^{October 20, 2025 | Edition #153}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

How much do we wish we lived in a sitcom where the plot never stops, right? One moment, it’s the pros lighting it up, and the next, college hoops are already tipping off. Sadly, this is reality, and we’ve got to survive the cruel offseason in between. And as much as we enjoyed watching the Aces sweep their way to glory, we can’t help but count down the days to November 3. However, to truly feel the hype, you’ve got to know what your favorite squads are bringing to the table, and for exactly that, we’re here.

Bruins’ Golden Chance for Glory

The UCLA Bruins are coming off a season of firsts.

A program-record 34 wins, their first-ever No. 1 overall seed, and a long-awaited return to the Final Four (their first since joining the NCAA). Sure, their story ended at the hands of the eventual champs, but what a ride it was.

The moment that dream run ended, however, six players hit the transfer portal, including Londynn Jones and Janiah Barker. While that might sound like chaos, HC Cori Close didn’t even flinch. Because when you’ve got talent pouring in as fast as it’s leaving, things don’t look half bad.

• Gianna Kneepkens (via portal)

• Sienna Betts (freshman class)

• Lena Bilic (freshman class)

• Christina Karamouzi (freshman class)

Among these, Kneepkens just happens to be one of the best three-point shooters in the country. Then there’s Lauren Betts’ younger sister, Sienna, an early favorite to be one of the top freshmen in the country.

At the same time, their core is still very much intact. Last year’s unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and this season’s early NPOY contender, Lauren, is back and better. And might form one of the most dangerous front courts with her sister. For now, though, the two are keeping things light. Even Cori Close couldn’t hold it together after watching their moves. Check out the hilarious moment!

Oh, and Charlisse Leger-Walker is finally healthy again after her ACL rehab. UCLA’s sitting at No. 3 in the nation for a reason, and while they didn’t get a single first-place vote, no one’s doubting their Natty ceiling. Everything starts with their 6-foot-7 senior, the one the head coach says “wants to win a national championship, period.”

More than anything, this might really be their golden moment. Eight of the 12 players on the roster are seniors. Next year, there are no guarantees. It’s true that the young talent is coming in, but this squad knows what it wants and takes.

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South Carolina’s Next Big Thing

You know that feeling of instant belonging….the moment a place just clicks and feels like home? That’s exactly what happened with Agot Makeer.

Walking into the Colonial Life Arena, seeing the South Carolina crowd, feeling the energy and the joy, the first thought that struck her was, “I want to be part of that.” And she followed her heart, committing to the Gamecocks. Even if that meant ditching this school, which is a dream for so many recruits.

At the time of her commitment, Makeer was ranked No. 4 in the class of 2025. In the latest rankings, she’s No. 6. Her 10 PPG might not make you go “wow,” but it’s her versatility on both ends that truly stands out. She can run the floor as a lead guard, slash to the rim, or score as a wing.

Basically, she can do everything!

On top of that, she’s proven resilience, too. After contributing heavily at Montverde and battling a hip injury, she tore her PCL in January. But true to form, bounced back in time to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Watch her highlights here, and you’ll see exactly what being unstoppable on every end really means!

Coach Staley knows it very well. She didn’t attend HS games at Montverde for no reason. “We’re excited to bring Agot into our Gamecock family,” she said.

But she isn’t alone. Makeer also joins Ayla McDowell, who signed last November. Much of the hype, though, is about seeing Ta’Niya Latson and Agot’s duo.

What Makes Coach Staley Special! The Gamecocks HC Showed Up to Support Makeer Thousands of Miles Away From Home

Turning 24 Like a Pro

Bueckers calls “expectations” a funny word. For her, every day is meant to be lived on its own. Easy for her….maybe.

Not because it has been light, but because she has defied it every single time. This is Paige Bueckers we’re talking about - the high school sensation, the UConn legend, the No. 1 pick, the almost-unanimous Rookie of the Year.

Let’s rewind a little.

Her college story was a rollercoaster. Despite being the most hyped prospect since Breanna Stewart, she somehow defied expectations. Paige managed to pull off what no one before - or after - quite could. Check out her historic feat.

Then, in her sophomore year, she battled a knee injury. Junior year, a torn ACL kept her out the entire season. But still, she capped it all with the ultimate storybook ending: leading UConn to a national championship.

Then came the pros. Sure, her Wings finished with a league-worst 10–34 record, but Paige still ran away with 70 of 72 votes to claim Rookie of the Year honors. And when we talk about that rookie season, we can’t forget the WNBA season-high 44-point explosion against the Sparks.

Now, in her first pro offseason, Paige is doing what she does best: having fun. And since it’s her birthday week, she’s showing off yet another talent… this time in football! Couldn’t she have been a great quarterback with an arm like this?

Honestly, in another life, Paige might’ve been an athlete all the same, just playing a different sport. Or wait… maybe a photographer, because she’s always out there capturing the best moments. Or maybe (and this one would be her favorite) a rapper. What to do, our girl’s just talented like that!

Here’s hoping 24 brings out even more of her talents to the world.

Happy birthday, Paige Buckets!

5s’ Union! Paige Links Up with a Familiar NFL Face from the CBB Rumor Mill

Hometown Heroes

After giving it all on the court, WNBA stars are bringing the energy back home. While the offseason often means rest and fun, for many, it also means showing love for the teams, courts, and communities that shaped them.

Take Sabrina Ionescu, for example. It didn’t take her long to run back to her Bay, along with her husband. And while her heart was all about showing support to the women in sports, that’s not all she did. After all, she was not just a spectator. Here’s how she’s connected to the NWSL’s Bay FC front office!

Meanwhile, Aaliyah Edwards was back to her roots, too. This time, hitting the basketball arena, but for the men’s game. Her Instagram carousel tells the story that she had tons of meet-and-greets, good laughs, and plenty of city pride, rocking the jersey of the place she calls home. And, well… this might just give fans a hint about Edwards’ potential destination next year if she decides to leave Connecticut.

1. Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Future Could Look Very Different After Next CBA, Claims Sue Bird - Full Story

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3. A’ja Wilson Throws Shade at Aliyah Boston Through Social Media - Full Story

4. Jewell Loyd Breaks Silence on Personal Revenge - 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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