College Basketball is Back!!

The John R. Wooden® Award has revealed its top 50 female basketball players for the 2024-25 season, with UConn's Paige Bueckers emerging as the frontrunner. Notably, Notre Dame boasts four players on the list, while LSU, Texas, UCLA, and USC each contribute three. A significant majority of the athletes are upperclassmen, highlighting the depth of talent among third- and fourth-year students. The prestigious Wooden Award, which honors outstanding performance and academic achievement, will announce its winner on April 11, 2025, while also supporting charitable initiatives in the basketball community.

On the men’s side, The Los Angeles Athletic Club and the John R. Wooden Award® have unveiled the preseason watch list for the 2024 season, spotlighting 50 top college athletes vying for this prestigious honor. Leading the pack is Kansas's Hunter Dickinson, with UNC's RJ Davis and Arizona's Caleb Love following closely. Kansas boasts the highest representation with four players, while Alabama and Baylor each have three. Notably, 41 of the selected players are juniors or seniors, with five impressive freshmen also making the list. The award ceremony is set for April 2025, and updates will be provided throughout the season. Additionally, Gonzaga's Mark Few will be recognized as the Legend of Coaching for 2025.

Scoreboard

• Back to back National Champion UConn Huskies blew Sacred Heart away with a 92-56 victory on Wednesday night. Alex Karaban led the way with 20 points, 7 assists, 7 blocks & 6 rebounds.

• Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils started hot with a 96-62 victory over Maine. Flagg started his career with 18 points, 7 rebounds & 5 assists.

• Upcoming NCAA action:

  • #9 North Carolina @ #1 Kansas, Friday 7pm

  • #8 Baylor @ #16 Arkansas, Saturday 7:30pm

  • #11 Auburn @ #4 Houston, Saturday 9:30pm

Starting Five - NCAA Edition

1. Creighton star goes for 49: In an electrifying season opener, Ryan Kalkbrenner lit up the scoreboard with a personal best of 49 points, leading Creighton to a 99-86 victory over UT-Rio Grande Valley. He showcased his shooting prowess by hitting 20 of 22 field goals, making history as the first player in Big East history to score over 40 points in his debut game of the season. While Kalkbrenner stole the spotlight, teammate Steven Ashworth contributed significantly with 25 points. As a three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Kalkbrenner's return is vital for Creighton's quest for their first conference title since 2020, especially with tough matchups on the horizon before Big East play begins.

2. All-time Winner: UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is poised to break the all-time wins record in college basketball this season. With just four victories needed to surpass Tara VanDerveer's record of 1,216 wins, a milestone is set for November 20 against the FDU Knights, which would bring his total to 1,217. This upcoming game promises to be a momentous occasion, featuring celebrations with former players honoring the school's national championships, and it has generated significant interest, with tickets already sold out.

3. Rutgers Opener: Dylan Harper, the talented freshman for Rutgers, made an impressive debut that left fans and reporters buzzing with excitement. Entering the interview room at Jersey Mike’s Arena, he was struck by the sight of a stage filled with eager journalists. Sitting alongside head coach Steve Pikiell, Harper took a moment to reflect on his achievement and the electric atmosphere generated by the sold-out crowd. His performance not only showcased his skills but also highlighted the growing anticipation around Rutgers basketball this season.

4. Dunk of the Year: In an electrifying moment during the Bears' matchup against Gonzaga, freshman V.J. Edgecombe delivered a standout dunk that momentarily lifted the team's spirits despite a tough loss. Although Gonzaga controlled the game, Baylor showed resilience in the second half, fighting hard to keep the game competitive. Edgecombe's impressive play included dunking over Joe Few, the son of Gonzaga's head coach, adding a highlight to an otherwise challenging night for the Bears.

5. Armed Forces Classic: UConn and Louisville will make history by competing in the 2025 Armed Forces Classic in Germany, the first women's college basketball teams to participate in this prestigious event. Set for November 4, 2025, at Ramstein Air Base and broadcast on ESPN, the game aims to honor military personnel and their families. Clint Overby from ESPN Events highlighted the significance of showcasing a major Division I women’s basketball game at a military base, building on Ramstein's previous hosting in 2012 and 2017. With UConn leading their all-time series against Louisville 19-3, head coach Geno Auriemma looks forward to a memorable event that reinforces the team's support for the armed forces.

Drill of the Week - Finishing Warmup

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🏀 Finishing Warmup

Work on your touch around the rim by challenging yourself with different finishing angles! Here we're going, mid-paint to block (or elbow to opposite block).

▪️Extension finish - outside hand

▪️Inside hand sneak finish

▪️1-2 stop & forward pivot floater/layup

🔑 Challenge yourself by trying to hit the ball outside of the square on the backboard. Push the limits of how much spin you are able to use to control the ball!

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