#IU Basketball

[kenttsterling]

Anthony Richardson on good side of ledger! JD Campbell leaving IU Basketball!

[floridaboiler]

source- https://twitter.com/Exponent_Sports

[5280customframing]

🏀 It’s an honor to frame for Overland High School and Indiana Basketball star De’Ron Davis!

[fandeadgloves]

Real Apocalypse

THE ONLY APOCALYPSE HAPPENING TODAY WILL BE IN BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA WHERE A BEAUTIFUL TOTAL ECLIPSE WILL BRING IN TONS OF TOURISTS CLOGGING THE ROADS FOLLOWED BY ARCHRIVALS PURDUE WINNING THE FINAL FOUR

[harleygold]

[sweetbans29]

Varsity Jacket - CC

Pairing: Caitlin Clark x Reader

Summary: You and Caitlin keep it light and playful at a game (based on THIS request)

Warnings: fluff

Word Count: 2.4k

Sweetbans Masterlist

AN: Is this not everyones dream?

It's the first time in the state's history of WBB that they decided to play basketball in a football stadium. A piece of history that has been led by one girl allowing thousands to benefit.

The game was chosen to be an exhibition game, a kick-off to the season, naming it the Crossover at Kinnick. They laid the Iowa WBB court within the confines of the outdoor football stadium, drawing a near 55,000 fans to be a part of the first game in Caitlin Clark's senior year. A NCAA record-breaking 55,000 fans. The first of many records Clark would break this upcoming season.

The game followed a lot of football Saturday traditions. The way the team was called out, a stadium flyover, and your favorite part - the Hawkeye Wave over to the kids in the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. You had done it before when your team had danced at football games and were excited to be a part of it today.

You are proud to be part of the Iowa Hawkeye dance team - have been for the past three years now. It is what brought you to IU in the first place.

Growing up dance had always been something you enjoyed. Unlike most of the other girls on the dance team, you didn't start taking dance classes until halfway through middle school. When you learned you had a natural talent for it, you started taking it more seriously. You joined your high school's dance team and decided it was something you wanted to try your hand at in college. When you auditioned going into your freshman year, you were one of two freshmen to make the team.

Since then you have captained the team for two football seasons, going into your third. Yet here you are, freezing your azz off because you forgot your damn coat.

Upon arriving at the stadium, you should have been prepared. You should have thought through how it is November in Iowa and how it is about to be winter but that doesn't cross your mind until you are shaking courtside.

"Didn't you bring a coat?" One of your teammates asks. She is currently bundled up in two jackets, ear muffs, and hand warmers.

"If I did, don't you think I would be wearing it?" You snap and immediately realize. "I'm sorry babe, I am just freezing."

You are trying to hide your shaking body and keep moving around to generate any sort of heat that you can.

A part of being on the dance team was being visible during the whole game. You weren't the cheer squad but your team had to be posted up next to them every game. It wasn't bad, it was just cold.

As halftime approached you directed your team to stretch out again, not wanting them to pull anything while dancing. You did the same, as you watched your basketball continue to do what they do best.

Once everyone was stretched, you all bunched together ready to take the court.

"I am still freezing my ass off," you say rubbing your hands together and huddle close to your friend. "I can't believe I didn't bring my freaking overcoat."

The team was coming off when someone bumped your shoulder causing you to take a few steps back.

"Hey! Watch it," you tell the 6-foot frame.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry," the girl says. You pull down your skirt and smooth it over. Once you are satisfied with your outfit adjustment you look up.

'Of-freaking-course', you think to yourself as you make eye contact with none other than Caitlin Clark.

"I didn't see you there," she says, the slightest smirk peaking out.

"Very funny Clark," you say trying to hide your own smile and keep it serious.

"Oh, keeping it professional now are we?" She says. "It's cute, but you can call me Caitlin."

"That is so kind of you," you say, kind of surprised she is still there talking to you. You finish your sentence with, "Clark."

She just smiles and shakes her head. You hear the music come on and you know it's your cue. Caitlin doesn't follow the rest of the team back through the tunnel, rather stands to the side and watches you and your team take the court.

Caitlin knows she should be back with her team. More so to warm up but she couldn't nor wanted to take her eyes off you. She stood there watching you and your team keep everyone entertained during halftime. A smile resting on her lips the entire time.

She has seen you around before. How could she not, you were at practically every sports game. Caitlin would frequent the Hawkeye's football games but never really got close enough to see you perform (something she will probably never admit to you). If it wasn't seeing you in passing there, she noticed you would go and watch other sports just for fun. She has to think about it but if she remembers correctly she has seen you at both the men's and women's volleyball matches, women's soccer, and even some track and even the women's swim and dive meets.

