Long before the start of the 2024-25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>season, scouts, experts, and fans were already talking about how multiple teams would star in an epic race to the bottom of the standings.



Duke Blue Devils star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, who’s expected to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, looked like a big-enough prize to make things give up on contending for a whole year.



That’s why Toronto Raptors analyst Christopher Kline couldn’t fathom why the team would trade for Brandon Ingram. While he might help them win some games, it could cost them their future superstar. 



<h2>Toronto Raptors trade themselves out of Cooper Flagg race</h2>



“As for the Raptors, this trade comes at an awkward moment. Toronto is 16-35 with its sights set, presumably, on Cooper Flagg,” Kline wrote. “It’s not often that a team so blatantly engaged in a rebuild trades for an All-Star in his prime. Ingram should have a long window next to Scottie Barnes. He’s 27, with an appealingly modern skill set. But, it’s strange timing. The Raptors are stuck with a cumbersome cap sheet and not much top-end talent. Ingram makes them better for now, but it’s up for debate how much he moves the needle.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250210_BUS_329703_Brandon-Ingram-1-1024x576_61aee3ce.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brandon Ingram" class="wp-image-122468" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/Brandon-Ingram-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/Brandon-Ingram-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/Brandon-Ingram-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/Brandon-Ingram-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/04/Brandon-Ingram-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans</figcaption></figure>



The Raptors are now entering dangerous territory. You never want to be stuck in the middle in pro sports, as they won’t be bad enough to get a top draft pick, nor good enough to be a legitimate contender.


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Then again, anything can happen, and we’ve seen teams win the NBA Draft lottery despite not having odds on their side. Still, Raptors fans might not be thrilled with this move.

NCAAB News: NBA team withdraws from Cooper Flagg race

NCAAB News: NBA team withdraws from Cooper Flagg race - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Dylan Harper still hasn’t played a single second of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> basketball, but he’s already turned a lot of heads. He was recently chosen as one of the best point guards in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, and for good reasons.



Even though the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have struggled to find consistency this season, and even despite his ankle injury, Harper has looked like a future NBA star in the making.



That’s why even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> tipped his hat to him recently. When asked about that, Harper, the son of NBA champion Ron Harper, was humbled and happy to hear James’ praise. 



<h2>Dylan Harper reacts to LeBron James’ praise</h2>



“It means a lot. That’s someone that I think, not just me, a lot of people look up to. Just watching how much he’s done for the game, everything he’s still put into it. He’s been playing for about 21, 22 years I mean, that’s hard to do in that league, great players. He just rises over the top,” Harper said. “I’ve known him for a little while now. Him and my dad are great friends, both from Ohio. So every time I get to see him, it’s a great time.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250210_BUS_329721_leBron-James-1024x559_ecdc65d9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="leBron-James" class="wp-image-326712" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/02133837/leBron-James-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/02133837/leBron-James-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/02133837/leBron-James-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/02133837/leBron-James-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/02133837/leBron-James.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers </figcaption></figure>



The NBA is like a big family at times, and most players actually go way back with one another. That’s why they know what they’re capable of even before some scouts realize it.


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Nepotism or not, Harper seems to have a bright future ahead of him. And if you don’t take our word for it, he already has LeBron James’ stamp of approval, and that should be more than enough.

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper responds to LeBron James’ epic shout-out

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper responds to LeBron James' epic shout-out - Bolavip US

The WNBA Draft is different from the NBA’s. Women aren’t allowed to go one-and-done in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>, and while that might not seem fair, it has helped some players build their brand.



Notably, that’s been the case with UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers. Her days on campus and with the national team have turned her into a star even before going pro.



And with more attention going towards women’s basketball, Bueckers has an evergrowing fanbase. That’s why she feels bad for not always being able to be there for her fans.



<h2>Paige Bueckers talks about the fans</h2>



“It makes you feel bad because you can’t get to everybody,” Bueckers said. “As much as you want to sign everything, you want to take pictures with everybody, you would probably be there all night. But just want to stay appreciative of it, just stay in a state of gratitude to where people spend their money, their time, their effort to come watch us play, and we want to perform for them and do well for them. It just makes you extremely grateful to play here.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250210_BUS_329722_Paige-Bueckers-1024x576_361d9ad3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-296582" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn Huskies guard PAIGE BUECKERS (5)</figcaption></figure>



Bueckers is now expected to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, but with all the uncertainty and struggles regarding the Dallas Wings, some believe she might go back to college for another season.


