Devin Booker is the heart and soul of the Phoenix Suns after 10 years with the NBA franchise. The shooting guard didn’t enter the competition as a highly touted prospect, but Booker proved his value with his offensive performances.



With an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, Booker has yet to return to the big stage. The Suns have gone through major changes since that season, losing Cam Payne, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, among others.&nbsp;



Booker has stayed with the team through thick and thin, as he continues to strive for a championship. The Suns could have selected a different player with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft if it weren’t for John Calipari.&nbsp;



The 66-year-old coach took Booker under his wing when he played for the Kentucky Wildcats, but his usage apparently “ruined” Booker’s draft stock.&nbsp;



<h2>John Calipari credited for Suns drafting Devin Booker&nbsp;</h2>



Luke Duffey of Valley of the Suns notes that Devin Booker, a potential franchise GOAT over Charles Barkley or Steve Nash, continues to build his legacy. Duffey notes that Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon recently redrafted the 2015 draft class, which led to a major revelation about Calipari’s role in Booker’s selection.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/14200959/booker-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker" class="wp-image-440999" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at PHX Arena on March 24, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. </figcaption></figure>



Vecenie explained that Booker “didn’t play a lot” after Calipari decided to limit his minutes to 21.5 per game. He played 38 contests, but didn’t start in a single one of them.&nbsp;



Booker averaged 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 47% from the field, 41.1% from deep and 82.8% from the free-throw line.



Players such as Jahlil Okafor, Mario Hezonja, Willie Cauley-Stein and Stanley Johnson were selected ahead of Booker, but the Suns are grateful that things transpired that way.

Suns fan site reveals how John Calipari helped Devin Booker get to Phoenix

Suns fan site reveals how John Calipari helped Devin Booker get to Phoenix - Bolavip US

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The Duke Blue Devils prepare for the 2025-26 NCAA season, which will present new challenges. After losing in the 2025 Final Four to the Houston Cougars, Jon Scheyer’s team has renewed expectations, even though they suffered several key losses in the offseason.&nbsp;



With Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel in the NBA, the program recruited the Boozer twins to try to emulate and improve the performance from the last campaign.&nbsp;



While most things are on the right track, Scheyer still has some concerns to address ahead of the new season. Sophomore center Patrick Ngongba is dealing with a foot injury that forced him to wear a walking boot on his left foot and remain out of action.



<h2>Jon Scheyer shares update about Patrick Ngongba’s injury&nbsp;</h2>



Per Zach Ciavolella of Duke Wire, Jon Scheyer explained they are working to get the big man healthy before he sets foot on the court again.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Jon Scheyer Duke Blue Devils HC" class="wp-image-370989" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head coach John Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils.</figcaption></figure>



“He’s had foot injuries in his high school career and we’re still getting him back to 100% health,” Scheyer said. “It’s not about anything that he’s done. It’s just about getting him to his full 100% productivity on the court, where he can move completely pain-free, and also where he can get back to being the level of player he can be. He’s gonna be a terrific player for us.”&nbsp;



Ngongba averaged 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in his freshman season. If healthy, he should have more chances to showcase his talents and help the Blue Devils compete the same way they did last season.

Jon Scheyer provides mayor injury update on Duke star

Jon Scheyer provides mayor injury update on Duke star - Bolavip US

JuJu Watkins will likely miss the entire 2025-26 NCAA season after she suffered an ACL injury against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament.&nbsp;



Watkins led the team to a 29-3 record (17-1) before she suffered the season-ending injury, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 42.6% from the field, 32.5% from deep and 82% from the free-throw line.



Her impact can’t be felt only on the court, but in the recruitment department, too. Watkins’ young career has already inspired other prospects to join her at the Galen Center.&nbsp; While she won’t be out there with the rest of her teammates, Watkins has made a strong impact on them.&nbsp;



<h2>Saniyah Hall explains how JuJu Watkins prompted her to join USC&nbsp;</h2>



JuJu Watkins helped the women of Troy secure a major signing ahead of the 2025-26 season. Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class, explained to No Cap Space WBB the role Watkins played in her decision to join USC.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/23145237/JuJu-Watkins-1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-299066" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12)</figcaption></figure>



“Juju’s such an amazing person,” Hall said. “She was an amazing coach at the time. She’s such a players’ coach, if she were ever to be like a real one. I just feel like we had so much fun there and we really bonded. That was part of me joining USC.”



