From Day One, @warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has been on the @valkyries train. Last season, he wrote: “The thing about Joe is, he legit loves this s***. Like he legit cares about women’s basketball, and cares about doing it right. And all you need for proof of that is who he hired to be in charge — starting with Ohemaa as our GM and Natalie as our head coach. They’re both geniuses and dope people, and not to seem cocky but the rest of the league might be in trouble. Because I’ve gotten to know them a bit…. and I’m telling you: Those women are trophy hunters. We’re winning championships.... You’ve got these players who have something to prove to the teams that let ’em go … and also who do the little things well, the stuff that’s underappreciated but actually helps you win basketball games. Then you add a COACH OF THE YEAR on that same wave, who’s stressing defense and toughness — and you put it all together as this land of opportunity??? Now it’s Kayla Thornton, All-Star. Veronica Burton, Most Improved. Janelle Salaün, All-Rookie. And I feel like those individual accomplishments just kind of speak to what we’re building here with this group … where it’s like: Come to the Bay if you’re trying to shut up your haters and win. (No tampering.) The easiest way to tell that someone doesn’t know ball is they’re comparing the NBA and the W. They’re both basketball, and they’re both the best players in the world. But other than that it’s apples and oranges. Not better, not worse, just different. Different styles of play, different products. And I feel like the Valks understand that. The violet and black color scheme, it’s so lit. Vi the Raven, our mascot, she’s already a legend in the game. It’s more families, since school is out. It’s more young girl fans, which makes a lot of sense. And even just in the arena — it’s this whole other vibe. Like: You’re NOT at a Warriors game, you know what I mean?? You’re at a Valkyries game. And you’re not in the Chase Center. You’re in BALLHALLA.” playerstribu.ne/Podz @brandinpodziem2 | @WNBA