#duke basketball schedule

[almostkeenshark]

Duke vs. Clemson Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Saturday, Feb. 8

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[worldsportsnews25]

Cooper Flagg, No. 2 Duke survives scare with NC State to remain undefeated in ACC play

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[a2zsportsnews]

Kansas basketball schedule 2024-25: Duke, UNC, Michigan State among Jayhawks' top nonconference games

Kansas opens up the 2024-25 season on Nov. 4 at home against Howard and plays another game at Allen Fieldhouse against North Carolina as part of a loaded nonconference slate. The Jayhawks will play in one of two marquee matchups (vs. Michigan State) in a doubleheader at the State Farm Champions Classic during the opening month of the season; Duke vs. Kentucky is the other.  The Jayhawks have…

[defrosted69]

My Laker Star P.3 (Kang Haerin)

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Hey everyone. Here's a finale of this series. After a long sleep in this platform, I have returned briefly. I hope you all enjoy this one. And one last tip from me, I suggest you listen to the song "First Love" by Hikaru Utada throught out the story, especially at the end of this one. I promise you, you wont regret it.

(7.3k words total)

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With everyone looking asleep, her light footstep led her through each room of the hostel, and she had to double-check to make sure everyone was still groggy from yesterday's schedule. She didn't have to open the third door any farther since her Unnie's heavy snoring was audible.

"Welp, at least I know she's knocked out."

She thought to herself before once again tip toeing her way to the living room. With a swift motion, she turned their TV on, sat on the couch, covered herself with her blanket and switched the program to...

The NBA channel.

"Welcome everyone to a chilly night here in downtown LA as we are in for a treat for an exciting match up between the home team, Los Angeles Lakers and hot winning team in the east, The Indiana Pacers. Tonight we'll get to see a match up of Point Guards between Y/N McDaniels and Tyrese Haliburton. "

"That's right Mike, tonight we'll get to see the NBA best passers duking it out to see who's the best passer in the NBA and lead their team tonight to victory. Will the Pacers extend their winning streak to 5 games or will they fall to the 10th seed Lakers?"

"Y/N with the ball. Bringing the ball half court. A screen from Wood and he's bursting to the lane and throws it down right at Myles Turner! Wow!"

"Oohhhh. Right at the face of Myles Turner Mike! That's all elevation. Wow! This kid is incredible man"

Haerin's eyes had never been so wide with joy as she watched you play your heart out on the court. Every shot you fired, she'd hop up and down, leaving her seat, but she'd understand she shouldn't make too much noise. Her smile never left her face while the game went on. But perhaps this was also her weakness since while she's engaged on the game, she frequently, if not always, forgets about her surroundings.

"With 12 seconds left, the lakers trail by 1 and we all know where the ball is going. Y/N is doubled team. Here we go, Austin looking, Looking, passes it to Y/N. Doubled team, crossed to the left shoot-OHHHH!! Fouled and-1, 4 point play by Y/N! How did he do that?!"

"Hehe, Your so good Y/N!"

"Oh he's cute."

Haerin flinched hearing another voice next to her. Her head has never turned so fast in her entire life and so did her member who chuckled seeing her reaction.

"U-Unnie?"

"Hmm? Why are you looking scared? Did you lose your parley?"

"My what?"

"Nothing. But why are you watching basketball? I never knew you liked that sport."

Danielle yawned slightly as she sat comfortable on their couch. She awoke inadvertently by sliding out of bed while dreaming she was leaping out of a plane. Haerin's cheering was the first thing she heard, which jolted her awake. Because Haerin seldom celebrates or cheers.

"Uhhh ummm... Uhhh.."

Haerin used her normal mental lag to make it appear as if she doesn't know, while also buying time so Danielle lost interest in the issue. Knowing that she has a short attention span, Haerin used this to her advantage, making her believe she had no knowledge.

And somehow it works.

Danielle was weary of watching Haerin say nothing and stare at her like a cat. So she did what the majority of her members do, and by that she meant herself. She pounced for Haerin, cuddling her like a gigantic teddy bear, and Haerin simply accepted her faith. In her opinion, this was the ideal circumstance for getting Danielle to stop pestering her about the channel and why she would rather watch and experience the excitement and delight of basketball alone. Even if she has members who adore her like she is their own sister, Haerin was still holding back her excitement for athletics.

As Haerin glanced at the television, she spotted you being interviewed, and her normal poker face changed into a smile as she saw the team win and you being named the game's best player. Of course, given that you are the team's top player, it is unavoidable, but your accomplishments always strike a chord with her.

Because she has followed your path as well as her own, she knows the difficulties and sacrifices you have made to become who you are. In a way, she believes that whatever you achieve in the league, she achieves as well.

She felt such a strong connection to you. It was a rare occasion in which you could relate to someone. She doesn't look up to this idol, but she can connect to their experience. You can't help but support someone no matter how different you are. Haerin was in the Kpop sector, while you were in the professional sports world. Two different worlds, yet she idolized and looked up to you because she admired your narrative and couldn't help but compare it to hers.

Many others may label her clinging, insane, or too committed to a fake link that does not exist, but Haerin thought it was genuine. The instant she saw you dribble down the court in the house Kobe constructed, she knew you were the guy she would look up to.

Despite her claims that you are her idol, as a Kpop idol, she is repeatedly asked in interviews who her idol is, but she can't speak your name without recalling a sad experience. That trauma prevents her from properly revealing who she looks up to. There were several opportunities to utter your name, but when she opened her mouth, there was only stillness and heated air.

"Hmm? Basketball? You two liked watching basketball?"

A smaller girl asked them as Hanni woke up from her deep slumber. She was ready to face whatever they had today and what she didn't expect to see first thing in the morning is their TV on and set on the NBA channel.

Of course, it's not as if they don't watch sports; it's just that they don't watch them all the time. The majority of them understood what basketball was and how it was played, but none of them were big fans of the sport in general. If Hanni classified them as fans, they'd fall within the casual group. Only heard about it and saw excerpts on Twitter or Instagram.

"Hmm? Oh no It was just there when we opened the TV. Probably Manager Oppa was watching NBA replays last night before he left."

Danielle spoke on Haerin's behalf as a cover, and she smiled slightly, grateful for Danielle's reasons. It may have been a falsehood, but Haerin appreciated her efforts to cover for her.

"Ah I see. Well I'm going back to bed. Don't tell Minji thought."

And with those words stated, Hanni returned to her room to continue her nice sleep. The group did not appear to have any planned activities for the day, therefore it was a rare occurrence when they had a day off. With their notoriety, they seldom had days off, but they used them to rest. Danielle released go of Haerin's grasp and gazed at the girl before speaking.

"Okay you gotta tell me now why you like Basketball and why are you hiding it."

Haerin's eyes expand slightly, despite her customary blank expression. She didn't expect Danielle to be that tenacious about something because she typically loses interest quickly. But this time it was the opposite: Danielle wanted to know the truth behind Haerin's passion of basketball. Her curiosity couldn't be contained, and she'd do anything to find out why.

"Because I'm simply a fan of it Unnie. There's nothing too deep to talk about it so stop whatever your thinking Unnie."

Haerin's response took Danielle by suprise litterally and figuratively for 2 reasons.

 One, When Haerin said those words, Danielle noted how her brow wrinkled downwards, as if she was furious at her for asking such a question. She felt as if she had insulted her in some manner she didn't understand. All she did was ask an innocent inquiry.

Secondly, This was the first time Haerin had spoken to her in such a chilly and menacing manner. The group has been together for three years, and they recognize each other even when they close their eyes. They can readily identify who is who when given a description. Despite this, Haerin was never as frigid in her responses to any of them. Haerin's statements conveyed a hostile tone, which both scared and worried Danielle.