She added that Lindsey Gottlieb’s presence also helped her make this decision, as they have a long-time relationship.



“I just think Coach Lindsey, you know, she’s been there for me ever since freshman year, always stayed in contact with me. Building that relationship since day one is very key,” she said.



Hall is a major addition to the Trojans, who appear to be closer to the national championship each year.&nbsp;

New USC star reveals how JuJu Watkins inspired her to join the program

New USC star reveals how JuJu Watkins inspired her to join the program - Bolavip US

Karl-Anthony Towns has become one of the best offensive centers in the NBA since he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns led a strong class that included future stars such as D’Angelo Russell, Kristaps Porzingis, Myles Turner and Devin Booker.



Towns has asserted his dominance over the years, although he’s been unable to win a championship so far. After nine years with the Timberwolves, he was traded to the New York Knicks last offseason.&nbsp;



While his offense is top-notch, his defense has been subjected to criticism since he first entered the league. He was considered a potential dual-threat in college, but Towns has failed to develop his defensive side.&nbsp;



His struggles with fouls remain a big topic around the league, but Eamon Cassels of Dunking with the Wolves credits John Calipari for “tricking” the NBA on Towns’ upside despite having a concerning foul rate in college.



<h2>John Calipari hid Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive struggles, analyst says</h2>



Cassels writes that the 2.3 blocks per game he averaged in college didn’t translate into the NBA, and the 2.9 fouls in 21.1 minutes in college were a significant enough red flag for NBA scouts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16141104/Karl-Anthony-Towns-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Karl-Anthony Towns in 2025" class="wp-image-399254" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after he drew the foul in the first half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on April 08, 2025.</figcaption></figure>



“Playing in John Calipari’s system and for an elite Kentucky squad certainly benefited Towns,” he wrote. “As a result, many people overlooked Towns’ defensive red flags and set expectations for him to be a two-way monster. Last season, opponents shot 65.7 percent at the rim against Towns. In addition to struggling as a rim protector, Towns isn’t very mobile and can be attacked on switches, especially given his poor discipline.”



Towns was still selected with the No. 1 overall pick 10 years ago and he remains a star in the NBA, even if he will never be known for his defensive expertise or toughness.

How John Calipari tricked the NBA about Karl-Anthony Towns

How John Calipari tricked the NBA about Karl-Anthony Towns - Bolavip US

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer is ready to start his college career with one of the most iconic programs in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> history. The talented forward comes from a family with a pedigree at Durham.



His father, Carlos Boozer, left a huge mark and set several records during his three-year tenure with the Blue Devils, which also included a national championship in 2001. Following Cooper Flagg’s departure to the NBA, Cameron Boozer and his twin brother Cayden are expected to take over the team and take it to compete for a second consecutive Final Four appearance.&nbsp;



He knows that the challenge will be hard, but Boozer isn’t running away from the grind. Fresh off winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year award, the freshman sent a strong message to Duke’s doubters.&nbsp;



<h2>Cameron Boozer put on a show in Duke’s open practice&nbsp;</h2>



As Jon Scheyer and Co. wrapped up their final summer practice, Cameron Boozer made sure to put on a show in front of the public. According to Kevin Connelly of Ball Durham, Boozer showcased all his abilities on the court.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/22130357/Cameron-Boozer1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-382687" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Cameron Boozer at the free-throw line</figcaption></figure>



“There wasn’t much that Boozer left in his bag on Tuesday night in Durham, showcasing his ability to get to the rim, scoring in the midrange, and flash a surprisingly efficient 3-point shot,” wrote Connelly.



Boozer believes his team is being overlooked, but he vowed to change people’s minds once they begin watching their games. There will be a lot of young prospects who will draw a lot of attention in the upcoming season, but Boozer is already making statements.&nbsp;

Cameron Boozer turns heads in open practice

Cameron Boozer turns heads in open practice - Bolavip US

Rick Pitino backed fellow legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski’s proposal to merge two major NCAA conferences to protect college basketball against the growing popularity of college football.&nbsp;



Pitino’s St. John’s ranked first in the Big East in 2024-25, posting an 18-2 record to beat Creighton, defending champions UConn and Marquette. Over the years, the idea of merging two conferences has appealed to some people, including one of the best coaches of all time.&nbsp;



Coach K believes that a merger between the Big East and the ACC would be beneficial for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. Talking with college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein on Friday, Pitino raved about a potential “megaconference,” agreeing that college football has taken over.



