NBA Champion Phil Handy Joins Groundbreaking Women’s 3-on-3 League
After six consecutive NBA Finals appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers—a run that yielded three championship rings—renowned assistant coach Phil Handy is embarking on a new and exciting chapter in his career. The 53-year-old coaching veteran, known for his work with superstars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis, is joining Unrivaled, a revolutionary new professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball league.
Handy’s role will be head coach of the Mist Club,a team boasting a roster of WNBA all-stars including jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm),DiJonai Carrington (Connecticut Sun),Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty),Courtney Vandersloot (New York Liberty),Rickea Jackson (Los Angeles Sparks),and Aaliyah Edwards (Washington Mystics). He joins a coaching staff that includes WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon and other experienced player development specialists.
The unrivaled league, set to tip off in Miami on January 17th on TNT, is disrupting the landscape of women’s basketball with its groundbreaking financial model. “Unrivaled’s total salary pool is above $8 million,” a league statement reveals. “With 33 players currently slated to participate, the average salary currently comes in at around $242,000. In comparison, the average WNBA salary is less than half of that figure, despite the WNBA season being more than twice as long. Actually, the average Unrivaled salary is higher than the WNBA supermax, which was $241,984 in 2024. That $8 million figure doesn’t take into account equity or revenue shares, both of which will be added to players’ salaries.”
From NBA Bench to Unrivaled head Coach
This move represents a meaningful shift for Handy. He’s transitioning from the high-stakes world of NBA 5-on-5 to the fast-paced dynamics of 3-on-3, and he’ll be leading a team for the first time in his career. After concluding his long tenure as an assistant coach in the NBA in 2024, taking a year off from the league, Handy was approached by Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell, a long-time acquaintance.
“I’ve been a part of women’s basketball for a long time,” Handy explained.”But, once me and my team had a chance to really dive into Unrivaled and really pull back the layers of what they were trying to accomplish, I was really fascinated by the whole concept.”
interestingly, Handy’s prior experience working with the Seattle Storm while assisting the Lakers provided him with a head start in understanding some of his new players. This prior consulting work allowed him to work directly with Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd, strengthening his familiarity with the team’s core talent.
Handy’s move to Unrivaled highlights the growing opportunities and financial incentives for women in professional basketball, a trend that is sure to reshape the future of the sport. His experience and reputation make him a key figure in this exciting new venture.
Historic Heatwave Sweeps across the US, Fueling Climate Change Concerns
A scorching heatwave, described by experts as unprecedented in its intensity and duration, is currently gripping much of the United States. Millions are facing dangerously high temperatures, prompting health alerts and raising serious concerns about the accelerating impacts of climate change.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for numerous states, with temperatures soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas. this extreme heat is not only uncomfortable; it poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
“This is not just a typical summer heatwave,” stated Dr. Emily Carter, a leading climatologist at the University of California, Berkeley. “The intensity and duration of this event are consistent with the predictions we’ve been making for years regarding the effects of climate change.”
Health risks and Economic Impacts
Hospitals across the affected regions are reporting a surge in heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke and dehydration. The economic impact is also substantial, with businesses forced to curtail operations and agricultural yields potentially suffering significant losses. The strain on the power grid is another major concern, as increased demand for air conditioning threatens widespread outages.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. “We need to drastically reduce our carbon emissions,” urged Dr. Carter. “This heatwave is a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. We are already seeing the devastating effects, and they will only worsen if we fail to address this crisis.”
Preparing for Future Heatwaves
As climate change continues to intensify, experts predict more frequent and severe heatwaves in the future. Individuals are urged to take precautions during periods of extreme heat, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during peak hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Communities are also encouraged to invest in infrastructure improvements to better withstand extreme temperatures.
The current heatwave serves as a critical wake-up call, highlighting the immediate and long-term consequences of climate change.The need for collective action, both at the individual and governmental levels, is paramount to mitigating future risks and protecting vulnerable populations.