This was nothing the Haerin she knew about that's why she was left speechless and stunned to say anything back at her. She couldn't formulate any thoughts on how she could reply back towards her. Seeing the shocked and stunned face of Danielle, Haerin sighed a long one before standing up saying

"Sorry, I'll go somewhere for now. I'll be back before dinner Unnie."

As she rose up from her seat, she went to her room to change into a shirt and joggers, covered by a Nike jacket. She then grabbed her basketball, which was on her floor. All Danielle could do was watch Haerin depart their dorm, astonished and perplexed as to what had gotten her so defensive about the subject.

"Did I touch a sensitive topic for her? But why?"

Danielle pondered that concept as she lay flat on the sofa, looking up at the ceiling, seeking to connect the dots. And trying to find what she was seeking for.

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"Well that's the end of our season. What's your plan Y/N?"

As the squad finished their final game of the season, everyone in the locker room had different reactions to how their season ended. Some believed they did well, while others felt they could have done more to strive for a postseason seed berth, but the odds were not against them because health was the clear asterisk for this squad. Many of their major players went on to miss over half of the season combined. You and Austin Reaves were the only two players on the club who never missed a game during the season, but it wasn't enough.

Add in dubious coaching throughout the season, and the entire roster wondered if their coach ever trusted them. Players who were doing admirably were suddenly forced to take DNPs due to an experimental roster that had never played together before. It felt like they were competing against each other because no one knew what sort of play style they all had. Everything was just a mix of terrible luck and dubious coaching that led to this team's season-ending ouster.

"I don't know. After the exit interview later, I'll either sleep or sleep."

"I get you man but how's you and that Korean chic?"

Austin's inquiry simply made matters worse for you, as the thought of the season ending tonight left a bad taste in your mouth. And now AR had to bring up the subject with you and Yunjin. Heck, the entire Lesserafim was something you had to consider.

Relationships are something you're not sure you're ready for. Although you are dating Yunjin, there are serious uncertainties about whether you actually loved her or were simply swept up in the moment. Obviously, everyone in Lesserafim was lovely and attractive in their own right, but there was something lacking. When you think back on your time with Yunjin, you notice something is lacking.

You don't know what it is but you wanted to know more about it.

"Still dating. I'm planning to head to Korea later on actually. Take a break or something. I need to clear my mind after all this Laker stress man."

AR could only laugh at you, knowing it was the wisest thing to do after this disastrous season. Your body needs to recuperate after working so hard for the team. It was sad that you accomplished so much to keep the Lakers afloat in the standings, but it wasn't enough. Your amazing comeback against Milwaukee, your 57 points against the Bulls, your clutch three-pointer against the Celtics, resulting in their sole loss of the season, and lastly, your 1,000 assists, making you the youngest to accomplish this achievement.

All of that effort went for naught, as the Lakers couldn't even get a whiff of the eighth spot beginning in February. Since then, the Lakers have fluctuated between the 10th and 12th seeds in the last week of the regular season. Obviously, the media was criticizing you for not being able to lead the club to victory, given that LeBron is retiring, AD's contract expires this offseason, which means he's gone, and this will now be your team.

But having 2 hall of famers on your roster, yet you can't win?

Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless will surely have a field day with your name tomorrow morning. But you just let the so called analytics talk whatever they want because that's what makes them relevant. All you can do is accept the criticism and be better for the next season.

As you ended your farewell interview, you informed the reporters that you attempted to accept responsibility for your mistakes this season and improve for the next. Although several individuals attempted to hint to the coaching problem, you just responded that some plays were supposed to work and others did not. Shading individuals is not something you do while you are still relatively new to the league. You are practically sealing your legacy at this time.

However, with the exit interview behind you, the disappointment lingers as you drive. Your mind was continually reminding you that you could have done better, but that is how it is. The season ended unexpectedly due to a variety of factors. Aside from the fact that the season ended earlier than intended, you may have also considered AR. Did you truly adore Yunjin? You didn't want to be disrespectful to Yunjin or anyone in Lesserafim since we were discussing sentiments. One false action and all may be ruined in an instant.

Checking your phone, the image of you and Yunjin glowed under the screen and somehow, the smile you used to have begin to disappear. Surely this was a normal feeling right? After all it's just a wallpaper.

"I need to see her"

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With each stride Haerin took, the court got closer to her. Nobody in the firm, including her members, knew about this location behind their company, which was often utilized for rubbish disposal. But Haerin spotted a court with a sturdy hoop. The green patch was visible in the little gaps under the concrete floor, yet it did not upset Haerin at all.

She dribbled the ball one time before releasing a pure mid-range from 15 feet away from the basket.

Only for it to brick the basket, Haerin laughed as she missed her first shot. She waddled to catch the ball and fired it from the board for her second shot. Haerin was dressed comfortably, similar to her rehearsal attire.

As the ball swished through the net, Haerin's smile seems to get bigger and bigger at every shot she made. She was making easy shot such as Jumpers and running layup but as time goes forward, Haerin decided to intensify her shots.

As she dribbled the ball away from the basket near the 3-point line. She took one deep breath before dribbling the ball forward with her body in a propelling angle. As the ball bounces off the hard concrete ground, she crossed the ball towards her left hand and started to sprint while dribbling the ball. With the net nearing her sight, she stopped her dribble before turning her back against the net. She half shifted to the right before fully rotating to the left for a hook shot that swished through the net.

As the ball bounced off the ground she giggled as she finally done perfected one of your move. She wasn't just loving the game of basketball but she also loves the iconic moves of the NBA legends and all-star.

But despite her love of the game, she couldn't forget the painful memory that comes at the cost of enjoying basketball.

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She was introduced to the sport at a young age by her uncle who's a crazy fan of basketball. She recalls the times she was invited to watch her uncle play the sport in some local gym. The joy and smile he had while playing the sport was what got her hooked. But as she picked up a ball, everyone suddenly started telling her that the sport isn't for her.

"Kid, you should play with barbie dolls and houses. This game isn't for you."

Those words from her uncle's teammate still haunts her to this day as they labeled her sport by her gender. As young as Haerin was, that was first true heartbreak for her because she felt helpless and devastated to hear those. And she would have just brushed those thoughts aside if it wad kids around her age but no, it was adults who told her to stop dreaming about playing basketball.

Her uncle of course defend Haerin to the point, everyone almost got into a scuffle only for the GYM owners to separate them apart. But despite the fight not continuing, the damage had already been done to her as all she can do was look down as her uncle walked her home.

"Say Haerin. Wanna shoot some mini hoops?"

"No need uncle, I'm not born to play that sport.."

Her uncle sighed as he regretted having Haerin watch her game. He didn't expect those dudes to call out a child like that who just wants to have fun. He ruffled her hair as Haerin pouted at that action. She had always hated it when her hair gets shuffled unexpectedly and this was no different.

"Uncle-"

"Tell me Haerin. Did you enjoy watching me play basketball?"

"Of course!"

"Do you want to play the sport?"

"But I'm not allowed to.."

Her uncle chuckled seeing her cute niece look down in shame. Life have always been a suprise to many and right now, Haerin thinking that Basketball is only played by one gender is false.

"Haerin-ah, Nobody should stop you from enjoying what you want. If it makes you happy, you should chase it and never look back."

"But Uncle-"

"Haerin-ah, Don't follow the crowd, my dear child. Instead, listen to your heart and create your own path. True happiness comes from within and when you stay true to yourself."

The smile that her uncle had that day showed her a bigger picture. Despite people wanting to pull you down, there will always be someone that will support you through and through. Haerin believed in the words of her uncle and stayed true to herself.

Basketball became her sport as she grew older, and her parents were very supportive of her. Despite her peers playing and growing up with gentle games, Haerin likes to dribble and shoot like Curry in their garden, envisioning her shots as game winners.