<h2>Rick Pitino agrees with Coach K’s merger idea&nbsp;</h2>



“Well, I am in total agreement with Coach K,” Pitino said on Friday, via CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. “See, when I started, John, before you were born, 51 years ago, football, college football and college basketball were on the same plane. The NFL and the NBA were on the same plane. Today, the NFL is here, the NBA is here. Not globally, I’m talking about the U.S.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27141354/Rick-Pitino1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-285146" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Rick Pitino</figcaption></figure>



“A bad college football game will surpass an NBA playoff game as far as viewership is concerned,” Pitino said. “If we want to survive basketball-wise with the ACC and the Big East and preserve the Dukes, the Carolinas, the Lobos of the world, and the Big East, combining it into a megaconference would be an awesome thing.”



Time will tell if this idea ever comes to fruition.&nbsp;It seems highly unlikely, but when two legendary coaches like them talk, everybody else should listen.

Rick Pitino agrees with Coach K's wildest idea

Rick Pitino agrees with Coach K's wildest idea - Bolavip US

Dallas Mavericks fans and players welcomed Cooper Flagg with open arms as soon as the team drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in June’s draft. Flagg entered the league after leading the Duke Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance in the 2025 NCAA tournament, although he couldn’t make it to the championship game.&nbsp;



In his first and only season at Durham, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He took Jon Scheyer’s team to a No. 1 ranking (35-4 record) and the ACC championship.&nbsp;



Flagg joins a team with established veterans who can only help improve his game. The best part of it is that he’ll share touches with fellow Duke alumni Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II.&nbsp;



<h2>Dereck Lively II is making Cooper Flagg his rookie&nbsp;</h2>



While speaking at the Mavs Academy Hoops Camp, Dereck Lively II explained he’s taken charge of mentoring and helping Cooper Flagg settle in. The veteran center recalled his experience becoming a pro at that age and how Flagg has responded to the new challenges.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/14165016/GettyImages-2224950966-1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-440876" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks walks on the court during a break in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game against the San Antonio Spurs</figcaption></figure>



“I’m making sure that he’s feeling as comfortable as possible, giving him any little detail or any little thing to give him,” Lively II said. “Because whenever I was in his position, I remember how frightened I was, and I was only 19 and he’s 18. He’s just been the same, just smiling, cracking joke kid as I’ve always known. I’m glad that he’s been able to still be a person and not having too much of the spotlight just rain on him.”



The Mavericks won’t have Kyrie Irving for a big chunk of the season due to an ACL injury, but Flagg surely can count on the 2016 NBA champion to mentor him, too.

Duke ties: Dereck Lively II takes Cooper Flagg under his wing

Duke ties: Dereck Lively II takes Cooper Flagg under his wing - Bolavip US

After 16 years, a national championship, and 416 wins, Rick Pitino left the Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team following the 2016-17 NCAA season. Pitino won his second NCAA title with the Cardinals (first since 1996 when he was with Kentucky), leaving his mark on the program’s history.



He was fired eight years ago after an alleged “pay for play” scandal. He took over the Iona Gaels men’s basketball team from 2020 through 2023. The last two years, Pitino has led the St. John’s Red Storm to a 51-18 record, a regular season championship, conference tournament championship and the NCAA tournament.



While he continues his honored career, his exit from Louisville remains a topic of discussion around the competition.&nbsp;Talking with Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports on Monday, Pitino explained he had a lot of problems with the university.&nbsp;



<h2>Rick Pitino makes his thoughts clear on potential return to Louisville</h2>



“Well, I think I had a lot of problems with the University of Louisville, and there are certain things I’ll never forgive that they did,“ Pitino said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27141354/Rick-Pitino1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-285146" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Rick Pitino</figcaption></figure>



He clarified that it was more with the people in charge of making the decisions. He specifically said he condemned the treatment Tom Jurich, the Cardinals’ Athletic director, received after he was fired.&nbsp;



“But that had nothing to do with the present administration of the University of Louisville because the people that I was upset about are no longer board of trustees,” Pitino continued. “And I wasn’t really upset that they fired me. Anybody can be fired, I’m okay with that. It was the treatment they gave Tom Jurich. But just recently, they named the street outside of the practice facility Tom Jurich way. So all is forgiven, all is forgotten. I no longer even think the slightly bit negatively about the University of Louisville. I will go back in a New York minute.”



Pitino is doing an excellent job at St. John’s. It remains to be seen if he ever returns to the KFC Yum Center to coach the Cardinals.

Rick Pitino gets brutally honest on a potential return to Louisville

Rick Pitino gets brutally honest on a potential return to Louisville - Bolavip US

BYU Cougars star freshman AJ Dybantsa is preparing to begin his highly anticipated collegiate career at Provo. Dybantsa, who reclassified from 2026 to 2025, is considered the No. 1 prospect in his class, and the expectations around him are through the roof.&nbsp;



After a Sweet 16 elimination against Alabama last season, the Cougars are set to bounce back and make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament. Dybantsa already set his sights on a major goal, as he’s eager to take his team to the national championship.&nbsp;



During an interview at the 2025 NBA Summer League, the former Utah Prep star expressed his desire to make it to the top of the competition.&nbsp;



<h2>AJ Dybantsa’s BYU gets first-round schedule for ESPN tournament&nbsp;</h2>



“I think the only goal we’ve got in mind is winning a national championship,” Dybantsa told ESPN’s Jorge Sedano. “We got to the Sweet 16 last year as a first-year coach (Kevin Young), so I think we’re only gonna go farther.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/26123624/AJDYBANTSA-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-405199" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>AJ Dybantsa</figcaption></figure>



While that is a long shot, the forward is confident that his team can challenge for the title. But first, he’ll have to go through other challenges to make it to the championship game.&nbsp;



AJ Dybantsa and his BYU Cougars will participate in the ESPN Events Invitational in November. The FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup winner and Co. will travel to Orlando, Florida, and will begin their campaign against the Miami Hurricanes.&nbsp;



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College basketball </a>analyst Jon Rothstein reported on Tuesday that the duel between the Cougars and the Hurricanes would take place on Thanksgiving Day. If they move past the Hurricanes, Georgetown or Dayton will be waiting for them on Nov. 28.

NCAAB News: ESPN reveals BYU's first-round schedule

NCAAB News: ESPN reveals BYU's first-round schedule - Bolavip US

Besides being one of the most successful women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>coaches of all time, Dawn Staley is also a strong personality who doesn’t hesitate to stand her ground when she feels something is wrong.&nbsp;



The three-time NCAA champion has won 647 of the 837 games she’s coached in her 25-year career, while making two different programs, Temple and South Carolina, relevant in a highly competitive Division I.&nbsp;



Staley’s teams play hard all game long, but this blueprint has raised some eyebrows around the competition. The six-time WNBA All-Star has never hesitated to defend her players from accusations of being overly physical, blaming the media for trying to portray them in a certain light.



<h2>Dawn Staley is tired of people criticizing her players’ physicality&nbsp;</h2>



During an appearance on CBS Mornings to promote her new memoir, “Uncommon Favor,” Staley criticized the media for trying to perpetuate a negative narrative about black athletes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06164940/Dawn-Staley-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Dawn Staley Coach" class="wp-image-371328" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks</figcaption></figure>



“When anybody’s upset or anybody disagrees with anything that you believe in, you can stick to the facts,” Staley said. “There are gonna be some emotions about what’s taking place. Once you get over the emotional part of it, and you turn it over to the facts, the facts are the facts, and they will speak to whatever it is that, no matter what you disagree with or agree with, the facts remain the same.”



“It’s important to have those conversations because they aren’t being had,” she said. “I’ve been very blessed by pay equity, not blessed, in that I fought for it. It’s not going to just come to you. You actually have to approach them with what you think you’re worth is. Knowing your worth.”



