Unrivaled is filled with some of the best talent in the basketball world. Nevertheless, a few teams immediately stood out as possible contenders when the rosters were revealed. Rose BC was one of those teams. The defending champions were able to protect Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper and retained Azurá Stevens and Lexie Hull in the draft that reshaped most rosters. Retaining four players from last season’s roster gave the Rose more continuity than any other Unrivaled team.
Given that continuity, the talent on the team, and Gray’s success in Unrivaled, it was no surprise to see the Rose get off to a great start. Nola Henry’s team logged three wins to start the season. Since then, Rose BC has cooled down considerably, losing to the Hive, the Laces, and the Mist. The loss to the Hive was especially concerning, but the team should bounce back quickly.
The simplest reason for the Rose’s recent struggles could be that the team didn’t have as much continuity as it seemed. Kahleah Copper may have been on the roster last season, but she only played in seven games due to injury and missed the start of this season. So, while getting her back added great talent to the roster, it also disrupted the team’s chemistry a bit.
Copper just made her debut three games ago
Copper’s 2026 debut coincides with the Rose’s first loss of the season. She replaced Lexie Hull in the starting lineup and played 15.3 minutes in the Rose’s 78-75 loss to the Hive. Copper played a solid game, recording 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Her second game was much more productive. Copper finished with 21 points on 50% sooting, but the Rose still lost to the Laces. Next up, Copper recorded 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in an 89-71 loss to the Mist. Hull missed that game, leaving the Rose with a shortened bench.
Having Copper back adds to the Rose’s roster from a talent standpoint. Copper is a championship veteran and two-way star. However, her return also changes the way the team has to play. Hull thrives as a 3-and-D role player and doesn’t need the ball in her hands much to impact games. With her in the starting lineup, coach Nola Henry could focus on getting Chelsea Gray and Azurá Stevens going as well as Shakira Austin off the bench. Copper demands more touches and shots. So, the Rose have to play differently with her in the rotation.
After three games and some practices with Copper, the Rose should regain their chemistry soon.