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As is the case when the calendar flips to March, basketball across the globe and at various levels has turned up a notch with postseason basketball here or nearing in nearly every league worldwide.
From college basketball concluding conference playoff and nearing the NCAA Tournament, to the Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited leagues approaching the postseason or having the season conclude, to leagues overseas gearing up for playoff action as the regular seasons wind down.
Basketball in March is just different. And it’s been awfully entertaining as the offseason rolls along.
For the Minnesota Lynx, they have 15 Minnesota Lynx players who are under team control playing or have played in either the United States or overseas. Those players include Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Alissa Pili, Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, Dorka Juhász, Diamond Miller, Maïa Hirsch, Jessica Shepard, Marième Badiane, Grace Berger, Kiara Leslie and newcomer Camryn Taylor.
Let’s dive into this new edition of the Lynx Offseason Update looking back on how the Lynx have performed over the past week!
Napheesa Collier — Lunar Owls (United States)
Collier has shined all Unrivaled season long, dominating both offensively and on the glass. Now at the end of the regular season, Collier has continued to lead Unrivaled in scoring while sitting as the frontrunner to win league MVP.
Collier and Lunar Owls took the court in two games over the past week, with Collier once again doing it all for her squad. Collier dominated in the first game with a 33-point double-double, putting together a balanced outing in the second contest while hitting the game-winning shot for Lunar Owls.
Season Stats:
13 games — 25.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 18.8 MPG
Recent Games:
March 3 vs. Phantom (92-79 win): 33 points (14-22 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks over 21 minutes
March 7 vs. Rose (66-56 win): 16 points (7-16 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, three steals, two assists and one block over 22 minutes
Kayla McBride — Laces (United States)
McBride has been a walking bucket all season long in Unrivaled as she has led the Laces while still sitting second among players in scoring behind only Napheesa Collier.
Over the past week, McBride and Laces took the court in a trio of contests, with the guard once again leading her squad from three and concluding with two 20-point performances out of the three outings.
Season Stats:
13 games — 22.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 19.6 MPG
Recent Games:
March 3 vs. Rose (58-53 loss): 20 points (8-19 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block over 26 minutes
March 7 vs. Phantom (73-59 win): 25 points (9-19 FG, 5-13 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five assists, four rebounds and one block over 17 minutes
March 8 vs. Mist (76-69 win): 17 points (6-14 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds and one assist over 15 minutes
Courtney Williams — Lunar Owls (United States)
As we have seen with the Lynx in the WNBA, Williams has been the spark plug and energy generator for Lunar Owls so far in Unrivaled, distributing the ball well while also being able to help her squad with her shot when needed.
Over the past week, Williams and the Lunar Owls played in two contests, both victories. Williams had a bit of a quiet performance in the first outing, but responded with a double-digit scoring total in the second game, her third game in double figures over her last four contests.
Season Stats:
13 games — 9.4 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.8 RPG, 0.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 9.6 MPG
Recent Games:
March 3 vs. Phantom (92-79 win): two points (1-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four assists and two rebounds over 10 minutes
March 7 vs. Rose (66-56 win): 12 points (6-10 FG), five rebounds, four assists and one steal over 12 minutes
Natisha Hiedeman — Phantom (United States)
After starting the Unrivaled season with Phantom and then Laces, Hiedeman has shifted back to Phantom to rejoin the squad she began the year with.
Over the past week, Hiedeman and Phantom took the court in three games, falling in the first two but bouncing back in the finale. Hiedeman put on a show in the first game, setting a season high in scoring with a 20-point performance. Over the final two contests, she had quiet outings while finishing in single digits.
Season Stats:
12 games — 7.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 9.8 MPG
Recent Games:
March 3 vs. Lunar Owls (92-79 loss): 20 points (7-11 FG, 6-7 3Pt), four rebounds and three assists over 13 minutes
March 7 vs. Laces (73-59 loss): five points (2-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt), four rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes
March 8 vs. Vinyl (80-74 win): two points (1-6 FG, 0-3 3Pt), four assists, three rebounds and one block over nine minutes
Alissa Pili — Team Harris (United States)
Pili got back on the court this offseason while taking part in Athletes Unlimited, completing the four-week schedule last week while ending the year appearing in all 12 contests.
Pili rounded out the season with a nice showing, concluding the year with just over 12 points per game and shooting 43.2 percent from the field.
Season Stats:
12 games — 12.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 28.1 MPG
Recent Games:
March 1 vs. Team Sims (100-97 win): 14 points (6-15 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist over 35 minutes
March 2 vs. Team Bradford (84-78 loss): seven points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and one rebound over 23 minutes
Bridget Carleton — ÇBK Mersin (Turkey)
Now, with Carleton playing with ÇBK Mersin in Turkey after starting the offseason with UNI Györ in Hungary, Carleton has continued to put together a strong offseason thus far.
Over the past week, Carleton didn’t take part in any contests with ÇBK Mersin, though her squad did beat Bodrum 103-43 on March 7. ÇBK Mersin returns to the court March 18 for the start of the Turkish Cup.
Season Stats:
With ÇBK Mersin:
Turkey-KBSL: 8 games — 10.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 35.6 MPG
Euroleague: 6 games — 10.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 32.8 MPG
UNI Györ:
Hungary-A Division: 5 games — 12.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 31.2 MPG
Euroleague: 2 games — 15.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 36.0 MPG
Recent Games:
Feb. 26 vs. Valencia (92-77 win): 12 points (3-6 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block over 29 minutes
March 2 vs. Kayseri (74-68 win): 17 points (5-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 13 rebounds, three steals and two assists over 40 minutes.
Alanna Smith — Shandong (China)
Smith has been all over the globe over the course of her WNBA career, currently playing for Shandong in China. During her career, Smith has played in Australia, Poland, and Turkey before landing with her current Chinese squad.
