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Good morning! ☕️
Quick heads-up before we dive in: we’ll be off from 12/24 through 1/4/26. We’ll see you in the new year, refreshed and ready for more hoops.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. South Carolina Adds 6'7 Forward Alicia Tournebize 🇫🇷
South Carolina Gamecocks have signed 6'7 forward Alicia Tournebize from France, and she’s expected to join the team after the holiday break. The highly regarded post player gives head coach Dawn Staley another frontcourt option as conference play ramps up. (Greenville News)
WHY IT MATTERS: Midseason additions are rare in college basketball — and even rarer at this level of talent. Tournebize is already playing professionally in France, and her size and skill could help South Carolina close the gap with the UConn Huskies and Texas Longhorns, who have looked a step ahead of the field so far. Adding a player like this now could reshape the national title picture.
2. International Players Now Make Up 20% of NCAA Rosters 🌍
More than 1,500 international players are competing in NCAA women’s basketball this season. That means roughly 1 in every 5 Division I players now comes from outside the U.S., with Spain, Canada, and Australia leading the way. (Her Hoop Stats)
WHY IT MATTERS: Some programs have leaned into international recruiting for decades, but this shift has accelerated in recent years as coaches recognize the value many of these players bring. The growth also comes with complications. NIL rules, player pay status, and student visas can be difficult to navigate for international athletes, and global politics could further impact access. This will be an area to watch for future recruiting classes.
3. One Last Thought Before the Holidays 💜🧡
In our completely unofficial but deeply held opinion, the 30 Second Timeout community is the best community in sports.
WHY IT MATTERS: We don’t have a data set to prove it. We just feel it. Your messages, replies, and feedback this year have been thoughtful, constructive, and genuinely fun. You love your teams. You love your favorite players. And you help make this moment in women’s basketball feel truly special. We’re incredibly grateful for this game and for you. As we head into a short holiday break, we wanted to say thank you for being part of this community, and happy holidays. 🎄
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OVERTIME ⏱️
New Name in the Top 25: Texas Tech cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2012.
Teddy Bears Attack: Fans in Greece showered the court with teddy bears during a recent women’s game as part of a heartwarming charity event.
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