But as Middle school comes around, she was once again faced with adversity that had her scarred for life.

It was during their Physics Education period and their teacher wanted them to play sport games. Some groan some were smiling and Haerin had her poker face on, but internally, she was smiling ear to ear. As they all went to the school GYM. Haerin immediately picked up the basketball and what happened next was something she didn't expect to happen.

"Eh? Why are you picking up a basketball Haerin? Don't tell me your... Into that stuff."

As one of her classmate said that, everyone else followed to stare at her and at that exact moment, her heart began to act differently. Their eyes suddenly became so big and their shadows tower over her making her feel like she's surrounded by giants.

Her heart starts racing, beating erratically against her chest like a trapped bird desperately seeking escape. The air around her seems thick and suffocating, making every breath feel labored and shallow.

Her mind spirals into a vortex of irrational fears and negative thoughts, amplifying each sound and sensation until they become overwhelming.

A distant murmur transforms into a deafening roar in her ears, while the touch of fabric against her skin feels like prickly needles. Panic takes hold, gripping her tightly in its invisible claws, leaving her helpless and vulnerable.

Every attempt to regain control only fuels the anxiety further, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of fear and distress. It's as if her body is betraying her, turning against itself in this unexpected battle for sanity.

She couldn't handle it anymore as she dashed through the crowd, holding and closing ears from the murmurs that echoed through the area. Her heart beating so loud telling her to keep running and never look back. Tears falls off her cheeks as her eyes had uncontrollably started shedding her tears without her command.

But unlike before, She had nobody to run into.

Her uncle had died, leaving pleasant memories of Haerin to keep her sane in the harsh world they were living in. But her passing meant she'd lost her primary source of support and idol. Haerin was left alone to confront the world of misery and agony, and she was currently submitting to it all.

She couldn't handle everything on her own.

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Haerin groaned and gazed at the ball for a few seconds before continuing to dribble away from the hoop. Since then, Haerin has kept her passion of basketball to herself, never sharing her excitement for the sport with anyone. Her parents were surprised that she wasn't sweating every day shooting hoops in the backyard, but instead watching YouTube videos in her room.

She had closed the door of enjoying the sport with others and decided that this sport is only for her to enjoy and nobody else.

It didn't matter if she would harshly push anyone who tries play basketball with her, it didn't matter if it was her own members who wanted to play with her. She would immediately decline and ignore their invitation.

dribbling the ball, Haerin shoot a long 3 pointer that sinks right into the net effortlessly. And her shot wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Nice form"

A sudden voice alerted Haerin as she flinched and froze on the spot. As the ball rolled further away from her, it stopped once it reached your foot. You kneeled down to pick up the ball and gently gave Haerin a chest pass to which she managed to barely catch. She was star struck to see you face to face with her.

"Ummm...I'm sorry to ask this but are you.. Y/N McDaniels?"

Haerin shyly asked as you laughed and nodded your head at her. Your arrival in Korea was unexpectedly faster than what you thought. The private Jet that the Lakers provided you not only drived so fast but it felt like a 10 minute ride. Technology sure is scary.

"That I am. You shooting hoops?"

"Ah yes!"

Haerin suddenly pulled her smile back immediately despite seeing you in person. But she also felt like her demeanor of playing alone changed when you arrived. It felt like she was still playing by herself and alone. She shook her head off that thought and shoot her shot, but it bricked the rim as you jumped in and grabbed the ball.

Knowing the rules, Haerin went under the basket ready for a rebound as you took the ball out and shot a wide open 3 pointer, only for it to brick as Haerin chased it down and grab it. This process continued for quite sometime with the only words exchanged between you two were "Nice one" and "My ball". Some would argue this was awkward to be in but Haerin didn't feel like it. She felt so naturally free whenever she's on the court but with someone sharing the court with her? She never thought about it until you came.

As the two of you sat down to catch your breaths, You offered Haerin an extra water bottle you had in your bag to which Haerin shyly accepted. With the two of you sitting quietly, you decided to break the ice and speak first.

"So, what's your name?"

"Vanessa Kang..or you can call me Haerin.. Sir."

You laughed at her formality with you but dismiss it since it didn't bother you one bit.

"No need to be formal Haerin. It's just us two hoopers here anyway."

"Umm...Its just your my idol and It's not easy for me to drop the honorifics."

Haerin fidgeted her fingers as she looked down. She didn't know how to act in front of her idol because, most of the time, she is the one who draws attention due to the large number of her supporters. But, right now, she's a fan and you're the idol, so the positions are reversed.

"It's fine Haerin. I'm not that old yet anyway."

"Yeah 3 years apart.."

"What?"

You blinked a couple times before staring at Haerin who's face was completely red. She just dropped an important information about you and now her identity was fully blown. Haerin gulped before turning her head to look at you with a complete red face.

"I'm guessing your a fan of mine?"

"Ummm......yes.."

Haerin soften her voice on the last part as she wasn't confident on being your fan but your sharp ears managed to hear it. You laughed full heartedly at her as she looked at you confused. Was her approach wrong that you got the wrong idea or she had something on her face?

"Sorry, Sorry I just find it cute how your being shy admitting being a fan of basketball."

"Ummm...I just don't want people to see me differently.."

Your smile slowly disappeared after hearing the words that Haerin spoke. What she said raised your curiosity as you didn't understand what she meant by it.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I just... Went through a tough time of people accepting that I like basketball more unlike other sports.."

Although you haven't heard much about her tale, her voice was enough to tell you that she went through hardship while trying to play the sport that she loved.

"Haerin, Happiness doesn't come from the words of others, it comes from the voices of your heart."

Haerin widen her eyes as your words reminded her of the words spoken by her own uncle. She looked at you as you gave her a warm smile.

"Don't let others dictate your happiness, Make it your own Haerin."

She felt her uncle's nostalgia in your words. Even if the words were altered, the message remained the same. To be joyful regardless of what others say. That was what her uncle had told her about life in general, not just hoops. She aspired to be an Idol because she enjoyed dancing to music. She wanted their music to be heard and enjoyed by their listeners.

Your comments triggered a deep memory for Haerin, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Not long later, she lost control of her tears and began weeping. You worried when you saw her break down because you didn't know what to do. You chose to softly touch her back while Haerin sobs slowly. You weren't very good at emotional scenarios like this one, and you thought it would calm her down. You didn't have your handkerchief when you really needed it.

As Haerin calmed down, she wiped the remaining tears on her eyes away before looking at you with a soft stare.

"Thanks and.. Sorry for crying out of nowhere."

"It's fine. That's okay. Maybe we can shoot hoops again to clear your mind?"

Haerin laughed at your idea, but she nodded, knowing that it would undoubtedly help her clear her mind. As the two of you proceeded to play hoops, Haerin's cat curiosity took over, and she questioned why you were here in the first place.

"Y/N, can I ask why your here in Korea?"

She said after passing you the ball in a perfect bounce pass. You chuckled at her question before releasing the shot for a 13 feet jumper.

"I'm just here to confirm something is all."

"Really? What's it about?"

"My own feelings"

Haerin widened her eyes slightly before handing the ball back to you, since this surprised her. Someone in the country seemed to have taken interest in the guy she adored. She isn't sure whether she would be joyful or sad. She may be thrilled since a celebrity like you like someone from her nation is something she should be proud of. Sadly, that wasn't her.

Haerin quickly flushed scarlet as she thought about it, because it came out of nowhere and was so strange for her to think about. Her cheeks were flaming, and her heart was beating faster as she watched you dribble the ball up to the rim. She swallowed nervously, as that unexpected notion had forever altered her perception of you.