Over the past week, Smith returned to form after somewhat of a quiet performance the week prior, dropping 30 points for the second time this season while tying her second-highest rebound total in an impressive showing.
Smith and Shandong are currently taking part in the WCBA playoffs, facing Guangdong in the quarterfinals. Action resumes this week for a trip to the semifinals on the line.
Season Stats:
China-WCBA: 34 games — 18.6 PPG 10.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.2 SPG
Recent Games:
March 3 vs. Hebei (102-83 win): 31 points (15-24 FG, 1-4 3Pt), 18 rebounds, five assists and two steals
Dorka Juhász — Famila Schio (Italy)
Juhász is back in Italy again this year, coming off a strong campaign with Famila Schio last offseason and looking to build upon that this season as she prepares for her third WNBA campaign in 2025.
Juhász and Famila Schio took the court in one contest over the past week, with Juhász having somewhat of a quiet performance offensively but still contributing on the glass to help her squad to victory.
Season Stats:
Italy-Serie A1: 11 games — 8.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 20.5 MPG
Euroleague: 9 games — 8.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 26.1 MPG
Recent Games:
March 9 vs. Scrivia (88-69 win): four points (1-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block over 21 minutes
Diamond Miller — Gorzow Wielkopolski (Poland)
Miller had her season cut short last offseason while dealing with a knee injury, only appearing in three games in Hungary before returning to Minnesota to rehab her injury. This offseason, she has done well in her first full healthy offseason.
Over the past week, Miller took the court in one game, putting on a show by doing it all en route to a double-double showing and impressing on the defensive end as well.
Season Stats:
Poland-OBLK: 14 games — 17.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 28.1 MPG
EuroCup: 4 games — 12.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 31.5 MPG
Recent Games:
March 9 vs. Polkowice (116-46 win): 16 points (6-6 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals over 16 minutes
Marième Badiane — Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
As she prepares to take a WNBA court for the first time ever this summer, Badiane is playing with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe this offseason, contributing nicely in numerous areas for her squad.
Over the past week, Badiane didn’t take part in any action despite Fenerbahçe facing — and beating — Besiktas 91-63 on March 9.
Season Stats:
Turkey-KBSL: 10 games — 14.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 29.1 MPG
Euroleague: 14 games — 5.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 17.2 MPG
Recent Games:
Feb. 26 vs. Famila Schio (64-60 win): six points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two assists and one rebound over 12 minutes
Jessica Shepard — Athinaikos AS Vurona (Greece)
Some may have forgotten about Shepard since she didn’t play in the WNBA in 2024 on a suspended contract while remaining overseas, but the veteran is still under control of the Lynx.
Shepard had continued to shine in Greece while playing with Athinaikos AS Vurona, playing in one game over this week and once again recording a double-double. Shepard has posted a double-double in all 17 contests this season.
Season Stats:
Greece-A1: 17 games — 27.6 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 33.3 MPG
Recent Games:
March 2 vs. Panathinaikos (95-82 win): 26 points (7-15 FG, 12-18 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and one steal over 37 minutes
Grace Berger — OGM Ormanspor (Turkey)
Berger, another new member of the Lynx, was claimed off waivers by Minnesota after the former seventh-overall pick was waived by the Indiana Fever earlier this offseason.
While playing with OGM Ormanspor in Turkey, Berger appeared in one game over the past week, again reaching double figures in scoring while tying a season-high mark in rebounds in a near double-double outing.
Season Stats:
Turkey-KBSL: 21 games — 13.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 36.1 MPG
Recent Games:
March 8 vs. Kocaeli (86-77 win): 11 points (4-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, three assists and three steals over 36 minutes
Camryn Taylor — Esperides (Greece)
Taylor is a player some Lynx fans might be familiar with, having spent time with Minnesota last training camp. Freshly signed to rejoin the team for camp again this year, Taylor has impressed overseas with Esperides in Greece.
Over the past week, Taylor played in one contest with her squad, reaching double figures in scoring while also contributing on the boards in a balanced outing.
Season Stats:
Greece-A1: 19 games — 21.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.6 APG, 0.3 BPG, 31.2 MPG
Recent Games:
March 9 vs. PAOK (66-55 loss): 14 points (5-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block over 28 minutes
Maïa Hirsch — ESB Villeneuve (France)
Hirsch has yet to appear with the Lynx or in the WNBA after being drafted 12th overall by Minnesota in 2023 but is still under team control as she remains in France with ESB Villeneuve.
So far this offseason, Hirsch hasn’t seen a high level of production in France-BWL action, some of that due to the lack of minutes on the court in France. Over the past week, Hirsch didn’t appear in any action on the court with ESB Villeneuve.
Season Stats:
France-BWL: 6 games — 3.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 12.8 MPG
EuroCup: 2 games — 8.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 19.0 MPG
Recent Games:
Jan. 5 vs. Landerneau (81-65 win): no points (0-0 FG) and three rebounds over six minutes
Kiara Leslie — Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico)
Leslie is the newest member of the Lynx, signing a training camp contract with Minnesota over the past week. Leslie was originally drafted by the Washington Mystics 10th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, last playing in the WNBA in 2021.
Leslie has played overseas in Egypt, France, Israel, and Russia throughout her career, most recently playing in Puerto Rico for Puerto Rico-BSNF action as part of Gigantes de Carolina. Last playing with the club on Oct. 28, Leslie did a little bit of everything for her Puerto Rican squad over 20 contests.
Season Stats:
Puerto Rico-BSNF: 20 games — 18.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 35.6 MPG
That will do it for this week. As always, thank you for reading! We will catch up with you next week with another Lynx Offseason Update.