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Whatever the case, she’s expected to be one of the rising stars of the game once she’s ready to turn pro, and that rising stardom of hers will only achieve new heights.

NCAAB News: Paige Bueckers gets emotional when talking about her fans

NCAAB News: Paige Bueckers gets emotional when talking about her fans - Bolavip US

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have two legitimate superstars. Ace Bailey, however, stands out from the rest of the pack, as he helped the team stay afloat while Dylan Harper was out with an injury.



Bailey, who’s drawn comparisons to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> legends like Kevin Durant, is averaging 20.2 points per game (No. 11 in the nation), and might even break the program’s all-time freshman scoring record.



That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise to see him being nominated to the prestisgious Julius Erving award. The trophy, named after ‘Dr. J,’ is given to the best small forward in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. 



<h2>Ace Bailey named to Julius Erving award shortlist</h2>



“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the Top 10 candidates for the 2025 Julius Erving Award and Rutgers men’s basketball’s Airious “Ace” Bailey was named to the list,” read the satement. “The annual Julius Erving Award, named after the Class of 1993 Hall of Famer and 16-year professional basketball player, celebrates its 11th year by recognizing the top small forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250210_BUS_329723_Ace-Bailey-1024x576_5c7455cf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290606" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080437/Ace-Bailey.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



This speaks volumes about his tremendous talent and impact on the Scarlet Knights. That’s also why he could even challenge <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> as the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.


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Of course, Bailey isn’t a perfect prospect by any means. His shot selection, a tendency to play hero ball, and apparent unwillingness to get others involved are major concerns.

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey named to prestigious award after upset over Illinois

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey named to prestigious award after upset over Illinois - Bolavip US

To say that Dawn Staley has been around plenty of talent would be a massive understatement. She’s one of the greatest coaches ever, and her days as a player also made her a legend of the game.



Nevertheless, everybody makes mistakes. She’s found some bumps along the road during her coaching career, and she’s vowed never to make the same mistake twice.



That’s why she’s done making promises to her players. Recently, she revealed that she didn’t even promise A’Ja Wilson she would be a starter for the South Carolina Gamecocks.



<h2>Dawn Staley makes no promises</h2>



“I did that once in my career very early in my career when I was at Temple. I did it off of potential like I knew that this player could be really good and maybe starting would be the thing that keeps them motivated. Wrong. So I’ve never made that mistake,” Staley said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250210_BUS_329720_Dawn-Staley-1024x576_3d0b96b1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315503" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103813/Dawn-Staley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks</figcaption></figure>



From the moment she did that, she realized she had messed up. That’s why, regardless of how talented her players were, she stopped making any sort of guarantee:



“I’ve never made that mistake (again). I’ve never told an A’ja Wilson you’re going to start,” she continued. “I never told any one of our players that they were going to start because you get them in here and you don’t know, they could be the most talented individual. But you get them with other talented individuals that work really hard, that understand, that can make the transition a lot smoother and you start them over that. That leads to a disaster.”


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Talent alone can only get you somewhere. Fortunately, players like Wilson know that working hard is the only way to get things done. Now, she’s the best player in the WNBA.

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley avoided a huge mistake with A’Ja Wilson

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley avoided a huge mistake with A'Ja Wilson - Bolavip US

Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to the top has been a joy to watch. She’s brought countless eyeballs to the women’s game, becoming a<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketbal</a>l sensation since her days at Iowa.



Now, as a WNBA player and one of the faces of the game, she wants to show some love to the stars of tomorrow. That’s why she recently tipped her hat to USC standout JuJu Watkins. 



Watkins drew a standing ovation despite losing to the Hawkeyes during Clark’s jersey retirement ceremony, and the Indiana Fever guard had nothing but praise for her. 



<h2>Caitlin Clark raves about JuJu Watkins</h2>



“I’ve talked to JuJu a little bit,” Clark said. “Obviously, I kind of watch from a distance, but honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive. She doesn’t need my help.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250206_BUS_329704_JuJu-Watkins-1-1024x576_8d0ab60f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-299066" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12)</figcaption></figure>



“She’s obviously really talented and her game speaks for itself. She’s so fun to watch, and as you can tell our entire scouting report—Number 12, that’s all it’s about. And that means we have so much respect for her,” continued Clark.


