^{October 18, 2025 | Edition #152}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

We get it….the Aces’ parade probably has you caught up in celebration mode to kick off the weekend. But let’s turn a little to college hoops, too. Because it’s not going to be cut and dry this season. The SEC has long ruled, but conferences like the Big 12 are making things interesting lately. Still, with her SEC head held high, Kim Mulkey is coming in ready for whatever comes next.

And as we gear up for the college season, basketball fans have something else to look forward to: the NBA season tips off this Tuesday. Ahead of the tip-off, we’ve got this special EssentiallySports exclusive with Stephen Curry. And stick around, there’s more.

The New-Look LSU

Two straight years. One game short of the Final Four.

And for two straight years, LSU found itself stuck in déjà vu during the offseason. A promising core returning… but the top post player gone. First Angel Reese. Then Aneesah Morrow.

It was hard to make sense of it. But the moment the offseason hit, Kim Mulkey made one thing clear: the Tigers are done being “good enough to be competitive, but not deep enough to last in March.”

She went all in on depth and brought in an entirely new crew of four freshmen in Divine Bourrage, Bella Hines, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Grace Knox, putting the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class. Plus, what Mulkey herself calls, “a big shot, a big steal, a spectacular move,” MiLaysia Fulwiley.

The former Gamecock will be running the point for the Lady Tigers, teaming up with returning stars Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams. For Flau’jae, however, there’s been one issue that’s held her back from leading before… and it might just come into play again. Find out what it is in Mulkey’s answer!

Beyond the headliners, LSU is also bringing back Kailyn Gilbert, Jada Richard, and Izzy Besselman. With all this, the Lady Tigers are expected to have one of the best perimeters in the country, but still have a few things to iron out:

• Lack of size in the front court/ rebounding: Each of the last three LSU squads ranked top five in rebounding.

• Not a rebuild, but a reset: Biggest roster turnover Mulkey’s seen since 2022.

• Fulwiley: While we’ve seen transfers like Reese come in and thrive under Mulkey’s system, there was also Hailey Van Lith.

Either way, this LSU team is going to be fun to watch. They open their season on November 4 at home against Houston Christian. Let’s see if this new-look squad can finally stretch that run.

For the Basketball Fans Who Live and Breathe the Game

Say hello to Essentially Dunk — your new home for everything NBA. Think of it as She Got Game’s little brother, bringing the same fun and insights you love, just for the men’s game. From game-night storylines and rising stars to off-court buzz, it’s the newsletter that keeps you plugged into the NBA like never before.

Meet Duke’s New Secret Weapon: Emilee Skinner

Duke has been blessed, to say the least.

Many might not realize it just yet, but the Blue Devils may have snagged the best one in Emilee Skinner. Ranked No. 4 overall, Skinner brings an all-around offensive skill set that makes her one of the most versatile guards you’ll see at the college level.

If you ask Skinner, it all comes naturally as she grew up in a “big sports family.” But her achievements say plenty on their own. A two-time Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year, a three-time Utah 4A State Champion, and a gold medalist with Team USA at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup.

Oh, and she was a McDonald’s All-American, where this sick behind-the-back dime had everyone talking.

“From the time I was little, I loved playing, competing, and winning,” she says. And well, her 102–4 record with the Riverhawks pretty much proves it. Over those four years, she dropped 2,313 career points, the fourth-highest total in Utah state history.

But beyond numbers, it’s how she plays. She’s got true point guard vision, can score on all three levels, and her body control is unbelievable. Her change of pace keeps defenders guessing, and that knack for creating shots out of nothing is exactly what HC Kara Lawson loves about her game.

Plus, another thing is chemistry in basketball. And while we’ll see it fully on display once the Blue Devils hit the court, Skinner’s connection with her coach seems to have been building for months. How do we know? Well… you’ll just have to see for yourself!

The only thing left to fine-tune is her three-point consistency, something she’s already locked in on for her college transition. So yes, Duke fans, go ahead and get excited.

W’s Most Epic Victory Parade

As we said before, Las Vegas knows how to celebrate. And of course, they had to throw a party, letting the city know their ladies just brought home a third championship in four years.

Leading the parade was a lineup of classic low-rider automobiles, followed by five double-deck buses rolling down Las Vegas Boulevard. The last bus carried the Aces themselves, who showered fans with streamers and confetti. It was a sight to behold!

But the real party started when the team reached the red carpet and stage. After heartfelt speeches filled with gratitude, Becky Hammon stole the show with her memorable dance moves to Crime Mob, and yes… we loved every second of it.

While Becky’s moves topped it all, A’ja Wilson wasn’t far behind, adding a “Marvel(ous)” touch with her outfit. Check out her accessory of choice! A’ja is inevitable.

The celebration ended with fireworks lighting up the Vegas sky, while Queen’s “We Are The Champions” blasted through the sound system.

Vegas, you did it right!

BG Turns a Year (B)older

If we had to describe Brittney Griner’s journey at every level, it’s been iconic with a few (sometimes big) wrenches along the way.

Her childhood was full of possibilities. She loved basketball, had big dreams, and was figuring herself out, but constant bullying chipped away at her confidence.

Then came college at Baylor University, where she did everything she could. Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. Sweeping Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2011, 2012, and 2013. But a decade-long strained relationship with former coach Kim Mulkey and the program followed. If you’re curious what exactly happened, check it out here!

Next stop was the WNBA. Nine years as the cornerstone of the Mercury, one of the league’s most dominant centers ever: 10x All-Star, 2x scoring champ, 8x blocks leader, 2x DPOY, 3x All-WNBA, 6x All-Defensive, and the record for most dunks in history. Watch her career dunk mix.

Now, her first season with the Dream hasn’t looked like the Brittney we’re used to, and the future feels a bit uncertain. But today, we celebrate everything she is, everything she’s overcome, and everything she’s yet to become.

Happy 35th, BG!

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That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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