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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Dominique Malonga Under Fire After Backing Out on Fenerbahçe 🇫🇷
French forward Dominique Malonga is catching heat after pulling out of her deal with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe before suiting up. The EuroLeague club says she ended the contract “without valid reason” and plans to take legal action, while Malonga cites a wrist injury she sustained during this past WNBA season as the reason she’s not joining the team. (Sporting News)
WHY IT MATTERS: Malonga’s move could have ripple effects well beyond Turkey. Reports say she may actually have plans to play this offseason in Unrivaled, the new U.S. 3-on-3 league, and she recently changed agents. If FIBA steps in with sanctions, it could impact her ability to play for France. For now, both sides are trying to work things out.
2. Layshia Clarendon Joins Cal Athletics Hall of Fame 🐻
Layshia Clarendon was inducted into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame over the weekend, a well-earned honor for the 2013 graduate who led the Bears to their first-ever Final Four. (CalBears.com)
WHY IT MATTERS: Clarendon went on to play 11 seasons in the WNBA, earning an All-Star nod in 2017. As a long-time vocal advocate for inclusion and equity, they continue to shape women’s basketball on and off the court, while becoming a model for sustained pro basketball success.
3. Coaching Carousel Spins Across College Hoops 🪑
There’s been serious turnover across women’s college basketball. 61 Division I programs are entering the 2025-26 season with new head coaches, including several in the SEC, one of the most powerful women’s basketball conferences. (SB Nation)
WHY IT MATTERS: While last year’s Final Four teams all kept their coaches, this kind of shake-up could change the balance of power this season. Some programs might take a step back as new systems settle in, while others could surprise everyone with a breakout season. For those new hires that don’t live up to expectations quickly, however, the carousel may keep spinning.
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OVERTIME ⏱️
Get Well Soon: Jonquel Jones is recovering from ankle surgery after battling “right ankle instability” this season. She’s expected to return to Fenerbahçe this winter.
Perfect Pair: Kayla McBride will return to Fenerbahçe this winter, extending her run with the EuroLeague champs.
Hoop ASMR: Azzi Fudd is a bucket. Check out a recent workout where she drills shot-after-shot for three minutes straight.
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