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 refers to herself as a ‘proud auntie,’ has been a fixture in the Unrivaled league’s broadcast team for two seasons now. 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 toughness and self-belief in her proteges. ‘I want to make sure that as a role model, I’m giving back, paying it forward, and being of service to these players,’ Leslie said. ‘We owe that to the game.’
Take Monique Billings, for example. When she first saw Leslie in Miami, she approached her for advice on playing 3-on-3. Leslie’s response? ‘Take my number and let’s get in the gym.’ That straightforward invitation led to weeks of intense training, with Leslie challenging Billings to average a double-double. The result? Billings ended her first Unrivaled season averaging 14.2 points and 10.9 rebounds in 14 games for the Hive Basketball Club.
Leslie’s influence is also evident in Dominique Malonga, a rising star with the potential to redefine dunking in women’s basketball. 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 she’s doing it.’
But here’s the controversial part: While Leslie is celebrated for her on-court achievements, her off-court role as a mentor is arguably just as impactful. Some might argue that her focus on mental toughness and self-belief is secondary to technical skills. But Leslie disagrees. ‘It’s important to help them mentally as well, because they’re dealing with a lot,’ she said. ‘They need to feel spiritually strong and confident in themselves.’
Leslie’s legacy is a continuation of the work done by pioneers like Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers, and Nancy Lieberman. ‘They took the game as far as they could for their era, and they passed it on,’ Leslie noted. Now, she’s doing the same for the next generation, ensuring that the sport continues to evolve and thrive.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Lisa Leslie’s role as a mentor more important than her on-court achievements? Or are both equally vital to her legacy? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