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Fortunately for Clark and the Indiana Fever, it will be a little longer before they have to deal with Watkins, who won’t be eligible to enter the WNBA until the 2027 Draft.

NCAAB News: Caitlin Clark makes a big remark about JuJu Watkins

NCAAB News: Caitlin Clark makes a big remark about JuJu Watkins - Bolavip US

It’s been decades since UConn and Tennessee have hated each other’s guts. Since the late 90s, this has been one of the most heated rivalries in all of women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



This goes back to long before her time, but Paige Bueckers is well aware of the implications. That’s why she cannot wait to hit the road and take the court on Thursday night.



With the Huskies set to play in a hostile environment to square off against the Lady Volts, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft is actually looking forward to playing villain.



<h2>Paige Bueckers wants to play in hateful environment</h2>



“Very excited,” Bueckers told the media. “I got to experience it in the bubble years and I got to experience it two years ago, out. So this year, being able to play in that environment where that many people hate you, it will probably be a lot of fun.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250206_BUS_329615_paige-bueckers-1024x576_5fa59604.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="paige bueckers" class="wp-image-274696" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers playing for UConn.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Geno Auriemma calls fans ‘stupid’</h2>



Unsurprisingly, coach Geno Auriemma was a little more candid when he was asked his thoughts on the rivalry. He didn’t mince his words about anything, not even his fans:



“It became something that wasn’t normal,” Auriemma said. “It just became stupid and became something I didn’t want to be a part of anymore. I think our fans are stupid. I think their fans are stupid, and how they reacted to the whole thing, it just became something other than a basketball game, and after a while that just got old.”


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Even though Auriemma doesn’t want to be a part of it, it is what it is. These two programs don’t like one another, and Thursday night’s game will be must-watch television.

NCAAB News: Paige Bueckers takes subtle shot at Tennessee fans

NCAAB News: Paige Bueckers takes subtle shot at Tennessee fans - Bolavip US

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights got their other star back. Dylan Harper, who had been out and struggling with an ankle injury for the past couple of weeks, was finally able to return.



It wasn’t much of a coincidence to see Rutgers being back to their best with him on the court and back to full strength, and they even took down No. 23 Illinois in a big upset win.



Harper has been deemed one of the best prospects in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co</a>llege basketball. That’s his fellow future <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>er, Ace Bailey, wanted to give him his flowers and talk about how he makes it easier for him to be at his best.



<h2>Ace Bailey raves about Dylan Harper’s impact</h2>



“It opens up a lot for us, I mean can’t double me,” Bailey said. “I mean once he gets downhill, he can attack the rim, put pressure on the rim any time, kick out. I mean he’s 6-foot-6 and he can rebound, so just having another person out there to rebound, open up, playmaker, get us open, attack at the same time that’s good.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250206_BUS_329700_Ace-Bailey-1-1024x576_1e452bfb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290607" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080550/Ace-Bailey-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>ce Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights</figcaption></figure>



It’s nice to see that Harper, who’s projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, still chose to keep fighting and play through an ankle injury. Other players in his position would’ve opted not to play anymore.


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Rutgers can still make it to the NCAA Tournament, but it will be easier said than done. Even so, with this kind of talented duo, you have to like their chances against anybody.

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey explains how Dylan Harper makes him better

NCAAB News: Ace Bailey explains how Dylan Harper makes him better - Bolavip US

To say that this had been a disappointing start to the season for the Arkansas Razorbacks would’ve been a massive understatement. They desperately needed some momentum.



Fortunately, it seems like they’ve found it. They beat No. 14 Kentucky, John Calipari’s former team, and they took care of business against another tough opponent in the Texas Longhorns.



People quickly forgot all the talk about Calipari potentially being on the hot seat. In fact, NCAA analyst Jeff Goodman believes that Nelly Davis’ new aggressive approach could take them back to tournament contention.



<h2>Jeff Goodman praises John Calipari’s aggressiveness</h2>



“He is back confidence-wise, you’re giving him the ball,” Goodman said. “He’s the guy right now that’s gonna lead this team back to the bubble.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250206_BUS_329701_John-Calipari-1024x576_555c0b1a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Davis is averaging roughly over 10 points per game for the Razorbacks. The senior guard is one of the most talented and experienced players on the team, and he’s rising up to the talent.



