In episode 221 of the "Bucketheads" podcast, hosts Connor Lemons and Justin Golba break down Ohio State’s open practice ahead of the season. Connor reports on the scout‑team matchup, player performances, LJ Smith’s lingering injury, and insights from a secret Louisville scrimmage. The duo also preview the upcoming exhibition against Butler, highlighting the Diebler brothers—Jake coaching Ohio State and his brother Jon suiting up for Butler. Listeners get details on how to watch the Butler game and where to follow the podcast on social media.
Kentucky basketball’s recruiting outlook tightens as 5‑star point guard Reese Alston, the nation’s No. 9 overall and Texas’ top player, nears his college decision. Alston, a 6‑foot‑2, 175‑lb guard ranked third at his position, has visited Louisville, Wichita State, LSU, Tennessee and Kentucky, but sources say he’s leaning toward LSU or Louisville. While Kentucky secured a surprise official visit, its backcourt remains deep with Zoom Diallo, Alex Wilkins and Mason Williams, and the Wildcats have only one committed 2027 recruit—a 5‑star forward, Ryan Hampton. Fans will have to wait for Alston’s final choice.
Brad Underwood, Illinois’ head coach since 2017, has turned early criticism into a resume that now includes an Elite Eight, a Final Four (the program’s first since 2005), and seven straight 20‑win seasons. In a new analysis, The Champaign Room pits Underwood against seven championship‑winning peers—Dan Hurley, Tom Izzo, Rick Pitino, Bill Self, Todd Golden, John Calipari and Scott Drew—and five other Final Four‑only coaches, using post‑COVID metrics such as total wins, tournament appearances and conference titles. While Underwood trails the title‑holders, the author argues he belongs in the next tier behind Kelvin Sampson, alongside Matt Painter, Jon Scheyer, Tommy Lloyd and Mark Few, making him a top‑10 contender in college basketball.
Kentucky Wildcats gear up for their exhibition against Texas Tech as ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Paul Biancardi name two Wildcats among the top 67 impact players for 2026‑27. Transfer Milan Momcilovic ranks No. 6 after leading the nation with a 48.9% three‑point rate at Iowa State, while freshman Zoom Diallo lands at No. 46 following a 15.7‑point, 4.5‑assist season at Washington. Coach Mark Pope expects Momcilovic to be the offensive focal point and hopes Diallo will mesh with fellow guard Alex Wilkins to fuel a deep March run.
Ohio State women’s basketball lands highly touted forward Sydney Mobley, a 20.2‑point, 9.7‑rebound junior who won Ohio Ms. Basketball in 2026. After turning down offers from South Carolina, Illinois and Notre Dame, Mobley commits to the Buckeyes and, thanks to the new 5‑for‑5 rule, can play immediately instead of redshirting. Coach Kevin McGuff expects her physical paint presence, speed, and shooting range to fit his system, but she will compete for minutes behind veterans Elsa Lemmilä, Kylee Kitts and fellow freshman Adriana Díaz. Non‑conference games should give her early court time.
UCLA M. Basketball Postgame - Players, vs. California Baptist (Oct. 21, 2026)
UCLA
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UCLA M. Basketball Postgame - Coach Cronin, vs. California Baptist (Oct. 21, 2026)
UCLA
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Mustangs Edged in Final Minute at UC Irvine Wednesday, 1-0
A CBS Sports report reveals the men's basketball roster budgets for power-conference schools, and the Buffs are near the bottom.
Dailey Jr. totaled 25 points, while Kusturica registered 10 points, eight boards and six assists.
UCLA
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The Cal Poly women's basketball program opened its 2026-27 preseason with a convincing 70-38 exhibition victory over Division II foe Cal State San Marcos.
LAWRENCE, Kan. – University of Louisville exacted revenge from one year ago, defeating Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse in an exhibition contest 89-83 on Wednesday night.