Caitlin cheers on your team as you finish your routine and runoff, making way for the cheer squad to perform their routine next. As you make your way back you see Cait standing in the same spot she bumped you in. She is smiling at you and clapping as you make your way over. You walk up to her despite the murmurs you hear from your team, only making out your name and Caitlin's in their muffled conversations.

"Aren't you supposed to be somewhere, Clark?" You ask as you cross your arms over your chest. You may have just performed a 6-minute dance routine but the chilled air was unforgiving.

"Wanted to stay out here and watch - making sure your little frozen ass doesn't fall off," she says, her eyes never leaving yours.

"The team is great," you say with a smile choosing to ignore the second part of her statement and refusing to be the first one to break eye contact.

"I wasn't watching the team," she says, that stupid smirk playing on her lips again. You could feel yourself losing this battle.

"That's a shame, they are great," you say trying to regain any part of this conversation.

"Maybe, but not as great as who I had my eyes on," she says. You blush and look away. You felt like you were being interrogated by the freaking CIA not flirting with your school's superstar.

"Okay, Clark, you win," you say as you crumble under her gaze.

She rubs the back of your arm, letting her hand linger on you. You look back up at her.

"I should get back," she says not wanting to leave you but knowing her job isn't done.

"You should," you say, agreeing for her - the first time since this conversation has started.

"Thanks for umm, thanks for watching," you say, your nerves peaking out. She nods and heads in the direction of her team.

What the hell was that? You make your way over to your team and they are all chattering about the interaction. You take your seat next to your co-captain who is just looking at you.

You keep your head forward still processing it all. Caitlin Clark was just talking to you. Not only that, but she waited and watched you perform then proceeded to flirt with you about it. Her hand was on your arm. You were thankful it wasn't skin-to-skin contact because you probably would have never let her walk away. She was teasing you.

You are too caught up in your own thoughts to see when someone had walked up to you. Your co-cap tapping your leg and nodding at the woman who was standing in front of you.

"Oh hi," you say and stand.

"I was told to bring this over to you," she says holding something, you look down and it's a jacket.

"Oh thank you," you say grabbing it.

"She wanted me to say it is from Caitlin," she says, emphasizing the name. "Told me I had to emphasize the name."

The woman walks away and you unfold the jacket to see 'CLARK' on the back right above the number 22. This girl is not serious right now. If you were under any other circumstance, you would not be putting it on but since the only time you have stopped shaking was while you were performing you decide to put the jacket on.

If your team was whispering about your interaction with Caitlin before, they are shouting from the rooftops now.

The basketball team comes back out and you find yourself looking for a particular someone. To your delight, she is making her way over to you.

"You got it, good," she says, wrapped in an Iowa jacket of her own.

"You didn't need to do this," you say but make no move to try and hand it back to her. It has been the warmest you have been the whole game. She lets out a little laugh.

"Sure, says the one who was shaking like a chihuahua," she says taking in the sight of you in her clothing. She could get used to this.

"I appreciate it, Clark," you say and she groans.

"Caitlin," she says.

"Clark," you retort.

"Cait," she responds.

"Clark," you are not giving in.

"CC, Caity, C - anything but Clark," she says frustrated.

"Why does it bother you so much that I call you by your last name?" You ask now the one who has the slight edge in the conversation.

"Clark, get your butt over here," one of her coaches yells at her.

"That's why," she mumbles and gives you one last look before running back over to the team.

"Get it Clark!" You yell after her, earning some whistles and shouts from your team.

You're thankful it is still cold out because the redness on your cheeks can easily be taken as cold, hiding your blush.

Your team doesn't shut up about the fact that you had talked to Caitlin but she gave her varsity jacket to you to wear. All the girls were staring at you and taking in the sight of the player's jacket.

A ball gets swatted out of bounds and you catch it before it can hit anyone on your team. Caitlin sees where it goes and books it to grab it from you.

Here is the thing about Caitlin, she is the last person to go and catch a ball that has been hit out of bounds. Her whole team was aware of this. So it is to everyone's surprise when she is the first one to hustle after the ball when the whistle is blown.

You hold up the ball for her.

"Careful there Clark, could have hurt someone," you say.

She laughs, "Ya right."

"Since when are you the first one to run after a loose ball," you say exposing that you may have watched her more than a few times. Could anyone blame you? Caitlin has been drawing the attention of the whole nation.

"Didn't want to miss the opportunity to come talk to the pretty girl," she says with that damn smirk.

"You are too kind Clark," you say faking flattery.

"Oh, I was talking about the girl next to you," she says teasing you.

You sit there speechless as Caitlin finally takes the ball.

"I'm kidding, but you should see the look on your face. It's priceless," she says winking at you before heading back over to inbound the ball.

'Oh it is on Clark' you think as you watch them finish up the last quarter.

