Kentucky is a title contender! Duke is doomed? Judging five early-season overreactions

The Big 12 is shaping up to be a competitive conference in 2025, with teams like Kansas State, Arizona State, Texas Tech, and Baylor making headlines. Kansas State leads the rankings with key returning players and strong defense, while Arizona State's success hinges on QB Sam Leavitt, Texas Tech's ambitious transfer portal strategy aims for a playoff berth, and Baylor looks to build on its recent turnaround. Need More Context? 🔎

The Courier-Post is set to announce its boys lacrosse awards for South Jersey, including Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Team of the Year, later this month. A poll is currently open for readers to vote on their favorite candidate for Player of the Year, running through Monday morning, although it does not influence the Courier-Post's final selection. Need More Context? 🔎

Rolando Blackman, an NBA legend, represented the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 draft lottery, where they unexpectedly won the chance to select Cooper Flagg despite having low odds. His presence symbolizes a moment of fortune for the franchise amid fan discontent following the trade of Luka Doncic. Need More Context? 🔎

With around 80% of WNBA players becoming free agents, A’ja Wilson emerges as a key focus amid the Las Vegas Aces' struggles, as her supporting cast has dwindled. As the team grapples with injuries and off-court drama, Wilson’s future could be in jeopardy if the Aces fail to provide a clear plan to build a competitive team around her. Need More Context? 🔎

WNBA All-Star voting is underway, with notable first-time candidates including Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Kayla Thornton (Golden State Valkyries), Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics), and Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm). Bueckers leads the Wings in multiple stats, while Thornton and Sykes are enjoying career years, and Williams is excelling as a two-way player, all contributing to their teams' playoff pursuits. Need More Context? 🔎

Stade Rennais has topped the Ligue 1 academy standings for the third consecutive year, recognized for its talent production, including former players like Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé. PSG and AS Monaco follow in the rankings, while Olympique Marseille ranks 15th; AC Ajaccio is the top academy in Ligue 2, and FC Sochaux-Montbéliard leads in the National. Need More Context? 🔎