A Georgia judge initially cleared Godfrey to play, but the decision was stayed. Lloyd argues that it's unfair for Godfrey to miss out.
A Georgia judge initially cleared Godfrey to play, but the decision was stayed. Lloyd argues that it's unfair for Godfrey to miss out.
Utah basketball's hustle plays, improved offense and timely rebounds fueled second-half rally in 81–77 exhibition victory over Oregon.
Illinois basketball returns with a promising freshman class after a 105-96 exhibition win over Cincinnati. Freshman Ethan Brown impressed with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and zero turnovers in 25 minutes, earning his first start. Guard Quentin Coleman added 14 points, a team‑leading 7 rebounds and 8 assists, showcasing the motor and rebounding prowess rarely seen in underclassmen. Forward Landon Davis provided size and a highlight block, hinting at deeper front‑court options. Coach Brad Underwood’s willingness to trust these newcomers suggests the Illini could exceed expectations this season.
Hall of Famer Bob Huggins, the 73‑year‑old coaching legend with a 935‑414 record and two Final Four trips, is living with a progressive cognitive disorder that’s affecting his memory and daily life, his family announced on Oct. 21. The statement comes as Huggins prepares for his induction into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, a ceremony honoring his 22‑year tenure with the Bearcats. Huggins, who retired from West Virginia in 2023 after a DUI arrest, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2022. The family expressed gratitude and said he looks forward to celebrating with former players.
Louisville kicks off its exhibition season with an 89-83 win at Kansas, snapping the Jayhawks' 58-game home exhibition streak. Jackson Shelstad leads with 23 points, while freshman big man Obinna Ekezie adds 16 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in just 19 minutes. Kansas' former star Flory Bidunga returns to Allen Fieldhouse but faces foul trouble, and Louisville's Tyran Stokes struggles, shooting 3‑of‑13. The Cardinals endure an early deficit, rally to a one‑point halftime lead, and hold off a late KU surge to claim the road victory.
In an exhibition showdown on Oct. 21 at The Phog, Louisville edged Kansas 89-83, with standout guard Obinna “Obi” Ekezie Jr. delivering a triple‑double—four threes, eight rebounds and a block—that sparked the Cardinals’ comeback. Louisville’s Jackson Shelstad led with 23 points, while fresh faces De’Shayne Montgomery and Adrian Wooley added solid scoring. Kansas dominated the paint (40 pts) and fast‑break (26 pts) but fell short, partly due to limited bench production (13 pts vs. Louisville’s 35). The game offered limited scout tape as both teams experimented, leaving fans curious about how these performances will translate to the regular season.
Get to Know Purdue Women's Basketball: McKenna Layden and Katka Sediva
Get to Know Purdue Women's Basketball: Avery Gordon and Anjela Minja
Get to Know Purdue Women's Basketball - Jelena Bulajic and Keona Douwstra
For years, Dawn Staley had to force herself to congratulate Geno Auriemma after watching his UConn teams beat her by 20, 30, or even 40 points. The South Carolina head coach knew that repeatedly facing the Huskies was part of the process of building a program that could challenge them. It all culminated in a […]
The post “Has Very Little to Do With The Handshake”: Dawn Staley Provides Insight Over Her Viral Heated Exchange With Geno Auriemma appeared first on EssentiallySports .
Three Arkansas Razorbacks placed in the top 10 at The Fin in Fairfield, Texas, with sophomore Swetha Sathish leading at T‑4 (2‑under 214), senior Maria Jose Marin finishing T‑7 (3‑over 219) and sophomore Sara Brentcheneff securing another top‑10 finish with a final‑round 72. Team Arkansas landed fifth overall, marking its fourth consecutive top‑five finish this season after a runner‑up at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational. The Hogs head to their first East Lake Cup (Oct. 26‑28), a premier event broadcast live on Golf Channel.
Michigan stayed alive with a big win last week, but it has to be perfect against an Indiana team that can't slip. Here's the CFN game preview and prediction.