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Haerin had seen you around the corporate building for weeks, but as the days passed, the grin on your face faded, which bothered her. She wanted to ask you about this, but all she could do was shoot hoops with you to alleviate your concerns. But the more she learned about your position, the more she questioned if she was even suited to be around you. Your statements showing your perplexity and irritation with Yunjin make her feel like she's nothing more than a pillar of strength for you.

She doesn't mind it, but she wished she was in Yujin's position.

Even if she is your wall of support, she hoped that a small part of herself is what you are seeking for instead. Since the prospect of you entering her life, her attitude toward you has drastically altered. She found herself doing something she didn't often do, which surprised her members. When she shoots hoops with you, she wears everything from light makeup to red lipstick and blush. Minji observed this recently, and as the group's leader, she had to ask her why their beloved cat has been acting strangely lately.

"Haerin? Can we talk?"

"Oh, sure Unnie."

As Minji enters her room, she looked around her room to see nothing out of the usual. So she took her seat on the edge of her bed.

"I was just wondering, What are you doing outside? You seem to be going outside lately. Is there somewhere your visiting?"

Minji's questions didn't have any vile intentions in them but rather a voice, of a worried and curious leader. Haerin wanted to shake her head to deny her claims but your words rang through her head. She wanted to find that happiness and she knows she can't fully enjoy that happiness alone. She needed to take a step forward away from her comfort zone and see what lies beyond.

"Yeah, I have been playing basketball again."

"Really? That's so cool!"

Haerin couldn't believe it. Someone aside from her said that the sport she's doing is something amazing. She was expecting the usual reaction from her previous encounters of this confession yet this time, it was the opposite.

"Unnie, you don't find that... Weird?"

"Of course not! Why would I find you playing basketball weird. In fact I want to see you play. Oh, Maybe we can all play basketball sometimes! I can set up a date-"

Minji couldn't continue her statement because Haerin cut her off with a warm, tight embrace. For the first time in her life, Haerin felt relieved that she no longer needed to close the door. She felt less alone than she had in a long time. For the first time in a long time, she met someone who understood her.

"Unnie.."

"What’s wrong Haerin? Do you want to invite the members too? I'm sure they would love to play with you."

"No Unnie, I'm happy. I'm just happy and thank you."

Minji couldn't understand where Haerin was coming from, but with her appreciation, she could only see it as a positive thing. As Haerin continued to hug Minji, she realized she might need some help with the preadicament she was facing.

"Unnie, Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What is it Haerin-ah?"

"Umm.. Is it okay.. For a girl to like a guy.. Who's like trying to like fix their relationship that don't seem to work and, she's acting as the guy's support, but he doesn't know that the girl has developed feelings for him. Or is that wrong?"

Minji pondered on this thought as this was something she wasn't familiar with. But with her expertise in watching K-Drama on the television, she has one answer for that one.

"If that's the case, I suggest the girl to stop being the guy's support because as I see it. She's becoming a rebound for the guy. Well unintentionally that is."

When Haerin heard those words, she stopped her breath for a moment as a little pain struck her heart. Being labeled a rebound is the last thing she wanted to be termed. But when she thinks back on her time with you, she was your rock, and every tale she hears about Yunjin tears her heart apart.

That wasn't happiness for her.

Perhaps it was time to listen to her Leader's advice and be the person that she has always been. A girl who loves performing in front of her fans and enjoy playing basketball.

"Yeah, Your right Unnie. Anyway I'll be at the court now."

"Okay, Alright. Be back before dinner okay? And stay safe."

Haerin chuckled hearing the words of their eldest and leader as she identically sounded like her own mother with her tone and delivery.

"I will."

With a clear understanding of what she needed to do, she made her way to the court where she had become accustomed to meeting you. With every step seeming to be loaded with the few memories you two shared, it felt bittersweet that she was willing to let go of everything in such a short period of time. During that period, she became aware of numerous things she had previously avoided.

Being able to enjoy basketball without being bothered by others, finding satisfaction in the company of others, and generally enjoying life. Despite the brief time together, she has become connected to you, which is the terrible part. She's terrified of facing you now. She is unsure how she will deal with you after this, or if it is best to simply withdraw from your life for ever.

What Hurts more is she's letting go of her idol.

The person she looks up too.

The person she admire so much.

The person she fell in love with.

And

The person that will break her heart.

Just thinking about the night hoops you played and the late-night food tour across Seoul makes her melancholy. Haerin had become a tourist during the day and a wall of support at night. Haerin was eager to be at your side, and she couldn't remember how many times she ran to the court only to be your ear and shoulder to depend on.

As this idea occurred to her, it became more difficult for her to continue her trek towards the court since her eyes were already filled with tears for you. She had never thought that loving someone could be so difficult. She never considered the possibility of love since she never took such things seriously. She couldn't understand why her Unnies were so obsessed with romantic dramas and other aspects of love.

But now she realized, what love is.

And she got the bitter part of it.

Taking a deep breath, she continued on with her walk as she spotted you sitting on the bench watching the passing cars go by. Your presence alone makes her heart flutter and make her knees go weak. As you wave and smile at her, the heat crept it's way up her cheeks as she continued her descend on the stairs towards the court. But her eyes never left you and as soon as she took one misstep, her foot slipped and was stumbling to-

"Gotcha. You alright Haerin?"

Your buffed arms managed to catch her fragile small body as she directly stared at you with admiration and with love. Her heart raced faster than it was earlier and this was a scene straight out of the romance movies. After catching herself, she immediately pushed you away standing up by herself as her action caught you by suprise

"Haerin? Is everythin-"

"Please... Let's stop seeing each other."

As hard as it is to hear someone say that to you, Haerin is the one who is most saddened. By confessing those words, she is letting go of all the memories she has with you. But, more crucially, she is willing to let you go.

"Y/N, The last few weeks has been nothing but a blast I had with you and nothing can replace those moments with anyone. You thought me what it means to be happy once again but more importantly, you helped me realize how to enjoy basketball once again."

"Haerin.."

"I became your wall of support and ear whenever you visit Yunjin and I understand that. You and Yunjin are meant for each other and probably trying to fix the relationship you two had. I don't want to be a nuisance to both of you once you two figured it out.."

As her emotions have caught up to her words, she tried to suppress the tears that was slowly falling down her cheeks as she immediately Wipes them off. With every second passing by, her heart was being torned apart.

"You know Y/N, because of you, I enjoyed things that I usually don't do. Like applying lipsticks, using the eye liner, using lip tint, applying blush on, and wearing cute clothes. Before I'm only doing those because I'm a Kpop Idol but with you, I enjoy doing them because of you. "

"Haerin.."

"I want to say goodbye, but that would be too sad and I don't want this to be the end of us meeting. So Y/N.."

A soft breeze passed you two by as her hair danced with the air showing a long haired beautiful angel crying.

"I hope to see you again."

With those last words spoken by her, her heart has completely shattered into thousand pieces. She couldn't look you in the face or else she might breakdown completely. So turning her back around, she was ready to let you go and move forward in her life.

"Preety Kang, who said this is the end?"

You smirked as Haerin stopped on her tracks. Your voice still had a huge effect on her as you took steps closer to her. Panic began to rise all over body as she didn't know what will happen next.

"You said you were a nuisance? I called you a ball of sunshine."

"Stop it..."

"You said I showed you happiness? How can you be so sure when YOU'RE my happiness."

"Please.. Stop.."

"All my life, I have watched opportunities slip by my hands. And Days I spent with you were the opportunities I didn't slip by. Because of you, I learned who I am."

"Y/N..."

"Kang Haerin. I'm not letting you go anymore. My heart beats for you and only you. If your not ready now, I'll wait and I'll keep waiting until our paths cross again. Because if Love didn't happen, I wouldn't have met you."

"......"

