One of the reasons for Napheesa Collier’s success in the WNBA is attributed to her husband Alex Bazzell. He has been a strong supporter of her career, in addition to being her trainer. Collier once recounted their workout routines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharing her experience in a piece for The Players’ Tribune in 2020, Collier discussed her preparations for the WNBA season amidst the pandemic. She felt fortunate to have a partner who is a respected trainer for numerous basketball players, both male and female.
“I wake up, have breakfast, and usually head to a nearby church with Alex for a basketball workout,” Collier wrote. “Alex often trains players there, so we have access to a church with a gym, and currently, we’re the only ones allowed in. After a workout, we return home for an at-home session. The rest of the day is usually spent watching Netflix or reading something.”
Although working out in a church gym during the pandemic was unusual, it was a reflection of the times. Compliance with guidelines meant making do with available resources.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Napheesa Collier was getting ready for her second WNBA season. She was living with her then-boyfriend Alex Bazzell, who helped her prepare for the bubble.
Bazzell has trained several prominent figures in basketball, such as Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving, Trae Young, Candice Parker, and Sabrina Ionescu. He also had workout sessions with Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi before their tragic passing in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Napheesa Collier excited for Unrivaled’s inaugural season
With more WNBA players signing with overseas teams in the off-season, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart founded Unrivaled in 2023. This 3-on-3 basketball league offers players an option to compete domestically instead of abroad.
Within just a year, Unrivaled garnered significant investments and support. The league is set to kick off its first season on Jan. 17 in Miami, Florida, with TNT and TruTV broadcasting the games.
Expressing her anticipation for the league’s debut season in an interview with Reader’s Digest, Collier emphasized the excitement surrounding Unrivaled’s upcoming launch.
“As an entrepreneur and athlete, I’m incredibly excited for Unrivaled,” Collier said. “It’s been years in the making, and I’m just thrilled. People might not fully grasp what it’s going to offer. Everyone is eager and curious about it, but they only know part of the story.”
The Unrivaled roster comprises 36 players divided into six teams. Collier will be part of the Lunar Owls BC team under the coaching of DJ Sackman. Alex Bazzell serves as the league’s president.
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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee
