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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Signing Day Is Here for the Class of 2027 ✍️
The kids are locking it in. Wednesday marked the opening of the Class of 2027 signing window, when high school basketball players can make their Division 1 or 2 college plans official. Some are signing with schools they previously committed to, while others are announcing their decisions for the first time. (NCSA)
WHY IT MATTERS: For these young athletes, signing an agreement with a school is a big step after months, or years, of recruiting. It also gives college programs a clearer picture of the talent they’ll have coming in next year as they build their pipeline of talent.
🗳️ How closely do you follow college basketball recruiting?
2. JuJu Watkins Is National Player of the Week 🏀
Did you miss her? JuJu Watkins is the AP National Player of the Week after averaging 26.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3.5 steals in USC’s first two wins of the season. (AP News)
WHY IT MATTERS: The 2025 National Player of the Year is already showing the form that made her so tough to stop two seasons ago. Watkins recorded her 18th career double-double and 22nd career 30-point game, putting her just three away from tying Cheryl Miller’s USC record of 25.
3. Texas and UCLA Land Big 2027 Recruits 👀
Two more 5-star recruits are off the table. Qandace Samuels has committed to Texas over Rutgers, LSU and Virginia Tech. Meanwhile, Nation Williams, the daughter of WNBA legend Natalie Williams, has committed to UCLA.
WHY IT MATTERS: Samuels gives Texas its second five-star commitment in the class, joining No. 14 recruit Jayla Forbes. Her ability to play multiple positions gives the Longhorns another exciting piece for the future, while UCLA adds a highly rated prospect who can score and rebound at the power forward position.
Hang Your WNBA Pride on Your Tree
Already thinking about the next WNBA season? We’ve got you. Home School Hoop Shop has a collection of ornaments inspired by your favorite WNBA teams. They're a fun way to bring a little basketball spirit to your holiday tree.
*Every purchase directly supports 30 Second Timeout. Thank you!
OVERTIME ⏱️
Aussie Martin: Kate Martin is joining the Bendigo Spirit of the WNBL, the Australian professional league.
Italian Pride: Tennis pro Sara Errani showed some love for fellow Italian and 2026 WNBA champion Cecilia Zandalasini during practice at the WTA Finals.
Behind the Lens: Olivia Miles tried something new this week, serving as a sideline photographer during Monday Night Football’s Vikings-Bills game.
🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: We asked whether Michigan is a legitimate national championship contender, and you were split. A slight majority (53%) said they’re not convinced just yet, while 47% said the Wolverines are the real deal.
