Sports
WNBA playoff preview: Stars, matchups and X factors that could decide the champion
After a record 44-game regular season, it’s finally time for the 2025 WNBA playoffs. Starting with a four-game slate Sunday, eight teams will vie for the title. The field includes the defending champion New York Liberty, the current No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx and the red-hot Las Vegas Aces, who are riding a 16-game winning streak.
New York beat Minnesota in a five-game WNBA Finals last year, but the championship series has expanded to best-of-seven this season. The first-round format also has changed to 1-1-1, allowing every team in the playoffs to get at least one home game.
That means the Indiana Fever, who ended a seven-year playoff drought last year, will host their first playoff game since 2016 next week. Fever sensation Caitlin Clark, sidelined by injury since July 15, is out for the playoffs, but Indiana has shown the resilience to still be a dangerous foe.
We break down all eight teams in the playoff field, from their best assets to their biggest flaws.
(Note: BPI reflects data through Wednesday’s games.)
Jump to: ATL | GS | IND | LV | MIN | NY | PHO | SEA
First-round opponent: Golden State Valkyries (89.1% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 49.7%
What’s on the line: After losing in the 2024 WNBA Finals, Minnesota (34-10) has been atop the league standings all season and looks to win its fifth championship in franchise history and first since 2017.
Projected starters: G Courtney Williams (13.9 points per game, 6.2 assists per game, 4.9 rebounds per game), G Kayla McBride (14.9 PPG, 3.5 APG, 40.9% 3-point percentage), F Napheesa Collier (23.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.6 blocks per game), F Alanna Smith (9.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), F Bridget Carleton (6.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG)
Why they could win: Despite being the league’s best team all year, the Lynx are playing with a chip on their shoulder. Losing in last year’s Finals was painful, especially how the series ended — in a winner-take-all Game 5 after which the Lynx questioned the officiating. Last year’s disappointment gives Minnesota extra motivation.
Collier, a top-two favorite for this year’s MVP (which would be her first), ranks second in the league in scoring with 23.0 points per game . On Thursday she became just the second WNBA player (joining Elena Delle Donne) to register a 50-40-90 season, shooting 53% from the field, 40% on 3-pointers and 91% from the free throw line. Minnesota averages the most points per game (86.4) in the WNBA and has the best offensive and defensive ratings in the league.
With players such as Williams, McBride, Smith and Natisha Hiedeman, the Lynx boast some of the WNBA’s best depth, which helped them keep a winning record (5-2) even when Collier was injured for three weeks in August. Opponents face an unrelenting rotation of players throughout the game, and it all helped result in a dominant regular season.
Fatal flaw: Last year, the Lynx struggled with the Liberty’s size in the Finals, and Minnesota’s roster didn’t get any bigger this season. With Smith at center and Collier at power forward, bigger teams can give them trouble. Their defense remains among the league’s best, but facing teams with devastating combos in the post — Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, who helped Atlanta beat Minnesota twice this season, come to mind — could present challenges in the postseason. — Kendra Andrews
First-round opponent: Seattle Storm (61.1% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 8.1%
What’s on the line: The Aces are looking to get back to the finals for the first time since back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
Projected starters: G Jackie Young (16.5 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG), G Chelsea Gray (11.2 PPG, 5.4 APG), C A’ja Wilson (23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG), F NaLyssa Smith (8.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG), F Kierstan Bell (4.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG)
Why they could win: The Aces (30-14) ride a 16-game winning streak into the playoffs, a run that began after a 53-point rout by Minnesota on Aug. 2. That loss dropped Las Vegas to 14-14, but it was an enormous motivator. Wilson played well all season but found an even higher gear in the second half — one that might have propelled her to a fourth MVP award. Guard Jewell Loyd, in her first season with the Aces after 10 in Seattle, moved to a reserve role in late July that seemed to spark both her and the team. She is scoring 11.2 PPG, the lowest average since her rookie season. But she is playing with purpose and energy — setting good screens, making hustle plays, committing all-in on defense — that have helped fuel Las Vegas’ dramatic turnaround.
