Jason Kidd (Dallas) and Joe Mazzulla (Boston) are about to add their names to a select list. They will follow in the footsteps of the 1975 NBA Finals clash between KC Jones (Washington) and Al Attles (Golden State), and the 2017 NBA Finals where Mike Brown (interim-Golden State) and Tyronn Lue (Cleveland) met. This is a rare occurrence that underscores the historical significance of the moment.

BLACK HEAD COACHES IN THE NBA FINALS

• 2024: Jason Kidd (Dallas) vs. Joe Mazzulla (Boston)
• 2017: Mike Brown (Golden State) vs. Tyronn Lue (Cleveland)
• 1975: Al Attles (Golden State) vs. K.C. Jones (Washington)

Golden State has won two NBA titles under black head coaches.

2024 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: JASON KIDD vs. JOE MAZZULLA

The Mavericks are on the verge of their second championship, needing just four wins. In 2011, they triumphed over the Miami Heat in the Finals. Jason Kidd, currently the head coach, served as Dallas’ point guard back then, while Dirk Nowitzki, playing as power forward, was crucial in their championship quest.

The Celtics are pursuing their 18th NBA title in the storied club’s history since their last championship in 2008. Another NBA Finals victory will eclipse the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA world championships.

On Thursday in Boston, Mazzulla will be on the bench for his second game. Last year, he helped head coach Ime Udoka in the NBA Finals. However, they lost the series 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors.

1975 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: K.C JONES vs. AL ATTLES

Jones versus Attles was the “first championship game or series in any of the major U.S. professional sports leagues to feature two black head coaches or managers.”  Also, if my memory recalls correctly, Attles – North Carolina A&T – is the first head coach from an HBCU to win an NBA title.

Attles bested Jones as the Warriors defeated the Bullets, 4-0, as Rick Barry won the 1975 NBA Finals MVP Trophy.   The future Hall of Famers a part of the series were Jamaal Wilkes, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, K.C. Jones (player and coach), and Al Attles (coach).

2017 NBA FINALS BLACK HEAD COACHES: MIKE BROWN vs. TYRONN LUE

During the NBA Finals, a pivotal moment in the Warriors’ journey, Mike Brown stepped up as the interim head coach. With Steve Kerr sidelined due to severe back pain, Brown took charge and led the team to a perfect 12-0 record in the 2016-17 NBA playoffs. His strategic decisions and ability to rally the team were instrumental in their ultimate victory, winning the NBA championship in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A LOOK AT THE NBA’S BLACK HEAD COACHES

In 2022, there were some unexpected dismissals of black head coaches. For example, Milwaukee let go of their first-year head coach Adrian Griffin mid-season. Despite a strong performance with a 30-13 win-loss record, which placed them second in the Eastern Conference, Griffin was released after just 43 games.

Subsequently, the Buck hired Doc Rivers but failed to reach the conference finals. Cleveland terminated J.B. Bickerstaff after he won 99 regular-season games in his final two seasons. More puzzling is that Bickerstaff had 170 wins in five seasons and guided the Cavaliers to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The 2023 Racial and Gender Report Card (RGRC), gave the NBA an A+ rating for its racial hiring practices with a score of 96.5. In the 2022-23 season, NBA officials recorded that 70.4% of the players were black and 82.5% were people of color. White players were 17.5% of the league that season. Also, only five black chief executive officers and presidents for NBA teams existed in 2022-23: Cynthia Marshall (Dallas), Fred Whitfield (Charlotte)), James Jones (Phoenix), Masai Ujiri (Toronto), and Koby Altman (Cleveland).

Hopefully, the trend of black coaches competing one-on-one for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy will continue. The two occurrences since the 1975 K.C. Jones-Al Attles meeting slightly suggest the NBA has a positive outlook for black head coaches and most men who look like them in the league.

LSU’s recent graduate, Angel Reese, showcased her potential with another solid performance in her second game. The rookie forward was one rebound away from her first double-double as a professional in 25 minutes of game action. Reese registered 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in the win.

This Chicago Sky team is gonna be something special. Teresa Weatherspoon brings the energy & passion

And how great is it that Angel Reese has the respect of vets just two games in? Love seeing the relationship between her and T-Spoon #SkyTown #WNBA pic.twitter.com/Ip5wXMKsjR

— Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) May 19, 2024

No. 3-draft pick Kamilla Cardoso is nursing a shoulder injury and should be ready to join the team in a few weeks.  Her return could potentially bring a significant boost to the team’s performance, adding depth and strength to the roster.