Caitlin, of course, plays amazing. She finishes the game off with her first triple-double of the season. You watch as she celebrates with her team - all of who were excited to start the season on a high note. You are celebrating with your team when they all go quite in front of you and stare at something behind you. You turn around before Caitlin can tap your shoulder.

"Ahh, so we meet again," you say with a smile. "Well done Clark."

"Okay, enough with the Clark. You are wearing my jacket for goodness sake," she says and shakes her head.

"Oh, ya, thank you for this," you say and begin to take it off. She stops you by putting her hand on your arm - the second time today you note.

"Hold on to it, if you take it off now you will start shaking again and I don't really care to see you looking like a little chihuahua," she says and scratches the back of her neck. You raise your eyebrow at her. If you don't give her the jacket back now, that means you will need to see her again to return it.

"And who exactly am I supposed to get this back to you?" You ask.

"Well that is actually why I came over here," she says and you can tell she is a little more nervous than she had been before. You don't notice but both of your teams are watching the interaction between you.

"Okay," you say encouraging her to continue.

"How would you feel about going out with me this weekend?" Caitlin says as she has to mentally remind herself to keep her breathing steady and to not rush her words.

"I don't know..." you start. "I was thinking I could just have someone swing the jacket by one of your practices."

Caitlin's face looks mortified and you immediately bring your hand up to hers to ease her, your joke being taken a little too serious.

"I'm kidding Clark," you say and give her hand a squeeze. "I would love to go out with you this weekend."

She smiles widely.

"Great," she says. "I'll text you details," she begins walking backward.

"And how are you going to do that without my number?" You say as she is now just out of reach.

"You're cute," she says, now back in control of the conversation. "I've had your number for a while, now I just get to use it."

You stare at her, mouth agape. You don't know how to get the last word in so she does.

"Talk to you soon babe!" Caitlin says and runs back towards her team.

AN: This was a cutie. Hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you think! And as always, thank you for the love and support 🤍

[liamlawsonlesbian]

the 2024 grid as kpop girl group/female soloist songs*

Max - Shut Down by blackpink - the impetus for this post, there could never be any doubt. Shout out @drivestraight @earthdoves

Checo - Good Morning by Yena - I...don't have a good explanation for this one, other than to remind you all that this man puts iguanas on his head.

Charles - Lovesick Girls by blackpink - LISTEN, listen, serial monogamist Charles Leclerc, perpetual romantic Charles Leclerc, always-the-bridesmaid Charles Leclerc....he understands this song, I know it in my bones (as I know in my bones that he will NOT always be the bridesmaid, to be clear)

Carlos - Icy by Itzy - contract negotiation anthem

Lando - Palette by IU ft G-Dragon - a song about being 25 and growing into yourself but knowing you're still growing (okay yes he's not 25 yet but he would be under the traditional Korean age system)

Oscar - SHOOT! by Itzy - laidback vibe/basketball reference/he WILL shoot his shot in a race

George - Anywhere But Home by Seulgi - this one is a little but opaque but I think of George as someone who consistently tries to build himself anew, in a way I find fascinating

Lewis - I Am the Best by 2NE1 - self-explanatory, really

Fernando - 28 Reasons by Seulgi - taking pleasure in being the villain (he is saying "I kiss your brother" to Esteban about Lance...in my mind)

Lance - BBIBBI by IU - Lance is excellent at keeping boundaries with the press/public

Yuki - Never Stop Me by (G)I-dle - something about defiance of expectations in the face of a public that doesn't believe in you

Dan - Forever Young by blackpink

Hulk - 24 Hours by Itzy - this is about him dragging that Haas in to Q3 last year (sorry I'm very tired this is the last one and that's the best I can do)

KMag - As If It's Your Last by blackpink - but specifically Coachella 2019 when Rosie starts is by screaming "I want everyone to dance LIKE IT'S YOUR LAST" kind of threateningly

Esteban - Better Things by Aespa - Alpine, fix the car please

Pierre - Fate by (G)I-dle - sometimes it's just like that

Alex - Uh-Oh by (G)I-dle - this is about him showing everyone what he could do when he came back to the grid from 2022 on, but it's also specifically about him saying how he's only acknowledged as a British driver if he does well at Silverstone

Logan - In My Dreams by Red Velvet - :( sorry

Guanyu - I Am by Ive - he is so freaking cool

Valtteri - Impurities by Le Sserafim - Valtteri is willing to lay bare the difficult things about being an F1 driver in away that I find really admirable....plus the nudity

BONUS: Off the Record by Ive is incredibly Piarles coded, fight me

*this is by no means definitive, it is based entirely on my whims and limited kpop knowledge (largely 3rd-4th gen) and also I finished it at like 3 am so I may have forgotten something obvious

[fairuzfan]

Something I can't figure out about IU from a lot of conflicting information, is whether or not the school as a whole, like faculty and student body, supports Palestine. I don't understand, is it mainly an administrative problem, or is it something common with faculty/students and basically an issue to the core of the school? You've mentioned having friends who go to IU, would you be able to ask them for their opinions on this? Totally understand if not, I'd just like to hear from someone who's been there for more than a superficial tour. IU was one of the universities I've been looking at for school in the future, but if they're going to support a genocide I obviously don't want to give them thousands of tuition dollars.

