Courtney Williams’ worst fear isn’t leaving her anytime soon. The Vinyl BC player hesitated over just one player going into the Unrivaled 1vs1 tournament: Hive BC’s Kelsey Mitchell, but as fate would have it, a matchup between the two can seriously be on the cards next week in Miami.

In a video with Hive BC player and Mitchell’s Unrivaled teammate, Natisha Hiedeman, Williams expressed her fear of facing Mitchell in the 1v1 tournament. “Her in a 1vs1? Please don’t be in my bracket, don’t put her in my bracket, bro. Like, I can’t guard her fast *** bro,” Williams was heard saying in the video.

This speaks volumes about Mitchell’s skill set in tight 1v1 situations; even a two-time WNBA All-Star like Williams is hesitant to go against her.

However, Unrivaled’s latest announcement of all four pods leaves open the possibility of an anticipated matchup between the two, as they are both featured in the same pods. The eventual final brackets will come down to the fan rankings, open till Feb 4 midnight, with the one-on-one tournament taking place between February 11 and 14.

Courtney Williams’ Vinyl BC and Kelsey Mitchell’s Hive BC have already faced each other twice in the season, with each side pocketing one win. However, Micthell has had a much greater impact on the court for her team, scoring 16 and 15 points in these two games. Williams chipped in with 12 in the first game and added eight in the second game, in relatively less time.

Mitchell is also having a better Unrivaled season than Williams by the numbers. Safe to say, with this staggering form and skill set, Williams will have a challenge to deal with in her hands if a matchup between Williams and Mitchell is drawn in the bracket. However, the Vinyl BC player has fair experience competing in the Unrivaled’s inaugural 1vs1 tournament, where she took down opponents like Rhyne Howard but lost to Napheesa Collier in the Quarterfinals.

Thus, with this experience, Williams will have a better perspective on how to deal with the opponents in a high-pressure 1 vs. 1 situation. Mitchell’s strength generally lies in shooting. If Williams can eliminate space from her, it can put the Hive BC player in an uncomfortable position, forcing her to make more mistakes.

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But Mitchell is just one of the players who pose a challenge to Williams in the 1vs1 tournament.

Who Are the Other Competitors Who Can Pose a Challenge to Courtney Williams Besides Kelsey Mitchell?

The Pod A that features Courtney Williams and Kelsey Mitchell also features other notable stars like Skyler Diggins and Kelsey Plum. Diggins faced an elimination in the second round of the tournament against Arike Ogunbowale. Additionally, she has the speed to quickly tackle Williams’ block and get away from her, creating more space. This Diggins vs Williams matchup will also be quite exciting for the fans.

Next up is a possibility for a Williams vs Kelsey Plum matchup. The 2026 Unrivaled 1vs1 tournament will be Plum’s debut event with Phantom BC. This fact doesn’t diminish the anticipation, though. Plum, in her debut Unrivaled, has been impressing with precise shooting from open play, her latest outing vs. Lunar Owls in the 3-0n-3 tournament giving her 18 points, including 6-15 from open play.

Moreover, with the experience of playing overseas, Plum truly stands as one of the fiercest opponents of Williams in the 1vs1 tournament. Other possible clashes can also include one with her partner-in-crime, Natasha Hiedeman. Thus, Mitchell has a long way to go to compete her way out as the winner of her pod, establish contention for the finals, and eventually clinch a prize of $200,000.

With last year’s winner, Napheesa Collier, out of the tournament with an injury, Courtney Williams does have an opportunity to fill in Collier’s shoes. However, other players from the bracket, including Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston, will also pose a tough challenge to the Vinyl BC player in the tournament.

So, with the tournament just more than a week away, what are your expectations for Williams? Feel free to let us know in the comments.