WNBA Star Jewell Loyd and Coach Phil Handy: A Collaborative Approach to Success
Phil Handy, renowned for his work with the Los Angeles Lakers, brings his collaborative coaching style to the Unrivaled league, where he’ll lead a team brimming with WNBA stars. His approach emphasizes player-led development, a philosophy he’s honed over years of coaching elite athletes.
Handy’s relationship with star player Jewell Loyd exemplifies this collaborative spirit. “Jewel and I have always tried to pick our spots where either she gets to LA for four or five days,” he shared. “We do a lot of talking on the phone over the years.”
Their focus extends beyond individual skill refinement. “Jewell and I have had conversations over the years… how can she continue to be an efficient basketball player, right? Just continuing to improve her handling, her shooting, being able to finish in the paint,” Handy explained, highlighting their shared commitment to ongoing betterment.
This collaborative approach isn’t limited to Loyd. Even veteran players like Sue Bird,a two-time WNBA champion and third on the all-time assists list,benefit from handy’s mentorship. “Sloot has had a great career,” handy noted. “She’s a savvy vet, but even vets can learn new tricks.”
A team of All-Stars: Unrivaled’s Mist Roster
handy’s unrivaled team, known as the Mist, boasts an notable roster. it includes last year’s Most Improved Player, a two-time MVP in Breanna Stewart (fresh off a championship with the Liberty and serving as team captain), and the 2023 WNBA’s leading scorer, jewell Loyd. Adding to the mix are promising young players like Jackson and Edwards, both coming off successful rookie seasons. This blend of experience and emerging talent creates a dynamic team environment.
Stewart’s leadership will be invaluable as Handy navigates his new role. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “I’m a coach who believes in learning from your athletes and collaborating with them. What have you all experienced? What do you see? What do you feel?”
Despite the immense talent on his team, Handy remains unfazed by pressure. “Look, I’ve coached in Los angeles for the last six years,” he said. “There’s no bigger place — being a part of the Lakers institution — for pressure. The only way you feel pressure is if you’re not prepared. For me as a coach,[I] will be very prepared,and…” His confidence stems from his meticulous readiness and collaborative coaching philosophy.
Handy’s approach to coaching,focused on collaboration and player empowerment,promises an exciting season for the Mist. His experience with high-pressure situations, combined with the remarkable talent on his roster, sets the stage for a potentially dominant season in the Unrivaled league.
NBA Coach Finds New Court in Women’s Basketball
A year away from the NBA has unexpectedly led to a significant career pivot for a prominent coach. Instead of the bright lights of the Lakers and LeBron James, he’s found himself at the forefront of a burgeoning women’s basketball league poised to redefine the sport.
the coach, whose name has been omitted for privacy reasons, embraced this unexpected possibility with enthusiasm. his transition highlights the growing recognition and investment in women’s professional sports.
“I always say timing is everything,” he commented. “I’ve been a big fan of the W and women’s basketball, so this was a great opportunity for me to step in with both feet and get a little bit more activated with women’s basketball at the highest level.”
This move represents a significant shift in his career trajectory.While his previous experience in the NBA provided invaluable insights into high-pressure environments and elite-level coaching, this new role allows him to contribute to the growth and development of women’s basketball. he’s not just coaching; he’s shaping the future of a league aiming to make a major impact.
The coach’s confidence in his ability to transition seamlessly is evident. “My coaching staff will be prepared,” he assured. This statement underscores his commitment to building a strong team and fostering a supportive environment for the players under his guidance.
His arrival signals a potential turning point for the league, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the women’s game. The impact of his coaching style and strategic insights on the league’s trajectory remains to be seen,but the potential for growth and innovation is undeniable.
The league itself is aiming for a significant disruption in the women’s sports landscape.This coach’s involvement is a testament to the league’s ambition and its ability to attract top-tier talent, even from outside the traditional women’s basketball coaching circles.