This is a more complicated question than you'd think because there are multiple IU campuses across the state and each one kind of has a different vibe from what my friends tell me. I'm talking mostly about IU Bloomington, which is the main campus, but there are like 5 different campuses across Indiana.

It depends on what you're studying tbh, like I heard the business school has a huge racism problem from both students and faculty. From what I understand these days, the leadership is overwhelmingly zionist so like the president and the board of trustees and stuff. The president actually took back her initial statement on "the conflict in the middle east" (not naming any specifics) to focus solely on "Jewish Students" (in other words, emphasizing that Israel represents all jews) and didnt mention palestinians at all. Like she went out of her way to be zionist and IU Hillel all pressured her to do this, as mentioned in the article. There are a bunch of students who are Israeli zionists. Actually, the article talks about how IU students went to the kibbutz near Gaza for a tour a couple semesters ago, which to me is absolutely disgusting that a university would fund a trip to the area around a concentration camp.

Also on the IU woman's basketball team there's an Israeli student who apparently cheered on the carnage of Gaza on her social media and I don't think there's been much reprimanding of her.

At the same time, I've heard it's mostly a leadership issue. The student council I believe released some sort of statement about Gaza that was Pro-Palestine and I've seen some professors publish things in newspapers calling the entire thing ridiculous and racist. So it depends.

I will say that if you're basing your educational career off of which universities support Palestine or not, you will have a very hard time finding a school. So you'll have to do some cost-benefit analysis of what you're able to handle.

[silantryoo]

LOOKALIKE — SUMA.

Seoul's University of Multi-Arts (otherwise known as SUMA) is a public university located in Seoul, South Korea. Being a member of one of the four "SKYS" universities, SUMA is deemed one of the most prestigious schools in the country, and the most prestigious multi-arts post-secondary school.

Majors include but are not limited to; Musical Studies, Film Studies, Fashion Modeling, Broadcasting & Entertainment, and Practical Dance.

Aside from its strong impact on South Korea's entertainment industry, SUMA is the only university to offer and excel in all U-League sports, most notably in volleyball and basketball.

Alumni from this school include but are not limited to; BTS' Jin, SNSD's Yoona and Seohyun, IU (Lee Jieun), Kim Taeri, Lee Jongsuk, 20XX National Women's Volleyball Champions Kang Seulgi, Lee Chaeyeon, Hwang Yeji, and Seo Soojin.

masterlist

taglist (CLOSED)!!

@serenitygrace24 @moontealemonpie @writingficsblog @kittyeij @cutieseo @limbforalimb @ahnneyong @yumtooki @lcv3lies @sserajeans @jiwoneiric @babycubchae @trsrina @xyxlyn @misumiausworld @slowlyturninggay291 @awkwardtoafault@captivq @ddeonutz @noiacha @sserabey @d7dream @slowlyturninggay291 @perfectsunlight

[kenttsterling]

Anthony Richardson NOT a minicamp question mark for Colts! Boogie Flands visits IU today! Nuggets win in five - like I told you!

[floridaboiler]

Might be a repeat

[asadfangirlbitxh]

Happy Yoongi Day!

Hello! I know I am late. But I had scheduled the post and Tumblr decided to not post it. So I have to redo it. Idk it just vanished. And I wasn't on Tumblr yesterday as I had gone out. So I didn't even notice.

Yoongi is my bias. He loves so silently. It's so pretty. He may not tell the whole world. He loves you but he will show it through actions. We stan quiet love in this world.

Whether it is going fishing because Jin wants to.

whether it's complimenting RM on what a great leader he is without even hesitating

Source: https://twitter.com/bhluish/status/1376596688656166918/photo/1

Whether it's being Jhope's no 1 fan. Texting him after his first solo concert and cheering him on even though it's not something he does.

whether it's always complimenting Jimin and giving him the love and attention he deserves because sometimes he may feel insecure

when goes along with Taehyung because he knows he loves being silly and affectionate. Even though it's outside his comfort zone he does it to please Tae

when he always reminds everyone that Jungkook is the best vocalist. He never ever lets anyone forget how proud he is of Jungkook and how talented his boy is.