The Mystics announced moving its game with the Chicago Sky to Capital One Arena.

Angel Reese/Kamilla Cardoso effect: Mystics move their June 6 home game against the Chicago Sky from their home building, the Entertainment and Sports Arena (capacity 4,200), to Capital One Arena (capacity 20,000): pic.twitter.com/UPeJlpNpNZ

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) May 14, 2024

The Sky will play Indiana and Caitlin Clark for an NBA TV broadcast on Saturday, June 1.

Allow us to introduce to you…
𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐲!#skytown pic.twitter.com/kpCNV8Dd5y

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 13, 2024

CHICAGO SKY 2024 FULL BROADCAST SCHEDULE  

*CC = Commissioner’s Cup Games  

The game between Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx was thrilling, showcasing the exciting new connection between Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Their debut surely didn’t disappoint their rookie head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon.  

“They came from great programs,” Weatherspoon said in her postgame interview. “They’re winners. They’re champions. They’re competitors. They compete. So, this is just a learning process for them. We’ve got leaders on this team that’s going to bring them along, and bring them along well. And that’s what matters. We play with and for each other.”

Reese was a starter in the preseason opener. The ‘Chi-Town Barbie’ played 24 minutes and contributed 13 points, nine rebounds (4 Defensive, 5 Offensive), a pair of steals, and one block as the Sky fell 92-81 to the Lynx. Also, she forced several fouls and went 9 of 10 from the free-throw line. Unfortunately, Reese had five personal fouls and two turnovers.

Angel Reese’s offensive rebound & putback.

: @heyheyitsalli #WNBA #SkyTown@Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/goNS9GbYSI

— SUMMER (@SummerDC_) May 4, 2024

“She just got her feet wet,” Weatherspoon responded to a question about Reese’s foul trouble. “There’s nothing to be worried about, nothing at all. You’re talking about a freaking competitor. We’re going to be fine. We’re going to look at film. We’re going to get better. She loved every minute of this. Trust me.”

Kamilla Cardoso came off the bench and played for 13 minutes in her first outing. The center went 3 of 5 from the field, scoring six points, grabbing four rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and a steal.

Unfortunately, the WNBA had a major flub last night. Due to an omission and opportunity to cash in, fans were left searching beyond the Fever-Wings game for the Sky-Lynx showdown with Reese and Cardoso. Many were able to watch a stream on X from @heyheyitsalli’s account.

The game, which streamed up to 300K viewers at one point and now has over 1.7M views, was a missed opportunity for the league. By having it on League Pass, the WNBA could have capitalized on the potential earnings from these two new burgeoning stars and dynamic duo.

Angel Reese to Kamilla Cardoso in their WNBA preseason debuts

(via @chicagosky) pic.twitter.com/Aw7uX6V3uj

— espnW (@espnW) May 4, 2024

“The Lynx-Sky game was moved from Sat to Fri causing issues for Bally Sports who already committed to broadcasting the Twins game,” according to Rob Knox.

In what can be described as Caitlin Clark’s coming out party, the NCAA scoring champion made a significant impact.  She scored 21 points, grabbed three rebounds, and had a pair of assists and steals.  However, the downside was her committing five turnovers, which played a role in the Fever’s 79-76 loss to the Wings.

With the arrival of new talents like Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has a wealth of star power for this season. It will be up to the league’s brass to understand how to capitalize on these new arrivals instead of focusing solely on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever games.  

Despite past struggles with viewership and fan engagement, the league’s diverse talent pool promises an exciting future but must learn to convert into financial windfalls.

She accepted on Thursday, Apr. 25 and on the following Monday, athletic director Mike Hill formally introduced her as the new head coach at a press conference.

“Charlotte got a great hire in Tomekia Reed,” Dawn Staley commented.  “She is going to be a great advocate for her student-athletes. She is a great basketball mind and uniter of the community. Being this close to Charlotte, I will be paying close attention to her success.”

