Is Kate Martin playing tonight against Phantom BC? Latest on Laces star's status (Unrivaled 2025, Jan. 18)
Golden State Valkyries star Kate Martin will make her "Unrivaled" debut for the Laces BC on Saturday. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star joined the new 3x3 league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart on Oct. 28. Martin's debut will come against the Phantom BC, led by NY Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.
Kate Martin suffered an ankle injury during her rookie season with the Aces on July 17, leaving her out of action for a long time. Bruising her Achilles tendon against the Chicago Sky, Martin returned to the court a month later but only averaged six minutes in over 11 games.
Although an injury caused the former Hawkeyes star to miss most of her rookie season, Martin appears to be back to her usual form. She has performed well in practice and looks sharp to start for the Laces against Phantom.
Kate will be optimistic about her time with the Laces, especially as she's set to join the new WNBA extension team, the Golden State Valkyries, after this opportunity.
Kate Martin weighs in on playing in the Unrivaled league
Kate Martin opened up about playing in the new 3x3 league 'Unrivaled' as the new tournament kicked off in Miami on Friday. The first game was a historic one between the Mist BC and the Lunar Owls, who became the first team to win a game in Unrivaled history.
The opening day had two games and showcased a fast paced yet entertaining style of basketball.
Kate Martin weighed in her thoughts on the new format and system as "USA Today's" Meghan Hall tweeted Martin's comments on X (formerly Twitter):
"It's very fun. ...You get exposed very quick on the defensive end if you're even one or two steps behind. ....it really feels like that childlike joy and love for the game," she said.
The former Las Vegas Aces star will join the league as a member of the Laces team, which includes five other players alongside her. These players are former Aces teammates Jackie Young and Tiffany Hayes, Washington Mystics star Stefanie Dolson, Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride and Connecticut forward Alyssa Thomas.
Laces BC will be led by Andrew Wade, a former player development assistant coach for the Washington Mystics, as they face Phantom BC in their inaugural game as a franchise.