He would do anything for BTS

They are also very much in love with him. Let's not forget army has to fight BTS to scream Yoongi Marry me!

BTS aren't the whole idols whipped for Yoongi. Many idols love and admire Yoongi and can't stop praising him from PSY to Hoshi to TxT. He's a cat producer collecting idols everywhere he turns

Yoongi loves music. He loves his art form so much. It shows in the work he does. The music he produces. The people he interacts with. His lyrics show so much vulnerability and it's amazing how passionate he is. If you have never listened to Yoongi's music. Here is some of my recommendations.

Yoongi has produced and collaborated with many musicians like Halsey, IU, Juice World, Max, PSY and Epik High. They always praise him and talk about how amazing he is. I can't wait to see how his album turns out. He just loves music so much. It makes me love him more.

Yoongi is a talented cook

Man can sew and play basketball

Plus he's well-read, he is a dog dad and he is amazing with words. He really is husband material. He is perfection. He plays the guitar and the piano. He can rap and sing. He is also a fashionsta and breaks gender norms with his fashion. He is just an ideal man. He also donates money anytime he can and he always make sure we his fans know how much he values us. I am very much in love with him. Happy Birthday, Yoongi-ssi. I hope the day is filled with your beautiful smile

to my bias and the reason I am alive. I love you very much Yoongles <3

[doueverwonder]

whats your headcanon for wtt indiana :o

i know nothing about your guys but im genuinely interested lmao

:O thank u for asking

(if u were curious this is the guy who does the skits)

Obvious one out of the way first, he is autistic, NASCAR is his special interest, sorry.

Like he has drivers stats memorized, will unprompted tell you every single difference between a late model, super late model, and pro late model stock car, has shelves of those collectable toy cars, the only time you can hear him get actually angry is when arguing with Florida and Alabama about Daytona vs Talladega vs Indy.

Ends up in the middle of fights a lot, like he is the only reason Ohio & Michigan and Illinois & Wisconsin haven't murdered each other in cold blood yet.

While I do think for most of his existence he was a farmer since the 1970's whenever he had a job outside of state things it was probably working in steel mills. Indiana has been the top producer since 1977, and even now is responsible for a 4th of all steel productions in the US.

one of the WORST people when it comes to telling people they need to talk about their emotions but won't talk about his.

vague sibling bonds with Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin going back to Illinois Country/Upper Louisiana then Northwest Territory.

(^ not saying they all feel that way about it but Indy does)

Chicago Cubs fan but would die before admitting it, still has beef with Maryland over the Colts, still convinced IU is going to be number one in basketball again someday.

Religion wise he is definitely Christian, probably Independent Baptist.

Outside of his region I think he gets along pretty well with most of the south, and then northwest (?) so like Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, maybe Utah.

I do however think he is kinda wary around the 13 going all the way back to the French-Indian war, when he was French territory that was given to Britain along with Canada. It hasn't really been a problem for awhile but it does come up occasionally.

[paxaz535]

Lethal Basketball Mom (2)

here’s part 1

————————————

it was your first time playing with uconn after you transferred from Idaho University. you were quite nervous at first because you thought you wouldn't be able to fit in with the UConn women but they made you feel comfortable really fast.

"You ready to play your first game with us?" Paige asked, sadly she wasn't able to play because of an ankle injury, she'd be there for the next game though. You sighed but nodded your head, "yea. wish you were playing today but you know." You told her as fixed up your laces.

"me too. you got this though. you make a good addition to our team, we've all seen it." She told you as you both walked out the locker room. "Hopefully this goes well, thank you paige." you told her as yall did yall little dap up you two had.

"Of course, pumpkin. go kill it out there." You nodded with a smile, stomach getting butterflies and jogged towards the rest of the girls. The starting line up was you, ice, kk, aubrey and aaliyah. Nika would be playing but she's not in the starting line up today.

you could hear the crowd get louder, seeing that a former IU player, the best one at that, was now playing with UConn. it was a sight to see. you smiled, you love hearing the people chant your name. and what made you even more happy is the fact the you know for a fact that the whole team of IU was watching, regretting how they've lost such an amazing player.

"Here we have Y/n "Pumpkin" Katz today, her first game playing with UConn after leaving IU, what do you think she'll bring to today's game?"

"She'll definitely play her part as she did when she was with IU. Y/n is one of a kind, her shooting game is fantastic and overall plays are amazing."

you all got into your positions, getting ready for the ref to start the tip off. The whistle blew and the ball went up, UConn winning the tip off. Aaliyah passed it back to you, you dribbling the ball towards the net.

"UConn wins the tip off, Katz with the ball now."

"Yea and you can see how her strategy works a little bit."

You passed it to ice, and running towards the 3 point line. Ice tossed it to Aubrey and Aubrey quickly tossed it back to you, you quickly made the three. The UConn section went wild and was loud for you. Ice slapped your butt when you ran past.