This means EVERYTHING!!! Two people that I have GREAT respect for. Thank you @dawnstaley and @UConnWBB Geno!!! I greatly appreciate what you do for the game and how you uplift coaches like myself advocating for change and opportunities. https://t.co/1maYmw6JKI

— Coach Tomekia Reed (@CoachTReed) May 3, 2024

Reed has already made her mark with the announcement of landing former Texas A&M guard Kay Kay Green. This strategic recruitment not only strengthens the team’s roster but also demonstrates Reed’s ability to attract top talent to UNC Charlotte.  

UConn’s Geno Auriemma expressed, “I’m so excited that Tomekia Reed has been named the head coach at Charlotte. After coaching against her team, I came away super impressed with how hard they work and how disciplined they are. Congrats to Coach Reed and to Charlotte for reaching out of the box and getting a terrific coach.”   

Auriemma’s words echoed his sentiments about Coach Reed in his postgame interview after UConn defeated Jackson State: “They certainly don’t get on TV enough, and they certainly don’t get enough recognition, and I wanted to let her know that and put myself out there for her. I think we need coaches like her to be celebrated.”

Coach Geno Auriemma’s comments on Coach Reed and JSU. @HBCULegends @GoJSUTigersWBB pic.twitter.com/DokLl7rTlH

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) March 23, 2024

Reed posted humbling words about the commentary from the two coaching legends. “This means EVERYTHING!!! Two people that I have GREAT respect for. Thank you Dawn Staley and Geno!!! I greatly appreciate what you do for the game and how you uplift coaches like myself advocating for change and opportunities.

Geno Auriemma said about Jackson State, “I’m really impressed by them, and they are exceptionally well coached.”

ALSO READ: HUGE DISPARITY BETWEEN HBCUs AND POWER CONFERENCE TEAMS

VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9t5jxUmRC8

Tomekia Reed is headed to @CharlotteWBB as the next women’s basketball head coach. @CoachTReed @hbculegends pic.twitter.com/2XvUUIELJ6

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 25, 2024

The Charlotte Business Journal reported in 2023 that former UNC Charlotte coach Cara Consuegra earned $269,100.00 annually. She was the second-highest-paid coach in the UNC Charlotte athletic department. When she began her tenure with the 49ers, Consuegra earned a base salary of $165,000 per year plus incentives. Thus, at this point, Reed’s base salary should be approximately at or over the $200K range.

Reed was underpaid at Jackson State University. It needs to be clarified whether the school or Reed was the one who didn’t agree to an extended contract.

Coach Reed’s Farewell… pic.twitter.com/cxvbL8y7OA

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 26, 2024

Nevertheless, Reed is now the 49ers’ new leader and has an opportunity to write a new chapter for her career. She will work with a program with more resources and better facilities and is connected with a passionate fanbase in one of the country’s best regions for basketball.

Although many would have appreciated Reed to remain with an HBCU, would it have made sense for her at this stage in the career she’s built?  Charlotte’s athletic director, Mike Hill, knows how to raise funds for the athletic department.  Consider the fact Hill ran a campaign to raise $100 million for the new Jerry Richardson football stadium and facilities.  

Coach Reed’s departure from the HBCU sports landscape should be applauded. The dynamo coach is blazing a trail for the coaches who will follow in her pioneering footsteps. She may not be the first HBCU coach to leave and become a success at the next level—i.e., C. Vivian Stringer—but, knowing Tomekia Reed’s heart, she’ll make sure she’s not the last.

A four-star recruit, Hayden (5-11, 215 pounds) was considered the 24th-best running back by college recruiting analysts in 2022.  He played two seasons with the Buckeyes, rushing 130 times for 663 yards and six touchdowns.  Two players to join him with Colorado are defensive tackle Rayyan Buell and offensive tackle Payton Kirkland.

BREAKING: Ohio State RB transfer Dallan Hayden has committed to Colorado, he tells @SWiltfong_https://t.co/BShIARmmlP pic.twitter.com/8GDCfyEc0Y

— On3 (@On3sports) April 22, 2024

Deion Sanders and his team have seen several prominent players hit the NCAA transfer portal this spring.  Josh Newberg said, “Colorado is going to Binge and Purge.”   He may have a point, as Coach Prime’s recruiting efforts aren’t to be in vain, landing three recruiting commitments from this weekend.

Upon departing the program, Cormani McClain had the Buffaloes in his crosshairs, saying he was to “be a part of a real and great program.  I don’t wanna play for clicks.” On3 also reports that McClain has “USF, UCF, and Memphis” interested in his talent.  One recruiting tactic to land McCain is to offer him a role similar to Travis Hunter – playing offense and defense.   