The Razorbacks are 14-8, so there’s still a chance that they will make their way to the NCAA Tournament, especially with a savvy and veteran coach like John Calipari.


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Of course, you’re only a good as you were in your last game, so the Razorbacks are in no position to rest on their laurels just yet. If anything, they desperately need to keep the momentum going.

NCAAB News: Analyst makes strong prediction about John Calipari’s Arkansas after win vs. Texas

NCAAB News: Analyst makes strong prediction about John Calipari's Arkansas after win vs. Texas - Bolavip US

Once again, the Duke Blue Devils are one of the best teams in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. Unsurprisingly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has gotten most of the praise and the credit.



Nevertheless, coach Jon Scheyer is well aware of the fact that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. As much as Flagg deserves recognition, he also wants people to talk about Maliq Brown.



The junior transfer was at his best when the Blue Devils squared off against Syracuse, his former team. That’s why coach Seyer gave him his flowers for setting the tone.



<h2>Jon Scheyer credits Maliq Brown for his aggressiveness</h2>



“Maliq has changed our team dramatically,” the coach said. “Maliq is the ultimate teammate. He’s incredibly unselfish. He’s been everything we could ask for and more. He’s a menace on the defensive end. His passing, his energy, you know, he led us in rebounding tonight.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250206_BUS_329702_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_20777b58.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216615" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Scheyer head coach of Duke</figcaption></figure>



Browns was unfazed by the boos and jeers from his former fans. While his six points and eight rebounds might not pop out on the stat sheet, his impact went beyond numbers.



His defense was instrumental in smothering his former team, helping Duke run away with an easy 83-54 win. They’re the second-best team in the nation right now, and with this kind of synergy, it’s hard to envision anybody beating them.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals Duke’s secret weapon, and it’s not Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals Duke's secret weapon, and it's not Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

All games count in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball.</a> Nevertheless, one would be naive to believe that rivalry games don’t mean more, which is why the winning team often looks to make a statement.



That was the case with the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday. They clearly wanted it more, and they outhustled their lifelong rivals, the UNC Tar Heels, on both ends of the floor.



The Blue Devils led by as many as 32 points at some point in the second half. When asked about the reason for their success, Jon Scheyer talked about their hustle on defense.



<h2>Duke coach credits deflections for dominance over UNC</h2>



“Oh, by the way, it was our high in deflections. We talked about that and now we gotta break it again. … Twenty-three, I think. One of you guys are gonna watch the film and see it was 16 or 17. I was told 23,” Scheyer said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250204_BUS_328166_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_c3c5428e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315502" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a dunk </figcaption></figure>



The Tar Heels turned the ball over 14 times, and those led to 19 Blue Devils points. Duke also logged ten steals, smothering the opposition throughout the length of the court.


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The Blue Devils look like an unstoppable force right now, and even though Auburn still has the best record in the nation, they might actually be the team to beat right now.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals key point to beat the Tar Heels

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals key point to beat the Tar Heels - Bolavip US

The Iowa Hawkeyes had an emotional win over USC. It meant much more for the home team, as it was also an opportunity to honor the greatest player in program history.



Caitlin Clark got his jersey retired and hanging high in the rafters after a legendary career. However, the crowd also made sure to cheer and applaud USC star JuJu Watkins despite the loss.



Watkins, who’s considered to be one of the rising stars of the game, was humbled and grateful for this gesture. For her, it’s another testament to how far Clark is getting this game.



<h2>JuJu Watkins raves about Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s basketball</h2>



“It’s just a testament to what Caitlin’s done and the direction that the sport is headed in,” Watkins said. “I’m super grateful to have a part in it and be able to showcase my talent and what the women’s game can do.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250204_BUS_328164_caitlin-clark-1024x576_87ed8095.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="caitlin clark of indiana fever" class="wp-image-325084" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/30165954/caitlin-clark.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever</figcaption></figure>



Props to Hawkeyes fans for that classy gesture and for showing another future WNBA star some love. Watkins, like Clark, could end up making history of her own.


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Women’s basketball is finally getting the praise, attention, and recognition it had been craving for years. Now, it’s up to everybody else to step up and make sure that’s still the case years from now.

NCAAB News: JuJu Watkins makes bold remark about Caitlin Clark

NCAAB News: JuJu Watkins makes bold remark about Caitlin Clark - Bolavip US

It’s crazy to think that Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers may not have been the most shocking piece of news that Dallas fans had to deal with this weekend.



