^{October 16, 2025 | Edition #151}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

If you ask us what college basketball might look like this season, well, the answer is probably a lot like last year. Most teams, especially the Final Four, are walking in with the same sky-high expectations, even with all the roster shuffles and fresh faces. Now, with roughly three weeks to go before tip-off, we’re starting our team-by-team look at what your favorites are bringing this season.

Back at the Top… But Back to the Top?

After winning four straight championships, it took UConn nine years to climb back to the top. But that also marked the end of an era in Connecticut: the Paige Bueckers era. Does that dampen expectations, though?

Not even a bit!

Geno Auriemma returns with one of the healthiest, deepest Huskies squads we’ve seen in a while. Ranked No. 1 for the 13th time (but the first since 2017), the defending champs will be led by Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong.

If there were any doubts, their 84-67 win over Boston College in the Hall of Fame Exhibition erased them quickly. Fudd led the way with 20 points, going a perfect 5-for-5 from deep, but it feels like this might be Strong’s season to shine. All summer, people have been wondering if she could end up as the greatest Husky ever, and even Auriemma’s recent comments seem to hint at it. How often do you see him lost for words like this?

Anyway, beyond the key duo, Storrs has top transfer Serah Williams. Plus KK Arnold, Ashlynn Shade, and Jana El Alfy will see bigger roles this season. At the same time, another transfer, Kayleigh Heckel, gives them the much-needed depth they’ve been looking for.

Also, let’s not forget the frontcourt power. In Geno’s words, “Sarah plays like she’s graduating this year,” and pairing her with Williams could give UConn the most lethal inside presence they’ve had in years. Throw in a No. 6 recruiting class, and this team looks stacked.

To tip the CBB season off, the Huskies will travel far (as they have to do quite a lot); east to Ramstein Air Base in Germany to face Louisville on November 4. We’ll be watching closely to see if UConn lives up to the hype… or if the jet lag might just throw a tiny wrench into the works.

Game Nights, Grilled Right

Bring your tailgate, camping trip, or backyard cookout to the next level with the Magma Crossover Double-Burner Firebox. Right now, it’s available at a flat 83% off, making it the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Double stainless steel burners – powerful, consistent heat for any dish

• Non-stick aluminum Plancha top – easy cooking and cleanup

• Lightweight and portable – perfect for tailgates, camping, and road trips

• Durable design – built to last season after season

Make every meal a winner, no matter where you set up.

The Do-It-All: ZaKiyah Johnson

Kentucky probably feels all the feels right now: pride, excitement… and maybe just a tiny pinch of heartbreak. Seeing their homegrown hero, ZaKiyah Johnson, step into a new chapter is amazing, but knowing she’s heading 722 miles away to Baton Rouge stings a bit.

The five-star recruit had options galore: Notre Dame, South Carolina, USC, Tennessee, UCLA, Louisville, UConn, and yes, even her beloved Kentucky. But after one of the most legendary careers in Kentucky high school hoops history, her heart led her to the Lady Tigers.

And while she hasn’t even set foot on a college court yet, if you look at these crazy highlights from 2023, you’ll notice how Johnson has been ready for this stage for years.

Her credentials speak for themselves. She’s a 5-star recruit, the No. 12 overall prospect, and the best player in the state of Kentucky. Last season, she stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, helping Sacred Heart capture a third straight state championship.

“I’m so excited to play for Coach Mulkey,” Johnson said. “She lets her players be who they are.” And in Johnson’s case, being herself might just mean stepping into a different position than she’s used to. Why is Mulkey having a guard play post? Find out the reason and who Johnson reminds Mulkey of!

But that doesn’t change much. As Sacred Heart coach Donna Moir put it, “Z is a true do-it-all player.” Whatever the team needs, she delivers. All she wants is to win- the mentality Tigers need.

For now, most likely, she’ll come off the bench, but if her high school career is any indication, the trajectory is only upwards.

To the West?!! Former LSU Star Angel Reese’s Tweet Has Fans Spinning

It’s Bird’s Day!

Today is all about Sue Bird, and for good reason. Before we dive deeper into her career, let us show you how Bird’s influence goes beyond her own stats and accolades. All-Star Gabby Williams just had the best year of her career, and while she has plenty of people to thank, it’s Bird she says “taught her how to play basketball.”

That’s the kind of impact we’re talking about….

Sue is the ultimate point guard, we all know that, but how many of you actually think point guard is the best position on the court? If that just sparked a little debate in your mind, take a moment to watch Bird, Aliyah Boston, and Candace Parker playfully refusing to agree (for the obvious reasons).

One conclusion we can all agree on, though, is that Sue is one of one. Matching the athleticism of teammates whose parents are her age (and laughing about it), winning every accolade at every level, and finally taking her rightful place in the Hall of Fame, she’s given this sport everything she possibly could.

But here’s a fact that might get lost in the hype:

Sue Bird won 11 of the 12 finals games she ever played. The only loss was her very first, back in 2004. Three of her four championships were sweeps, and she ended her career with an 11-game winning streak in the finals. A Finals hero, no doubt!

And even after retirement, she’s still shaping the game. This time, in the front office as the Managing Director of USA Basketball. But why did she choose FO over coaching? Hear straight from her, and it makes total sense.

That keeps her very much a part of this world, and we love it. And we also love every chance we get to celebrate her, from historic statue unveilings to her birthday.

So here’s to the legend herself….Happy Birthday, Sue!

Sheryl, Seriously?! WNBA Legend Confesses She Was Booing Cathy Too

Angel Walks into History

The moment every sports-fashion fan was waiting for finally arrived: Angel Reese made her debut at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn last night. You’d never know it was her first time on a runway! Reese strutted with total confidence, owning every step like a seasoned pro. Seriously, just watch her walk!

But Reese wasn’t alone in making history. She became the first professional athlete to grace the Victoria’s Secret runway, joining an Olympic gymnastics gold medalist who’s no stranger to the basketball world. See if you guessed it right!

1. Adam Silver’s Global Vision Could Collide With WNBA Lockout Threat - Full Story

2. Sophie Cunningham Reveals Caitlin Clark’s LeBron-Level Influence - Full Story

3. Sue Bird Stunned After Seeing Aliyah Boston Catching Up to Caitlin Clark - Full Story

4. Sandy Brondello and Husband Set for World Cup Showdown - Full Story

5. Chelsea Gray Declares Ambition That Could Challenge A’ja Wilson’s Legacy - Full Story

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

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