^{October 27, 2025 | Edition #156}

Hey, Hoophead!

We’re just a week away now!

As the regular season draws closer, programs like the Gamecocks and the Huskies are already showing off in their exhibition games. And while the spotlight’s been on the top contenders these past few weeks, we haven’t forgotten the teams that kept things exciting last year. So today, we’re checking in on USC and how they’re adjusting to life without their superstar this season.

Life Without JuJu

You know it. We know it. This year is going to hit different for USC.

And don’t get us wrong, no one’s questioning the Trojans’ talent. How could we when you’ve got Kennedy Smith, Kara Dunn, Londynn Jones, and Jazzy Davidson suiting up? Still, there’s no denying it’s going to feel different without JuJu Watkins taking the floor.

The sophomore star is sidelined after tearing her ACL last season, and her absence will leave a pretty big hole in that LA glow.

We all saw the movie last year, both LA teams crashed the Big Ten party and instantly took over. Even without JuJu, USC made it all the way to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual champs UConn (and by a smaller margin than most expected, mind you).

But then came the offseason. Key starters left. Kiki Iriafen turned pro. And suddenly, Lindsay Gottlieb found herself with only Smith returning. Her solution was to hit the transfer portal really hard.

Now, Gottlieb’s got plenty of proven talent, but who are we kidding? Chemistry takes time. And that “secret” scrimmage result floating around proved that to be the case. Especially given who they played. See how USC fared!

Still, let’s not hit panic mode just yet.

The Trojans have one of the best two-way players in the country in Smith, top-ranked freshman Jazzy Davidson’s got an offensive bag (and marketability) deeper than most seniors, and Dunn’s scoring punch adds some serious backcourt power.

So, sure, this USC squad might not reach the ceiling it would’ve with JuJu leading the charge, and Maryland might be a better Big Ten team this time. But writing them off is not fair. If Gottlieb can get everyone clicking, the Trojans could still be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.

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Huskies Win Big, Wolfpack Debut a Dynamic Duo

As expected, UConn completely steamrolled its exhibition opponents.

It’s been barely two weeks since the Huskies faced Boston College, but somehow, they already look sharper. On Sunday, they looked more cohesive, more communicative, more like, well, UConn.

Playing in the newly renovated PeoplesBank Arena (yes, formerly the XL Center), Geno Auriemma experimented big time: 12 different lineups against Division II Southern Connecticut State. By halftime, a 60–16 score already told the story. By the final buzzer, it was 105–39. Brutal doesn’t even begin to cover it.

All 13 Huskies got on the scoreboard, including 48 bench points. Five players finished in double digits, and surprise, surprise (obviously, we're being sarcastic), Azzi Fudd led the way again with 21.

And by the way, if you missed her silky threes, they’re so back. Though with a pinch of Paige Bueckers nostalgia. Give this a watch and find out why this one looked way too familiar!

Meanwhile, NC State took the court without Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James, and something definitely felt off, but not enough to shake the Wolfpack. Even with a tough opponent like Maryland, they clawed their way to a 13–1 run in the final four minutes, sealing the deal in a game that saw 10 lead changes and three ties.

Zoe Brooks continued her excellence and led the way with 20, and Qadence Samuels crashed the boards. However, the one who had the most eyes was new transfer, Khamil Pierre (16). Looks like the Wolfpack’s got itself a new star duo in Pierre and Brooks. Their chemistry is already visible in these kinds of brilliant plays.

For Maryland, Oluchi Okananwa led with 21 points and seven boards. Next up, Maryland faces Point Park (PA) on Oct. 30, while NC State tips off its season against Tennessee on Nov. 4.

A Special Moment: Geno Auriemma Honors Azzi Fudd After Special Achievement

Stanford’s ‘Long Kept Promise’ Arrives

It’s been a while since Stanford found itself in this kind of territory. For the first time since 1987, the Cardinals missed the NCAA tournament. Many pinned it on Tara VanDerveer’s retirement. But the real question after the dust settled was this: would it shake the confidence of recruits who committed under her watch?

Well, not for Hailee Swain.

“When Tara retired, that wasn’t going to make me change my decision,” Swain said, cool as ever. For her, Stanford has always felt like home. She committed to the Cardinals right after her freshman year and never looked back. The basketball world has been watching and admiring her for years now.

So, no surprise she popped up on this list that features just two freshmen, and also includes the likes of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and more, showing just how popular Swain is.

And believe us, it’s not just hype.

Part of a stacked five-player recruiting class, Swain (the No. 8 player in the nation) averaged 22.9 points in high school and ranks second all-time in her school’s scoring history. And the numbers don’t even do justice to what she brings.

Swain’s got range, high-level defense, and ball pressure that turns heads. And while she insists she’s still polishing her 3-point shot, let’s just say when you watch her school the No. 1 player in the 2025 class at the McDonald’s All-American Game… yes, “the sky’s the ceiling” takes on a whole new meaning. Check this clip out from the game!

Now, entering college after playing across almost every elite summer circuit and making the ACC Preseason All-Freshman Team, HC Kate Paye trusts her freshman, “You’ll see an immediate impact from Swain, Lara Somfai, and Alexandra Eschmeyer [her top 3 recruits].”

She’s Back Home! After WNBA Season Ended With Injury, Former Lynx Star Returns to Stanford

The Best Crossover Episode

“Wait, WHAT!”

That was pretty much everyone’s reaction in the U.S. after spotting Paige Bueckers in the UK! Just a day ago, we saw her practicing with the Huskies in Storrs, and the next thing you know, she’s chilling in London, watching Arsenal take down Crystal Palace 1–0. And she somehow managed to record the biggest moment from the game. Check it out!

Meanwhile, back home, Lexie Brown’s got her own reason to celebrate. It’s her birthday! The seven-year WNBA vet and champion has been through quite a few moves in her career (traded three times already), but this year’s trade hit differently. When the Los Angeles Sparks sent her to Seattle, it wasn’t just a surprise; it was a gut punch. Or as Lexie herself put it on Gil’s Arena, she was “blindsided.”

And obviously, she vented it out on that podcast. Because Gil’s crew is her biggest support system. In case you can’t recall, we’ll let you see how they literally showed up to a game repping her name.

Nevertheless, happy birthday, Lexie!

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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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