The Gamecocks are one of the top teams in women’s college basketball and Staley has developed multiple WNBA stars over the years.&nbsp;

Dawn Staley doubles down on defense of her players

Dawn Staley doubles down on defense of her players - Bolavip US

BYU Cougars incoming star AJ Dybantsa isn’t hiding his desire to compete for the biggest piece of silverware in Division I basketball. The No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class wants to take his new team to new heights after joining them from Utah Prep.&nbsp;



Dybantsa, 18, rejected traditional programs such as Alabama, Kansas and North Carolina to join BYU, and he’s not planning to go to Provo just to be an attraction for fans. Fresh off a gold medal in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, the talented forward wants to translate that success into next year’s NCAA tournament.



There’s only one thing he has in mind for his freshman season with the Cougars: winning the national championship.



<h2>AJ Dybantsa has a clear goal for his freshman season&nbsp;</h2>



During a brief conversation with ESPN’s Jorge Sedano at the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Dybantsa expressed his desire to become a national champion with the Cougars.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-290603" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>AJ Dybantsa (7)</figcaption></figure>



“I think the only goal we’ve got in mind is winning a national championship. We got to the Sweet 16 last year as a first-year coach (Kevin Young), so I think we only gonna go farther,” he said.



This wasn’t the first time he said he was aiming this high.&nbsp;



“National championship that’s our only goal,” Dybantsa told draft analyst Krysten Peek in an interview. “If we fall short, it’s a disappointing season.”



The Cougars were eliminated by Alabama in the Sweet 16 after beating VCU and Wisconsin. They have renewed expectations and with a player of Dybantsa’s caliber, the season could be one to remember for BYU fans.

AJ Dybantsa reveals his only goal for his freshman season

AJ Dybantsa reveals his only goal for his freshman season - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies star and new leader after Paige Bueckers left, Azzi Fudd, revealed which player she grew up idolizing. Fudd, 22, is about to play her fifth season with the Huskies, this time coming off a national championship after beating the South Carolina Gamecocks in April.&nbsp;



The expectations are high for Fudd and the new-look Huskies, but the guard and other stars, such as Sarah Strong and Ashlynn Shad, are set to defend the title before Fudd leaves for the WNBA.&nbsp;



While she prepares for the upcoming campaign, Fudd continues to make moves off the court. She debuted her “Fudd Around and Find Out” podcast last week alongside longtime friend and former Texas A&amp;M star Ashanti Plummer.



<h2>Azzi Fudd reveals she idolized New York Liberty star growing up&nbsp;</h2>



During the first episode of the show, Azzi Fudd recalled her experience at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indiana. The guard revealed she met several people, including the player she looked up to when she was a kid: Natasha Cloud.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



“Gosh, I met so many people,” Fudd said. “It was really fun to see players, like, I’m a big fan of Natasha Cloud, I love her. She played for the Mystics, like she’s one of my favorite players growing up. She made me love watching the Mystics, and when she got traded, I don’t see her as much. So being able to see her, it was like fun.”&nbsp;



Cloud has been in the W since 2015 after the Washington Mystics drafted her with the 15th pick in the second round of that year’s draft. She became an WNBA champion in 2019 during her nine-year spell with the capital team.&nbsp; She joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 and now plays for the defending champions New York Liberty, trying to help them win back-to-back titles.

Azzi Fudd reveals her WNBA idol growing up

Azzi Fudd reveals her WNBA idol growing up - Bolavip US

St. John’s coach Rick Pitino turned a lot of heads with his recent takes on point guards in the current era of basketball. Pitino, who played 63 games as a guard for Massachusetts and averaged 4.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, had a strong take on the lack of real point guards at every level of basketball.&nbsp;



In a team meeting, Pitino said former Wake Forest star Chris Paul was the last player to play like a true PG, mentioning that none of the top NBA teams have one of those.&nbsp;



“I said this to the team. Who’s the point guard of the Knicks, the Lakers, the Celtics, the world champion (Thunder)? Point guard is totally done in basketball,” Pitino said. “The days of John Stockton are long gone. There are no more point guards. Chris Paul is probably the last one. You’ve got to play with everybody handling the basketball, five out and just create good movement.”



This take drew a lot of attention and responses, including from one notable <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> analyst.



<h2>College basketball analyst responds to Rick Pitino’s take on point guards</h2>



Seth Greenberg reacted to Rick Pitino’s comments on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He partially agreed with the coach’s take, but also noted that their role depends on the team and the system coaches put them in. Greenberg discussed how positionless basketball changed roles for everybody on he court.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/27141354/Rick-Pitino1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-285146" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Rick Pitino</figcaption></figure>



“You want as many skilled players as possible and everyone talks about positionless basketball and that’s great,” Greenberg said. “Anyone could initiate your offense. But at the end of the game, you want to have the ball in your best player’s hands.”



