Essentiallysports author
Akash Das
1,179
Articles

Akash Das is an NCAA and WNBA Writer at EssentiallySports, where his bylines dive deep into the structural side of basketball. With a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication and a Master’s in Sports Business & Management from the University of Liverpool, he grounds every feature in strong reporting fundamentals and academic rigor. His coverage tracks how coaching blueprints, roster construction, and roster moves, from the NCAA transfer portal to WNBA free agency, shape outcomes on the court. His sharp breakdowns at the WNBA desk earned him a spot in the outlet’s prestigious Journalistic Excellence Program, putting him among ES’ most trusted voices on basketball. Beyond box scores, Akash is driven by the bigger picture: how programs are built, maintained, and rebuilt in the NCAA pipeline, and how those systems intersect with the professional game. With experience across sports writing, research, and media strategy, he brings nuance to topics often overlooked in day-to-day highlights coverage. Whether examining the long-term vision behind a college program or the ripple effect of player mobility in the WNBA, Akash connects fans to the tactical and structural heart of the sport.

Articles By Author

Beyond the MVPs: The 5 Traits That Define A’ja Wilson’s Place in WNBA History

A’ja Wilson’s rise to Greatest of All Time status mirrors WNBA legends. Read on to see how they define her legacy

Fact Check: Is WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Mentioned in Young Miko’s Latest Song?

From the court to the charts, Caitlin Clark is making noise as Young Miko drops her name in a new song.

Bill Self’s Biggest Concern With Darryn Peterson Isn’t Just Health Anymore, per Analyst

Darryn Peterson’s situation at Kansas may involve more than health concerns as one analyst hints at deeper issues for Bill Self

Fever GM Chimes In After Nike Spotlights Caitlin Clark in New Brand Campaign

Caitlin Clark earns praise from Indiana Fever GM as her Nike ad goes viral and lights up social media.

WNBA Free Agency: 5 Possible Roster Shakeups That Could Define 2026

More than half the WNBA is set to hit free agency, opening the door for massive roster shakeups and a league-wide reset.

WNBA Fans Sound Alarm After Possible Nike Announcement Linked to Paige Bueckers

WNBA fans voice frustration as Nike trademarks a Paige Bueckers logo, setting off debate over the design.

Former NBA Draft Pick James Nnaji Follows WBB Blueprint to Baylor

James Nnaji joins Baylor in a landmark move, mirroring a rare trend already seen in women’s college basketball this year.

USBWA Announces Decision on Audi Crooks Amid Historic Scoring Run

Audi Crooks’ dominance is finally getting its due as the Iowa State star earns USBWA honors after her huge night vs Kansas.

Why Audi Crooks & Iowa State Are Becoming a Real Problem for Big 12 Teams

Audi Crooks is becoming a nightmare matchup across the country. Here’s why everyone is struggling to slow her down.

Indiana Fever’s Past Failures Led to Caitlin Clark, Team President Admits

Indiana Fever president explains how past failures helped the franchise land Caitlin Clark and reshape its future.

Rick Pitino Delivers Telling Verdict on Ian Jackson After St John’s Win vs Harvard

Rick Pitino offers clear advice to five-star Ian Jackson after St. John’s historic win over Harvard heading into the holiday break.

Caitlin Clark Shows Support for WNBA Teammate Kelsey Mitchell Ahead of Unrivaled Return

Caitlin Clark sends support to her teammate set to make her Unrivaled debut in a few weeks’ time.
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