Imagine a basketball legend, a trailblazer who shattered records and inspired generations, now dedicating her time to nurture the next wave of talent. That’s exactly what Lisa Leslie, the Naismith Hall of Famer and women’s basketball icon, is doing in her role as a color commentator and mentor for the Unrivaled league. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: Leslie isn’t just calling games; she’s actively shaping the future of the sport by sharing her wisdom and experience with the players who look up to her.
Leslie, who proudly embraces the title of ‘auntie,’ has been a cornerstone of the Unrivaled broadcast team for two seasons. Yet, her impact extends far beyond the commentary booth. As players enjoy the league’s top-tier facilities—from weight rooms to saunas and on-site estheticians—one of the most sought-after resources is Leslie herself. Her one-on-one instruction and mentorship have become invaluable to emerging stars like Cameron Brink, Dominique Malonga, Ezi Magbegor, and Monique Billings.
And this is the part most people miss: Leslie’s mentorship isn’t just about basketball skills. She’s equally focused on building mental resilience and confidence, ensuring these players are not just physically strong but also spiritually and emotionally prepared for the challenges of the game. ‘I want to make sure that as a role model, I’m giving back, paying it forward, and being of service to these players. We owe that to the game,’ Leslie said.
Take Monique Billings, for instance. Growing up in Riverside, California, she idolized Leslie, attending Los Angeles Sparks games and dreaming of meeting her ‘superwoman.’ Fast forward to today, and Billings is not only working with Leslie but also thriving under her guidance. Leslie challenged Billings to average a double-double in her first Unrivaled season, and Billings delivered, averaging 14.2 points and 10.9 rebounds for the Hive Basketball Club. ‘It’s been incredible the way that woman pours into me, pours into us,’ Billings said. ‘Nine-year-old me freaks out.’
Leslie’s influence is also evident in Dominique Malonga, a 20-year-old post player with the potential to redefine the game. Malonga, who has already converted three in-game dunks this season, credits Leslie for pushing her to adopt a dunker’s mindset. ‘Every single chance you have an opportunity [to dunk], go for it,’ Leslie advised, reflecting on her own career. ‘I didn’t always take those chances, and I love that for her.’
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Leslie’s mentorship is universally praised, her emphasis on dunking as a skill for women’s basketball has sparked debate. Some argue it’s a natural evolution of the sport, while others worry it might overshadow other aspects of the game. What do you think? Is dunking a necessary skill for the next generation of players, or should the focus remain on traditional fundamentals?
Leslie’s legacy isn’t just about the players she’s mentoring today; it’s about the future of the sport. She sees herself as part of a lineage of trailblazers—Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers, Nancy Lieberman, and others—who pushed the game forward and passed the torch to the next generation. ‘That’s the beautiful thing about arriving now,’ Leslie said. ‘[Today’s players] understand what the past is and how we’ve helped build this. They’re building now for the future—for these little girls that are watching now.’
Leslie’s door is always open, not just for basketball advice but for life’s challenges too. ‘Sometimes, you know, life is life-ing,’ she said. ‘Sometimes these women are going through things that are a little bit heavier, and you don’t have a space where you can communicate and know that it’s safe. They know that with me.’
For players like Billings and Malonga, working with Leslie is more than a career highlight—it’s a source of pride and inspiration. ‘It’s a blessing. It’s a privilege. It’s things that I never could have even imagined,’ Billings said. ‘Twenty years later, [that] 9-year-old [is] still admiring, just enamored.’
So, here’s the question for you: How do you think mentorship from legends like Leslie will shape the future of women’s basketball? And what role do you believe mental resilience plays in an athlete’s success? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
