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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Alyssa Thomas Joins Project B 🏀
The professional women’s basketball landscape just got another shake-up. Phoenix Mercury forward and six-time WNBA All-Star Alyssa Thomas has joined Project B, the league announced this week. (CBS Sports)
WHY IT MATTERS: Thomas becomes the second player officially linked to the new international women’s basketball league, joining Nneka Ogwumike, who signed on earlier this month. With two WNBA All-Stars now onboard, Project B’s player-first mission is gaining momentum heading into 2026. Thomas is currently signed with Unrivaled, but the league’s schedules overlap, with Project B now posing a threat to the up-start 3×3 league by signing a key player.
2. South Carolina Suspends Guard Maddy McDaniel 🚫
The Gamecocks are already taking hits this season and they’ve only played three games. South Carolina announced the suspension of sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel ahead of its rivalry matchup with Clemson on Tuesday night. Coach Dawn Staley didn’t offer specifics, only saying “that’s on her” when asked if McDaniel would return this season. (ABC Columbia)
WHY IT MATTERS: McDaniel played in 30 games as a freshman, averaging 3.1 points per contest, and her absence further shrinks South Carolina’s roster. With Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins already sidelined for the season with injuries, the Gamecocks are now down to just nine available players, a serious concern for the nation’s No. 2 team as they face their first real test this Saturday against USC.
3. First AP Top 25 Season Poll Released 📊
With games now underway, team rankings have new meaning. UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas top the first AP Top 25 of the season after convincing opening-week wins. Baylor and Southern California defied pre-season expectations so far and both vaulted into the top 10 following statement wins.
WHY IT MATTERS: Early-season rankings aren’t everything, but they set the tone for storylines ahead. Baylor climbed nine spots after upsetting then-No. 7 Duke and gained confidence moving forward, while USC’s jump shows they may not be in rebuilding mode as expected, even with superstar Juju Watkins sidelined for the season. The next few weeks will reveal whether the preseason favorites stay dominant.
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