Another transfer for the Buffs is defensive end J.J. Hawkins, who also decided to go portal surfing.

Colorado defensive lineman J.J. Hawkins has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.

The former Ole Miss transfer played in 10 games in 2023, starting in one against Oregon State. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/K7vgzytdhQ

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 22, 2024

Colorado’s starting quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, posted on social media, “If you’re not a player here, that means you’re not good enough.”  Some have considered it a challenge and other kids must be convinced it’s worth playing for the Pro Football Hall of Famer in Boulder. 

Nonetheless, the thirst for drama and suspense in playing for Deion Sanders will only be quenched once the Buffaloes contend for the national championship.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter are not just highly-touted, they are potential Heisman Trophy candidates for the upcoming 2024 regular season.  Their stellar performances led by Deion Sanders have sparked speculation that both athletes will choose to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.  If they do, their exceptional talent will undoubtedly attract the attention of professional teams.

However, Coach Prime told Bean why the rumor was unfounded and did not come from him.

“I have more than six owners that are friends.  I have more than six GMs that are friends.  You got to understand, I played 14 [seasons], and I worked another 17, I believe, in the NFL Network and CBS.  I know a lot of people.  Come on.  So I would I would never do that?  Before, I would disclose, if I was that stupid, I wouldn’t disclose the teams I would want them to play for.  I would disclose the several that I wouldn’t.  That’s stupid.  That’s stupidity.  I would never do that.”

In 2023, Shedeur Sanders passed for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions for a 151.7 quarterback rating.  His impressive collegiate career stats include two seasons at Jackson State University.  Sanders has completed 914 of 1,331 passes for 10,219 yards, 97 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, averaging 2271.03 total yards of offense, with a passer efficiency rating of 154.66.  Shedeur is also dangerous on the ground, rushing for 1,102 yards and 13 scores.

Hunter plays in the Buffaloes’ secondary and is effective as a wide receiver. On offense, he has 75 receptions for 909 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions.     When he flips the script, he has five career interceptions, fifteen passes defended, a pick-six, and one fumble recovery in 17 games.

Deion Sanders believes the tandem of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter has the talent to be selected in the first round, and many pundits agree.

After her impressive rookie coaching campaign, Harding received the 2024 NBA G League Coach of the Year honors voted by her fellow head coaches and league general managers.

The Kings lost 114-107 to the Oklahoma City Blue in the Western Conference Finals on Apr. 7.

If the Charlotte Hornets decide to bring Lindsey Harding on board, she will make history as the first woman and black female head coach in the National Basketball League.

Harding, 39, was recruited to Duke University after a highly successful high school career with Cy-Fair High School in the greater Houston area. After four years with the Blue Devils, the Phoenix Mercury selected her as the first overall draft pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.

Her professional playing career spanned from 2007 to 2017 in the WNBA and Europe. Harding officially hung up her basketball shoes after nine seasons and six teams in the league. She averaged 9.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 270 games during her WNBA career.

The retired veteran accepted the head coach position with the South Sudanese Women’s national basketball team in 2021. Harding was named the head coach for Mexico’s national women’s basketball squad the following year. On June 20, 2023, the Stockton Kings named her the team’s new head coach.

Here’s the comparison of TV viewership numbers between women’s and men’s title games announced by Roberts: 

• The women’s title game between South Carolina and Iowa attracted an average of 18.7 million viewers.
• During Connecticut’s back-to-back national championship campaign, the men’s title game averaged less at 14.8 million.

There’s a massive disparity in television rights revenue by gender:

• The NCAA Women’s Tournament earned $6.5 million for its television rights with ESPN.
• The NCAA Men’s Tournament’s television rights with CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV generated a significantly higher revenue of $873 million.
• The percentage difference in revenue highlights a disparity of 99%, according to Rachel Bachman.

The new eight-year, $920 million contract with ESPN, agreed upon in January, could potentially usher in a transformative era for women’s basketball.

Ralph D. Russo predicts that the deal, which grants the network exclusive rights to “40 championships, including the Division I women’s basketball tournament,” could be a game-changer. NCAA president Charlie Baker estimates that an “impressive 57% of the value of the deal — or $65 million annually — is tied to the women’s March Madness tournament.”