It took the Aces almost half the season to fully adjust to the absence of guard Kelsey Plum, a starter on their two title teams who was traded to Los Angeles. But once all the pieces came together, they began to look more like a championship team. And with this win streak, the Aces’ confidence is soaring.
Fatal flaw: During the Aces’ low moments earlier in the season, coach Becky Hammon questioned their effort and defense. Both have been addressed, and there isn’t likely to be a letdown in effort at this point. But can opponents find some cracks in the defense? Not with Wilson, who could once again be Defensive Player of the Year. But she will need everyone around her to play as well as they have done in the past month. — Michael Voepel
1:01
A’ja Wilson: Embarrassing 53-point loss fueled Aces’ turnaround
A’ja Wilson explains how the Aces’ 53-point loss to the Lynx helped fueled their turnaround this season.
First-round opponent: Indiana Fever (68.1% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 15.3%
What’s on the line: The Dream (30-14), who won twice as many games this year as they did in the 2024 regular season, seek their first title after losing in sweeps in three previous WNBA Finals appearances (2010, 2011, 2013).
Projected starters: G Allisha Gray (18.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.5 APG), G Rhyne Howard (17.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.6 APG), G Jordin Canada (11.2 PPG, 5.7 APG), F Brionna Jones (12.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG), F Naz Hillmon (8.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG)
Why they could win: While much attention has been paid to Las Vegas’ win streak, the Dream won 15 of their final 18 games, including the last six in a row. Two of the losses in that stretch were to the Aces, the only team Atlanta didn’t defeat at least once this season (0-3). The Dream’s 30 victories were the most by far in franchise history, surpassing a 23-win season in 2018.
Under first-year coach Karl Smesko, the Dream embraced a different identity this season, averaging 84.4 PPG with a 110.5 offensive rating (compared with 77.0 and 99.0 in 2024). Meanwhile, Atlanta continued the defensive prowess it was already known for, finishing with a 100.5 defensive rating, best in the league.
Depth is also key: The Dream earned their top-four finish despite starters Howard and Canada missing a combined 27 games. Hillmon, the front-runner for Sixth Player of the Year, has actually been a starter since August, and center Brittney Griner has adjusted to coming off the bench. Guard Maya Caldwell — a hidden gem in the generally unimpressive 2021 draft class — has filled whatever role the Dream need, even starting 16 games.
Fatal flaw: The Dream’s main strength is their guard play, led by All-Stars Gray and Howard. Atlanta was one of the league’s top 3-point shooting teams, averaging 9.6 per game compared to 6.0 last season. Jones, Hillmon and Griner are good post players, but can they match up throughout the course of a series with the very best in the league? That could be a concern, especially if they get through to the semifinals and face the Aces, the team they struggled against in the regular season. — Voepel
1:44
Rhyne Howard hits 9 3s, scores 37 points in Dream’s win
Rhyne Howard has a big night with 37 points on nine 3-pointers in the Dream’s victory.
First-round opponent: New York Liberty (27.7% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 1.2%
What’s on the line: Phoenix (27-17), which hasn’t won a playoff game since firing Sandy Brondello after a loss in the 2021 WNBA Finals, aspires to get back — but must first get through Brondello’s defending champion Liberty.
Projected starters: G Monique Akoa Makani (7.7 PPG, 2.7 APG), G Kahleah Copper (15.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG), F Satou Sabally (16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 APG), F Alyssa Thomas (15.7 PPG, 9.3 APG, 9.0 RPG), C Natasha Mack (4.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.6 BPG)
Why they could win: In her first year with the Mercury, Thomas, a six-time WNBA All-Star, has been surrounded by the kind of shooting she never enjoyed in Connecticut. Seven Phoenix players have averaged at least one 3-pointer per game, a total only Golden State can match.
The result has been arguably the best season of Thomas’ Hall of Fame career. She’s shooting a career-high 53.5% and has recorded a WNBA-record eight triple-doubles. The Mercury don’t sacrifice size for shooting, with four starters plus sixth woman DeWanna Bonner all 6-foot-1 or taller, which could make them a tricky matchup for smaller opponents.