"Kang Haerin, The girl I love is you."

Haerin had never twirled so fast her life as she spinned back towards you and jumping into your body as you catches her. Her tears couldn't be controlled anymore as she cried her heart out not out of sadness this time. But in happiness.

"Y/N!!"

"I'm here Haerin. I'm here."

As you stroked her hair, Haerin buried her face in your chest, weeping gently as she heard your heart's lovely rhythm. She couldn't believe her modest wish had come true. For you, the decision was not simple. The way you went to korea hoping to connect with Yunjin failed. You tried your best to make your heart beat for her but despite the efforts, Haerin was the one chiming your heart.

Every time you go closer to Yunjin, your mind only sees one cat, which was unjust to Yunjin. You had to tell her the truth, but Yunjin was the first person to say farewell to you. She knew the minute you first dated her, your heart couldn't hold her. No matter how hard she tried, she could see straight through you, and when she saw you smiling genuienly, she knew someone had already stolen your heart.

And she didn't want your friendship to be broken due to one-sided passion. As terrible as it is for her, she genuinely loved you and chose your happiness above her own. She understood that love needs sacrifices, and she was prepared to make the biggest sacrifice of her own love for your love story.

You shed your own share of tears as Yunjin said her farewell to you because despite not fully loving her, a part of your heart truly did loved her genuienly and honestly. It felt heart breaking despite not truly loving her. It confuses you but with one door closes, another one opens.

As you looked at your lock screen, the picture of you and Yunjin was difficult to remove. But, knowing that you and Yunjin had failed, you pinned all of your hopes on one girl. The girl who has been with you since your arrival and is the only one who has remained in your head and heart.

Haerin, your constant companion and supporter during your time in Korea. Her temperament and beauty are too appealing not to notice her. Not only that, but she keeps you smiling and understands how to connect with you. She was everything you didn't realize you needed. You still recall the day your heart sang for her. When you were rushing away from a paparazzi at night, her warm little hands entwined around yours, and her charming grin brightened the darkness. At that same moment, you knew your heart was pounding for Kang Haerin rather than Huh Yunjin.

You were so stupid because you figured it out too late and today was suppose to be day you told her everything but it seems Haerin was the first one to beat you too it.

"Do you mean it?"

Haerin gazed up to meet your gaze, her cat-like eyes looking more lovely than ever. You nodded, stroked her hair, and returned to burying her face on your chest. Her behaviors made you laugh because they were so charming.

"I love you Y/N.."

She backed away, sneaking a quick kiss on your cheeks before whispering gently. Thinking you hadn't heard her, you bent down to kiss her forehead, making her blush even more.

"I love you too, My Laker Star Haerin. Hehe~"

You smiled wholeheartedly at her, just like Haerin did, despite her cheeks going red. Both of you were experiencing the joys of love as fate brought your hearts together.

As Yunjin looked down at the building's glass windows, she watched the guy she genuinely loved embracing a girl he deserved. Her heart ached to see you with someone else, but she knew you were the one known as "Right Person, Wrong Time." She smiled sadly as she shed one final tear staring at you.

"I hope you treat him right Haerin. Because he was once My Laker Star too."

.

.

.

[shanieveh]

REVERSE 01 ↺: hi, i love you

wriothesley x fem!reader smau

now playing: niki — take a chance with me

That's life basically.... although Wriothesley is quite literally the biggest fish in the sea, known as the the biggest catch, the lengths you go through to get him still brings shock to people's faces. It only gives one the hypothesis that your obsession love you have for this man runs deep.

But if only they knew... oh okay tmi!!!

"Interesting..." you see Charlotte peeking through your phone—this gossip! you snatched her notes:

'Wriothesley Craze! Life from an Obsessed Fan's perspective'

You then began tearing it to pieces much to her whining and crying. With that, classes began, you open your notebooks with pictures full of him and his defined biceps.

His big game will be next week and you will make sure, oh you will ABSOLUTELY make sure, you will scream and cheer the loudest. After all, seeing his dangerous smirk and his relaxed glare, you're already giddy and focus gone while imagining as the teacher calls you much to your uninterested sigh. This killjoy.

Just as you were about to sleep, the most important notification posted. Ding!

And just like that another picture to be printed. Your innocent teenage crush on this man was taking quite the toll on your mental health, but he's just... he's so perfect.

You can't seem to describe it, but there was no part in you that don't approve of your actions. And even if every valentines he rejects you, or every christmas he puts aside your gifts. Just being on his side, just knowing his thoughts it was enough for you.

This life was enough for you. He was enough.

Hours passed and you finish all your homeworks quietly in the school library. Many have this stereotype that the duke has your whole heart, but that was not true at all.

At least, now when you're doing homework or with your friends.

After all everyone has their limit to desires, everything breaks once its pivotal point is shattered.

But as you schedule the big game in your calendar, you knew it won't be having anytime soon as you read 'Pride and Prejudice' and imagine him as Darcy who'll beg for forgiveness for his constant ignoring and rejecting!

Maybe one day he'll have to do this constant chase, and you'll be:

"Your selfish disdain for the feeling of others made me realize that you were the last man i could ever be prevailed upon to marry!"

You clench your fist to the sky as you deliver it like an oscar-winning actress with a posh and a british accent. In an embarassing moment you looked around to see if anyone saw you in the act, but only the winds and crickets answered back. Thank God.

With that thought, giggles emitted as you exit the library to your home, day over. But little did you know the oldest saying in the book, the walls... have ears.

———————————[ 01 —↺— 02 ]———————————

the whole campus knows about your 3 year crush on the student body president and basketball captain wriothesley. you were fine with his constant ignoring and rejections until something happened, until you stopped, and a reverse took place... now he won't leave you alone.

taglist: @vash-yuu @nayukiyukihira @aethion @whodissbitj @astolary @ayayaaayyiire @randomidk-123 @superdark-soul @sleepy-waffle @kittywagun @ceaether @ichorstainedskin @numwoon44 @eutopiastar @reni502 @fictionalfantasy17 @lucienbarkbark @kyon-cherri @huanator @jqnehr @yourlittlemissworld @zworllyx @unknownlololol @sara-midnight @jaguarthecat @we-wo-we-wo @duhsies @interstellar-equilibrium @ariparri @lolmeowing @aruatsu @k-cris @quacking-simp @vlamouren @semi-orangeapple @tamikahoshiko @imnotgoodwithnamessoidk @portgas459ace @r4yyyyy @vxnuslogy @kazuhasmaid @explosive-wuisa @falors @rirk-ke @shotovhs @aixaingela @ruhaxol @yelleloww

[maturemenoftvandfilms]

UPDATE

Here’s the schedule for the next five stories I’ll be posting.

Hope you enjoy the new stuff.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of FICTION. It’s meant purely for the entertainment of adults.

The Senator from Montana

CHAPTER TWELVE: Back on the Farm

Featuring Sen. Jon Tester

POSTING: 7/28/2023

A Conversation with Cardinal Dolan

CHAPTER TWO: The Confessional

Featuring the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan

POSTING: 8/11/2023

Prince Laurent of Belgium

CHAPTER TWO: Vacation on the Mediterranean Sea

Featuring Prince Laurent of Belgium and Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro

POSTING: 8/25/2023

Huggy Bear

Featuring basketball coach Bob Huggins

POSTING: 9/8/2023

[sportscarolinamonthly]

A breakdown of NC State’s 2025 football schedule

Published by On3 By Noah Fleischman While NC State men’s basketball was battling it out with No. 2 Duke on Monday night inside Cameron Indoor Stadium, the ACC released the full football schedule for each of its 17 member programs in a made-for-TV event. The Wolfpack knew which opponents it would host — and had its first six dates locked in — before the release, but now its entire 2025 slate is…

[classifieds-marketing-news]

Michigan State and Duke rise in college basketball rankings, while Tennessee falls.

