Renee Montgomery’s experience in women’s basketball speaks for itself. A two-time WNBA champion with the Minnesota Lynx, Montgomery’s playing career was marked by her leadership, basketball IQ, and community impact. After retiring from playing, she transitioned into a prominent media role, where she’s used her platform to advocate for women’s sports, elevate the profiles of women’s basketball stars, and promote the game on a global stage.

Her journey from player to analyst gives her a unique perspective on the game, as she can speak both from personal experience and from a broader understanding of basketball dynamics. With her combination of expertise, passion, and deep love for the game, Montgomery is an ideal voice to break down the Women’s Final Four and discuss where the sport is heading in the future.

Renee Montgomery’s Breakdown of the 2023 Women’s Final Four Teams

As the 2023 Women’s Final Four draws closer, Montgomery has been closely watching the teams that have made it to the final stages of the tournament. With standout performances and historic upsets, this year’s field promises to be one of the most competitive yet. Montgomery provides her analysis on the top four teams and what makes each one special.

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina, led by legendary head coach Dawn Staley and featuring one of the best players in the nation, Aliyah Boston, is once again a formidable force in women’s college basketball. “South Carolina is the gold standard right now,” Montgomery says. “Their defense is elite, their rebounding is unparalleled, and they have the leadership that all championship teams need.”

Montgomery highlights South Carolina’s depth and versatility, especially with Boston’s presence in the paint and the team’s ability to play physical basketball. The Gamecocks have been dominant throughout the season, and Montgomery sees them as one of the favorites to win the championship. “With a coach like Dawn Staley, they have the right mindset to go all the way. South Carolina is always prepared for the big moment,” she notes.

LSU Tigers

LSU has been one of the surprise stories of the season, thanks to a standout performance from Angel Reese, one of the most dynamic players in women’s basketball. Montgomery admires the Tigers’ aggressive playstyle and high-energy offense. “Angel Reese is a star in the making. She plays with such a chip on her shoulder and has shown she can take over games,” Montgomery explains.

LSU has made a name for itself this season not just with Reese’s scoring and rebounding, but with their team-oriented approach and tough defense. Montgomery points out that while LSU may not have the same national recognition as South Carolina, they’re more than capable of making a deep run and challenging for the title. “Their balance between offense and defense gives them a real shot to win it all,” she adds.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech, led by head coach Kenny Brooks and star player Georgia Amoore, has been an impressive underdog in this year’s tournament. “Virginia Tech is a team that’s built for the long haul. They don’t have the same national spotlight, but they have quietly put together a team that can compete with the best,” Montgomery says.

Amoore’s leadership and ability to make plays in clutch moments have been key to Virginia Tech’s success. Montgomery also notes that the Hokies’ high-scoring offense, combined with their ability to adapt to different styles of play, makes them dangerous. “They’re a team that can surprise people and shake up the bracket,” Montgomery remarks. If Virginia Tech can keep their momentum, they’ll be a tough matchup for any opponent.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, thanks to Caitlin Clark, who has been putting on a show and solidifying her place as one of the best players in women’s basketball. Montgomery has high praise for Clark, noting her versatility and scoring ability. “Caitlin Clark is a game-changer. She can take over a game from anywhere on the floor, and her basketball IQ is off the charts,” Montgomery says.

However, Montgomery also points out that Iowa’s success hinges not just on Clark’s individual brilliance but also on the support she gets from her teammates. “For Iowa to go all the way, they need to play as a unit, not just rely on Clark. When they’re clicking as a team, they’re unstoppable,” she notes. With their offensive firepower and Clark’s leadership, Iowa is poised to make a serious championship push.

The Future of Women’s Basketball: Where the Game is Headed

Beyond the Final Four matchups, Montgomery also reflects on the broader trajectory of women’s basketball and where the game is headed in the coming years. One of her key points is the rapid growth of the sport, both at the collegiate and professional levels.

“I’ve seen the game evolve, and we’re at a point now where women’s basketball is truly being recognized for the high level of talent that exists in the game,” Montgomery says. She highlights the increased visibility of the WNBA, the rising popularity of NCAA women’s basketball, and the growth of youth programs as key factors contributing to this progress.

Montgomery also underscores the importance of continued investment in women’s sports. “We need to keep advocating for equal pay, equal facilities, and equal opportunities for women in basketball. The more support we get, the more we’ll see the sport grow,” she emphasizes. With rising stars like Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and many others making waves in college basketball, Montgomery is optimistic about the future of the game and the next generation of players.

Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Future for Women’s Basketball

As the 2023 Women’s Final Four approaches, the excitement is palpable, and Renee Montgomery’s breakdown only adds to the anticipation. With powerhouse teams like South Carolina and LSU, underdogs like Virginia Tech, and Iowa’s explosive offense, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and thrilling in recent memory.

But beyond the games themselves, Montgomery’s analysis highlights the incredible progress that women’s basketball has made and where it’s headed in the future. With more talent, more visibility, and more support than ever before, women’s basketball is on the rise—and the future looks incredibly bright.

Whether you’re rooting for a favorite team or simply enjoying the level of play, one thing is for certain: the Women’s Final Four will be an exciting showcase of the next generation of basketball talent, and the best is yet to come.