Fatal flaw: Phoenix got here in large part by taking care of business against opponents lower in the standings. The Mercury won the season series against every team below them but Seattle (split 2-2). That’s good news against New York with home-court advantage in the first round, but less promising when it comes to an extended playoff run: Phoenix was a combined 2-9 against the top three seeds. — Kevin Pelton
0:18
Alyssa Thomas sets WNBA single-season assist record
Alyssa Thomas records her 338th assist of the season, surpassing Caitlin Clark’s single-season record of 337 set in 2024.
First-round opponent: Phoenix Mercury (72.3% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 19.6%
What’s on the line: As the reigning WNBA champions, the Liberty seek to defend their title and enter the dynastic conversation.
Projected starters: G Natasha Cloud (10.3 PPG, 5.3 APG); G Sabrina Ionescu (18.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.5 APG); F Leonie Fiebich (8.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG); F Breanna Stewart (18.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG); C Jonquel Jones (13.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG)
Why they could win: The Liberty have arguably more talent amassed on their roster than any other team in the league. Two former MVPs in Stewart and Jones, one of the top guards in the league in Ionescu and a defensive stalwart in Cloud. The cherry on top was the addition of 2019 WNBA Finals MVP and three-time EuroLeague MVP Emma Meesseman in July after the All-Star break. Superteam seems quaint when looking at the talent on this roster.
Fatal flaw: Two things have plagued the Liberty’s season: injuries and inconsistency. New York opened the season 9-0, looking every bit as dominant as expected, but down the stretch to finish the season, the Liberty are just 5-5. Four of those losses came against other playoff teams. The injuries this season have caused fluctuations in the lineup, at times impeding chemistry.
New York was really only getting a look at what its full team looks like with the Meesseman addition in the waning days of the regular season. If the Liberty can put it all together, they are a formidable force capable of repeating as champions. But “if” is the operative word. — Katie Barnes
First-round opponent: Atlanta Dream (36.3% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 3.1%
What’s on the line: After missing the postseason from 2017 through 2023, Indiana has secured consecutive playoff berths and now looks to win its first playoff game — and series — since 2015. Even after season-ending injuries to Caitlin Clark and five others, the Fever have maintained they want to make some noise in the postseason.
Projected starters: G Odyssey Sims (10.3 PPG, 4.0 APG), G Kelsey Mitchell (20.2 PPG, 39.4 3P%, 3.4 APG), G Lexie Hull (7.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG), F Natasha Howard (11.4, 6.6 RPG), F Aliyah Boston (15.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Why they could win: Indiana has two of the league’s top players in Boston and Mitchell, the latter of whom might show up on MVP ballots for her heroics in keeping the Fever afloat. Despite so many injuries, Indiana boasts a strong core with that duo plus Howard and Hull. After bringing in so many late-season newcomers, the Fever found some momentum to close the regular season, winning their final three games. Even without Clark, the offense is capable of putting up a lot of points.
No opponent in the playoffs will be as challenging as the adversity the Fever has overcome in the regular season, having lost five players to season-ending injuries and needing to adjust to DeWanna Bonner’s midseason departure. But Indiana credits a tightknit locker room for keeping the team from fracturing, and maybe that camaraderie will keep the Fever playing into September.
Fatal flaw: The Fever’s ceiling is simply not as high as it was prior to losing Clark, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Chloe Bibby to injury. The newcomers on hardship contracts — Sims, Shey Peddy and Aerial Powers — have assimilated well into coach Stephanie White’s system, but Indiana is only 7-6 since losing McDonald and Colson in early August for the season. Just two of those wins were against playoff teams (Aug. 26 vs. Seattle and Minnesota sans Collier on Tuesday).