Written by John Fanta, College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter Over the weekend, top college basketball teams faced road challenges, with Auburn's No. 1 spot in jeopardy due to Johni Broome's ankle sprain. Auburn managed to beat South Carolina 66-63 despite Broome's absence, but questions linger about his return. With a tough schedule ahead, the Tigers must adapt without their star player. Auburn's backcourt offers strength, with key players like Chad Baker-Mazara and Tahaad Pettiford stepping up. Despite Broome's absence, the Tigers remain a top-10 team, but the injury creates uncertainty in the race to the Final Four in April. Other top teams like Iowa State and Alabama also faced tough tests, showcasing their resilience and depth. St. John’s and Georgia are emerging as strong contenders, while Utah State's dramatic win highlights their potential in the NCAA Tournament. As the season progresses, teams like Auburn, Iowa State, and Duke continue to impress, setting the stage for an exciting March Madness. Top 25 Teams: Auburn (15-1) Iowa State (14-1) Duke (14-2) Alabama (14-2) Tennessee (15-1) Florida (15-1) Marquette (14-2) Kentucky (13-3) Houston (12-3) Michigan State (14-2) Stay tuned for more exciting college basketball action as the season unfolds. Author: John Fanta, College Basketball Broadcaster and Writer  #News #Basketball #College #duke #falls #Michigan #Rankings #rise #state #Tennessee https://tinyurl.com/2ctmm3kw

[peaksport]

Watch #8 Duke Blue Devils vs. #3 South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball free live stream

The second matchup of the top 10 teams in women’s basketball sees the The #3 South Carolina Gamecocks host the #8 Duke Blue Devils at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC The game is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM EST and will be broadcast ESPN. Fans who want to watch this women’s college basketball game can do so by using FuboTVwhich offers $30 off the first month o DirecTV Streamwhich offers…

[thetajinindia]

Taj mahal tour by superfast train From delhi By The Taj In India Company

Tour Overview: The Taj Mahal Tour via Superfast Train from Delhi with The Taj In India Company Tour duration: 12–14 hours, or a whole day.

Principal Aspects: Dawn Departure:

pickup from the Delhi hotel. Proceed to the railway station in New Delhi. Quick Train Travel to Agra:

Taj Mahal Tour via Superfast Train from Delhi

Take the Shatabdi Express or Gatimaan Express (fast trains). The trip takes between one and two hours. On board, breakfast is served. Arrival in Agra:

pickup by a licensed driver from the Agra Railway Station. Make your way to the Taj Mahal. Go see the Taj Mahal.

tour of the Taj Mahal with a guide. Find information about the monument's significance, history, and architecture. Lots of time for traveling and taking pictures. A visit to the Agra Fort

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agra Fort. tour with a guide that highlights the architecture and history of the fort. During lunch:

Lunch at a well-known eatery. Choice between traditional Indian food and various tastes. Visits that are optional:

Mehtab Bagh: A garden with breathtaking views of the Yamuna River and the Taj Mahal across it. Baby Taj, also known as Itmad-ud-Daulah, is a stunning Mughal tomb. Journey Back to Delhi:

Return to the Agra Railway Station by transfer. Take the train back to Delhi, where dinner is served on board. Transport from the New Delhi Railway Station to your lodging. Included: Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Air-conditioned car transfers between sights in Agra. Train Tickets: Single-journey passes for the Shatabdi or Gatimaan Express. Meals: On the train, breakfast and dinner. Lunch at a well-known Agra restaurant. Guide: Skilled tour guide for the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. Tickets for entry: Entry to the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. Exclusions: Individual costs (such as souvenirs and extra meals). Gratuities and tips for the guide and driver. any other events or sights that aren't included in the schedule. Suggestions: Put on cozy clothing Clothes: Airy and light materials. Wearing cozy walking shoes is recommended. Sunscreen and a hat: two methods of sun protection. Camera: To record the breathtaking vistas and architectural details. Cash: For gratuities or personal spending. Booking Advice: It's best to make reservations in advance, especially during the busiest travel times. Verify Reviews: Look for comments and endorsements on the tour operator. Verify Inclusions: Make sure the package includes all necessary components (transport, guide, tickets, food, etc.). As an illustration Route: 5:00 AM: Get picked up from the hotel and taken to the railway station in New Delhi. 6:00 AM: Go on board the Shatabdi or Gatimaan Express (breakfast on board). 8:00 AM: Arrival in Agra, followed by the Taj Mahal transfer. 8:30 AM: The Taj Mahal is guided. 11:00 AM: Tour the Agra Fort. Lunch at a nearby eatery at 1:00 PM. 2:00 PM: Mehtab Bagh or Itmad-ud-Daulah tours are optional. Transfer to the Agra Railway Station at 5:00 PM. 5:50 PM: Board the Delhi train, where dinner is served. Arrival in Delhi at 7:30 PM, then travel to your hotel. You can get in touch with The Taj In India Company directly or visit their official website for additional information and to schedule a trip. Have fun when visiting the Taj Mahal!

ALSO READ-

Dan Hurley is a well-known person in the collegiate basketball community. He is the head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Connecticut (UConn) as of 2024. Hurley has been a key player in the UConn program's revival, which has resulted in notable achievements recently.

Context Daniel S. Hurley in full Birthdate: January 16, 1973 Dan Hurley hails from a basketball-loving family. Bob Hurley Sr., his father, is a renowned high school basketball coach. Bobby Hurley, his brother, is the head coach of Arizona State University and a former standout player at Duke University. Career in Coaching Early Years of Coaching Career:

St. Benedict's Prep: Hurley began his coaching career in Newark, New Jersey's St. Benedict's Preparatory School, where he was able to build the school into a national powerhouse with tremendous success. A Career in College Coaching:

Wagner College: Hurley swiftly restored the program after taking over, helping the team set a school record with 25 victories in his second season. Hurley subsequently relocated to the University of Rhode Island, where he carried on establishing his credentials as a program rebuilder. He guided the group to an Atlantic 10 tournament title and several trips to the NCAA tournament. UConn

Hurley joined UConn's staff in 2018. He has since been credited with bringing the team back to its former level of success, which has been demonstrated by a deep run in the NCAA tournament and enhanced recruiting classes. UConn has restored itself as a formidable power in NCAA basketball under Hurley's direction. Philosophy and Coaching Style Hurley's coaching style is renowned for being aggressive and emotional. He places a great emphasis on defense and expects his players to play with great effort and responsibility. His coaching career has been distinguished by his capacity to nurture talent and create a cohesive team.

Successes Throughout his career, Hurley has been recognized with numerous coaching trophies and accolades. His capacity to revitalize projects and guide them to success on a national scale has been acknowledged. Personal Life: Dan Hurley has two children and is married. His dedication to his family and the game of basketball is well known, and his coaching philosophy frequently reflects the morals that his father and his family instilled in him during his youth.

For up-to-date and comprehensive details on Dan Hurley's accomplishments and career, check out UConn's official athletics page or sports news websites.

[wagerhome-blog]

Future Favorites as College Basketball Begins

The college basketball season for both men and women began on Monday, and two unusual upsets highlighted opening night. The best women’s basketball team in the land, the LSU Tigers, were easily handled by the Colorado Buffaloes, 92-78. Frida Foremann of Colorado led the upset with 27 points and seven 3-pointers. Angel Reece, who was the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player when LSU rolled to the national championship last spring, had just 15 points on 15 shots. It was the first time a women’s defending national champion lost on opening night since 1995. On the men’s side the No. 4 ranked Michigan State Spartans lost to James Madison, 76-74 in overtime, making it just the first time a top-five team lost to an unranked opponent on opening night since 2005. That team that lost in 2005 was Michigan State. This was the first November home loss for the Spartans since 1986, and just the second time in school history that James Madison has beaten a ranked team.

