier players in the SEC. In this conversation, Clara discusses how her game has evolved beyond the traditional post position, the confidence she’s developed under head coach Kenny...

Former Vanderbilt standout Dee Davis joins Chalk Talk South! 🏀

Dee Davis is one of the most accomplished point guards in Vanderbilt women’s basketball history, finishing her career as the program’s all-time assists leader, a two-time First Team All-SEC selection, and a WNBA Draft pick.

In this episode, Dee takes us back to her Vanderbilt days, sharing memories from her playing career, competing in the SEC, and what made those Commodore teams so special. We also talk about Vanderbilt women’s basketball today and get her perspective as a former player and alum on the direc...

South Carolina women's basketball is loaded heading into the 2026-27 season — but are the Gamecocks the team to beat in the SEC and the country?

In this South Carolina scouting report, we take a closer look at Dawn Staley's roster, including superstar Joyce Edwards, potential X-factor Agot Makeer, Tessa Johnson, Ashlyn Watkins, Chloe Kitts and one of the most talented freshman classes in the country.

We break down South Carolina's strengths, biggest questions, ceiling, floor and my bold prediction for the Gamecocks heading into the 2026-27 women's college basketball season.

And there's one fr...

Two-time NCAA champion and former Tennessee Lady Vol Alberta “Bird” Auguste joins Chalk Talk South: Women’s Hoops for a conversation that Lady Vol fans won’t want to miss! 🧡🏀

Bird takes us behind the scenes of her time playing for legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, including what it was really like inside the Tennessee Lady Vols program and what it took to win back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008.

We talk about Bird’s journey from junior college to Tennessee, adjusting from being a star scorer to embracing her role on a championship team, and what it was like...

Texas Women’s Basketball is coming off a 35-4 season and a trip to the Final Four — but can the Longhorns reload after losing several key pieces?

In this Texas Women’s Basketball scouting report, we break down everything you need to know about the Longhorns heading into the 2026-27 season, including major roster losses, transfer portal additions, the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, returning players, X-factors, and the biggest questions facing Vic Schaefer’s team.

Texas finished 35-4 overall and 13-3 in SEC play last season, earning a No. 1 seed and advancing to the National S...

Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball is coming off its best season yet under head coach Shea Ralph — but can the Commodores do it again in 2026-27?

In this Vanderbilt scouting report, we break down everything you need to know about the Commodores heading into the new season, including key losses, transfer portal additions, incoming freshmen, returning stars, and the biggest questions facing this team.

Vanderbilt finished 29-5 overall and 13-3 in SEC play last season, earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. With Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan returning, Madi...

LSU SEC Scouting Report | 2026 Women’s Basketball Preview

What should we expect from the LSU Tigers in the 2026 women’s basketball season? In this LSU SEC scouting report, we break down Kim Mulkey, LSU’s roster, key losses, returning players, transfer portal additions, freshmen, strengths, weaknesses, and what could make the Tigers a contender in the SEC.

After finishing 29-6 and reaching the Sweet 16 last season, LSU enters another highly competitive SEC campaign with high expectations. We’ll take a closer look at the Tigers’ identity, personnel, offensive and defensive strengths, and the biggest questions surroundin...

Oklahoma SEC Scouting Report | 2026 Women’s Basketball Preview

What can we expect from the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2026 women’s basketball season? In this SEC scouting report, we break down Oklahoma’s roster, key losses, transfer portal additions, returning players, coaching, strengths, weaknesses, and what could make this team a contender in the SEC.

After a 26-8 season and a Sweet 16 appearance, Oklahoma enters another challenging SEC campaign with plenty to prove. We’ll take a closer look at the Sooners’ personnel, offensive and defensive identity, and the biggest questions surrounding the team heading into the season...

Kentucky Women's Basketball Scouting Report | 2026-27 SEC Season Preview | Kenny Brooks' Wildcats

What can we expect from Kentucky women's basketball in Year 3 under head coach Kenny Brooks? In this scouting report, I break down the Wildcats heading into the 2026-27 SEC season and take a closer look at what could make Kentucky a team to watch in the conference.

In this video, we'll cover:
* Kenny Brooks entering his third season at Kentucky
* Key returning players and team leaders
* Important transfer portal additions and departures
* Newcomers and players to watch
* Kentucky's...

Alabama Women's Basketball Scouting Report | 2026-27 SEC Season Preview | New Era Under Pauline Love

A new chapter begins for Alabama women's basketball. In this scouting report, I break down what to expect from the Crimson Tide as Pauline Love takes over as head coach and leads Alabama into the 2026-27 SEC season.

In this video, we'll discuss:
* Alabama's new coaching staff and system
* Returning players expected to make an impact
* Key transfer portal additions and departures
* Incoming freshmen to know
* Biggest strengths and question marks
* Where Alabama could finish...

Can Georgia women's basketball build on last season's NCAA Tournament appearance? In this scouting report, I break down everything you need to know about the Bulldogs heading into the 2026-27 season.