The Fever have been inconsistent defensively this season, often struggling to defend without fouling, and without Clark as their maestro they have a more limited offense that can’t compensate. They have been forced to rely on Mitchell going off every night, and their decimated guard/wing depth due to injury could finally come back to bite them. — Alexa Philippou
First-round opponent: Las Vegas Aces (35.3% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 3.0%
Projected starters: G Skylar Diggins (15.5 PPG, 6.0 APG), G Brittney Sykes (14.1 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.2 RPG), F Gabby Williams (11.6 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.3 SPG), F Nneka Ogwumike (18.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.3 APG), C Ezi Magbegor (8.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG)
What’s on the line: When the Storm signed Diggins and Ogwumike in the 2024 offseason, it kicked off an era of championship hopes — one that has yet to produce a playoff victory. And after Seattle slumped in the second half of 2025, a competitive playoff series might be the bare minimum to avoid offseason changes.
Why they could win: The Storm, who boast a league-high four All-Stars after adding Sykes midseason, look stronger on paper than their 23-21 record. Until the final week of the season, Seattle actually had a better differential than Las Vegas, and only the Lynx can match the Storm’s three wins this season by 30-plus points.
Seattle also has played often to the level of its competition. The Storm went just 10-7 against lottery teams, losing the season series to both Los Angeles and Washington. At the same time, Seattle lost only one series to a playoff foe, the Fever — a team they couldn’t face until the WNBA Finals.
Fatal flaw: In large part because of their league-leading steal rate, the Storm scored the second most points per possession in transition (1.29), per GeniusIQ tracking. But when opponents can force Seattle into the half court, the team’s lack of shot creation after the Jewell Loyd trade is an issue. The Storm’s 1.01 points per possession in non-transition situations ranked ninth — last among playoff teams.
That has shown up in late-game situations when the action slows down. Seattle ranks ninth with a 97.2 offensive rating in the clutch, per WNBA Advanced Stats, which defines that as the final five minutes when the score is within five points. And Seattle lost nine games by five points or fewer, tied with Dallas for the most in the league. — Pelton
1:02
Storm clinch playoff spot after hectic late sequence
Storm clinch playoff spot after hectic late sequence
First-round opponent: Minnesota Lynx (10.1% chance of advancing)
Title chances (per ESPN’s BPI): 0.2%
What’s on the line: Golden State (23-21), the league’s first expansion team since 2008, has already become the first franchise to make the playoffs in its inaugural season. Now it will be attempting to become the first to win a series — or even a title.
Projected starters: G Veronica Burton (12.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 4.4 RPG), F Cecilia Zandalasini (10.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.8 APG), F Janelle Salaun (11.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.2 APG), F Iliana Rupert (9.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG), C Temi Fagbenle (7.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG)
Why they could win: The Valkyries built their identity around defense during training camp, and it has paid off: They boast the fourth-best defensive rating in the league (99.9) and hold opponents to the fewest points per game (76.4). Players such as Burton, Carla Leite and Rupert have been revelations for Golden State in its first season, and the team’s depth with veterans Tiffany Hayes, Monique Billings and Zandalasini give the Valkyries the experience to find success in the postseason.
Golden State has a certain level of grit that should make opponents nervous facing the Valkyries. No, this franchise has never been in the playoffs, but after making history so many times this season, they could do it again now.
Fatal flaw: The Valkyries have a bottom-five offense, scoring just 78.3 points per game — fourth fewest in the league — and shooting a league-worst 41.0% from the field. Their leading active scorer, Burton, has come up with big buckets and lit a spark for the team on multiple occasions, but she gets just 12.0 points per game, 38th in the WNBA.
Despite how strong their defense is, the Valkyries might not be able to produce enough offense and scoring to stay competitive and make a deep postseason run. — Andrews
0:41
How Coach Natalie Nakase, Valkyries are preparing for playoffs
Natalie Nakase joins “NBA Today” to discuss the importance of preparation as the Valkyries make historic WNBA playoff run.
More than 200 days will have passed between the Florida Gators winning the 2024-25 national championship and the start of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, but the action finally returns on Nov. 3.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Joe Lunardi and Myron Medcalf weigh in on storylines that could shape the new season — and they join Neil Paine in making their predictions for everything from the Final Four and conference winners to All-America teams and beyond.