UConn star Paige Bueckers showed up to play against Butler, as expected. However, the Huskies star guard shocked the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> world with a new, braid-less look.



Needless to say, it didn’t take long before the fans and the media took notice of that. Following the big win over Butler, she cracked a joke about it when the media asked her about her new hairdo.



<h2>Paige Bueckers cracks Luka Doncic joke with new look</h2>



“See, the world woke up to Luka getting traded to the Lakers. So crazier things have happened,” she jokingly said. “But, I mean, nah, this is like a one-time thing. My friend Kayla was sick. Jana got a little under the weather, so I think this is just a one-time thing.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250204_BUS_328167_Paige-Bueckers-1024x576_e34c926c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-296582" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn Huskies guard PAIGE BUECKERS (5)</figcaption></figure>



Regardless of her look, Bueckers still dominated in the win over Butler. She scored 18 points on 50% from the floor in the lopsided triumph after a shocking 2-of-10 effort in her latest outing.


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Dallas basketball fans may have lost their superstar, but another one could be on the way. With the Dallas Wings owning the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers could become the next alpha hooper in town.

NCAAB News: Paige Bueckers makes hilarious remark about Luka Doncic trade

NCAAB News: Paige Bueckers makes hilarious remark about Luka Doncic trade - Bolavip US

Despite having two of the most talented players in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights still haven’t been able to find much success on the court this season.



Even so, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper continue to turn a lot of heads. Unfortunately, the latter has missed some time with an ankle injury, and he’s currently in a walking boot.



Nevertheless, analysts and committee members still know how good of a player he is. As announced by the program in a statement, he was just nominated for the Bob Cousy Award, which is given to the best point guard in Division I.



<h2>Dylan Harper gets Bob Cousy Award nomination</h2>



“Dylan Harper has had a stellar freshman season at Rutgers averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists-per-game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field. The Franklin Lakes native has played in 19 games this season. Harper has had some unbelievable moments having the first triple-double at Rutgers since 1983 in the win over Columbia, hitting the game-winner against Seton Hall, and having back-to-back 35-point plus performances at the Player’s Era Tournament in Las Vegas. Harper is a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week and won the NCAA’s National Player of the Week this season,” read the statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250204_BUS_328165_Dylan-Harper-rutgers-1024x576_e86cffdc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-304003" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31130312/Dylan-Harper-rutgers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights </figcaption></figure>



Dylan is currently projected as the second-best prospect entering the NBA this season, and for very good reasons. However, that also puts a question mark on his future with the program.


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With his struggles with an ankle injury and a certain future in the league, Harper and his camp might decide to shut him down for the remainder of the season to prevent further injuries.

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper gets ultimate D1 honor despite injury

NCAAB News: Dylan Harper gets ultimate D1 honor despite injury - Bolavip US

Nowadays, the South Carolina Gamecocks are considered to be one of the biggest powerhouses in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. Truth be told, that wasn’t always the case.



It wasn’t until Las Vegas Aces superstar A’Ja Wilson led them to their first-ever Final Four and national championship that they got this kind of respect. Now, she’s the best player on the planet.



That’s why the Gamecocks made sure to honor her and retire her iconic No. 22 jersey on Sunday. After the ceremony, SC coach Dawn Staley dug deep into Wilson’s true impact on the program.



<h2>Dawn Staley credits A’Ja Wilson for putting SC on the map</h2>



“What she means to our program is legendary,” Staley said. “You think of legendary as what they do on the court, but the magic of A’ja is all the other stuff. It’s OK to come to a local college, university, and take on the pressures. It’s a pressure thing because you are doing it in front of all of the people that know you. You only want to do well in front of them. Because of A’ja, we continue to get the top talent. And our fans, they create an experience that if you don’t come here, you feel like you’re missing out.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250204_BUS_327394_las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-1024x576_a93ee700.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="las vegas aces" class="wp-image-277744" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/las-vegas-aces-wilson-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces </figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, Wilson’s impact on the program and the city will go way beyond the stats, the championships, his résumé, or anything that took place on the court.


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She’s responsible for a revolution in South Carolina. The program has been able to bring in elite talent because young players dream of being like her, and that’s what being an icon means.

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley reveals A’Ja Wilson’s true impact on South Carolina

NCAAB News: Dawn Staley reveals A'Ja Wilson's true impact on South Carolina - Bolavip US

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