You’re talking about Natasha Howard? And you talking about Toledo, Ohio? And you talking about respect and recognition?! Let me tell you something, and I’m gonna be loud and clear, because this is an OUTRAGE! An absolute, unadulterated, head-scratching, jaw-dropping OUTRAGE!
We are sitting here, in the year of our Lord, 2025! And Natasha Howard, a woman who has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest to EVER step foot on a basketball court, is still waiting for her hometown to truly acknowledge her! It’s like asking a five-star chef to cook a gourmet meal and then serving it on a paper plate! 

IT MAKES NO SENSE!
The Receipts Are IN!
Let’s just look at the resume, shall we? Because the proof, my friends, is in the pudding! This isn’t some hypothetical discussion! This isn’t a “what if”! This is cold, hard, undisputed fact!

• THREE-TIME WNBA CHAMPION! That’s not one, not two, but three rings! You hear me? Three! That immediately puts her in the conversation with legends, past and present!
• TWO-TIME WNBA ALL-STAR! She’s been recognized by her peers and the fans as one of the elite talents in the league, not just once, but twice!
• TWO-TIME ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM! She’s not just an offensive threat; she’s a lockdown defender, a brick wall, a nightmare for opposing players!
• 2018 WNBA MOST IMPROVED PLAYER! She put in the work, she evolved her game, she took it to another level! That takes dedication, folks!
• 2023 AND 2024 EUROLEAGUE CHAMPION! You hear that? That’s international dominance! She’s taking her talents across oceans and conquering the world! Winning back-to-back championships in Europe! That is unparalleled!
• And as if that weren’t enough, just this year, 2025, she just led her team to the COMMISSIONER’S CUP CHAMPIONSHIP AND WAS NAMED THE MVP! The MVP, people! She is still performing at an ELITE, championship-caliber level!

She’s got a trophy case that probably needs its own zip code! Championships, individual accolades, domestic, international – she has done it ALL!
Everybody ELSE Gets It! Why Not Toledo?!
The WNBA gets it! They give her her flowers, they recognize her greatness! The fans, from Seattle to New York, from Dallas to Indiana, they see the brilliance of Natasha Howard! Even her own people, the passionate basketball fans right there in Toledo, they understand what they have in their midst! And let me tell you something, when a bona fide Toledo sports icon like Jim Jackson — a man who has seen his share of greatness, a man who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level — when he steps up and gives Natasha Howard her proper due, you know it’s legitimate! He’s not just casually mentioning her; he’s giving her HER FLOWERS!

But then you look at the City of Toledo, the actual government, the powers that be, and it’s like they’re living under a rock! A giant, oblivious rock! We’re not just talking about a little plaque, folks! We’re not talking about some ceremonial street naming, although, again, that’s the absolute bare minimum! That is a drop in the bucket compared to what this woman has accomplished!

No! We’re talking about recognizing her for what she unequivocally is: THE MOST DECORATED SPORTS ATHLETE IN TOLEDO HISTORY!

You search the records! You look at the resumes! Who else from the Glass City has accumulated this kind of hardware, this kind of sustained excellence, this kind of championship pedigree across multiple levels of professional basketball? Nobody! Not one single soul!

So, I’m calling you out, Toledo! It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee! It’s time to acknowledge the true greatness that has emerged from your very own streets! Natasha Howard isn’t just a great athlete from Toledo; she’s the greatest! And it’s time you act like it! She deserves nothing less! Now, do something about it!

This week on Play by Play with Jesse Coleman, we’re joined by Milwaukee basketball royalty, Hall of Famer Edward T. McCants! We dive deep into the world of college hoops, discussing the ever-evolving landscape of the transfer portal, the game-changing impact of NIL, and the electric atmosphere of AAU basketball. Edward shares his insights and experiences from a lifetime dedicated to the sport, offering a unique perspective on the current state of the game. But that’s not all! We also welcome special guest Joeigh Eaton, who joins us to break down her perfect final four bracket! Yes, you heard that right! How did she do it? What’s her secret? We’ll find out as she shares her incredible journey through the tournament and offers her expert analysis. Join Jesse, Edward, and Joeigh for a dynamic conversation packed with passion, knowledge, and a touch of bracket magic. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or simply love a good sports story, this episode is a must-listen. Presented by Win or Lose Sports and proudly sponsored by The 419 Grind, bringing you the best in local sports coverage. Don’t miss out! #finalfour #collegehoops

Kelvin Ransey, a former NBA player, left an indelible mark on the basketball court with his exceptional skills and contributions to the game. Born on January 3, 1958, Ransey played college basketball at Ohio State University before being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.

Known for his scoring ability and court vision, Ransey played as a point guard and had a successful NBA career spanning from 1980 to 1987. He played for several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks.

Ransey’s impact extended beyond his on-court performances; he was admired for his sportsmanship and leadership qualities. His ability to navigate the fast-paced nature of the game and make crucial plays endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

While the NBA was the primary stage for Ransey’s basketball prowess, his legacy goes beyond the court. Post-retirement, he remained involved in the basketball community, contributing to the development of the sport at various levels.

In reflecting on Kelvin Ransey’s career, one can’t help but appreciate the skill, dedication, and passion he brought to the game of basketball. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and a reminder of the enduring impact a talented athlete can have on the sport they love.

Kelvin Ransey’s transition from basketball stardom to answering the call to the Ministry in 1986 is a testament to the diverse paths individuals can take in life. Born into a family of Pentecostal ministers, Ransey’s spiritual roots were deep, providing a foundation that would later shape his destiny.

Despite his success in the NBA, Ransey felt a higher calling and decided to embrace his family’s legacy of ministry. In 1986, he made a significant life choice by becoming an Evangelist, dedicating himself to spreading the message of faith and spirituality.

This transition marked not only a shift in career but a profound transformation in Ransey’s life priorities. Moving from the spotlight of basketball to the pulpit of ministry required a different set of skills and a renewed sense of purpose. His decision to follow this calling reflects a profound commitment to his spiritual beliefs and a desire to make a positive impact beyond the basketball court.

The journey from basketball stardom to the ministry showcases Ransey’s multidimensional character and the depth of his convictions. It serves as an inspiring example of an individual choosing a path of service and spiritual fulfillment, demonstrating that one’s calling can extend far beyond the boundaries of a particular career or profession.

Kelvin Ransey’s basketball journey is adorned with notable accomplishments that underscore his prowess on the court and recognition among his peers. His remarkable achievements include:

1. NBA All-Rookie First Team (1981): In his inaugural NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Kelvin Ransey showcased his exceptional skills, earning a spot on the prestigious NBA All-Rookie First Team. This recognition solidified his impact and potential in the professional basketball realm.
2. Consensus Second-Team All-American (1980): During his college years at Ohio State University, Ransey’s stellar performances did not go unnoticed. In 1980, he earned the distinction of being a Consensus Second-Team All-American, a testament to his excellence on the collegiate basketball stage.
3. Third-Team All-American – UPI (1979): In the preceding year, Ransey’s on-court contributions were further acknowledged as he secured a spot on the Third-Team All-American list by UPI (United Press International). This recognition reflected his consistent standout performances and impact on the college basketball scene.

These accolades not only highlight Ransey’s individual skill and talent but also underscore his significant contributions to the teams he played for. Whether making a mark in his collegiate career or transitioning seamlessly into the professional league, Ransey’s accomplishments serve as enduring milestones in the rich tapestry of basketball history.