Which teams could make the biggest jumps? Which Top 25 programs are primed for early NCAA tournament exits? They answer seven burning questions then make their picks below.
Jump to:
Championship picks, conference winner |
Awards, All-America predictions
Could Florida really repeat?
Borzello: Florida absolutely can run it back this season.
Todd Golden brings back his entire frontcourt, a dominant group led by potential first-round NBA draft picks Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh and starting center Rueben Chinyelu. Golden also added two bona fide playmakers from the transfer portal in Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee. Sure, there are some questions about depth — and whether Haugh can play full time at the 3 — but the talent of this starting five has few peers nationally, and Golden has proved he has the chops to win big games.
Medcalf: Florida can join the Gators team that achieved the same feat in 2006 and 2007.
Still, it’s important to note that this is a completely different squad with more questions than last season’s championship roster. Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard had a rare chemistry that was the foundation of the Gators’ 2025 title run. Martin was the new face in that trio, but he also had previously helped a team reach the Final Four (Florida Atlantic). Haugh, Fland and Lee will have to build that bond on the fly as Golden guides a starting five that will feature two point guards.
Lunardi: Don’t bet on a repeat in Gainesville.
Not because the Gators aren’t good enough but because winning 12 straight NCAA tournament games over two years is really, really hard. The fact that UConn did it in 2023 and 2024 makes the probability of back-to-back repeats less likely — not more. I still like Florida. A lot. But this is a case where you shouldn’t blame the messenger.
Will the SEC be as dominant as it was in 2024-25?
Borzello: The depth will be just as good, but it won’t be as powerful at the top.
Last season, the league produced two 1-seeds, two 2-seeds, a 3-seed and a 4-seed among its 14 NCAA tournament teams. With the expected improvement of LSU, we could see up to 15 teams fighting for tournament bids this season — and I would have at least 13 projected as of today. But it’s difficult to foresee four teams in the top eight again. Florida is a title contender and Kentucky isn’t far behind, but none of the other teams is a surefire Final Four threat.
Lunardi: It’s important to consider the laws of probability.
Is a conference likely to get better or worse after breaking the NCAA single-season bid record by three spots? Both on the court and team sheets, the SEC was every bit as dominant as the selection committee concluded its teams would be in the NCAA tournament. But there has to be at least some regression this season, if only because the uncommon sense of handing NCAA bids to teams that win only one-third of their conference games has undergone an offseason of heavy scrutiny. (As it should. No league is that good.)
Medcalf: It depends on your definition of dominant.
The SEC could again have a double-digit pool of representatives in the field on Selection Sunday, but it doesn’t have as many teams that could actually cut down the nets as last season. Florida and Kentucky are real contenders. It seems as if Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn and Arkansas could all be second-weekend teams too. Last season’s SEC, however, had three players who made the Associated Press’ All-America first team and one who made the third team. Those were dominant squads with star power.
Which team will make the biggest leap from 2024-25?
Borzello: NC State Wolfpack
Last season, we saw Dusty May and Pat Kelsey take over new programs and produce incredible turnarounds in Year 1, as their respective Michigan and Louisville squads jumped from eight wins to 27. This season, the best bet might be Will Wade and NC State. The Wolfpack went 12-19 overall last season, including 5-15 in the ACC, but Wade stockpiled a talented roster after taking over for Kevin Keatts in the spring. Led by potential All-American Darrion Williams, NC State finds itself inside my preseason top 25.
Lunardi: Iowa Hawkeyes
A season ago, Iowa missed its second straight NCAA tournament. As a result, Fran McCaffery now finds himself coaching at his alma mater, Penn. The deeper issue involved the Hawkeyes going three straight campaigns with a sub-150 defensive rating, costing them games despite considerable offensive talent. It was an anomaly in terms of approach in the Big Ten, one that new coach Ben McCollum figures to immediately solve. McCollum’s ultra-patient style and ultra-experienced imports will surprise in their new league and sneak into the tournament.
