Meet Rebecca Lobo, former WNBA star now ESPN personality, who called NCAA Tournament Final Four
Rebecca Lobo, an ESPN talent, gained notoriety during March Madness for her insightful analysis and jabs at the city of Albany.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer’s perceptive analysis has elevated this year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
However, when the former UConn and WNBA player made fun of Albany during the LSU-Iowa game on Monday, she received a lot of negative feedback.
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The Iowa star instructed her parents and brother to “just go find something to do in Albany,” according to a narrative told by play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco when the broadcast featured Caitlin Clark’s family in the stands.
She would wait for the game in her room, according to Clark.
“Good luck finding something to do in Albany,” With a laugh, Lobo said.
Many people took offense at the joke, and the mayor of Albany even responded in kind.
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Even on Twitter, Lobo defended herself, writing, “I’ve spent many fun-filled weekends in the Albany area over the years coaching my kids’ AAU teams.
“No shade intended towards the capital city and the outstanding job they did hosting the regional.”
The former collegiate basketball legend, who has effectively made the move to become a top sports commentator, made a rare mistake with the poorly placed joke.
With a 35-0 unbeaten record, the 6-foot-4 center guided UConn to the national championship in 1995.
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A national celebrity, Lobo competed for Team USA in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and won the gold medal.
But throughout the competition, she had trouble getting into the game.
“There was very little about that national team experience that I enjoyed,” on ESPN she stated.
“The person I am now would have handled it a lot differently. I would have stood up for myself more.
“But how I handled it at the time is exactly how I needed to handle it then. We didn’t need it to be a distraction for that team.”
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