Jewell Loyd Defends Notre Dame's Decision on Niele Ivey Verdict

Friday's WNBA exhibition game featuring the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces had a distinctively more Irish touch compared to most others, and this was noteworthy. Paige Bueckers' debut.

Similar to most exhibition matches, the contest took place at a neutral site: the Purcell Pavilion, which is the home arena of the team. Notre Dame women's basketball The team welcomed Arike Ogunbowale to the wings alongside Aces players Jackie Young and Jewell Lloyd, who were present on Friday. This assembly formed a group of three former Notre Dame guards who have ascended to the All-Star level within the WNBA.

Head Coach Niele Ivey of the Fighting Irish paid a visit to watch her school's stars light up the hardwood, even though she didn't coach any of them. Ogunbowale, Young, and Lloyd all played under legendary coach Muffet McGraw, still active with Notre Dame players herself .

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Despite never having coached Ivey, Lloyd spoke highly of the 47-year-old mentor when questioned about her.

" "I believe many players share a strong bond with her, and her enthusiasm for the game is immense. She feels like family to me as well. Honestly, I think her main trait is having genuine care and concern for the players," she stated.

"And to see where she’s able to take the program and have it under her wings... it’s not easy to come in after McGraw and have your own identity, and she’s [been] able to do that."

Ivey, a two-time ACC Regular Season Champion with the Fighting Irish, shared a hug with the three stars postgame after a 112-78 Aces win. Young had the best game of the three, scoring 28 points while adding nine assists.

" "Jackie, Jewell, and Arike, nothing compares. Welcome home! I love you both immensely and couldn’t be prouder." Ivey shared this message alongside pictures of the three athletes playing and standing near each other on the basketball court via Twitter.

Why does Notre Dame have so many star guards in the league?

Recently, ESPN attempted to address this issue. A significant part of the solution lies with McGraw; the coach, who won two national championships, guided Notre Dame to nine Final Fours and is considered one of the finest cultivators of basketball talent in history.

'Guard U' has earned its nickname," stated Young, who was named the 2019 ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player during his time at Notre Dame. "Many talented guards have emerged from that program. Notre Dame excels at getting us ready for the professional ranks.

McGraw gave credit to Skylar Diggins. This exceptional playmaker, who continues her career in the WNBA, reshaped the Fighting Irish program upon joining in the mid-2000s.

When Skylar joined, everything intensified even more. She transformed our program," McGraw stated. "We witnessed her remarkable achievements, and she had such magnetic charisma. Her popularity soared on social media platforms, making her a national figure. This significantly aided us in attracting guards who were inspired by her example.