We'll cover:
* Georgia's biggest returning players
* Key transfer portal additions and departures
* Freshmen to watch
* Strengths and potential concerns
* How Georgia stacks up in the SEC
* My bold prediction for the Bulldogs this season

If you're looking for in-depth SEC women's basketball analysis, preseason predictions, and scouting reports for every team in the conference, you're in the right...

Aubrey Galvan made an immediate impact in the SEC, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors after an outstanding debut season with Vanderbilt Women's Basketball. In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, Aubrey joins the show to talk about her basketball journey, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the SEC, and what she learned during her first collegiate season.

We also discuss her recruiting process, why Vanderbilt felt like the right fit, playing under head coach Shea Ralph, the culture being built in Nashville, and the goals she has for herself and the Commodores...

Missouri Women's Basketball is entering a new era under second-year head coach Kellie Harper.

In this SEC Women's Basketball Scouting Report, I break down everything you need to know about the Tigers heading into the 2026-27 season.

In this episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, we'll cover:
🏀 A recap of Missouri's 2025-26 season
🏀 Kellie Harper's first year leading the Tigers
🏀 Key transfer portal additions and incoming freshmen
🏀 The impact of Grace Slaughter and Missouri's returning core
🏀 X-factors that could shape the season
🏀 Missouri's biggest question marks, including turnovers and rebounding

🎙️ Vanderbilt Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee | Building a Championship Culture in College Athletics

What does it take to lead one of the fastest-rising athletic departments in the country? In this special episode of Chalk Talk South: Women's Hoops, I sit down with Vanderbilt Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee to discuss leadership, building championship programs, and the incredible growth of women's sports.

Dr. Lee shares her journey from Vanderbilt student-athlete to Athletic Director, the vision behind Vanderbilt's athletic success, what makes the Commodores unique in today's colle...

Texas A&M Women's Basketball enters the 2026-27 season with something many programs don't have in today's college basketball landscape - continuity.

In this SEC Women's Basketball scouting report, I break down why Joni Taylor and the Aggies could be one of the most improved teams in the conference. We discuss the impact of returning nine players, key transfer portal additions like Kailyn Gilbert and Essence Cody, the incoming freshman class, biggest question marks, X-factors, ceiling vs. floor, and my bold prediction for Texas A&M this season.

🏀 In this episode:

2025-26 season rec...

Arkansas is entering one of the most important seasons in recent program history.

In this episode of Chalk Talk South, we're breaking down the 2026-27 Arkansas Razorbacks Women's Basketball team heading into Year 2 under head coach Kelsi Musick. After finishing 12-20 overall and 1-15 in SEC play last season, the Razorbacks completely reshaped their roster with 12 newcomers, including seven transfers and four talented freshmen.

We'll discuss:
🏀 Year 2 expectations for Kelsi Musick
🏀 Arkansas' biggest offseason roster changes
🏀 Key transfer portal additions and impact freshmen
🏀 X-factors that could determine the season
🏀 Biggest question marks...

Ever wondered who is behind Chalk Talk South? In this special episode, the microphone gets turned around as my best friend interviews me about my journey from lifelong Vanderbilt Women's Basketball fan to covering the best conference in women's college basketball.

We talk about where my love for the game began, what it was like attending Vanderbilt basketball camps as a kid, and how a passion for SEC Women's Basketball grew into a podcast dedicated to telling the stories behind the game. I also open up about overcoming imposter syndrome, starting a podcast, interviewing coaches and athletes...

Welcome to another SEC Women's Basketball Scouting Report! In this episode of Chalk Talk South, we're breaking down the Auburn Tigers heading into the 2026-27 season.

🏀 In this scouting report, we cover:

- Auburn's 2025-26 season recap
- Head coach Larry Vickers and his vision for the program
- Key roster departures
- Impact transfer portal additions
- Returning players to watch
- Freshmen who could make an immediate impact
- Biggest strengths, concerns, and expectations for the Tigers this season

Can Auburn take a step forward in...

Florida women's basketball enters the 2026 season facing major questions after a difficult SEC campaign. Can the Gators take a step forward, or will they remain near the bottom of one of the toughest conferences in the country?

In this Florida Women's Basketball SEC Scouting Report, I break down the Gators' roster, key returning players, offseason additions, biggest strengths, biggest concerns, and realistic expectations for the season ahead. We'll also discuss Florida's ceiling, floor, and where they could finish in the SEC standings.

Will Florida exceed expectations and become a surprise team in the conference, or...

How are today's athletes handling the increasing pressures of college sports?

In this episode, I sit down with sports psychologist Latrice Lewis to discuss the mental health challenges facing athletes in today's rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.

We explore the impact of NIL, the transfer portal, social media pressure, performance expectations, athlete identity, trauma, resilience, and the growing importance of mental performance training. Latrice shares insights on how athletes can manage stress, build confidence, overcome setbacks, and maintain their well-being while competing at a high level.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent...