Men’s National Championship Favorites

- Kansas (+1000) - Duke (+1100) - Purdue (+1100) - Kentucky (+1200) - Arizona (+1400) - UConn (+1400) - Michigan State (+1800) - Marquette (+1800) Kansas has made head coach Bill Self the highest paid coach in the nation, and the Jayhawks are the favorites to win another national championship. They won it in 2022, but last year they were knocked out in the second round by Arkansas. UConn is the defending national champion, and the Huskies are tied with Arizona for the fifth shortest odds to begin the season. The Wildcats won the Pac-12 Tournament last year and were awarded a two-seed, but they were bounced in the first round by the 15th-seeded Princeton Tigers. Michigan State has fallen to +1800 after their loss to JMU in East Lansing.

Women’s National Championship Favorites

- UConn (+400) - LSU (+450) - Iowa (+900) - Utah (+950) - South Carolina (+1100) - UCLA (+1400) - Indiana (+1500) - Ohio State (+1800) LSU has dropped behind UConn as the early favorites to win the women’s national championship. UConn holds the record with 11 women’s national championships, and this season they have Page Bueckers. She was the AP, Naismith, and John Wooden Player of the Year in 2021, but missed all of last year with a torn ACL. She headlines a great battle for this season’s player of the year, with Reece from LSU and Caitlin Clark of Iowa. Reece is the preseason SEC Player of the Year, and Clark is the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year. Reece and Clark, and LSU and Iowa, played in the finals last year of the highest rated NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in history.

Pay Per Head Software

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[sportyconnect]

The Duke Blue Devils males' basketball crew will play their subsequent recreation on November 5, 2023, at residence towards the Lafayette Leopards. The sport will tip off at 7:00 PM ET. The Blue Devils completed the 2022-2023 season with a document of 27-9, so they had been ranked #3 within the remaining AP Ballot. They misplaced the Arkansas Razorbacks within the Candy 16 of the NCAA Event. The Blue Devils will likely seek to bounce again from a disappointing finish to the final season. They've loads of expertise returning, together with Paolo Banchero, AJ Griffin, and Mark Williams. They may also add several proficient first-year college students and Trevor Keels, Dariq Whitehead, and Kyle Filipowski. The Blue Devils will likely be one of many favorites to win the ACC in 2023-2024. They may face stiff competitors from groups like North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami. Nevertheless, if they will keep wholesome and play as much as their potential, they will make a deep run within the NCAA Event. Here's a different detailed take look at the Blue Devils' schedule for the 2023-2024 season: November November 5 vs. Lafayette November 8 vs. Gardner-Webb November 11 vs. Georgia Tech November 15 vs. Elon November 19 vs. Tennessee November 22 vs. Notre Dame December December 2 vs. Wofford December 5 vs. Texas December 9 vs. Virginia December 12 vs. Boston School December 16 vs. Clemson December 19 vs. Miami January January 2 vs. Wake Forest January 5 vs. North Carolina January 9 vs. Pittsburgh January 12 vs. Georgia Tech January 16 vs. Virginia Tech January 19 vs. NC State February February 2 vs. Boston School February 5 vs. Florida State February 9 vs. Notre Dame February 12 vs. Clemson February 16 vs. Wake Forest February 19 vs. Louisville March March 2 vs. Virginia Tech March 5 vs. NC State March 9 ACC Event The Blue Devils will look to make a deep run within the NCAA Event in 2023-2024. However, they have the expertise to do it, and they should stay wholesome and play as much as their potential. If they try this, they will deliver residences a nationwide championship. FAQs What are the Blue Devils' strengths and weaknesses? The Blue Devils' strengths embrace their dimension, athleticism, and taking pictures. They have several proficient gamers who can rate in various methods. Their weaknesses embrace their lack of expertise and their protection. They might want to enhance in these areas if they need to achieve success. Who're the Blue Devils' key gamers? The Blue Devils' key gamers embrace Paolo Banchero, AJ Griffin, and Mark Williams. Banchero is a possible NBA lottery choose who's a flexible scorer. Griffin is an extended, athletic wing who can shoot the ball from three-point vary. Williams is a dominant power inside who can block pictures and rebound. What are the Blue Devils' greatest rivals? The Blue Devils' greatest rivals are North Carolina and Virginia. These three groups have been competing for ACC championships for many years. The video games between these three groups are always intense and thrilling. What are the Blue Devils' success possibilities in the ACC championship? The Blue Devils are one of many favorites to win the ACC championship in 2023-2024. However, they have the expertise to do it, and they should stay wholesome and play as much as their potential. If they try this, they will deliver the residence a convention title. #SportyConnect

[sportsminorityreport]

7 members plotting against the ACC.  The observations.

So it just broke that 7 members in the ACC have been talking secretly about how to escape the ACC and the ACC’s Grant of Rights deal.  (They signed that deal in 2016 after adding Notre Dame as an Olympic member with a football scheduling alliance.)

This means a lot, but what does it mean?

I think it says that everyone in College Football realizes that this, the last round of musical chairs, begun by the University of Texas, is underway.

Florida State started talking about how unhappy they were last year right after ESPN and FOX “overpaid” the Big 12.  FSU makes essentially the same money as the Big 12 schools.  As UCF,  $20+M less annually than their rival the University of Florida and all the crap bottom feeding schools in the SEC and Big Ten. 

I think you can take FSU’s public protests as them shouting at Notre Dame,  “Hey We are no longer happy with this status quo.  If you want to jump ship, we will back your play!”

SEC

There was a rumor in realignment circles last year that the SEC’s end game move was to take total ownership of the the deep south recruiting grounds for all time by adding Virginia, Virginia Tech, UNC, Duke, Clemson, FSU, Miami, Georgia Tech and Tulane to form a conference with 25 members.  That would prevent the Big Ten from growing that big and having that membership would prevent the Big Ten from dictating the direction of college athletics.

It would also give the SEC near total control over recruiting, not just the dominance they have today.  It is a believable scenario from an SEC member desire perspective...but does it work financially?

Take a look at the nation’s recruiting hotbeds.

It seemed a crazy rumor at the time, but this could easily be that move coming into action, with the SEC replacing Duke with a more SEC-like school in NC State is athletically more SEC in character.

If you take the 7 schools as 7 schools colluding to potentially dissolve the ACC and join the SEC as a group... as some realignment followers suspect, it is troublesome news. 

ESPN

ESPN has long manipulated schools under their umbrella. ESPN doesn’t LOVE the ACC.  They love FSU, Miami, Clemson, UNC and Duke.

ESPN doesn’t want to move those schools to the SEC and overpay those schools at SEC rates --- while keeping the rest of the ACC leftovers in a hobbled conference at historic rates.  

If those 7 schools are working collectively at the direction of the SEC schools for bulk admission, it is ENTIRELY possible that ESPN is the ultimate puppet master, thinking they would rather see the ACC disbanded, nullifying their agreements, and just take the SEC money and pay their cherry picked ACC superstar schools SEC money, knowing that the there will be settlements that have the ACC haves making the ACC have nots more or less whole.

Now, lets play that out.  That leaves a TON of good basketball schools to join the Big 12 as either full members or specifically basketball only members. Not Olympic-only members.  Paid to play basketball and then go the hell away.

ESPN partners with FOX to pay the Big 12 bill.  How many slots would they authorize for the Big 12?

The Big 12 is already now the nation’s premiere basketball conference.

Imagine them with Louisville, Duke, Wake Forest, UConn, Boston College, Pitt, and Syracuse?  Imagine a Big 12 where 70% of their schools make the tourney every year and where they produce 2-3 of the number one seeds!