Medcalf: Washington Huskies
Last season, Washington finished 13-18 in Danny Sprinkle’s first year in Seattle, but a strong transfer class led by former USC teammates Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III could put the Huskies in the bubble conversation in Sprinkle’s second campaign. Early matchups against Baylor, USC and UCLA will be great barometers for Washington and its new roster.
First Top 25 team to exit the NCAA tournament
Borzello: Creighton Bluejays
The only preseason AP Top 25 team that wasn’t in my preseason top 25 is Michigan State, but I’m not naive enough to bet against Tom Izzo, regardless of the seed he gets on Selection Sunday. So, I’ll go with Creighton. The Bluejays should be elite offensively, especially if Jackson McAndrew makes the leap I’m expecting. But they could really struggle on the defensive end of the floor, and the primary creators in the half court could be a work in progress. If things get tight in a tournament environment, it could spell an early exit.
Lunardi: Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga avoided a major hit when a judge in Washington’s Spokane County granted a preliminary injunction to Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, allowing him to play this season. The hard-luck veteran is no longer in limbo to start the campaign, but the Bulldogs — who last season missed the Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade — still have legitimate backcourt concerns, ones that could lead to an even earlier tournament exit.
Medcalf: North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels have more depth and more overall talent, but they couldn’t avoid the bubble with AP All-American RJ Davis leading the way last season. Caleb Wilson is a five-star prospect who will have key transfers — including Henri Veesaar — around him, but North Carolina will have to prove things have changed before fans are ready to believe.
Most intriguing mid-major
Borzello: UNC Wilmington Seahawks
UNCW won 27 games last season and went to the NCAA tournament, but the Seahawks will be more talented this time around despite returning just one starter. I’m mostly fascinated by the way Takayo Siddle went about that reload: poaching good players from other teams around the Coastal Athletic Association. CJ Luster II transferred from Stony Brook, Christian May arrived from Towson, Jahnathan Lamothe from North Carolina A&T and Madison Durr from Monmouth. Siddle also upgraded the interior with Virginia Tech transfer Patrick Wessler, who scored 10 points in 18 minutes against Duke last season, as well as Binghamton transfer Gavin Walsh, one of the nation’s top rebounders. This team has a chance to go to a second straight NCAA tournament — and potentially win a game.
Lunardi: The Western Athletic Conference
I’m going with an entire mid-major conference in lieu of a single team — and it’s not necessarily for good reason. Only seven schools remain in the shrinking WAC, a conference with both a serious past and a negligible future. The early departure of Grand Canyon to the Mountain West leaves a gaping hole at the top — and only three teams that have ever made the NCAA tournament. Somebody has to qualify, at least in 2026, which should make for great short-term theater in the WAC.
Medcalf: St. Thomas-Minnesota Tommies
I’ll go with St. Thomas-Minnesota, a team that is eligible for the NCAA tournament for the first time after its transition from Division III to Division I athletics. The Tommies are the preseason pick to win the Summit League crown and potentially the conference tournament, which would make the team the first squad to go from Division III to Division I and secure an NCAA tournament berth. But it gets better. The supporters of this program are ready to spend (see: the new $175 million arena that opens next week) to make this private school in St. Paul the Gonzaga of the Upper Midwest. A run this season could put the Tommies on that path.
Athlete with outside shot to win Player of the Year
Borzello: Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
If we take out two returning All-Americans (Braden Smith and JT Toppin) and the top three freshmen (AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer), the next guy on my list would be Ejiofor. You could have made the case last season that the St. John’s big man was the most impactful player in the Big East, given his offensive rebounding, ability to draw fouls and influence defensively. The Red Storm should be right around the top five nationally this season and a legitimate Final Four contender — and if that comes to fruition, Ejiofor taking another step forward after last season’s breakout will be a major reason.
Lunardi: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Lendeborg is the right man in the right place at exactly the right time to possibly collect some major hardware. Last season, only two Division I players led their respective teams in the five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots and steals). One was Cooper Flagg; the other was Lendeborg at UAB. Now in a great spot at Michigan, Lendeborg’s number will be impossible to miss. That he could be the missing player for a legitimate Final Four contender is just a bonus.