You just smiled and went back to game mode. "That's right, Pumpkin!" You heard nika yell, you smiled to yourself but was focused on the game. Number 15 on Maryland was able to make the shot, making you sigh.

As you all ran back to your side of the court, Kk was looking for you to be open. You managed to open up and when she passed it to you, you quickly faked a shot and passed it to Aaliyah, she made the shot giving you the assist. "Good job!" you encouraged and patted her back.

"Nice shot from Edward's, giving L/n the assist."

On the way back to Maryland's side, one of the girls tried to make a shot but you were quicker and blocked the ball out of bounds. "YEAA!" You yelled as your 4 other teammates all yelled in your face as encouragement. You feel Ice push you back as she cheered you on. You could also hear the bench yelling as well. It was in Maryland's possession but you still managed to block the shot.

When the ref blew the whistle, a girl from maryland passed it to one of her teammates, you tried to block her but she faked you and got the 2 points.

-

it was now the 4th quarter with 2 minutes left, the score was 90-65, UConn taking the lead. When maryland got to their 65th point, it was now UConn's possession. When you all ran back to your side of the court, Nika got past a girl, giving the ball to you, you threw the ball but a girl pushed you making you fall infront of the UConn bench.

The ref blew the whistle but the ball still made it in, making you up to 93. "COME ON!!!!" You screamed as you felt everyone from the bench around you, cheering you on as well. You felt paige patting your chest as she screamed, Azzi doing the same. "Let's fucking go!" Nika yelled as she helped you up and you went to the free throw line. You made your one shot and the game resumed.

-

The game finished with 96 to 66 and you were everything but disappointed. you knew you played good today and so did everyone else. You were walking out the locker room when you seen paige leaning onto the wall, waiting for someone.

"Hey, stranger." You spoke as you slung your bag over your shoulder. She looked up from her phone and smiled once she realized it was you. "Hey, show out. you really outdid yourself today, it was fun to watch." She told you, you smiled and nodded your head. "thank you. you waiting for somebody?"

paige then put her hands in her pocket and looked at the ground. "yea.. you actually." you were lost for words at one point, gaining the confidence to actually say something back. "awn, that's so sweet." paige just shook her head, blushing. "don't flatter yourself, come on."

you two walked to your car, "so everyone is coming over mines to celebrate the win, you tryna slide?" she asked as she got in your passenger seat. you were slightly sweaty, you wanted to shower before you really did anything. "eh.. I feel nasty, can I shower? i'll be over after." you told the blonde. She nodded her head, "yea, for sure. just let me know when you're on your way." She told you. you nodded while pulling off, paige putting her playlist on the radio.

-

after your shower, you checked your phone to see a lot of notifications. from family, fans, even from IU. you didn't dislike all of the people there so when they texted to congratulate you, you felt the need to respond back.

stacy👏🏾‼️

congrats, pumpkin. you killed it, missing you over here

pumpkin 🎃 🤍

thank you, stace, missing you too. much love

you texted a few people back while doing your hair. you wanted to leave the curls out so you put on some leave-in conditioner. once you finished everything, you texted paige to let her know you were about to be there. her dorm was on the 5th, yours on the third so she wasn't that far from you. you had on a white tank top with black spandex's and some nike slides.

pushing 🅿️umpkin 🎃 🩶

i'm omw there rn, p

paige 5️⃣💞

aight

the door open just walk in

pushing 🅿️umpkin 🎃🩶

👍🏾👍🏾

when you arrived at at her dorm, you could already hear chatter and laughing. you smiled, knowing that this is who you are now. You're UConn, you're not getting treated like how you used to. you walked in and closed the door, making everyone turn towards you.

"if it isn't the show out herself, COME HERE PUMPKIN!" Kayla yelled, you jumped at her sudden loudness but laughed, you did a little 360 while everyone just cheered.

"heyyyy." you dragged out and hugged kayla, you ain't seen her since the game and you missed her. you sat down next to her, looking over to see paige already looking at you. she winked and you just smiled, your view was blocked by a shot glass in your face.

"you want?" Nika asked as she smirked at you, you gladly took it and down it quickly. "So, how do you feel, do you like it over here?" Kayla asked. you smiled cheekily and nodded your head. "I love it over here. you guys are really fun to hang around and you just make me feel welcomed." you told them.

they all started awing, nika even hugging you in the process. you just smiled at everyone. "that's good to hear, pumpkin." paige spoke as she looked longing at you. you looked down, cheesing hard. "okay love birds.. anyways, should we invite some boys over?" kayla joked as she giggled.

you side eyed her, "girl if you don't get your straight ass on, half this damn team is gay." Aubrey spoke as everyone just laughed at the girl. "I was jokinggg, let's go live." She spoke as she set her phone up.

everyone got closer so they can all be in the live.