That is a conference that can make money off basketball hand over fist to help offset their media money deficit and become the undisputed 3rd and final power conference.. The Big 12 seems to be chomping at the bit for this. 

And where does the PAC stand?  Forgotten. A lesser MWC in basketball. A football conference with a total inability to recruit and a perchant for sending football teams with limited depth to get eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. 

And the crazy thing?  It could be worse than that.   The Big 12 is talking to their media partners a lot. The Big 12 Might START by adding San Diego State and another western basketball school...Gonzaga? Arizona?  UNLV? What then for the PAC?

(I should note that it is wildly assumed by Pac leaders  that SDSU will wait until the apocalypse for an association with Stanford and Cal.  Accurate in this environment? Who can say. The train is rolling out and people tend to panic.)

That is just one of many scenarios this explosive revelation could deliver.

The bottom line:  Get off your ass, Pac-12.

[misterjt]

An Accounting of 2022

family ties

I got invited to no funerals this year. Those nearest and dearest to me were healthy. In a year packed with tragic deaths in the news, it feels important to acknowledge that the grim reaper did not come this way. 

My family, in general, had a stellar year. Team Toney remains booked and busy. My mom has opted to shift her career away from touring and more events closer to home and US-bound. 

Dom's dog, Duke, has become our regular houseguest, and we love it. He seems to love it, too. Has his visiting scratched the itch for us wanting our own pet or just enhanced that desire? 2023 will tell.

I worried about my grandmother's arthritis, for which her complaints (and concerning mishaps) increased over the year, but she is otherwise doing fine. And continues to defend herself against giving up her independence despite the desires of her children.

Get Sun

This year, travel was increasingly back on the table with work trips to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and New York. Not quite back to my old and desired schedule of about once a month, but once a quarter—with colleagues also coming to LA several times—is a move in the right direction.

We also went to Greensboro, Minneapolis, Chicago, and San Luis Obispo, but more later.

Beyond that, though, I got out of the house! I saw live music for the first time in two years, with the Smoking Grooves festival on my birthday and a Hollywood Bowl show featuring Flying Lotus, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. We will close out the year with The Roots at Disney Concert Hall.

Friends came to town to visit. There was lunch and brunch and birthday get-togethers. I was back to doing many things I did before the pandemic began. I even went to relatively packed movie houses (though I'm much more of a matinee person now than before). 

We outside! 

ENERGY

Included in being outside was being inside for basketball. If meaningful women's basketball was being played, you could make a pretty good bet in 2022 that we were there. Those trips to Greensboro and Minneapolis were for the NCAA Women's basketball tournament regionals and Final Four -- the first I have ever attended. It was an outstanding experience that I'm confident we will do when the locations and timing allow it.

We upgraded to courtside seats for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022. Unexpectedly, that meant sitting a couple seats down from Leslie Jones. Jones is a brand new Sparks fan who was encouraged to attend by the ultimately short-tenured Liz Cambage. The comedian also became our basketball friend throughout the season. I sat next to Tacko Fall, Carmelo Anthony, Cedric Ceballos, and a WNBA player agent. We got thanked by Kenan Thompson for giving up our seats so that he and his little girls could sit next to Ms. Jones the day before he got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Sparks had a dreadful season, but the upgrade was a delightful splurge that was well worth the cost.

We also made our way to Chicago for the WNBA All-Star game. It was the first time we'd gone to All-Star where the location was more of an attraction than the festivities. The game was tremendous, and WinTrust is an excellent arena but our touristy Saturday away from all that was outstanding.

Over Thanksgiving break, we made an impromptu trip up the coast to watch the Gamecocks play Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Despite all this travel, neither of us attended the University of South Carolina. Such is the pull of Dawn Staley and the program she's built.

It also reflects the importance of basketball—women's basketball, particularly—as a joy maker in our lives. Good things happen when we say yes to hoops.

BREAK MY SOUL

It feels weird to say it was a challenging year at work because so much of it was about progress and growth, but it was. I went through a couple months where Beyoncé's lead single from Renaissance was the mantra for the day. I felt him when Russell Westbrook came into a press conference early in the season like this. 

Part of what made the back half of the year hard was that I got promoted to VP in March. Title changes don't always mean new responsibilities and expectations, but, in this case, and at this Company, it very much did. At this point in my career, figuring out what it means and how to pivot is on my shoulders. No guidebook was coming. So I was uncomfortable, frustrated, and unsure for six months.

I still have those moments now but far less frequently. Something clicked in October. I shifted my approach, allowing me to find the path. I ended the year far more confident about where to go next than those days in August and September humming about people working my nerves.

I'm very proud of the work we accomplished this year and the value it provides. It's corny to say so, but I like what I do, who I do it with, and what we do it for. I have a very sober view of corporate work and the entertainment business, but I like this shit. Even when it's hard. It could be, especially when it's been hard, and I can see the fruits and growth of doing the hard things. 

About Damn Time

I quit Twitter. It's been nearly two months, and my brain is recalibrating. I'm a person who has focus. I no longer feel that twitch to scroll aimlessly. I have much more time than I thought I did. There's time for french lessons, letter writing, reading, walks, meditation, and planning.

There's also time for doing nothing. Like, for real, idle brain nothing.

Since probably 2017, I have felt the nudge to get off the bird app, but I was addicted to the dopamine rush. Musk buying the joint and following through on his trollish personality to make terrible choices was the push out the door I needed. 

I'm no longer seeking a replacement for the Twitter experience. I don't need it, and it's about damn time I realized that.

Thanks, 2022! It's been real! On to the next!

[johnschneiderblog]

Pandemonium plus

Once MSU and U-M flopped out of the college basketball tournament, I thought I was no longer interested.

Then the Saint Peter's Peacocks made it interesting again in a David-Goliath kind of way, but that story also fizzled and I disengaged from the tournament once again

Then it caught my ear that Duke will play the University of North Carolina in Saturday night's semi-final game ...

Sharon and I were in Raleigh in September and spent a little time on both campuses. They're only 7 miles apart.

Our friend, a Raleigh native and UNC graduate, described the days when the two basketball powerhouses play each other during the regular schedule as pure pandemonium.

Imagine what the atmosphere will be like Saturday night when the Blue Devils face the Tar Heels to determine which team will play in the championship game.

Add to the drama these two facts: a) This is the first time the teams have faced each other in the tournament; b) Duke's venerable coach, Michael Krzyzewski is retiring and the Tar Heels would like nothing better than to send Coach K out with a loss.

I might have to watch that one.

(That's the iconic Duke Chapel in the photo)

[female-buckets]

It's been a messy season for every team except for South Carolina and Indiana.

These other 8 teams, every single one of them, I could look at their season and go "wow really? Are they really top 10???"

Especially when you cross reference this with the strength of schedule ranking...

LSU has a good win-loss record, but they have an insanely weak schedule. Utah, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame have mediocre schedules and mediocre win-loss records.

UConn, Stanford, Maryland, and Iowa put together challenging schedules to play this season. And clearly, judging by their win-loss records, they were all thoroughly challenged.

The only teams to put together a season with a tough schedule and a good record are Indiana and SC.

Outside the top 10 ranked teams, there's Villanova, Texas, and Duke. No one wants to put Texas top 10 because they've just looked so bad on the court. You can maybe make an argument that Duke and Villanova should be top 10. And you can argue that Maddy Siegrist should get serious NPOY consideration. But Maddy just doesn't have that CC star power so it probably won't happen lol

I'm not even a huge Caitlin Clark or Iowa fan. But as a neutral bystander, I can tell you Indiana's a great team and she just ripped their heart out. So go ahead and give CC her NPOY.