UCLA head coach Cori Close recently shared some thought-provoking comments on Women's Sports Now about the growing impact of the transfer portal and NIL on college basketball recruiting. As someone who spent 15 seasons building UCLA into a national championship program, Close offers a unique perspective on how roster construction is changing across women's college basketball.

In this video, I break down Close's comparison between recruiting high school freshmen and recruiting players out of the transfer portal. We discuss why coaches increasingly view transfers as a safer investment, how NIL and the portal are affecting opportunities...

In this episode, we break down the outlook for Mississippi State Bulldogs women's basketball heading into SEC play and why this team could become one of the biggest surprises in the conference. From roster strengths and key returners to potential concerns and postseason ceiling, this is a full SEC scouting report on Mississippi State women’s basketball for the 2026 season.

We discuss:

Mississippi State’s biggest strengths
Key players to watch
SEC matchups that could define the season
Offensive and defensive outlook
NCAA Tournament expectations
Ceiling and floor for the Bull...

How good can Ole Miss Rebels women's basketball be next season after an aggressive transfer portal offseason? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about Coach Yo and the Rebels heading into the new SEC women’s basketball season. From how Ole Miss finished last year to the key departures, portal additions, returning talent, X-factors, biggest question marks, realistic ceiling and floor, and one bold prediction — this is a full deep dive into the future of Ole Miss women’s basketball.

We discuss how the transfer portal could shape the Rebels’ identity, whether the new...

In this episode, I’m joined by Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, former Vanderbilt and Texas women’s basketball standout and current member of the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA.

We talk about Ndjakalenga’s basketball journey from South Dakota to the SEC, what it was like playing for Coach Shea Ralph at Vanderbilt, helping lead the Commodores to a historic Sweet 16 season, and how SEC basketball prepared her for the WNBA. 

Ndjakalenga also shares insight into life at the professional level, staying ready for opportunities, and what she’s learned during her time with...

On this episode of The Chalk Talk Podcast, I sit down with Torri James to talk about her journey from high school basketball to playing Division I basketball at Western Kentucky University. We dive into the realities of the transfer portal, NIL opportunities in women’s college basketball, player development, recruiting, team culture, and what it takes to compete at the next level.

Torri also shares insight on facing SEC competition, adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball, and her goals moving forward with Western Kentucky Lady Toppers.

If you love women’s coll...

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball are one of the biggest question marks in the SEC heading into the new season… so what should we expect?

In this episode of Chalk Talk, we break down everything you need to know about Tennessee women’s basketball — from last season’s inconsistencies to a complete roster rebuild through the transfer portal.

After finishing 16–14 and exiting early in both the SEC and NCAA tournaments, the Lady Vols are turning the page under Kim Caldwell with a brand-new identity focused on pace, spacing, and high-level competition.

We dive into:

Part 2 of my SEC transfer portal breakdown is here. In this video, I take a look at the rest of the conference and analyze how each team is building through the portal so far. From key additions to under-the-radar pickups, there’s a lot to unpack as rosters start to take shape for the upcoming women’s college basketball season.

If you missed Part 1, make sure to check that out for a full look at the SEC.

Which SEC team do you think is making the best moves in the portal right now?

Florida women’s basketball just made one of the biggest transfer portal moves in women’s college basketball by landing elite guard Kiyomi McMiller — but the real story goes far beyond the stats.

In this video, we break down Kiyomi McMiller’s transfer to the Florida Gators, her long-standing relationship with new head coach Tammi Reiss, and why this SEC transfer portal addition could completely reshape Florida’s future. From her dominant scoring numbers at Penn State to the full-circle recruiting story that began when she was just 10 years old, this is one of the most fasci...

The SEC transfer portal race is heating up—and some teams are already pulling ahead. In this video, we break down which programs are winning the SEC portal right now, which ones are making smart moves, and how it’s shaping the upcoming women’s college basketball season.

From impact transfers to roster strategy, this is your go-to update on SEC women’s basketball portal news, team trends, and early winners.

If you’re following the transfer portal, recruiting, or the future of SEC hoops, this is one you do...

Alabama women’s basketball just made a major move by hiring Pauline Love as its new head coach—and this changes everything in Tuscaloosa. In this mini episode, we break down who Pauline Love is, from her upbringing and playing career to her rise in coaching and reputation as a culture builder and recruiter. We also dive into what she’s done in the transfer portal and why she’s the right fit for this next era of Alabama WBB.

If you follow SEC women’s basketball, coaching hires, or the transfer portal, this is everything you need to kn...

Georgia didn’t just hire a coach—they hired a program builder. In this episode of Chalk Talk South, we break down why Ayla Guzzardo could be a game-changer for Georgia Women’s Basketball. From her dominant junior college run to turning Southeastern Louisiana into a conference champion and flipping McNeese into a 29-win team, her track record speaks for itself.

We dive into Georgia’s massive roster turnover, key transfer portal additions, and how Guzzardo’s ability to develop players could reshape the Bulldogs faster than expected. If you care about SEC women’s basketball, the transfer por...