The game has evolved so much since the John Stockton days, and seeing a player with his same set of skills, who can play like the Utah Jazz legend,&nbsp; would be incredibly rare.&nbsp;

NCAA analyst reacts to Rick Pitino's hot take on point guards

NCAA analyst reacts to Rick Pitino's hot take on point guards - Bolavip US

Azzi Fudd, like many other student-athletes, is taking the most advantage of the current landscape in college sports. NIL deals changed how athletes approach their collegiate career, and even have second thoughts about becoming professionals if they can also make money in college.&nbsp;



Fudd, 22, is one of the biggest stars of the 2025-26 NCAA season. After securing the 2025 national championship, Fudd and the UConn Huskies are the team to beat, while the South Carolina Gamecocks, LSU Tigers and UCLA Bruins, among others, are eager to dethrone them.&nbsp;



The senior guard can’t stop taking Ws, as she’s not only getting better and succeeding with her team on the court, but is also making moves off of it.



<h2>Azzi Fudd discusses new NIL deal with Unrivaled&nbsp;</h2>



Azzi Fudd launched her podcast, “Fudd Around and Find Out,” alongside longtime friend Ashanti Plumer, on Thursday. She discussed a variety of topics, including her NIL deal with Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s league that debuted in March and featured a plethora of WNBA stars.&nbsp;Fudd was one of 14 college athletes who signed NIL deals with the competition.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



“Unrivaled is a professional three-on-three league that was started by Napheesa Collier and Brianna Stewart, who are both WNBA players. Super fast paced, it’s super fun,” Fudd said on Thursday. “I think they did such an incredible job this year of launching this league. I think no one really knew what to expect, and they kind of just blew it out of the water. I was so impressed by just how well everything was run. Everything looked organized and like put together. It looked like the players had a great time. Their social teams were killing it.”



Fudd will be eligible to play in the league in 2027, hoping that she becomes a pro and joins the WNBA in 2026.&nbsp;

Azzi Fudd gets real on her NIL deal with Unrivaled

Azzi Fudd gets real on her NIL deal with Unrivaled - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies are preparing for a 2025-26 NCAA season in which they will no longer be the defending champions after securing back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024.



After a 77-75 loss to the eventual 2025 champions Florida Gators, the Huskies are set to bounce back and challenge for the title again. They retained important pieces such as Tarris Reed Jr., Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart.&nbsp;



Their leader for the new season will be Alex Karaban, who Hurley believes can have a breakout year in his fourth campaign in <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. The forward averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in 2024-25, but his efforts weren’t enough to take his team to a third consecutive championship.&nbsp;



<h2>Dan Hurley warns about Alex Karaban’s mentality after being overlooked</h2>



The lack of success last season might have cost him a lot of attention and hype for the upcoming one. Hurley believes Karaban deserves more praise than he’s gotten so far, predicting that the forward is bound to make a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the first half against the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Men&apos;s Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center on March 23, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina." class="wp-image-362045" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies </figcaption></figure>



After a Friday scrimmage, Hurley told reporters that Karaban is overlooked, but that lack of attention has helped his mentality ahead of an important season.



“Alex looks great,” Hurley said. “I think he’s coming into the season under the radar, and I think he’ll respond better mentally to that. What he went through last year has mentally prepared him. There’s a mental toughness you develop when you go through a year like we had as a team.”



The Huskies have unfinished business, and Karaban’s apparent disrespect might add fuel to a hurt team.&nbsp;

Dan Hurley believes one UConn star is being overlooked

Dan Hurley believes one UConn star is being overlooked - Bolavip US

Ernesto Cova is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, College Basketball, and international soccer. He rejoined Bolavip US as a collaborator after initially contributing to the platform since its inception in 2020, where he also served as a sub-editor in 2023. Ernesto specializes in daily sports news, producing 100% original content that includes trade rumors, player and team rankings, and more. Before returning to Bolavip US, he contributed to Fadeaway World and The Cold Wire, with a primary focus on the NBA.

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