^{November 22, 2025 | Edition #164}

Hey, Hoophead!

Arguably the most awaited decision of the offseason (well, aside from the CBA) is finally here. New York went all the way to the West Coast to lock in their new head coach. Meanwhile, college hoops decided to give us a double dose of drama with not one, but two absolute thrillers in a single day. And just when you thought Geno Auriemma had seen it all, he experienced a career first yesterday.

 ‘Golden’ Playbook Heads to Brooklyn

With the Draft Lottery right around the corner, the WNBA’s coaching carousel is finally settled!

After two-long months, the New York Liberty have found their leader and they had to fly all the way to Golden State for it. Chris DeMarco will be franchise’s 10th head coach, third coach hired under GM Jonathan Kolb, the eighth male HC in W, and the latest NBA-to-WNBA crossover name.

Now, DeMarco wasn’t the only big option on the board. But it looks like a certain Liberty star threw in some insider approval (or you can call it influence) from the Bay. This is what we’re talking about!

Still, make no mistake, DeMarco’s experience earned this. For those just tuning in, he’s actually the longest-tenured member of Steve Kerr’s Warriors coaching crew. Started at the bottom as a video intern, worked his way into a full-time gig by 2012, and just kept climbing. Four NBA championships later, he’s stepping into Brooklyn with rings and receipts.

On top of that, he currently leads a Warriors defense that’s sitting pretty in the top 10 this season. But we all know Golden State’s identity; that Steph-powered offensive playground. And that’s where fans are already dreaming: imagine some of that movement, that creativity… unleashed with Sabrina Ionescu.

But before any of that magic touches Barclays Center, though, DeMarco still has business to finish in the Bay. Even after the news broke, he was right there on the Warriors bench like nothing happened. Likely one of his final moments there.

Black Friday’s ‘Hottest’ Deal

What’s the one thing everyone craves in the winter? Some warmth… and a great deal. And the Aiheal Electric Tea Kettle on Wayfair has them both. Built for cozy mornings and everyday utility, the kettle’s variable temperature control keeps your drink just right. Moreover, its cordless design makes it easy to use anywhere. It even automatic shuts off, ensuring a worry-free use every single time. And here comes the kicker, thanks to Wayfair’s Black Friday Sale you can now get it for a flat 82% off.

Because you deserve some warm moments on cold days.

Instant Classics Only: UConn & Notre Dame Edition

Geno Auriemma literally warned everyone days ago that Michigan would be the toughest matchup on UConn’s schedule. And when two of the nation’s best defensive teams went head-to-head? It absolutely lived up to the hype.

The Huskies went from cruising early to suddenly clinging to a two-point lead in the final 10 seconds. It turned into one of those instant-classic, heart-rate-spiking games. However, Before Azzi Fudd and Michigan’s Syla Swords turned the fourth quarter into a three-point shootout, Sarah Strong was doing her thing again with crafty, and oh-so-fun to watch plays.

That over-the-head, no-look dime from the GROUND? You won’t want to miss it! Strong walked away with yet another double-double (career-high 20 rebounds), but this one belonged to Fudd. Thirteen of her game-high 31 came in the fourth alone, including three massive triples to flip the momentum right back UConn’s way. In the end, Auriemma’s first career-win vs. Wolverines was decided by a final-second turnover by Michigan.

But wait, that wasn’t the only thriller of the day.

Notre Dame rolled into their matchup against USC with revenge practically written across the jerseys after that 39-point Michigan blowout. Even if that meant taking down a higher seed. The beginning of the game didn’t look like it, though. The Trojans controlled most of the game and led 51-46 entering the fourth… and then the Irish woke up.

They held USC to just eight points in the final quarter. Then, with the score tied at 59-all and less than 10 seconds on the clock, Hannah Hidalgo channeled her inner clutch gene and hit the game-winning shot at 1.9 seconds.

Watch Hannah win it for the Irish!

The 20-year-old finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, five steals, one of three Irish players to reach double figures. For USC, Kara Dunn led the way with 21 points, while Jazzy Davidson added 14, but this one was all Notre Dame magic in the end.

 "What Does He Want?!" WNBA Star Slams MPJ Over His Comments on W Players

The Fearless & The Flawless

Syla Swords. Enough said. If you scrolled Twitter and saw WNBA players buzzing “Syla Swords!!!” you already know, the sophomore used that national spotlight brillaintly. As we already said, she stood toe-to-toe with Azzi Fudd, trading daggers from the three-point line in the fourth.

But the moment of the night had to be the fearless, logo three that brought the game down to just one point with 12.4 seconds left. The Canadian star will be remembered for this shot for a long, long time!

She finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and an even bigger fan base than when she walked on the court.

Freshman on fire! “Aubrey Galvan is the flashiest freshman in the nation. Period,” Vanderbilt’s account boldly claimed and after what we saw, we can actually nod. In a 54-point blowout over Alabama State, Galvan had all the room she needed to show off her reflex shots, and jaw-dropping creativity.

The moment that stole the spotlight was a crafty play near the rim. Driving near the basket, Galvan baited the defenders to chase her toward the corner and just like that, she delivered the perfect, flashy behind-the-back pass to teammate Aga Makurat. Precision and timing, people!

Plays like that added up, giving her 8 assists in the game.

The Impossible Task! Who Held Unstoppable Syla Swords to Just 2-for-12?!

Sideline Showstoppers

The offseason couldn’t keep Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark off the courts.

On Friday night, Caitlin Clark was courtside cheering on her boyfriend and his Butler Bulldogs, still proudly repping Indiana. But that wasn’t the only headline, she also made a splash in a commercial alongside Chris Paul.

And as always, it was clear she’s a natural actress!

So is Paige, by the way. She sometimes uses it to keep things low-key in real life, probably just to enjoy a stardom-free moment. Like when she was spotted courtside at a Knicks-Mavericks game recently. Even though cameras eventually found her, ​​here’s how Bueckers managed a subtle, quiet entrance. Still, she couldn’t escape the eyes of fans who adore her.

1. Lauren Betts Loses Draft’s No.1 Spot to International Sensation - Full Story 

2. Project B Secures Chicago Sky Standout as Its Next Young Star - Full Story

3. Caitlin Clark Can’t Hide Her Joy as Iowa Upsets No. 7 Baylor - Full Story

4. Notre Dame Welcomes WNBA Royalty Courtside - Full Story

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

💌 Feedback