Medcalf: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
John Calipari has a strong history with high-level point guards at this level. John Wall, Derrick Rose and Tyler Ulis were All-Americans under his leadership. If Acuff can be a high-level playmaker for an Arkansas team that competes for a spot in the SEC’s top tier, Acuff could enter the Player of the Year conversation.
Coach with the most at stake
Borzello: Hubert Davis, North Carolina
Davis is the highest-profile coach entering the season in a tenuous situation, and he happens to coach one of the blue bloods of the sport with one of the best jobs in the country. Through four seasons at the helm, he has been to a national championship game, won an ACC championship, earned a 1-seed and been to multiple Sweet 16s. But the expectations in Chapel Hill don’t drop, and a missed NCAA tournament in 2023 combined with last season’s inconsistent 11-seed have increased the pressure on Davis. There’s enough talent on the roster to cool his seat, but that was the case last season too.
» Read Borzello’s coaching hot seat guide
Lunardi: Rick Pitino, St. John’s
Pitino is 73 years old. He has won everything there is to win at virtually every level of basketball. One could argue his numbers since being selected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013 — a 221-72 record, a .754 winning percentage and six NCAA tournament bids in nine tries — make up their own HOF trajectory. What he hasn’t done is finish the job in his hometown. Two years with the New York Knicks half a lifetime ago and the past two with St. John’s have scratched an inch, certainly. But the chance to go out by winning really big with the Red Storm is very much on the table for Pitino in 2025-26. It could be his last, best chance.
Medcalf: Kelvin Sampson, Houston
It’s not like Sampson needs this; he has won 30 or more games in four consecutive seasons. He was within seconds of capturing the first national title of his career against Florida last season. And with the additions of three top-25 recruits, he’ll have the talent to get back to the final game of the campaign. At 70 years old, Sampson says he will always adapt, despite the changes in this game. He has proved he can do that. Yet few teams have had the five-year window he has enjoyed as a national title contender. This could be the season. And if it’s not, it could be difficult to get back to this stage with all of the real-time turbulence impacting college basketball.
CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS
National champion
Borzello: Purdue
Lunardi: Michigan
Medcalf: Houston
Paine: Houston
Final Four
Borzello: Purdue, Florida, Louisville, BYU
Lunardi: Duke, Purdue, Michigan, UConn
Medcalf: Kentucky, Houston, Purdue, BYU
Paine: Houston, Purdue, Michigan, Florida
Conference winners
AWARDS PREDICTIONS
Player of the Year
Borzello: Braden Smith, Purdue
Lunardi: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Medcalf: Braden Smith, Purdue
Paine: JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Freshman of the Year
Borzello: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Lunardi: AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Medcalf: AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Paine: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Newcomer of the Year
Borzello: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Lunardi: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Medcalf: Darrion Williams, NC State
Paine: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
» Read ESPN’s top 50 newcomer rankings
All-America teams
Borzello:
Braden Smith, Purdue
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Cameron Boozer, Duke
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Lunardi:
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Medcalf:
Braden Smith, Purdue
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Paine:
Braden Smith, Purdue
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
» Read Jay Bilas’ All-America predictions
Coach of the Year
Borzello: Pat Kelsey, Louisville
Lunardi: Dusty May, Michigan
Medcalf: Mark Pope, Kentucky
Paine: Matt Painter, Purdue
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After Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones were arrested last week due to their own alleged involvement in illegal gambling, speculation went around that Gilbert Arenas cooperated with authorities to implicate the NBA figures.
The former NBA star, who found himself in trouble during his playing days, was accused earlier this year of operating an illegal gambling ring from a home he owned in Southern California.
Shortly after his July arrest, Arenas, who pleaded not guilty, admitted that he would be “snitching.” But in a livestream on Friday, he reiterated he would only do so in his own case.
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NBA player Gilbert Arenas arrives at District of Columbia Court, Jan. 15, 2010 in Washington, D.C. (Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
Thus, Arenas denied any involvement in the most recent case.