"Hi everyone!" Kayla spoke as she saw people come in. You started to  read some comments. "you played good out there." you read out loud, "thank you, my love." you spoke as you covered your heart in awwness.

look at the way paige is looking at her!

you didn't read the comment out loud, instead you looked over at the blonde to in fact see her looking at you in awe. you quickly looked away, not wanting to make people assume things.

your phone then started to ring. you look down at it and gasped, covering your mouth. "what? who is it??" jana asked as everyone looked at you. you showed the girls and they all gasped as well. you stuck your head out of the camera, "Mute the live." you mouthed to Kayla and she muted it immediately.

you answered it and put it on speaker. "hello?" you asked, looking at the girls with an '😬' expression. "Good evening, Katz. How are you?" Coach Jess asked. you rolled your eyes but answered, "I'm doing well. and you?" you asked, out of respect of course.

"I'm doing good, thanks. Congratulations on your win, today. you played really well." She complemented. you tried so hard not to reply with something smart, "Uh.. thank you, I guess." You told her, you can see Azzi roll her eyes and waved her hand away as in a "fuck her" manner.

"Yea.. I agree. You really played well." You could hear angelica add. Your blood boiled just hearing her voice but you sighed and calmed down. "thank you, again." you said.

"I never seen anything like it before honestly, it was-" you were slightly getting annoyed by the two, they obviously wanted something. "hey, um. what was the real reason you called, Coa— Ms. Jess?" you corrected, you could see Nika and Aubrey go wide eyed with a silent laugh.

It was a long pause over the phone."I just.. I just want to apologize. We both do, we now realized how bad we treated you and it wasn't fair on your behalf. We want you to come back. Your parents does too and I promise we'll-"

"do you realize? like actually? you're sorry because I actually won on a better team?" you cut her off, your patience growing thin. Kayla could see how intense the call was getting so she and the team waved before she ended the live, their attention back on you. "Look, with all due respect Ms Jess but I will never put myself in that predicament ever again. you guys don't know how much pain you've caused me." you told her, you could feel yourself starting to tear up, your voice slightly trembling.

"do you remember what you did? what you said? and because of what? because you were afraid of me taking your daughters spot?" You told the two, a tear shedded. you couldn't hold it in anymore, it was all too much. you did not want to talk to them at all tonight.

"I couldn't play ball for 3 months because of the stunt you and your daughter pulled! do you not get that?" you voice started to raise, it wasn't even sadness anymore. you were angry.

the girls could 100% understand why you felt this way, so they didn't stop you from getting loud. paige felt for you the most, she couldn't bare you staying there any longer after hearing and seeing what that coach did to you. she's glad that you decided to leave and join a better and healthier team.

"Then you sit here and you're asking me to come back and all I could think about is all the things you've put me through." you spoke. the silence on the other end lets you know that they regret everything they've done and that made you feel better in a way.

you sniffled, you could feel nika wiping your tears away, smiling at her in return. "thank you for your felicitations, but I will never play for you again. Goodbye, Ms Jess." you finished and hung up. you looked at the girls with a deep sigh and giggled a bit. "I'm sorry about that." you told them, setting your phone down on the floor.

"hey, you have nothing to be sorry about. you did what you had to and was brave enough to tell her how you felt." Caroline spoke as she grabbed your shoulder. "Exactly. I know she regrets everything she's done to you. but it's too late now, you're officially a huskie." Paige spoke as she came next to you and wrapped an arm around your waist.

"and once a huskie, always a huskie. No matter what, you deserve to be over here." Azzi spoke as she softly smiled at you. you laughed and looked at everyone. "you're all so sweet, I can't." you spoke as you sobbed into your hand, leaning into paige's shoulder.

everyone laughed making you join in. "aye, in my 19 years of living, I ain't never heard the word 'felicitations.' gurl you smart smart, okayyyyy." Kk spoke as she waved her hand at you, making everyone laugh again.

you looked up at Paige, a genuine smile on your face. "you're so beautiful." paige whispered as she leaned in and kissed you passionately. the girls just looked away, ewing in the process. Paige flipped them off and continued kissing the girl she loved most. you're just so glad you ended up with the UConn nation, they've changed your life for the better.

[exitrowiron]

Big Thoughts

We Should Establish and Publicize State/National KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to Drive Improvement in the Health of Our Society

In a nation obsessed with athletic competition at every level (high school, college and pro) it seems like a lost opportunity that we've not channeled this competitive spirit to measure and improve the overall health of our society.