“I don’t know what this gotta do with my case,” Arenas said. “I don’t think you just walk around telling them cases you don’t know. My case is different. I don’t know what my case has to do with n—-s that’s gambling and giving information on NBA games. How does that have to do with me?”
“Common sense is common sense. This is a whole different breed of – this s— has its own name. Mine didn’t have no operation name,” Arenas added, referencing that Rozier and Jones were arrested in “Operation Nothing But Bet,” and Billups and Jones were arrested in “Operation Royal Flush.”
A federal indictment obtained by Fox News Digital showed Arenas was charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and another count of making false statements to federal investigators.
Arenas, nicknamed “Agent Zero,” is suspected of renting a property in Encino, California, for the purpose of hosting high-stakes poker games, according to the Justice Department.
Closeup of Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas (0) on the court during a game vs the Phoenix Suns in Washington, D.C. (Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
The federal indictment was filed in Los Angeles. According to the document, Arenas is accused of instructing Arthur Kats to stage illegal games. Kats allegedly handled rental payments for other individuals who were also believed to have had a role in the operation. Officials said they obtained text messages believed to show conversations between Arenas and Kats about details of the games in question.
One of the defendants, Ievgen Krachun, was identified as the person who oversaw the gambling as it was allegedly being committed inside the home, according to the indictment. Another defendant, Yevgeni Gershman, was described by the DOJ as a “suspected organized crime figure from Israel.”
During his career, Arenas was charged after bringing guns into the team’s locker room during a dispute with former teammate Javaris Crittenton. Crittenton served 10 years in prison for his role in a 2011 shooting.
Billups, Rozier and Jones, the latter of whom is a defendant in both cases, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The NBA announced that Billups and Rozier were placed on immediate leave from their teams, “and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities.”
Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones were arrested on Thursday. (Jaime Valdez/Imagn Images, Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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“The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.
Fox News’ Chantz Martin contributed to this report.
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The Arthur M. Blank Foundation announced Wednesday morning that the Atlanta Falcons owner will donate “an initial grant” of $1.5 million to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts.
The foundation said the money will be donated to support the work of World Central Kitchen, Team Rubicon, and CARE USA.
“World Central Kitchen provides nourishing meals and fresh water in times of crisis, and Team Rubicon specializes in on the ground disaster response and recovery,” the foundation said in a release. “The Foundation’s pre-investment for CARE USA’s Humanitarian Surge Fund aids in providing rapid deployment of resources for disaster relief and will be activated immediately.”
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Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
“Jamaica and the Caribbean hold a special place in my heart, filled with meaningful family memories,” Blank himself said in a statement.
“The impact of Hurricane Melissa is profound, but so is the resilience of people in this region. We’re humbled to support Team Rubicon and World Central Kitchen with an initial grant to help address immediate needs in the community with disaster relief and nourishing meals. While the road ahead will be long, our hearts are with those affected, and we hope our support brings comfort and strength along the way.”
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on prior to the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 24, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY EXPLAINS CAM SKATTEBO’S GRUESOME ANKLE INJURY AND RECOVERY OUTLOOK
The storm slammed Jamaica earlier this week as a Category 5 hurricane, making it the strongest storm ever to make a direct hit on the island.
With 185 mph winds and 220 mph gusts, it’s the strongest storm this year and the third Category 5 hurricane. This is also the second time in a calendar year there have been at least three Category 5 hurricanes recorded.
The last time Jamaica faced a hurricane of a similar magnitude was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a Category 4 storm remembered as the deadliest and most destructive in the nation’s history.
Storm surge is pictured before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean Terrace area of Kingston, Jamaica, on Oct. 25, 2025. (RICARDO MAKYN/AFP)
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The storm left hundreds homeless and forced thousands into overcrowded emergency shelters, according to a report from the National Library of Jamaica. Despite its ferocity, the official death toll remained relatively low, with 45 fatalities and few reported injuries, but the storm caused an estimated $800 million in damage across the island, the publication said.
Fox News’ Bonny Chu contributed to this report.
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