Americans get so worked up over the success of their local pro sports team that a win or loss actually changes men's testosterone levels. A 1998 University of Utah study collected samples from men before and after they watched a game in which their favorite team played. The results showed a 20 percent increase in testosterone for fans of the winning team and a 20 percent decrease in the fans of the losing team.

UK fans get worked up over a loss to IU. Why aren't they even more disappointed to learn that Kentucky's poverty rate is 16.6% versus Indiana's 12.9% and they are both getting their ass kicked by Minnesota at 9.3%?

I'm not at all kidding about this. If every day you saw a billboard listing the ranking (free lunch %, test scores, etc.) of your local school district compared to other local districts and the averages for your state and the country, don't you think people would get more involved? Instead, people are very aware of which school has the best football or basketball team.

Although politicians love to hug the flag and proclaim the US as the 'greatest nation on earth', no one seems to actually be keeping score.

As Peter Drucker once said, "What gets measured gets managed" and as a consequence the highly publicized measures of the economy (Dow Jones Industry Average, Unemployment Rate, Interest Rates) are often used as substitute measures for the country's success. The importance of the economy can't be understated (anyone remember Bill Clinton's famous campaign moniker, "It's the economy stupid"?), but these measures are one-dimensional and incomplete.

The Democrats and Republicans each adopt extensive Party Platforms outlining priorities and ambitions. The 2020 Democratic Platform is 96 pages; the Republicans simply re-adopted their 2016 Platform and both are almost completely bereft of any measurements to accompany the ambitions. Unlike even the most rudimentary annual business plan there are no OKRs (objectives, key results).

I would love to see each party identify the KPIs that best represent their positions, goals and ambitions as well as the objective measurements, preferably at a national, state and local level. Then let's measure which party is really getting the job done.

Publicizing these KPIs would actually leverage the strength of the US system in which the States have considerable leeway to experiment. Take Kansas for example (article from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

In 2012 and 2013, at the urging of Governor Sam Brownback, lawmakers cut the top rate of the state’s income tax by almost 30 percent and the tax rate on certain business profits to zero.  Under “supply-side” economic theory, these deep tax cuts should have acted — as Brownback then predicted — like “a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy,” stimulating strong growth in economic output, job creation, and new business formation.  But in reality, Kansas underperformed most neighboring states and the nation on all of those measures after the tax cuts. 

This was a painful failed experiment for Kansas and resulted in huge budget deficits, but let's at least make sure the results are well publicized in KPIs so that other states don't inevitably repeat the error.

Similarly, I was born in Missouri which has been a Republican led state for the last 7 years. Other than growing average gun ownership, gun deaths, and excess Covid deaths I'm struggling to think of other notable accomplishments. Others might argue that Missouri's intangible 'freedom' quotient improved, but I've had enough of squishy platitudes - let's see the numbers. One of the KPIs should be a measure of the citizens' perceived well-being; let's see if Missourians are actually happier, despite knowing that more of them are dead. Similarly, if Alabamans/Mississippians are happy being last or nearly last in most every measure of health, education and prosperity, then don't change a thing. But I bet that's not the case. Texas loves to crow about people and businesses fleeing California... OK, let's see the numbers and see who is really 'winning' in each category.

No doubt there would be great debate over what KPIs should be measured and even more debate over the policies used to improve the measurements - but let's start by attaching a scorecard to each party's platform and tasking the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office to be the scorekeeper.

[toinfinitywinning]

KY v TN….

Okay, well. Joke. B/c I’ve had it with KY Football & Basketball hype—letdown seesaw. A Joke b/c 2 of UK’s more recent nemeses, UNC and TN, played out of their minds tonight. We beat UNC this yr but when they showed Luke Maye I was over it. Congratulations.

I’ll Go w/ the more Family Friendly & PG joke that doesn’t involve people volunteering hopefully legally:

“Baby, R u from Tennessee? ‘Cuz you’re the only Ten I see!”

Good for them b/c they got somethin’ KY doesn’t at least in the form of a punny joke.

It’s just I can’t get on board w/ the gaudy orange (Sandra Bullock to Mike Oher in The Blind Side). Y’all can have the Purina Dog Food checkered uni’s we finally retired and IU keep your candy cane striped pants too.

Ya know what’s funny? I can fuss all Night but next Day I’m on the Fanatics App looking for more Team Gear. Ha.

I do Love this Team more than I have liked a Team in a while. They gel. They have so much fun. They Love it. They just need some spark slash help. As a whole the last teams/players I Love…probably the Monk / Fox / and Bam Team …then the twin Harrison’s before that w/their unlikely heroics Post season courtesy of Aaron Harrison x3 tray’s. Shai, Ulis, Quickley, Maxey, PJ, Ashton, Herro’s Team and TyTy I adored as well.

#makekentuckyrelevantagain #thesekidsdeservebetter